USA > Iowa > Wapello County > History of Wapello County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 21
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WILBUR FISK CLEMENTS.
Wilbur Fisk Clements, owner of the Agency telephone sys- tem, is a business man notably prompt, energetic and reliable in all his dealings. His activities and interests have carried him into various sections of the country, and gradually he has worked his way upward, improving opportunities that others have passed heedlessly by and winning for himself a place among the substantial citizens of the county in which he now makes his home. He is a native of Blooming Grove, Franklin county. Indiana, born November 24, 1849, his parents being Richard
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and Elizabeth (Webb) Clements. He has almost a complete genealogical record, showing direct descent from one of three brothers who came to America in the Mayflower. His grand- father also bore the name of Richard Clements and was an exhorter in Indiana when it was a pioneer state, traveling for miles through the wilderness to a little settlement, where he would preach the gospel. Wilbur F. Clements traces his ances- try in the maternal line back to the period of the Revolutionary war. His father was a native of Maryland and his mother of Indiana. After residing for some years in the latter state fol- lowing their marriage they came to Wapello county, where they settled upon a farm, here continuing to make their home until called to their final rest. They had a family of five children : Altis, now a resident of Red Oak, Iowa; Wilbur F .; Virginia, the wife of George W. Fair of Red Oak; and Howard and Mary F., both residents of California.
Wilbur F. Clements pursued his early education in the com- mon schools and afterward attended a seminary. He was but fourteen years of age when he started out in life on his own account, and since then he has depended entirely upon his own resources. He first learned the carpenter's trade, which he fol- lowed for several years, becoming quite expert in that line. He has pronounced mechanical tendencies, which have been devel- oped until his skill in that direction is marked. In 1878 he went to Colorado, attracted by the excitement over lead discoveries, and there remained for two years. He then returned to Wapello county, where he was again connected with building interests until 1902, in which year he went to New Mexico. Having taken up the business of mechanical engineering, he was en- gaged in the construction of municipal waterworks and in setting up machinery of various kinds. He built some gold reduction mills and also was the builder of creamery plants in six different states. Following his return to Wapello county in 1904 he became identified with telephone interests and established the Agency exchange. He owns the entire line and in this con- nection gives excellent service to the public, at all times striving to improve the system, which is today recognized as an indis- pensable factor in the community. His possessions also include one hundred and sixty acres of land in Montana and town prop- erty in Agency, in addition to the telephone system.
On the 8th of October, 1871, Mr. Clements was married, in this county, to Miss Rebecca Fair, a native of Maryland and
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a daughter of John and Rebecca (Fisher) Fair, who were also natives of that state. They came to Iowa during the carly devel- opment of Wapello county, however, and here settled upon a farm, which continued to be their home throughout their re- maining days. In their family were nine children. To Mr. and Mrs. Clements have been born three children: Avonia K., now the wife of Rev. W. H. Perdew of Newton, Iowa; Mel- ville F., who married Minnie Coover and is a civil engineer of Oregon; and Gladys M., the wife of Lorne Parks of Burns, Montana. The parents are members of the Methodist Episco- pal church, and Mr. Clements gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He has held numerous township offices, has also been assessor and a member of the city council of Agency. The cause of education likewise finds in him a stalwart cham- pion, and he has done effective work in its behalf while serv- ing on the school board. While his business interests have taken him into other sections of the country, he has spent much of his life in Wapello county, where he has a wide acquaintance and an extensive circle of friends.
JOSIAH H. MYERS.
No resident of Ottumwa has resided in the city for a longer period than has Josiah H. Myers, now living at No. 136 North Davis street. For almost the psalmist's allotted span of three- score years and ten he has made his home here, arriving in 1845, when a young man of nineteen years. Great and wonderful have been the changes which have since occurred and none rejoice more heartily in what has been accomplished than Josiah H. Myers. He was born in Botetourt county, Virginia, now Roan- cke county, February 5, 1826, a son of John and Elizabeth ( Britts) Myers, who were also natives of the same locality. The paternal grandfather, John Myers, was a Hessian, who came from Hesse-Cassel as one of the soldiers hired by Louis Phil- ippe and sent by King George III of England to aid in put- ting down the "Rebellion" in America. Following his arrival in the new world the sympathy of John Myers went out to the American forces, so that he deserted and joined Washington's army. He served as a wagon master of one of the regiments at the battle of Yorktown. Continuing his residence in the new
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world, following the attainment of American liberties, he became recognized as an excellent farmer and good citizen in the com- munities in which he lived. He died in Montgomery county, Indiana, at the age of seventy-five years, while his wife survived him for five or six years. They had four sons and four daugh- ters, all of whom lived to maturity, were married and had fam- ilies. The youngest, William, died in Montgomery county, Indi- ana, about 1910, when ninety-four years of age.
John Myers, the father of our subject, was the eldest of the family, his birth occurring in 1792. He died on a farm two miles north of Ottumwa November 30, 1865, while his wife, who was born in 1798, passed away in Indiana September 12, 1833. It was in 1830 that the family left Virginia and established their home upon a frontier farm in Montgomery county, Indiana, where the mother passed away three years later. The family continued to reside in that state for fifteen years and in 1845 arrived in Ottumwa, two years after the city was platted. It was on the ist of May, 1843, that this territory was opened up to settlement, the government having purchased it from the Sac and Fox Indians. In Virginia the father followed the miller's trade and in Indiana he built a good mill, which he operated until his removal to Iowa. In the spring of 1844 his son, Joel B. Myers, and David Armstrong, brother-in-law of Josiah H. Myers, came to Wapello county and erected a mill before the father and other members of the family arrived. This was a sawmill, the first in Wapello county, and there was also a pair of burrs for grinding any kind of grain that the settlers wished to have converted into flour or meal. This mill stood on the north bank of the river at the foot of Market street. The county. commissioners donated to the company owning it a tract of land extending from Market to within one hundred and thirty-two feet of Green street and down to the river. The business was con- ducted under the firm name of Myers, Armstrong & Coffin, the third partner, Thomas C. Coffin, being a son-in-law of the senior partner, Mr. Myers. The sons-in-law, Messrs. Armstrong and Coffin, afterward withdrew, while Mr. Myers operated the mill altogether for twelve years, sawing all the lumber that was used in building operations in Ottumwa in the early days. His entire life was devoted to the milling business and he was a most active, busy man, his life being one of value and worth to the com- munity. In Indiana he became the owner of eight hundred acres of land and platted one hundred acres of that for the town of
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Ladoga. Much of his life was spent upon the frontier, first in Indiana and afterward in lowa. The last twenty-five miles of his trip that took him to his Indiana home was over an old Indian trail in the wilderness, for there were no roads. He became a moving spirit of that section of the country, and he was also a most valued citizen in lowa, contributing in large measure to the upbuilding and progress of Ottumwa and Wapello county. Today the only survivors of the family of John and Elizabeth Myers are Mrs. Sarah Coffin, of Boise, Idaho; John; and Josiah.
Ottumwa has been the place of residence of the last named since 1845, or for almost seventy years, he being today the oldest resident of the city. He learned the milling business with his father, but ceased activity along that line soon after his father's death. He became a carpenter and later a contractor and builder and erected a large number of substantial structures in the city. Later he turned his attention to the cultivation of flowers and vegetables, building a greenhouse and continuing in that busi- ness for a decade. He then retired and is now spending the even- ing of life in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. His business activities were interrupted by his service in the Civil war, for on the 15th of August, 1862, he enlisted as a member of Com- pany E, Thirty-sixth lowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years. He was detailed for mechanical work, being engaged on construction work most of the time. He en- tered the service as a duty sergeant and at the close of the war he was honorably discharged, having rendered valuable aid to his country.
On the 9th of December, 1856, Mr. Myers was united in mar- riage to Miss Sarah Cochran, who was born near Xenia, Greene county, Ohio, April 10, 1836, and in 1844 came to Iowa with her father, her mother having died in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Myers became the parents of three children: Charles, who died in in- fancy, in 1862; William P., who lives near his father; and Henry G., of Denver, Colorado.
Mr. Myers holds membership in Tuttle Post, G. A. R., and is a loyal and honored representative of that organization. He cast his first presidential vote in 1848 for Zachary Taylor and in 1856 supported John C. Fremont, since which time he has voted the republican ticket. In 1855, however, he was identified with the know nothings. Twice he has been elected city assessor and served for four years. He has made eleven assessments of Ottumwa, having on other occasions been deputized for the work
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by other assessors. No history of the county would be complete without extended reference to Mr. Myers, who has seen the won- derful development of the county since pioneer times.
He has watched with interest the changes that have occurred as its wild lands have been entered from the government and converted into rich and productive farms. He has seen towns and villages spring up and has witnessed the growth of Ottumwa from a village of about eighteen houses to its present size with all of its industrial and commercial interests. His business in- terests have brought him into close connection with its upbuild- ing and improvement and Ottumwa recognizes her indebtedness to him for his efforts in her behalf. Today he is enjoying a well earned rest.
"How blessed is he Who crowns in shades like these The youth of labor With an age of ease."
THOMAS MILLER ROSS.
A half century has come and gone since Thomas Miller Ross passed away. He was making his home in Ottumwa when called to his final rest and some of the older citizens here remember him as a man worthy of all respect. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in April, 1811, a son of James and Eliza ( Brown) Ross, who were also natives of the Keystone state, spending their entire lives in the vicinity of Pittsburgh, where the father was a large landowner. He was a son of Thomas and Jane ( Miller) Ross, and he had grants of land from the British government. The son James operated lumber mills and became one of the representative citizens of his district. From the north of Ire- land the father of Thomas Ross came to America, his ancestors, who were Scotch people, having made their way to Ireland to escape religious persecution. Thomas Ross was united in mar- riage to Miss Jane Miller in Philadelphia and his remains now lie interred in the Ross family cemetery of Pittsburgh. Espous- ing the cause of liberty, he became a soldier of the Revolutionary war and was wounded at the battle of Saratoga, but lived to be an old man, his death, however, finally resulting from blood- poisoning occasioned by that wound, which he had sustained
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many years before. He was a close relative of Colonel George Ross, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. John Ross, husband of Betsy Ross, was a nephew of Colonel George Ross and was killed while guarding military stores in Philadelphia.
It will thus be seen that Thomas Miller Ross is descended from a family whose name figures prominently in connection with early events which shaped the history of this country. He spent his early manhood largely in the south as a contractor and in 1862 he came to Ottumwa to make his home. At the time of the Civil war, however, he became superintendent of pontoon bridges and while thus engaged contracted a disease which ter- minated his life in St. Louis in August, 1863.
It was about ten years before that Mr. Ross was united in marriage, in McVeytown, Pennsylvania, to Miss Tabitha Thornburg, who was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, February 6, 1827, and died in Ottumwa, Iowa, in April, 1898, at the advanced age of seventy-one years. She was a good business woman, and after her husband's death managed her affairs well. She held membership in the Episcopal church and had many sterling traits of character, which endeared her to all who knew her.
Mr. and Mrs. Ross were the parents of three children : Flora S. and Laura A., who reside at the old home at No. 412 North Court street; and Mrs. Mary ( Ross) Kiester, of El Paso, Texas. The daughters who still reside at Ottumwa are active members in Trinity church and are prominent members in the Daughters of the American Revolution. For a long period Miss Flora Ross taught in the public schools of Ottumwa and her sister Mollie was also a teacher for a number of years. They belong to one of the old families of the city and are widely and favorably known in Wapello county.
J. E. HOUGHLAND.
J. E. Houghland, who is one of the best esteemed and most venerated residents of Eldon, is entitled to great credit for the service which he rendered his nation in the Civil war, in which he made an excellent record, distinguishing himself by gallantry and faithfulness to duty. He is now engaged in the real-estate
FEStoughlund
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business and also acts as pension attorney, but for many years he was connected with many commercial and industrial enterprises, some of which he successfully managed and some of which he organized. He has taken an interest in material development and in intellectual growth and has also taken an active part in the church life of his city. Moreover, he has held public posi- tions and in all his connections has proven himself a manly man of high principles.
J. E. Houghland was born in Fort Madison, Iowa, July 12, 1844, and is a son of Elza and Sarah (Adair) Houghland, the father born in Washington county, Ohio, and the mother in Indiana. They came to Fort Madison in 1836, the father fol- lowing his trade of a contracting carpenter and builder. He died in that city in 1856, his widow surviving him until 1882. In their family were eight children, of whom only one, our sub- ject, is now living.
J. E. Houghland began his independent career at the early age of fourteen, having previously acquired such education as circumstances and pioneer conditions permitted. His first position was as a clerk in a grocery store and his remuneration was five dollars per month and board. He continued in that capacity until July 14, 1862, when he enlisted in Company E, Nineteenth Iowa Infantry, being then eighteen years of age. He served with his company for three years and participated in seven battles. In fighting around near Morganza, Louisiana, he was taken prisoner at Sterling Plantation, on September 29, 1863, and for ten months was confined in Shreveport, Louisiana and in Camp Ford, near Tyler, Texas. He then was exchanged, the transfer taking place at the mouth of the Red river, July 20, 1864. During the last year of his service he was promoted color guard. He was mustered out July 10, 1865, at Mobile, Ala- bama, and then returned to Fort Madison, where for four years he filled the position of guard and turnkey under Warden Heasey. At the end of that time he and his mother removed to Washington, lowa, and there he engaged in the wholesale grocery business. There Mr. Houghland was married and remained until 1873, when he moved to Brighton, Iowa, where he established himself in the hardware business, handling stoves and also shelf hardware. He remained in that town until 1879, when he moved to Eldon, where he established himself in part- nership with his brother, W. D. Houghland, in the contracting and building business. This partnership was maintained until
Vol, 11-15
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1881, when he established the Eldon Brick & Tile Company, which later became the Trott Brick Company. He was inter- ested in this concern for some time but later disposed of his inter- est and engaged in the real-estate business, in which he is still active. He also loans money at a low rate on city and farm properties. In addition to carrying on these lines of business he acts as pension attorney. Mr. Houghland is a shrewd and able business man and is considered one of the best judges of real estate in his neighborhood. He has established a high repu- tation, for he sees to it that all who employ his services are treated fairly and squarely.
On September 27, 1871, MIr. Houghland married Miss Emma McCoy, a daughter of William and Esther (Whalen) McCoy, natives of Ohio, who in an early day in the history of this state came to Iowa and who passed away in Brighton. In their family were nine children, six boys and three girls, of whom six are living. Mr. and Mrs. Houghland were the parents of three children: Ida Delia, of Cedar Falls, Iowa; Thomas C., who succumbed to a hunting accident; and Nellie E., the wife of George W. Roberts, of Eldon, a salesman for the Morrell company of Ottumwa. To this last union two children were born, Violet and James Wallace.
Mr. Houghland has always taken an interest in the progress and growth of his city and has contributed to its advancement in many ways. He organized and was the first leader of the Eldon Cornet Band and remained a member of that organization for a number of years. The stockvards of the Rock Island rail- road being offensive to many residents, he succeeded in having them removed out of the city limits to their present location. He was also instrumental in the building of the Congregational church, of which he is a member. He served his city as assistant postmaster under E. P. Roland for four years and helped to make the office one which is filled by presidential appointment. He also secured the former postoffice building for the city. He was instrumental in having the first postoffice boxes put in-a convenience which is greatly appreciated by the people. He was a member of the Building & Loan Association until the enterprise was discontinued and in that connection was often instrumental in rendering needed help to those who desired to found their own homes. The large cannon-the biggest in the state-which is now ornamenting the soldiers' monument, was secured to the city through his efforts.
J. E. HOUGHLAND As a Union soldier
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Mr. Houghland has always stood for improvement and progress, and it was largely through his efforts that the concrete sidewalks were built from the city to the cemetery. When the prohibition law went into effect he set himself to the task of closing the saloons of Eldon and for three years succeeded in keeping the retail liquor stores closed. Many times his life was in danger at this period, and he had to constantly carry a revolver in his pocket. During the first year of its organization he joined the Grand Army of the Republic and is still a member of Vor- hies Post, No. 73, at Eldon, having held all the offices in the local organization. He was the last owner of the Grand Army hall, which was built by the post, and in which he held his meetings while he was fighting the saloon interests. He sub- sequently sold this property to the Baptist society, transforming the interior for that purpose. He has always stood for the best interests of the community, and there is none who can raise a word of reproach against him. Politically he is a republican and has always been loyal to that party which stood for the Union cause in the time of the nation's greatest stress. Frater- nally he is a member of New Hope Lodge, No. 480, A. F. & A. M., which he organized in 1887 and in which he has filled most of the chairs. He and his wife also founded Eastern Star Chapter, No. 66, and are therefore both charter members. He was for two terms patron of the organization. His daughter Nellie is also a member. Mr. Houghland wrote the only history of the Nineteenth Iowa Infantry, which is now a highly prized document, being of interest to all those who served in its ranks and their descendants. For a number of years he was corre- spondent for the Ottumwa Courier and now writes for the Des Moines Capital. He has important property interests outside of the state, owning three farms in southern Texas and valuable lands in California and Oklahoma, while in Eldon he has also made judicious investments.
In earlier days he was one of the promoters and manager of the St. Louis, Iowa & Northern Railroad Company, the land for which was surveyed from Eldon south to Union, Missouri, and which would have been a success if it had not been defeated by the powerful influence of the Wabash and the Chicago. Bur- lington & Quincy railroads, whose lines the new road had to cross. The two other railroad companies vigorously fought the sale of bonds in Wall street and therefore made the scheme at that time impossible. However, Mr. Houghland is quite convinced that
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the line will be built some day by the Rock Island Railroad Company and that it will be of the greatest importance to Eldon, for it will establish a direct through route from this city to St. Louis. As is evidenced from his many activities Mr. Houghland has been one of the most useful citizens of his district. He is honored and respected for all he has done in behalf of the pub- lic, and all those who personally know him appreciate him for his courtesy, his kindly and obliging ways, his charitable views as regards the feelings of others and that Christian spirit which is a most important quality of any man's character.
WILLIAM H. THOMPSON.
When the tocsin of war was sounded, testing the spirit of patriotism in each citizen of the republic, William H. Thomp- son of Ottumwa was among the number who responded to the call, and for almost four years he was on active duty in defense of the stars and stripes, being present at Appomattox, when General Lee surrendered-the evidence of the fact that the war was over and the Union was preserved. For a long period Mr. Thompson was identified with building operations but is now living retired in Ottumwa, his home being at No. 424 North Birch street. He was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, about ten miles from the birthplace of President Mckinley, on the 14th of October, 1840, and was a lad of ten years when he was taken to Venango county, Pennsylvania, by his parents, William and Marilla ( Hart) Thompson. The father was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and died in Venango county in 1865, when sixty-five years of age. He was of Scotch descent and made farming his life work. His wife was a repre- sentative of an old Connecticut family, probably of English lineage. She was born near Hartford, Connecticut, and passed away in Venango county, Pennsylvania, in 1860, at the age of sixty years. In their family were seven children, of whom William H. was the sixth in order of birth. These were: Mrs. Lovisa Risher, now deceased; Ambrose, living in Mercer county, Pennsylvania; Newell, who has passed away; Porter, who served for about a year in the Civil war in the same com- pany as his brother William and is now deceased; William H.,
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of this review; Albert, who has departed this life; and one child who died in infancy.
William H. Thompson was reared upon the home farm, with the usual experiences of the boy who divides his time be- tween the work of the fields and the acquirement of a public- school education. On the twenty-first anniversary of his birth, October 14, 1861, he enlisted at Franklin, Pennsylvania, for service in the Civil war, joining Company I, Fourth Pennsyl- vania Cavalry, with which he served for three years and ten months, or until the close of hostilities, having in the meantime veteranized. He received a scalp wound, a minie ball grazing his head. He took part in seventy-four engagements and was present when General Lee handed his sword to General Grant at Appomattox, which was virtually the end of the war. When discharged he was acting as orderly sergeant. He could have had a commission but preferred remaining in the ranks, and on all occasions he proved his valor and loyalty, never faltering in his allegiance to the old flag and the cause it represented.
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