USA > Iowa > Taylor County > History of Taylor County, Iowa; from the earliest historic times to 1910, biographical sketches of some prominent citizens > Part 56
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Richard Livingston was a young man of twenty-two years, when, believing that the opportunities in the west would more quickly enhance his financial con- dition, he came to Iowa in 1859 and engaged in farming in Muscatine county. It was while a resident of that section that he enlisted for service in the Civil war, offering his aid in September, 1861, and becoming a member of Company A, Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Going south with his company he took part in the battle of Shiloh, where he received a gunshot wound in the left wrist, which disabled him for further active duty and he was honorably dis- charged.
Returning to his home in Iowa, Mr. Livingston was soon afterward mar- ried on February 20, 1863, the lady of his choice being Miss Minerva A. Stretch, who was born and reared in Muscatine county, a daughter of Andrew Stretch, who on coming from Ohio to Iowa, became one of the first settlers of Musca- tine county.
Following his marriage Mr. and Mrs. Livingston began their domestic life upon a farm of eighty acres, which he had purchased in Muscatine county. He improved and developed his place and was there engaged in agricultural pur- suits until 1883, when he removed to Taylor county and purchased a farm in Gay township. This he also improved, erecting a nice country residence, good barn and other outbuildings and he also set out an orchard and a grove, so that his place is one of the valuable properties of Gay township. He added to his holdings from time to time until at one time he owned three hundred and twenty
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acres, but he has since sold to his son eighty acres of this and now retains pos- session of two hundred and forty acres. Throughout a long period Mr. Living- ston was actively engaged in farming on this tract and his efforts were rewarded with success. He eventually left the farm and he and his wife removed to Bed- ford, where the latter could care for a brother, who was an invalid and who served in the Civil war. In 1905, however, they took up their abode in Block- ton, where Mr. Livingston purchased a comfortable home and he and his wife are now living a contented and happy life, enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of their former toil.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Livingston has been blessed with four sons, namely : Marion A., who is a traveling salesman and makes his headquarters in Council Bluffs, Iowa; Charles M., a business man of Des Moines; A. L., who follows farming in Gay township; and William A., who operates the old home place.
Mr. Livingston is a republican in politics. He has been called by his fellow townsmen to serve in some public offices, filling the positions of township trus- tee and assessor. He has also been a delegate to county conventions and for many years served as school director, at one time being president of the board. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Liv- ingston holds membership in the G. A. R. Post at Blockton. To those whose good fortune it is to know him intimately, his companionship, friendship and counsel are appreciated and helpful. With him there is no turning aside from right and duty but his every day life reflects his true Christian character. Both he and his companion are people of genuine worth and they have many friends both in Blockton and in the surrounding districts.
JAY S. TERRILL, M. D.
Among the younger members of the medical fraternity who are now engaged in the active practice of their profession in Blockton, is numbered Dr. Jay S. Terrill, who, although he has been a resident of this city only since 1905, has in the meantime been accorded a very satisfactory patronage, which is constantly growing as his ability and worth become more widely recognized. One of Iowa's native sons, his entire life has been passed in Taylor county. His birth occurred in Bedford in the old Pacific Hotel, March 5, 1882, and he is a son of Asa and Ida M. (Standley) Terrill, mention of whom is made on another page of this volume.
Reared in Taylor county, Dr. Jay S. Terrill acquired his early education in the schools of Blockton and Platteville, while later he attended Simpson College. Deciding upon the profession of medicine as a congenial and profitable life work, he pursued a course of lectures at Ensworth Central College, graduating from that institution with the class of 1906. He then located for practice at Shannon City, and continued in that place for one year, at the end of which time he came to Blockton and has continued to make this his home, here engaging in general practice. He has good offices, thoroughly equipped with all the accessories nec-
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essary for the practice of his profession, while he is the owner of one of the few X-Ray machines to be found in this vicinity. He has already built up a good practice, which is constantly expanding. He has continued a student of the science of medicine, seeking by study and research to broaden his knowledge, while at all times he keeps abreast of the progress and improvement being carried on in the medical world through his membership in the National, State and County Medical Associations. In former years Dr. Terrill was his father's partner in the hardware and implement business and is well known not only in this city but also in Bedford and throughout Taylor county.
On the 6th of September, 1905, Dr. Terrill was united in marriage in this county to Miss Ruby Ewart, who was born and reared in Taylor county and is a daughter of William Ewart, one of the old settlers of Gay township, this county. They now have a little daughter, Maxine, born August 21, 1909.
In his fraternal relations Dr. Terrill holds membership in the Knights of Pythias lodge and is serving as one of its officials. In politics he is a republican, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him, his . time and energies being entirely occupied with the duties of his chosen calling, which he discharges with a sense of conscientious obligation and with a thorough understanding of the responsibility that devolves upon him. He is, however, serving as city and township physician and is an honored member of the Taylor County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medi- cal Association. He is a student of the signs of the times, keeping in touch with the trend of modern thought concerning matters of general interest as well as of professional advancement. He is making a creditable record as a member of the medical fraternity and is meeting with gratifying success in his practice.
H. K. HAMBLIN.
H. K. Hamblin needs no introduction to the readers of this volume for through more than a half century he has lived in the county, figuring prominetly in its upbuilding and then as a leading farmer and representative business man. His life record began in Cayuga county, New York, on the 18th of May, 1852. He is a son of Daniel Hamblin, who was also born in the Empire State and was there reared and married, the lady of his choice being Miss Anna Kenyon, a native of New York. Mr. Hamblin was a farmer in Cayuga county for several years and two of his sons were born there. He removed westward to Iowa with his family in the spring of 1857, driving through' from Lee county, Illinois, to Taylor county. Iowa. This was still a frontier district in which much of the land was still in possession of the government. He preempted a claim in Washington township which he improved and upon that place he resided for a year or two but found that he had settled on railroad land. He then bought a place of one hundred and sixty acres which was a raw tract, not a furrow hav- ing been turned or an improvement made upon it. With characteristic energy he began to break the sod and in course of time planted the fields which later brought forth rich harvests. Year by year he carefully carried on his farming
H. K. HAMBLIN
MRS. H. K. HAMBLIN
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operations and was thus enabled to provide his family with the necessities and many of the comforts of life. He now resides with his son Frank and has reached the age of eighty-two years. His wife died there, passing away in 1903.
H. K. Hamblin of this review was reared to manhood on the old home farm and acquired his education in the common schools and in Bedford. Later he became a teacher, following the profession through seven winter terms but in the summer months remained with his father and assisted in carrying on the home farm up to the time of his marriage. That important event in his life oc- curred in Marshall township, Taylor county, on the 25th of November, 1875, when Miss Hattie Wolcott, a native of Wisconsin, became his wife. Mrs. Hamblin is an artist of exceptional ability and every picture in her home is her own work. She was reared and educated in her native state and for a number of years engaged in teaching in Taylor county, Iowa. After his marriage Mr. Hamblin located on a farm in Marshall township, having previ- ously purchased eighty acres of raw prairie land. He built a frame house upon the place, opened up the farm and as he prospered in his undertakings extended its boundaries from time to time until he owned two hundred and forty acres in that place. The work of improvement was also carried steadily forward. He built an addition to the house, put up a large barn and also built good out- buildings affording ample shelter for grain and stock. He likewise planted a grove and set out an orchard and divided the farm into fields of convenient size by well-kept fences. Year by year the work of general improvement was continued and he developed an extensive property. In connection with the culti- vation of cereals, he also raised and fed stock for a few years and found it a profitable source of income. He continued his farming operations until 1902, when he sold that property and removed to Bedford where he bought a good residence. He also purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Mason township, which he rents, deriving therefrom a substantial income. After taking up his abode in Bedford he became a partner of Isaac Williams in an implement business but within a year his partner died and Mr. Hamblin con- tinued the business for some time. At about the end of five years, however, he sold out or rather traded for a farm in Bedford township lying partly within and partly beyond the corporation limits of the city. In his business transac- tions he has been usually successful owing to his sound judgment, his keen dis- cernment and his unfaltering industry.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hamblin have been born three children: Grace May, now the wife of A. M. Whitman of Beatrice, Nebraska; and Allen Wolcott, who is a student in the Bedford high school, being now engaged in the work of the junior year. They also lost one daughter, Maud Lillian who died in her third year.
In his political views Mr. Hamblin is an earnest republican and while living on the farm served as treasurer of the township school fund for fourteen con- secutive years. He has filled the office of township trustee in an acceptable man- ner, has acted on the grand and petit juries and has been a delegate of the county conventions. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Hamblin is serving as one of the elders. He has been
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superintendent of the Sunday-school for about four years and his wife is a Sunday-school teacher. Both are greatly interested in the church work and are doing all in their power to advance its interests. Mr. Hamblin is well known in Bedford and throughout the county. He has assisted in developing three or four farms and in furthering the interests of the community in many ways and at all times has maintained an unassailable reputation for reliability as well as business enterprise. His success is well merited, coming to him as the reward of earnest, persistent and honorable effort.
W. W. GEORGE.
W. W. George is living a retired life in Lenox, merely looking after his farm- ing and invested interests. He formerly led a very busy and useful life whereby he acquired the success that now enables him to rest from labor. He was born in Franklin county, Indiana, June 17, 1855, a son of B. F. George, who was also born in that county, January 3, 1829. The father was reared in his native state and was there married to Miss Rebecca Abraham, who was likewise born in Franklin county. He gave his attention to farming in that district for some years but in 1859 removed to Iowa, making the journey to this state in a prairie schooner. He reached Adams county in July of that year and chose that section as his destination for his father, Hiram George, had been there in 1855 and en- tered land for himself and some friends. B. F. George also purchased land which was partially improved and after adding more improvements to the place he extended its boundaries by additional purchases and continued to make his home in Adams county for many years. Later he removed to Kansas and after about fourteen years spent in the Sunflower state, passed away in February, 1908, when he had reached the advanced age of seventy-eight years. The mother preceded him to the home beyond, her death occurring in 1905. They reared a family numbering two sons and two daughters: W. W., of this review; M. B., a resident of Adams county, Iowa; Lucy, the wife of George Wiechen, a resi- dent of Sedgwick county, Kansas; and Laura E., the wife of E. V. Fritts, of Lincoln county, that state.
W. W. George was a little lad of about four years when he was taken from the place of his nativity to Adams county, Iowa. He was reared in the latter place and began his education in the country schools near his father's home. Later he attended the high school at Cromwell for one year. He remained with his father during the period of his boyhood and youth and in the spring and summer months rendered valuable assistance on the home farm. He thus gained practical knowledge of the best methods of agriculture, so that he was well fitted to carry on work of this kind when he started out on his own account.
In October, 1882, he won a companion and helpmate through his marriage to Miss Lizzie Roth, who was born in Illinois remaining there to the age of sixteen years, when she went to Adams county, this state. Her father, Joseph Roth, was a farmer, following that pursuit first in Illinois and later in Adams county, Iowa. Mrs. George engaged in teaching for several years prior to her marriage.
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Following his marriage Mr. George engaged in farming in Adams county until 1891 and in that year removed to Bison, Rush county, Kansas, and engaged in the lumber business. Later he purchased an elevator and carried on a grain business in connection with his lumberyard. After six years of prosperity he returned to Taylor county and purchased a nice home in Lenox, which he has since occupied. He here formed a partnership with Robert Martin in the estab- lishment of a furniture, hardware and implement business, in which he was actively engaged for three years. He then disposed of his mercantile concern and has since lived retired, although he looks after the rental of his two farms, one of three hundred acres in Adams county, and a second in Kansas.
Mr. and Mrs. George have two sons: J. A., a young man at home; and W. Roy, a student in Washburn College, at Topeka, Kansas. They lost their only daughter, the eldest of the family, who died in 1905 when nineteen years of age. Mr. George is a democrat in his political affiliations but has never desired public office, for in former years his time was fully occupied with his business affairs. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church at Lenox, and belongs to K. P. lodge, in which he is serving as vice chancellor. Mr. and Mrs. George have spent several seasons in California, Utah and other western states and have thus indulged their love of travel. Mr. George is one of the substantial and public- spirited citizens of Taylor county, for he has been identified with its interests for many years. He is a man of exemplary habits, strict integrity, and has a . strong personality, and Lenox is proud to number him among her best citizens.
RILEY LEE.
Riley Lee, a worthy and successful representative of the agricultural interests of Washington township, is engaged in general farming and also raises and feeds stock. He is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of rich and arable land and his possessions are the visible evidence of his life of industry and thrift.
Mr. Lee was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 20th of July, 1867, a son of W. H. and Elizabeth (Dick) Lee, who were natives of Indiana. Their family numbered nine children, namely: Riley, Ira, Eunice, Jane, Levi, Carrie, Oda, Iva and Essie.
Riley Lee, whose name introduces this review, was a little lad of seven years when he came with his parents to this state in the year 1874. Throughout his active business career he has been identified with general agricultural pursuits and, as stated above, is now the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Washington township, Taylor county. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he is also engaged in the raising and feeding of stock and, owing to his well directed labor and capable management, both branches of his business return to him a gratifying annual income.
On the 14th of November, 1894, Mr. Lee was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Nickell, whose birth occurred in Henry county, Iowa, in 1871, her parents being B. F. and Mary E. (Johnson) Nickell. Mrs. Lee is one of a family of five children, the others being Lizzie, Harlan, Wade and Lester.
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Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Lee has given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to positions of public trust. He is now serving for the second term as trustee of Washington township, while for two terms he capably discharged the duties devolving upon him in the office of township clerk. He attends the Christian church, of which his wife is a member. They are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community in which they reside, having gained the warm regard and friend- ship of all with whom they have come in contact.
ALEXANDER JOHN.
Alexander John, who is numbered among the pioneer farmers and stock- raisers of Taylor county, dating his residence here from 1855, was born in Indiana near Rossville, May 4, 1841. He acquired his education in the common schools, remaining in his native state until fourteen years of age, at which time he acocmpanied his mother to Iowa, settling in Bedford, which at that time was little more than a crossroads village, consisting of a few log huts. They made this their permanent abode, however, Mrs. John entering a tract of land east of the village, which the son, with characteristic energy, immediately proceeded to break in preparation for cultivation. He remained with his mother for several years, assisting her in the improvement of the farm, and then, wishing to engage in business on his own account, he purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he now resides. It is located on section 23, Bedford township, and adjoins the corporation limits of Bedford. He at once broke the sod and put the fields under cultivation, while he also set out a fine orchard, consisting of twenty acres of fruit trees. As the years passed he added improvement after improvement until his farm now ranks among the valuable properties in Bedford township. He has built three commodious barns upon the place, in addition to other substantial outbuildings, has introduced all of the modern devices for facilitating farm labor, while the year 1873 witnessed the erection of a fine large residence. He carries on general farming, in addition to which he has, for many years, bred and dealt in shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. In 1906 and again in 1908 he conducted a public sale and on these different occasions his ship- ment of stock was very large. He has been very successful in this branch of his business and it has been a source of gratifying profit to him. He also owns considerable timberland and some residence property in the village of Bedford.
An interruption came in his active business career when Mr. John enlisted for service in the Civil war, joining Company F, Twenty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in August, 1862. He saw much active service, most of which was confined to Arkansas and the adjoining territory, participating in the battle of Helena and numerous lesser engagements. He was taken sick and remained for some time in the hospital at Memphis. Later he rejoined his regiment at Little Rock, Arkansas, and participated in several skirmishes, among which was the battle of Saline River, Arkansas. At the close of the war he was mustered out
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and in September, 1865, was honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa, with a most creditable military record.
In February, 1866, Mr. John was united in marriage in Oquawka, Illinois, to Miss Eliza J. Shoemaker, a native of Henderson county, that state, where she was reared, educated and taught school for some years. Their home has been blessed with five children, namely : Mattie, the wife of E. C. Dowlin, of Bedford; Alla, the wife of John F. Keifer, of Wichita, Kansas; Frank, a merchant of Larussell, Missouri; Grace, the wife of Glade Kinnison, residing in Lincoln, Nebraska; and Esther, who is now attending the university at Lincoln.
Mr. John and his family are members of the Baptist church, and his wife is actively and helpfully interested in various phases of church work. Fraternally he is a Mason, joining the lodge in Bedford. His political support is given to the democratic party on all national issues but at local elections he prefers to support the men and measures that, in his opinion, are best adapted to conserve the public welfare. His fellow citizens, recognizing his personal worth, have called him to various positions of trust and responsibility, and the duties which devolved upon him were at all times performed with a promptness and thorough- ness that reflected credit alike upon himself and his constituents. He was elected clerk of the courts, serving for one term, and later was elected and reelected county treasurer, his term of office extending from 1874 until 1877 inclusive. In 1885 he was called upon to serve out an unexpired term, while the entire period of his incumbency in the office of treasurer covered seven years. He was identified with school interests for some time and proved himself a stalwart champion of the cause of education. He is interested in all that pertains to the material, intellectual and moral development of the community and as the years have passed he has made a splendid record as one whose close application to business and whose enterprise, guided by sound judgment, have gained for him . rank among the foremost representative and progressive farmers of Taylor county.
ARTHUR A. HAMBLIN.
Washington township numbers Arthur A. Hamblin among its substantial farmers, for he now owns a valuable property of one hundred and sixty acres, whereon he has made his home since 1877. He was born in New York, January 15, 1855, and comes of English descent, his ancestors having come to the United States on the Mayflower. The paternal grandfather, Winslow Hamblin, made his home in the Empire state. His son Daniel became the father of our subject, while another son, Dennis Hamblin, served in the Civil war with the rank of lieutenant. Daniel Hamblin wedded Miss Anne Kinion, who is now deceased, while he makes his home with his son Frank and has now reached the very advanced age of eighty-four years. Mrs. Daniel Hamblin was one of a family of six children, her brothers and sisters being: George and Allen, who served in the Civil war ; Dr. Frank Kinion, a resident of New York; Conley; and Mary. By her marriage Mrs. Hamblin became the mother of three sons: Horace, a farmer
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of Bedford, Iowa; Frank, who makes his home in Sharpsburg, this state; and Arthur A., of this review.
The last named was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the district schools near his father's home. He was early trained to the duties of the home farm, assisting his father in the work of the fields during the plow- ing, planting and harvesting seasons. He remained at home until he was twenty- three years of age and then purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Washington township. At that time, however, it was all wild prairie, covered with the native grasses, but Mr. Hamblin at once undertook the work of developing and improving the place, and in due time placed the fields under a good state of cultivation, while a comfortable residence and substantial farm buildings also add much to the value and appearance of the property. Year by year he has worked persistently and energetically in carrying on his business and his labors have not been without reward, for he annually gathers good crops, which add to his financial resources. This farm has been his home for more than thirty-two years and today he looks over his broad fields with a just pride, feel- ing that it has been through his own labors that they have been brought to their present fine state of cultivation.
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