USA > Iowa > Taylor County > History of Taylor County, Iowa; from the earliest historic times to 1910, biographical sketches of some prominent citizens > Part 61
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70
596
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY
the board and the confidence of the citizens he had served so efficiently. He is a member of the local Grand Army post. Although he was reared in the Methodist faith he does not belong to any church now. Mr. Coulthard came to Taylor county when the pioneers were still struggling to convert it into a rich agricul- tural district. His experiences during the first years of his residence here were those of many another man who was determined to make his fortune in the new country. Through perseverance he conquered the obstacles in his path and through industry and thrift preserved the advantage gained and took another step forward.
FRANK C. MAHAFFEY.
Frank C. Mahaffey is entitled to mention in this volume from the fact that he has been a resident of Taylor county from the time of its early settlement and has therefore witnessed the many changes which have been going on within its borders during the intervening years, at all times doing his full share in the work of improvement and transformation. He comes from a family which was founded in America during the early colonial days, representatives of the name having participated in the Revolutionary war, while his parents, Andrew and Martha (Flowers) Mahaffey, were among the pioneer settlers of the state of Ohio. His father, who was a farmer by occupation, had one brother, Hollings- worth Mahaffey, while his wife, who was a daughter of William Flowers, had two brothers and a sister, namely: William, Valentine and Katherine. Our subject has one sister and three brothers living, namely: Ara Ellen, William, Hollingsworth and Allec, while three brothers have passed away-Andrew, Clint and Lewis.
Frank C. Mahaffey, whose name introduces this sketch, was born in Adams county, Ohio, July 21, 1857, and was a pupil in the public schools of his native state until he attained the age of fourteen years. When sixteen years of age, in company with his mother, he came to Iowa, settling in Washington county, where he lived with her for two years. Then. desiring to enter business life on his own account, in 1875 he purchased eighty acres of land, which constitutes the nucleus of his present extensive holdings. With characteristic energy and zeal he set about the development and improvement of this place and in due course of time his efforts were rewarded, for the soil of Iowa is naturally rich and fertile and responds readily and abundantly to the care and labor bestowed upon it. Soon he had his fields under a high state of cultivation and that his industry and perseverance brought to him substantial returns is indicated in the fact that from time to time he was able to add to his original purchase until his farm today consists of two hundred acres of the finest and most highly improved land in the township. He engages in general farming and also raises all kinds of stock, and his close application and good management are the salient elements in the gratifying degree of prosperity which he now enjoys.
On the 22d of December, in Page county, Mr. Mahaffey was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Millhone, a daughter of Lambert and Catherine (Nicholson) Millhone. The father was one of a family of eight children. the
597
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY
others being Eliza, Harvey, Edward, Ebeneezer, John, Margaret and Isabelle, while the mother had three brothers, Jacob, Thomas and Benjamin Nicholson. Mrs. Mahaffey was one of a large family of children, namely: Frank and Emma, both now deceased; Newton; Thomas; Maude; Docia; and Effie, while some passed away in infancy. Harvey Millhone and Thomas Nicholson, brothers of Mr. and Mrs. Millhone respectively, were soldiers in the Civil war. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Mahaffey has been blessed with four children: Fraazes, Lambert, Hawley and Loren, all attending the public school.
Mr. Mahaffey holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Gravity, the teachings of which form the guiding influence of his life. In poli- tics he gives his allegiance to the republican party, but neither seeks nor desires office for himself as a reward for party fealty. He has served as a director on the school board, the cause of education finding in him a stanch champion, while at all times he is interested in the social and moral development as well as the material progress of the community. An analyzation of his life work shows that his success is not the result of unusual characteristics but has come rather from his close application and ready utilization of opportunities such as are met with in the life of almost every individual. He has known how, when and where to put forth his best energies and the careful direction of his efforts along the lines where mature judgment has led the way has brought to him the prosperity which he now enjoys.
GEORGE W. GLASSGOW.
George W. Glassgow, a well known and successful farmer and stockman of Dallas township, was born in Taylor county, Iowa, on the 24th of October, 1870, his parents being William and Julia A. (Roberts) Glassgow. The paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Glassgow, reared a family of eight chil- dren, namely : William, Charles, Samuel, David, James, Jack, Belle and Mattie. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Roberts, the maternal grandparents of our subject, were born four children, as follows: Julia, James, Daniel and Warren. In the family of William and Julia (Roberts) Glassgow there were seven children: George W., Frank, Marion, John, William, Lola and Myra.
George W. Glassgow, whose name introduces this review, has devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career and in addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, he also deals in horses, mules and cattle, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income. Energetic, enterprising and progressive, he well deserves the prosperity that has crowned his efforts.
On the 6th of February, 1891, Mr. Glassgow was united in marriage to Miss Ada Bramble, whose birth occurred in Taylor county on the 8th of October, 1872, her parents being James F. and Belle (Cobb) Bramble, natives of Ohio and Kentucky, respectively. Her paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Bramble, had a family of eight children, namely: James, Alexander, Robert, George, Charles, John, Esther and Lizzie. Mrs. Glassgow is one of a family of
598
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY
five children, the others being as follows: Lizzie, Bertha, Pearl and Roy. Mr. and Mrs. Glassgow are now the parents of three children : George Roosevelt, born January 15, 1903; James Albert, whose birth occurred on the 19th of September, 1905, and Alfred, born September 3, 1909.
In his political views Mr. Glassgow is a stanch republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church. Having spent their entire lives in this county, both he and his wife are well and favorably known here and have gained the warm regard and esteem of all with whom they have been associated.
J. H. SNYDER.
J. H. Snyder is the owner of a valuable farming property of three hundred, seventy-two and a half acres situated on sections 27 and 28, Clayton township. The extent and importance of his business interests place him prominently in the front rank among the agriculturists of this part of the state, and his labors have contributed much to the progress of Taylor county in this connection. Moreover, he is entitled to representation in this volume as an honored pioneer settler of the county, for through more than a half century he has resided within its borders and has not only been a witness of its upbuilding but has cooperated in many movements for the general good. He arrived in September, 1858, coming from Scott county, where he had lived since October, 1856. He was but a young lad when he took up his abode in Iowa, his birth having occurred in Pocahontas county, West Virginia, on the 26th of January, 1851. His father, W. A. Snyder, was born in Highland county, Virginia, and was there reared, after which he removed to West Virginia. In the latter state he wedded Miss Mary W. Hannah, a native of West Virginia. While farming was his principal occupation he also engaged in teaching and likewise followed the carpenter's trade. While still residing in West Virginia three children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Snyder who in 1856, removed with their family to Iowa, settling first in Scott county, where he engaged in farming for two years. In 1858 he removed to Taylor county, purchased wild land in Gay township and opened up a new farm of one hundred and twenty acres. After he had cultivated it for a time he sold that property and later developed two other farms and also owned three different farms. He continued a resident of this county throughout his remaining days, passing away at a ripe old age, in 1906. He had long survived his wife, who died in 1883. They were worthy and respected pioneer settlers of the county, taking an active and helpful interest in the work of general improvement and development.
J. H. Snyder was a lad of seven summers when he came with his parents to Iowa, the period of his boyhood and youth being largely passed in Taylor county, where he shared with the family in all of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life and also assisted his father in carrying on the farm. His educa- tion was acquired in the district schools, which he attended through the busy sea- sons, while in the early spring he assisted in the work of planting and as the year
J. H. SNYDER
MRS. J. H. SNYDER
603
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY
progressed did his share in the cultivating and harvesting of the crops. He remained with his father until twenty-four years of age and was then married in this county and began farming for himself. He first purchased eighty acres of land in Gay township and transformed it into productive fields. He also cul- tivated another farm in addition to his own place for one year and then went upon his father's land, also farming his own place.
Mr. Snyder was first married in Gay township, this county, to Miss Minnie J. King, whom he wedded in April, 1875, and who died in 1876. He was married again in West Virginia in 1883, the lady of his choice being Miss Jennie G. Var- ner, a native of that state. Soon afterward he established his home on the farm where he now lives, having previously purchased two hundred acres and since locating here in 1884 he has bought more land from time to time and is now the owner of three hundred and seventy-two and a half acres, constituting a valuable place on sections 27 and 28, Clayton township. Here he has built a good barn, sheds and cribs and has also erected a comfortable and commodious residence. He had to clear off the brush and timber upon the place ere he could plow the fields and plant the crops. He now has two good bearing orchards upon the farm and it is altogether a well-improved and valuable property, lacking in none of the accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. He has been a very active man, always enjoying good health, and his energies have been concentrated upon his business affairs, his persistent and intelligently directed labor bringing him substantial success. Year by year he harvests good crops of corn and other cereals and he also feeds and raises hogs and cattle and to some extent handles horses. The various departments of his business are proving profitable for Mr. Snyder is neglectful of no opportunity pointing to success, nor does he fear that indefatigable effort which is so necessary to the attainment of prosperity.
By his first marriage Mr. Snyder had a daughter, Jessie, who is now the wife of Robert G. Jenkins, a resident farmer of Gay township. By his last marriage eight children have been born: John F., who is assisting in carrying on the home farm; Glen W .; Clyde V .; William W .; Leland B .; Carrie M., the wife of Daniel Cove, a farmer of Clayton township; Etta L., at home; and Mary W., who is a teacher in the schools of the county. They also lost one daughter in infancy.
While Mr. Snyder votes with the democratic party where state and national issues are involved he frequently casts an independent local ballot, considering the capability of the candidate rather than his party affiliation. His fellow-towns- men, appreciating his worth and ability, have several times called him to public office. He has served as assessor and as secretary of the school board, having been officially identified with the schools for fifteen years. He was himself a teacher in early manhood, for four terms and has ever been a stalwart champion of the cause of education. He has been a delegate to the county conventions and does all in his power to secure political integrity. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Bedford and Mr. Snyder is a Master Mason, belonging to the lodge at Plattville, Iowa. As one of the pioneer settlers of the county he can relate many interesting incidents concerning its his- tory and its progress from early times. There were few settlers within its borders at the time of his arrival. He has killed numerous deer on the
604
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY
plains here, has seen many wolves and rattlesnakes. Some of the now thriving towns and villages had not yet sprung into existence, while the more pretentious cities were little more than village cross-roads. He has ever taken an active and helpful interest in matters pertaining to the general welfare and to public progress and as a progressive citizen as well as a reliable business man he enjoys the respect and good will of all who know him.
HIRAM P. JAQUA.
Hiram P. Jaqua, of the law firm of Crum, Jaqua & Crum, was born in Darke county, Ohio, November 29, 1858, of the marriage of Charles and Mary (Put- man) Jaqua, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father was a physician of that state in early manhood and subsequently removed to Winchester, Indiana, where he died in 1902, at the age of eighty-four years. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1872 in the faith of the Presbyterian church, of which she was a devoted member.
The paternal grandfather of Hiram P. Jaqua was Judson Jaqua, a native of Connecticut, who in 1819 removed westward to Ohio, settling in Darke county, where he followed general farming. His wife bore the maiden name of Lucinda Braffit. The maternal grandfather was Ernestus Putman, who was a merchant and trader of Darke county, Ohio. He married Elizabeth Gray, and both lived to about the age of ninety years, rearing a family of several children. In the family of Charles and Mary (Putman) Jaqua were nine children, five sons and four daughters, namely: Horace G., a resident of Tipton, Indiana; Ann Eliza- beth, the widow of A. J. Stakebake, of Winchester, Indiana; E. S., living at Winchester, Indiana; Ernest P., of Christian county, Missouri ; Jessie, who died when about seventeen years of age ; Hiram P., of this review ; Charles G., deceased, who lived at Houston, Texas; Phebe, the wife of Charles Cramer, of Pomona, California ; and Louie, who became the wife of Luther Smith but is now deceased.
Hiram P. Jaqua was about seven years of age when his parents removed from Ohio to Winchester, Indiana, where he attended the public schools. In 1879 he came to Taylor county, where he taught school for several terms, and was then elected clerk of the district court in 1892, serving for four years. This aroused his interest in the legal profession and resuming his studies he was ad- mitted to the bar and has since continued actively in practice. In 1897 he formed a partnership with William E. Crum, Sr., and later William E. Crum, Jr., was admitted to the firm under the present style of Crum, Jaqua & Crum. ..
Mr. Jaqua was married November 29, 1888, to Miss Ida M. Young, a daughter of David and Sarah (Shaw) Young. Mrs. Jaqua was born in Washington county, this state. Her father was a native of Ohio, while her mother's birth occurred in Pennsylvania. He followed the occupation of farming as a life work and in his boyhood days became an early settler of Eastern Iowa, where he was identified with pioneer experiences. His father was Patrick Young, a native of Scotland, who on coming to America settled in Ohio, but after some years re- moved to this state, where he died at an advanced age. Upon the frontier David
605
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY
Young was reared and took up the occupation of farming as a life work, continu- ing a close connection with agricultural interests for many years. He died in 1906, at the age of seventy-six years. Unto him and his wife were born the following children : Frank E .; J. Charles; Ida M .; Jeannette, the wife of G. W. Burch; James; Robert; and Bertha, the wife of H. B. Brock.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Jaqua are : Mary, Paul E., Percy J. and Dorothy. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Jaqua is serving as an elder. His political allegiance is given to the republican party.
W. H. PFANDER.
W. H. Pfander is a successful farmer of Marshall township, owning two hundred and seventeen acres on section 6, where he makes his home, and he like- wise has an adjoining farm of one hundred nine and a half acres. He was born near Clarinda, in Page county, Iowa, April 27, 1866, a son of A. Pfander, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, of German parentage. The family removed from the Keystone State to Butler county, Ohio, and still later they located in Montgomery county, that state. Subsequently they removed to Preble county, Ohio, and it was on a farm there that A. Pfander was reared to manhood. His father was a wagonmaker by trade and in addition to farming he followed his trade, being assisted in the shop by his son. The latter was married in Darke county, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth A. Colville, who was born in the Buckeye State. He then took his bride to Page county and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land near Clarinda, when that present enterprising city contained but one house. He improved his farm with a good country residence, built two barns and other outbuildings and made it a valuable property. They reared their family on the farm on which they spent many years. Mr. Pfander is now living retired in Clarinda, at the age of seventy-six years but his wife is deceased, her death occurring October 4, 1905.
W. H. Pfander was reared on the home farm in Page county and acquired his education in the schools near by. He was married August 25, 1887, in Page county to Miss Ollie E. Cree, who was born in Henry county, Illinois, but was reared and educated in Page county, to which place her parents removed during her childhood. She is a sister of D. R. Cree, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.
Following his marriage W. H. Pfander resided on the home farm, operating a portion of the father's property, and he also farmed eighty acres near by, which he owned. After a year, he removed to his father-in-law's farm, which he operated for two years, and then bought twenty acres adjoining his eighty- acre tract, the former being improved with good buildings. Taking up his resi- dence thereon he gave his attention to its cultivation and also operated eighty acres which he rented. In 1903 he sold his land in Page county and bought his present farm of two hundred and seventeen acres on section 6, Marshall township, Taylor county, and he likewise owns another tract of one hundred nine and a half acres in this county. He has added to and remodeled the house,
606
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY
which is surrounded by a well kept lawn and a neat iron fence, and an ample supply of water is furnished for household purposes by a good system of water- works, and the water is also piped to various parts of the farm for the stock. A good orchard is also found on the place and Mr. Pfander has set out a nice grove of ash and maple trees. He carries on general farming and raises stock on an extensive scale, keeping hogs and sheep. He also has an imported Percheron stallion for breeding purposes. In all his business affairs he is methodical and systematic and his labors are bringing him good results. His wife owns a two- thirds interest in one hundred and twenty acres in Marshall township.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pfander have been born three sons and five daughters, namely : Rilla A., who is a young lady at home; Ira D., who assists his father on the farm; Grace E .; Hattie V .; Cloyd W .; Eula Myrtle; Zenith L .; and Burl J.
Politically Mr. Pfander is identified with the republican party and is serving as a member of the school board. While still a resident of Page county he served as a school director also. He and his wife belong to the United Brethren church in Page county. Mr. Pfander is a hard-working man, who manages his business affairs in an able manner and the success which he is now enjoying is well merited.
JOSEPH DOUBET.
Joseph Doubet, familiarly called "Joe," a term indicative of his genial dis- position and the warm friendship entertained for him throughout the community, has resided in Grant township for more than three decades and during that period has taken an active part in the work of advancement and progress which has been carried on within its borders. Born in Peoria county, Illinois, May 15, 1844, he is a son of Francis and Margaret (Ryan) Doubet, natives of France and Ireland respectively. The father, who spent the period of his boyhood and youth in the land of his nativity, came to the new world when a young man, settling in Peoria county, Illinois, where he was married. Unto that union were born two sons and two daughters, of whom our subject was the oldest. The others are: Sylvester, carrying on business in Peoria, Illinois ; Mary, the wife of E. A. Paymal, of Lenox, Iowa; and Ellen, who married Charles Peltier, of Clearfield.
No event of especial importance came to vary the routine of life for Joseph Doubet during his youth, which was spent on his father's farm in Illinois. He acquired a good education in the common and high schools of that state, and when not busy with his text-books he assisted his father in the work of the home farm, early becoming familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting. Later he entered business on his own account, wisely selecting as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared. He operated a farm in Illinois until 1875, which year witnessed his arrival in Iowa, and he settled in Taylor county. He purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Grant township, upon which he located, and at once began its improvement and cultivation. With the passing of the years he became very successful in his un-
607
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY
dertaking and was able to purchase additional property from time to time, so that today he owns seven hundred and forty acres of valuable land, constituting him one of the extensive landowners of the county. The place adjoins the cor- porate limits of the town of Clearfield, and as he has prospered he has made substantial improvements upon the farm. He erected a comfortable and attrac- tive two-story residence, built a substantial barn and good outbuildings, and set out a grove and large orchard which yields abundant fruit in season. In connec- tion with general farming, he also devotes considerable time to his stock in- terests, buying and fattening hogs and making a specialty of raising high-grade Aberdeen Angus cattle. His business interests have become extensive and are so wisely and carefully conducted that he is winning substantial success and he is ranked among the representative and prosperous agriculturists of his township.
On the 22d of October, 1878, Mr. Doubet was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Brickey, a native of Missouri, where she was educated and was en- gaged for some time as a teacher. This union has been blessed with seven chil- dren, namely: Nellie, the wife of Horace Baker, of Beaconsfield, Ringgold county, Iowa; Margaret, who is following the occupation of teaching ; Gertrude ; Mabel and Edith, who are also teachers; Florence and Dorothy, who are still under the parental roof.
In his political affiliations Mr. Doubet is independent, preferring to cast his ballot for the men and measures which in his opinion will best conserve public welfare. He has served as county supervisor one term, has filled the offices of clerk and trustee of the township and served as township supervisor for one term, while he likewise acted as assessor for sixteen years. Throughout his public career he has performed the duties that devolved upon him in his various offices with a faithfulness and efficiency which won for him the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens. In every relation of life, whether business, public or private, he has held to high and honorable principles, and the rules governing his entire career have measured up to a high standard of manhood.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.