USA > Iowa > Wapello County > History of Wapello County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 10
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F. L. ROOT.
The name of Root has long been associated with the monu- ment business at Ottumwa, and the enterprise established by his father is now successfully continued and conducted by F. L. Root, whose name introduces this review. He is a native of Van Buren county, Iowa, born December 7, 1849, and is a son of Moses B. Root, who was born in Ohio. There he resided until 1842, when he came with his family to lowa, settling in Van Buren county. In his native state he married Elizabeth A. Howard, who was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and accompanied her parents to Ohio in her early girlhood. There she remained during her maidenhood and eventually gave her hand in marriage to Moses B. Root and accompanied him to Iowa. Following their arrival in Van Buren county Mr. Root engaged in the monument business, which he conducted there until 1860. He then brought his family to Ottumwa, Iowa, where he established a similar business, in which he continued until iS90, when death terminated his labors. His widow sur- vived him for ten years and passed away in 1900. They were the parents of five children, of whom Howard and Mary are now deceased. The others are: F. L .; Ada L., the wife of L. H. Southwick of New York city; and Ettie L., the wife of W. A. Seeley of Kansas City, Missouri.
F. L. Root remained at home until he attained his majority, acquiring a good public-school education, and in 1870 he joined his father in business under the firm style of M. B. Root & Son. He became familiar with every phase of the business and was well qualified to assume active management as his father put aside the more onerous duties connected with the trade. He is enterprising and diligent and his close application has been one of the features of his growing success. His establishment is now liberally patronized, and for his monuments he has a ready sale. The output is artistic in finish and workmanship, and his trade
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has grown year by year. In addition to his business he owns several properties in Ottumwa, from which he derives a good income.
In 1889 Mr. Root was united in marriage to Miss Clara B. Squire, who was born in Illinois and is a daughter of Daniel and Mary Squire, whose family numbered seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Root have become parents of two sons and three daughters: Howard F., who is a Harvard graduate and is now engaged in social settlement work in Boston; Mary E., who is attending school at Grinnell, Iowa; Blanch E., also a student in Grinnell; and Oscar and Mabel, both students in the high school at Ottumwa. The family attend the First Congregational church and in social circles occupy an enviable position. Mr. Root is a member of the Commercial Club and is in hearty sympathy with its movements for the development and upbuilding of the city. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and in fraternal circles he is well known, belonging to Masonic Lodge, No. 269, A. F. & A. M., and also to the Royal Arch chapter. He is likewise prominent in the Odd Fellows' Society of Ottumwa, in which he has filled all of the chairs, and in the Woodmen of the World. He has ever been actuated by a progressive spirit in all the relations of life, and his energy and enterprise have placed him not only among the leading business men but also among the leading citizens who have had to do with shaping municipal progress and the public policy of Ottumwa.
HENRY P. COLT.
Henry P. Colt, a well known representative of the whole- sale trade of Ottumwa, having since 1893 been connected with what is now the Haw Hardware Company, of which he is treas- urer and director, possesses many substantial qualities which contribute to success, energy, industry and sagacity being num- bered among his salient characteristics. He was born at Rochester, New York, July 1, 1851, and is a son of Judah and Emma (Brown) Colt, the latter a relative of John Brown, the distinguished abolitionist, whose labors did so much to bring about the freedom of the enslaved race. Judah Colt was born in Penfield, Massachusetts, and the mother in Essex county, New
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York. His death occurred in Rochester, New York, on the 4th of September, 1864, while his wife passed away in St. Joseph, Mis- souri. In their family were nine children, of whom six are yet living. The father was a farmer and stock-raiser and thus provided for the members of his household. Following his death the family removed to the west, settling at Cameron Junction, Missouri, and in that state Mrs. Colt remained until her life's labors were ended in death.
Henry P. Colt was but thirteen years of age at the time of his father's death, and from that period onward he was the sup- port of the family. In 1869 he made his way to Cameron Junc- tion, where he was employed for a short time and afterward learned telegraphy on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad. He was employed as agent at Forbs Station on the Kansas City & St. Joseph Railroad and later he entered the train dispatcher's office at Henderson, Kentucky, where he continued for a year. He next went to Strong City, Kansas, as an operator and subsequently was transferred to Ottumwa, Iowa, where he was ticket agent until 1880. In that year he accepted the position of bookkeeper for the First National Bank, with which he was connected for eleven years, or until the Citizens Savings Bank was organized. He then went to the new institution, with which he continued as cashier for two years. He then purchased the South Ottumwa Bank, which failed in 1893. About the same time he entered the wholesale hardware house of George Haw & Company and has since been with that establishment, which is now conducted under the style of the Haw Hardware Company. Mr. Colt is one of the stockholders and directors and for the past five years has been treasurer of the company, in which connection he is bending his energies to administrative direction and executive control. His opinions have constituted a valuable force in the successful management of the business, and he is widely recog- nized as a capable man, forceful and resourceful and thoroughly reliable and enterprising.
On the 22d of December, 1882, Mr. Colt was united in marriage to Miss Carrie J. Nicholson, who was born in Oneida county, New York, a daughter of John B. and Mary Nicholson. They are now parents of two children : Mary S., who is a grad- uate of the University of Chicago and is the wife of Earnway Edwards, of that city; and Arthur N., who is a graduate of the Iowa State Agricultural College at Ames and is now with Swift & Company.
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Mr. Colt gives his political allegiance to the republican party and fraternally he is connected with the Masons, holding membership in the lodge, chapter and commandery. He is also a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church and his life, honorable and upright in all of its purposes and principles, has won for him the high regard, confidence and good-will of his fellowmen. He deserves much credit for what he has accom- plished, for, starting out in life empty-handed, all that he pos- sesses has come to him through his energy, determination and capable management. Moreover, his record proves that success and an honorable name may be won simultaneously.
WILLIAM E. JONES.
William E. Jones has for almost a quarter of a century been successfully engaged in business as a flour, feed and grain dealer of Ottumwa and in that connection has won a gratifying and well deserved measure of success. His birth occurred in Ross county, Ohio, on the 28th of January, 1843, his parents being Enos and Hannah Jones, both of whom were born near Staunton, Virginia, and took up their abode in Ohio in an early day. The father there cleared the timber from a tract of land, erected log buildings and carried on farming for a number of years. In 1849 he came to Wapello county, Iowa, settling on a farm which is now included within the city limits of Ottumwa. His demise occurred in 1864, while his wife was called to her final rest in July, 1884. They were the parents of ten children, nine of whom grew to maturity. The three surviving members of the family are as follows: Thomas N., who is a resident of California; Ann, who is the widow of Austin Alcott and resides in Cali- fornia; and William E., of this review.
The last named, who was a little lad of six years when he came to this county with his parents, acquired his education in the public schools, first attending school in a primitive log house, but later in a brick building. He was reared to manhood under the parental roof and on attaining his majority took charge of the old homestead farm. He was actively engaged in its operation until 1869 and in that year embarked in the dry-goods business in Ottumwa as a member of the firm of Lively, Lewis & Company, with which he was identified for two years. In
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1880 he turned his attention to his present field of business activity and for the past quarter of a century has dealt extensively in flour, feed and grain. Success has attended the undertaking in gratifying degree and he has long been numbered among the prosperous and representative merchants of Ottumwa.
On the 18th of May, 1865, Mr. Jones was united in mar- riage to Miss Catherine Whipple, a native of New York and a daughter of Ami D. and Savina (Marsh) Whipple, who were born in New York and Pennsylvania respectively. They came to lowa about 1844 and spent the remainder of their lives in this state. Mr. and Mrs. Jones became the parents of two children, namely : Etta M., who is the wife of Henry Daggett; and Carrie M., who is the widow of Ralph Emerson and now lives with her parents.
In his political views Mr. Jones is a republican. He ably served as a member of the board of supervisors for three years and has also been on the school board for nine years, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the First Con- gregational church. He possesses those sterling traits of char- acter which in every land and clime win confidence, respect and good-will, and by the consensus of public opinion he is accorded a place among the valued citizens of Wapello county, which has remained his home during almost two-thirds of a century.
HON. JOHN F. WEBBER.
Hon. John F. Webber, state senator and member of the Ottumwa bar, has engaged in law practice in this city since September, 1902. He was born in Ferris, Illinois, September 26, 1874. His father, William J. Webber, was born in Balti- more, Maryland, February 5, 1845, and in 1853 came to Iowa, but removed from Keokuk to Clark county, Missouri, and in 1863 went to Hancock, Illinois. He made farming his life work, following that pursuit until called to his final rest on the 8th of February, 1913. His widow, who bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Pilkington, was born in Hancock county, Illinois, November 4, 1850, and is now living in Carthage, Illinois. They
John TillEbbene
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had two children: Charles A., who is now a resident of Iowa City, Iowa, and John F.
The latter became a public-school pupil in Hancock county, Illinois, and afterward became a student in the law department of the State University of Iowa, from which he was graduated. He likewise pursued an academic course in Carthage College at Carthage, Illinois, and upon the broad foundation of good clas- sical training he builded the superstructure of his professional knowledge. After leaving school he went upon the road, travel- ing for a farm implement house for three years. He then entered upon the practice of law, opening an office in Ottumwa in Sep- tember, 1902. Here he conducts a general law practice, but gives particular attention to farm mortgages and investments and is regarded as a capable and enterprising business man. He is also a stockholder and one of the directors in the Ottumwa National Bank and the Wapello County Savings Bank of Ottumwa and the Blakesburg Savings Bank at Blakesburg, Iowa. His judgment is sound, his enterprise unfaltering and his laudable ambition and even paced energy have carried him into important relations.
On the 2d of October, 1900, Mr. Webber was united in mar- riage to Miss Estella L. Bailey, who was born in Ferris, Illinois, a daughter of George W. and Eliza (Ward) Bailey, the former a farmer by occupation, but now living retired. Mr. and Mrs. Webber are the parents of two sons: John F., born November 22, 1905, and Bailey C., born February 14, 1910.
The family attend the Methodist church, in which Mr. and Mrs. Webber hold membership. He also belongs to the Benevo- lent Protective Order of Elks, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Yeomen, while along more strictly social lines his connection is with the Wapello and the Country Clubs. Mrs. Webber is a member of the P. E. O. Society, the Legislative Ladies League of Iowa and other social and literary clubs of Ottumwa. His political indorsement is given the democratic party, and in 1910 he was elected to represent his district in the state senate for a four years' term, so that he is the present incum- bent in the office. During the sessions of the general assembly he has proven his loyalty to the best interests of the commonwealth by his stalwart championship of many measures for the general good. He is a member of ways and means, appropriations, judi- ciary and other important committees and has been recognized as a leader in all legislation pertaining to taxation matters and
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laws seeking to govern public utilities. He has also taken an important part in securing the passage of and is one of the authors of the present employer's liability or workmen's compen- sation law passed in the thirty-fifth general assembly. He is widely known and popular. His friends and fellows feel that he has broad knowledge of vital questions and issues of the day and that his position upon important questions is founded upon a public-spirited devotion to the general good.
LINCOLN DIMMITT.
In pioneer times the Dimmitt family was established in Wapello county and it was upon the old homestead that Lincoln Dimmitt was born, February 16, 1860, his parents being Beniah and Elizabeth Ann (Pagget) Dimmitt, who were natives of Indiana. Removing westward to Iowa, they settled in Wapello county in 1847. That this was largely a wild and undeveloped section of the state is indicated in the fact that there was much of the land still in possession of the government and Beniah Dimmitt entered a claim, which he converted into a good farm. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon the place when it came into his possession, but with characteristic energy he began the work of breaking the sod and tilling the soil, his labors ultimately resulting in the harvesting of good crops. Both he and his wife remained upon that place until called to their final rest, Mr. Dimmitt dying on the 11th of February, 1875, while the death of his wife occurred in October, 1906. In their family were eight children, of whom five are yet living : Lincoln, of this review; Laura; Beniah, now living in Seattle, Washington ; Samuel, a resident farmer of Dahlonega township; and Tolbert, whose home is in Idaho.
Lincoln Dimmitt continued upon the old homestead until he attained his majority, and his youthful days were divided between the work of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the tasks that came to him in connection with the cultivation of the fields. He early assisted his father in farm work and gained that experience which made him capable when he started out in business life on his own account. When he attained his majority he began farming in Dahlonega township on fifty acres of land which he rented, and later he purchased the farm of three hun-
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dred acres on which he now resides on sections 2, 3, 11 and 12 of the same township. That his life has been one of diligence and industry is indicated in the excellent and well kept appearance of his place. He produces good crops and is also successfully engaged in stock-raising, making a specialty of Poland China hogs and Polled Angus cattle. In all of his business dealings he is reliable as well as energetic and his success is, therefore, well deserved.
On February 17, 1886, Mr. Dimmitt was married to Miss Mary Robertson, a native of this county and a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Van Winkle) Robertson, who were natives of Indiana. At an early period in the development of Iowa they came to this state and settled in Highland township, Wapello county, where they continued to reside until called to their final rest. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Robertson were born seven children, all of whom survive. Mr. and Mrs. Dimmitt became the parents of six children: Carrie C., now deceased; Lena, at home; Noble, who is in Canada; and Earl, Lee and Olen, also at home. Mr. Dimmitt has ever been interested in the public wel- fare and has cooperated in many movements for the general good. His political support is given to the republican party, and he is now one of the trustees of Dahlonega township. For thirty years he has been a member of the school board and is now serving as school treasurer. Fraternally he is connected with Ottumwa Lodge, No. 16, A. F. & A. M., and is also a member of Ottumwa Lodge, No. 9, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the chairs. Both he and his wife are connected with the ladies' auxiliary known as the Daughters of Rebekah, and Mrs. Dim- mitt is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Both are held in high esteem and enjoy the high regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact.
LEROY CHRISTIE.
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Leroy Christie, secretary and superintendent of the Ottumwa Cemetery Association, was born in Newton county, Missouri, April 11, 1872. He is the adopted son of E. J. Christie, who was born in Randolph county Indiana, but is now a resident of Missouri. Leroy Christie was accorded the educational advan- tages afforded by the common schools. His youthful days were
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spent in Newton county, Missouri, and he became a resident of this county in March, 1891. He is now superintendent and secretary of the Ottumwa Cemetery Association and has filled the position for eight years. Under his direction the cemetery has been greatly improved and beautified. He is well qualified for the duties that devolve upon him, and he never deviates from the high standard which he believes should be maintained in the care of the silent city.
At the time of the Spanish-American war Mr. Christie, then a young man of twenty-six years, offered his services to the government and enlisted as a sergeant of Company G, Fiftieth Iowa Infantry Volunteers. This company was organized at Ottumwa and for seven months was on duty ready to respond to any order from the government. At the end of that time Mr. Christie was mustered out at Des Moines. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding membership in its different branches, while in the local lodge he has filled all of the chairs. He is likewise connected with the Woodmen of the World and the Homesteaders and in the latter is chairman of the supreme auditing committee. His political views are those of the socialist party.
Mr. Christie was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Dorothy, a native of Wapello county and a daughter of E. C. and Mercy ( Howard) Dorothy, now residents of Wyoming. Mr. and Mrs. Christie have one child, Dorothy E., born August 28, 1900. Mrs. Christie holds membership in the Rebekahs and the Homesteaders and also in the Baptist church. Both are well known here, and their respect for the rights of others, their courtesy and kindliness in all social relations have won them many warm friends.
ANDREW G. WALLACE.
There are inspirational elements in the life history of Andrew G. Wallace, indicating as it does what may be accom- plished when ambition points out the way to success and perse- verance and energy enable the individual to continue therein although difficulties and obstacles may at times block his path. The career of Mr. Wallace may seem somewhat spectacular when we consider that he entered upon his present line of busi-
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ness without previous experience and without capital, but back of it all is the story of unflagging diligence and constant watch- fulness. He was born in Sweden, October 12, 1861, his parents being L. H. and Mary Wallace, also natives of that country, whence they sailed for America in 1869 and became residents of Wapello county, Iowa. They established their home upon a farm in Polk township and both there remained until called to their final rest. They had a family of eight children, of whom five are yet living.
Andrew G. Wallace spent his youthful days in the usual manner of farm lads, the work of the fields largely monopolizing his attention during the summer months, while the winter sea- sons were devoted to mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools. In early life he conceived the idea of enter- ing the printing business and never for a moment did he lose sight of his purpose, although at times he was obliged to resort to other methods to earn a livelihood. Today he is at the head of the Ottumwa Stamp Works, owning and controlling an extensive plant, which constitutes one of the most complete printeries in the state and is unsurpassed in its equipment by any of similar size. Of his business career it has been written :
"Few starts have been more humble ; few men have possessed more undaunted spirit or greater determination to conquer in a chosen path-a path strewn with almost unsurmountable obstacles .. His is the case of a man winning success in a line in which at the outset he had absolutely no practical experience and only the whim, ambition, desire, or whatever you will, to go ahead with his pet business, secured for him the success that has attended his efforts. He crept before he walked. The discour- agement he met at the outset would have made a man stop and change tactics, but his youth and inexperience would not let him. He plunged ahead and succeeded, as his present business testi- fies. When a boy on the farm, like other country boys, he became possessed of a hobby to begin some business that would earn him independence and freedom from the drudgery of the farm. Frugal in his habits, he saved his money and when still a boy bought a small printing press, suitable for printing cards, and also purchased a small amount of type. Before he left the farm he became a printer in a way and by sheer originality developed into a card printer for a number of people, who to encourage him and also because pleased with his work and his charges had him print name cards for them. At that time it
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was a fad to have such cards and all of the young folks and many of their elders became his customers. It was this work which . developed in Mr. Wallace the idea that he could establish a printing business and make it successful. Financial conditions did make this impossible, however, following his arrival in Ottumwa. He turned to other pursuits and became yard man for Riley & Carter, then managers of the Ballingall Hotel. After a time he rose to the post of steward and, leaving the hotel soon after a change in management, he decided to give his printing scheme a test. Even while at the hotel he carried on his side line of card printing and had a number of lads, many of whom are now men about Ottumwa, selling cards for him on a commission basis. In the summer of 1886 he rented a room in the basement of the First National Bank. The last of the first five months his receipts amounted to just nine dollars. Undiscouraged, he negotiated with a Chicago firm for twenty-five dollars worth of New Year's cards and by this deal cleared twenty-five dollars. This encouraged him and the next year he went into larger quarters in the Leighton building, where he remained for a year and then removed to the two upper rooms at his present location at No. 217 East Main street. Since 1889, when the move was made to his present location, the changes due to the growth of the business have been numerous. The upper floor of the building to the west and later a part of the one on the east were used until finally about six years ago the entire building at 217 East Main street was taken for the plant and today presents a quite con- gested appearance in the housing of the huge printery and the immense stock of goods carried.
"The printery, while always the chief factor in his business, has not been the only thing to which Mr. Wallace has given his attention. He has established a business in connection with his printery that has to do with offices of all kinds. All manner of modern office supplies from stationery to furniture, desks, filing cabinets, etc., are carried by the Ottumwa Stamp Works. All kinds of rubber stamp making are done, together with metal seals and checks, celluloid buttons and other novelties, safes and strong boxes før valuable papers, ink, paste, pens of all kinds as well as pencils and high grade stationery; in fact, everything used in an office may here be found. The printery is equipped second to none in the state according to size and it is not small. It is one of the few printing houses that owns the Monotype machine, which device gives it a constant new faced type and the
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