USA > Iowa > Wapello County > History of Wapello County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 33
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
In his wide acquaintance with climatic conditions in all the states, he expresses a love for autumn days in lowa that strikes a responsive chord in the hearts of the people in the Hawkeye state.
"Give me Autumn days in lowa when the leaves are tinged with gold,
When Summer heat has vanished and before the Win- ter's cold.
When the rich rewards of harvest have been gathered in the bins,
Ere the cold November rains or Equinoctial winds.
Every day is sunshine, every day is fine,
It's the best of any climate, it's the best in any clime,
It's the grand finale of the seasons and is actually sublime."
He is a lover of the rod and reel and considers the black bass the most gamey of all the finny tribe. Along with his love for the angler's sport runs a vein of humor often manifest in a good
458
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
story and which occasionally finds vent in lines like his "Odelet to Spring."
AN ODELET TO SPRING. "When you see a robin workin' At a nest up in a tree, And ye hear the bluebirds chirpen In such a merry glee, It's time to go a fishin'; That's how it 'pears to me.
When the forest leaves are shootin', And the lilac is in bloom, When the birds begin to twitter, And sing their happy tune; It's time to go a fishin'; Or will be purty soon.
When the tater patch is planted, And the peas begin to sprout, When the dandelion's in blossom And the angle worm comes out ; It's time to go a fishin', If ye know what ye're about.
When the bee begins to bumble, And the fly begins to buzz, When the frog begins a croaken And the 'skeeter calls ye cuz ; If ye haven't been a fishin', Ye surely wish ye wuz.
When the carpet needs a beaten And is hangen on the line, When the garden needs a weeden, Then a feller hasn't time; 'Cause he wants to go a fishin', When the weather's gettin' fine.
P. S. I have owed this ode to spring nigh on fifty years."
In 1881 Mr. Reece was united in marriage to Miss Clare A. Houke, who was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, March 15, 1857, and departed this life in Ottumwa, September 17, 1908.
459
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
She was a daughter of Henry Houke, who was killed in the battle of Fort Donelson while serving in the Second Iowa Regi- ment during the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Reece had two children: Harlan M., who is now secretary of the company of which his father is president, and Carroll M., who is an under- taker and is assistant to C. T. Sullivan of Ottumwa.
Mr. Reece gives his political allegiance to the Republican party and in 1908 was a presidential elector, on which occasion he cast his vote for Taft. He served as a member of the city council in Ottumwa in 1889-90 and has been chairman of the Republican County Central Committee and of the judicial com- mittee. He holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of America and has been a delegate to the various state meetings of that organization. He has proposed a plan for settling the rate question in that order that bids fair to be adopted by the entire organization. This plan was printed in the "Modern Woodman" of May, 1914. It has for its object the full and complete payment of death losses without creating a permanent reserve fund. The method is to collect from each member the necessary even per cent on his assessment of each dollar or major fraction of a dollar to restore to the benefit fund any shortage of the previous month. It is said to be the only plan whereby a fraternal society can, on a low rate, guarantee to pay every death loss in full. He belongs to the Commercial Asso- ciation and is interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of city and county. His life has been an eventful, active, busy and useful one, bringing him to his present position as one of the leading and representative business men of Ottumwa.
WALLACE R. UMBAUGH.
Wallace R. Umbaugh, living on section 4, Highland town- ship, has been a lifelong resident of this county, for his birth occurred August 22, 1881, in the township where he still makes his home, his parents being Hampton H. and Mary A. (Doak) Umbaugh. The father was born in Ohio, November 8, 1844, and the mother's birth occurred in Virginia, March 7, 1846. She was eleven years of age when she came with her parents to Wapello county, the family home being established here in
460
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
pioneer times. Her father, Robert Doak, purchased the farm now occupied by Wallace R. Umbaugh in 1858, being the second man to receive a deed to the place. He resided in Highland township until his death and for a long period was well known as a representative agriculturist and honored citizen. Hampton H. Umbaugh came to Iowa with three brothers. He was but seven years of age when he lost his father, and he had a hard time through the period of boyhood and youth, for he was entirely thrown upon his own resources and worked for small pay, having little opportunity for advancement along any line. Industry and determination, however, at length triumphed over difficulties and obstacles and gradually he won success, eventu- ally becoming the possessor of a competence that now enables him to live retired. He and his wife have spent the last three years in Hedrick. To them were born three children: Daisy, the wife of Burt De Selm, living in Highland township; Wal- lace R .; and Iva, who died at the age of seventeen years.
Wallace R. Umbaugh has spent his entire life in Highland township and since reaching the age of three has lived con- tinuously upon the farm which is now his home, on section 4. In the pursuit of his education he attended the Hedrick high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1902, and in 1903 he pursued a business course in Ottumwa. He then began farming on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres owned by his parents. This farm lies in the center of section 4, con- prising forty acres on four different quarter sections, and the house stands in the center of the farm. The place is well improved and presents a neat and attractive and thrifty appear- ance. The buildings are substantial, everything about the place is kept in good repair and the farm is divided into fields of con- venient size by well kept fences, within the inclosure of which are harvested each year good crops of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate.
On the 12th of June, 1907, Mr. Umbaugh was united in mar- riage to Miss Jennie Burdette, who was born in Davis county, Towa, September 8, 1882, a daughter of William Burdette. Two children have been born of this marriage: Hampton Bur- dette, who died at the age of four months; and Daisy Helen, born May 12, 1910. The parents rank among the well known young couples of Highland township and are cordially received into the best homes of the locality. In politics Mr. Umbaugh is a democrat and for the past four years has been assessor of his
461
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
township, discharging his duties with the same spirit of fidelity and loyalty that he manifests in every relation of life. Fra- ternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World. He represents two of the old families of the county and in this dis- trict, which has long been the family home, his worth as a citizen is widely known, his support of worthy public measures being always to be depended upon.
L. H. WHITE.
L. H. White, who is now living retired on his farm in Com- petine township, devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and is still the owner of four hundred acres of valuable land on sections 9, 16 and 17. His birth occurred in the state of New York on the 21st of March, 1851, his parents being Samuel and Sarah (Agard) White, who were likewise natives of the Empire state. They came to Wapello county, Iowa, in 1867 and took up their abode on the farm which is now in possession of our subject, continuing to reside thereon throughout the remainder of their lives. The father, a tanner and shoemaker by trade, followed those occupations successfully for a period of forty years.
L. H. White, the only child of his parents, was a youth of sixteen when the family home was established in this county. He attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and remained with his parents until they passed away. He con- tinued the operation of the home farm throughout his entire business career and still resides on the property, but is now liv- ing retired in the enjoyment of a comfortable competency. His holdings embrace four hundred acres of productive land on sec- tions 9, 16 and 17, Competine township, and he is widely recog- nized as one of the prosperous and esteemed citizens of the community.
In 1874 Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Hawthorne, who was born in Competine township in 1857, her parents being Reid T. and Mary J. (Reed) Hawthorne, natives of West Virginia. They were married in that state in 1841 and came to Wapello county, Iowa, in the early 'sos, spend- ing the remainder of their lives on a farm in Competine town- ship. The father passed away on the 22d of April, 1884, while
462
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
the mother was called to her final rest on the 27th of September, 1901. They had ten children, six of whom still survive and one of whom now resides in Nebraska. Our subject and his wife are the parents of two children. Charles A., born July 29, 1875, attended the Iowa State College at Ames and is now one of the prosperous agriculturists of Competine township. Leona W., who also enjoyed the advantages of a college education, is the wife of R. W. Spears and now makes her home in South Dakota.
Mr. White is a republican in politics and has held the office of township clerk and also that of school director, ever discharg- ing his public duties in a prompt and efficient manner. Both he and his wife are devoted and consistent members of the Bap- tist church, exemplifying its teachings in their daily lives. The period of his residence in this county covers forty-seven years, and he has long been numbered among its substantial and respected citizens.
J. M. ABERNATHY.
J. M. Abernathy, living on section 19, Richland township, is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of Wapello county and has spent almost his entire life in this county, with the history of which he is therefore familiar, having been a witness of its development, growth and progress through sixty-two years. He was born in Richland township, July 8, 1852, and is a son of John and Lucy (Shaffer) Abernathy. The father was born in Virginia, October 9, 1796, and when seven years of age went to Ohio with his parents. He afterward made his way to Indiana and subsequently to Iowa, arriving in this state in 1848, the family home being established at Agency. In 1850 he removed to Richland township, settling upon the farm where the birth of his son J. M. occurred. There he continued to reside through- out his remaining days, passing away when in his seventy-fifth vear. The mother was born in Virginia and died at the age of fifty-five. She came to Iowa with her parents about 1845 and settled in Richland township, where her remaining days were passed. On the 12th of October, 1851, she became the wife of John Abernathy, who had been previously married. His first wife was Catharine Nonkester, whom he wedded on the 12th
!
--
ـساء
J. M. ABERNATHY AND FAMILY
PAUL ABERNATHY
467
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
of May, 1818, and who died on the 2d of August, 1851. The children of his first marriage were: Catharine, William, George, John, Mary, Lydia, Martin, Martha, James, Henry and Andrew. By the second marriage there were born five children : J. M .; Elias, living in Washington; Mrs. Sarah Catharine Warren, of Missouri; Francis Marion, whose home is in Chari- ton, Iowa; and Randolph, living in Kansas.
J. M. Abernathy has spent his entire life in Richland town- ship, save for three years passed in Monroe county, Iowa, just previous to his marriage. He has always carried on general agri- cultural pursuits and is the owner of one hundred and seventy- four acres of rich and productive land, while his wife owns one hundred and twenty acres, Mr. Abernathy operating both farms. He carries on general farming and also makes dairying a special feature of his place. For this purpose he keeps a high grade of cows and his dairy products are clean and sanitary. In fact, every feature of his business is well managed and his farm pre- sents a neat and attractive appearance.
On the 16th of March, 1877, Mr. Abernathy was married to Miss Sarah A. Comstock, who was born in Richland township, July 27, 1859, and has always resided in Wapello county. Her father, Dr. A. B. Comstock, was born in Dayton, Ohio, March 1, 1818, and the mother's birth occurred at-Sweet Home, Mis- souri, July 2, 1821. There she resided until her marriage, on the 17th of June, 1838, and about 1843 Dr. and Mrs. Comstock removed to Iowa, where he entered a quarter section of land in Richland township. The farm which he there secured re- mained their place of residence until they were called to the home beyond, the death of the father occurring September 4, 1890, while his wife survived until August 23, 1900. He was a graduate from a school of medicine in Ohio and continued in active practice throughout his entire life, in addition to which he managed his farm. In following his profession he rode over the country for a radius of twenty miles. Moreover, he was a prominent and influential citizen in other connections and was the first member of the state legislature from Wapello county. His early political support was given to the whig party and upon its dissolution he joined the ranks of the new republican party, with which he afterward voted. In the Comstock family were twelve children: Francis J., who enlisted from Wapello county and served as lieutenant in the Civil war, his home being now in Richland, Missouri; James H., who enlisted at Pine Vol. II-28
1
468
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
Bluff, Arkansas, at the age of seventeen years for service in the Civil war; Chloe J., who became the wife of Hank Shields and is deceased; Henry, who died in childhood; Alanson B., de- ceased; Mrs. Frances Melvina Williams, of Bradyville, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Ellen Johnson, deceased ; Louisa, who died in child- hood; Clara Ann, who died at the age of fifteen years; Mrs. Abernathy; Benjamin Butler, deceased; and one who died in infancy.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Abernathy have been born eleven chil- dren : Sarah Anna, living at Bancroft, South Dakota; Francis J., whose home is in Richland township; Chloe Belle, the wife of Carl Fairchild, of Mora, Minnesota; Melvina May, the wife of William Holland, of Bancroft, South Dakota; Augustus Hamilton, of Richland township; Carrie E., the wife of James Guthrie, of Richland township; Houston, Lucy and Ruby, at home; Paul, who died at the age of eight years; and Theodore Roosevelt, at home.
The name of the youngest child indicates the political alle- giance of the father, who has always voted with the republican party, and who on several occasions has been called to town- ship offices. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows and in religious faith is a Presbyterian. His has been a well spent life, honorable and upright in all of its connections, and in business affairs his enterprises, close application and in- dustry have constituted the secret of his growing and substantial success.
HENRY G. TRUE.
So prominent has Henry G. True been in Eddyville that his life activity has become an integral part of the history of his city. He was for many years engaged in commercial pursuits and is now a prominent figure in banking circles as one of the organ- izers of the Eddyville Savings Bank, of which he is now the president. Another notable fact of his career is that he was a valiant and valorous soldier during the Civil war, and he has every reason to be awarded the proud American title of a self- made man. Ohio claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Tuscarawas county, November 6, 1843. His parents were John D. and Jane ( Dalby) True, natives of Maryland and
469
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
of Pennsylvania respectively. They were married in Carroll county, Ohio, and for a time resided in Tuscarawas county, where the father followed the trade of a carpenter and joiner. In 1853 he came to the west, settling in Monroe county, lowa, and the following year he removed to Wapello county, where he remained until his death. He always carried on carpentering and was closely identified with building operations in this section until his life's labors were ended.
Henry G. True was a young lad of about nine years when he accompanied his parents to Iowa and in the public schools of this county he pursued his education. After his text-books were put aside he worked with his father at the carpenter's trade and was also employed at farm labor. He had no special advan- tages at the outset of his career, but has worked his way steadily upward and persistency, energy and honesty have been salient features in his record. In 1854 he became a resident of Eddy- ville, where he has now made his home for sixty years save for the period which he spent at the front during the Civil war. In July. 1862, he enlisted as one of the boys in blue, becoming a member of Company D, Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry. He was mustered in at Keokuk and thence went to St. Louis and on to Helena, Arkansas. He participated in the battle of Helena on the 4th of July, 1863, and also took part in the siege of Vicks- burg. He then returned to Helena and went with Steele to Little Rock and on to Camden and to Pine Bluff, taking part in all the military movements of that campaign. He served with the rank of corporal and was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, when hostilities between the two sections of the country ceased.
When the war was over Mr. True returned home and turned his attention to commercial pursuits, embarking in the grocery business at Eddyville, conducting the store for forty years. In 1906 he retired, and in 1909 he assisted in organizing the Eddy- ville Savings Bank, of which he was one of the board of directors. Two years later he was elected president and is still at the head of the institution, which is one of the strong financial concerns of the state of Iowa. Mr. True ably directs its policy and con- trols its activities. He possesses excellent executive ability, and his sound business judgment is the basis of his growing success.
On the Ist of November, 1866, Mr. True was united in mar- riage to Miss Susan McWilliams, who died in 1873. In 1876 he married Jeannette Lafferty, who passed away in 1887. There
.
470
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
were three children of that marriage : Helen, the wife of Theo- dore Inskeep of Ottumwa, Iowa, by whom she has two children, Betenia and Rosemary; Clara, the wife of Arthur H. Lattimer of Eldora, Iowa, by whom she has two children, Gayle and George A .; and Jeannette, the wife of C. S. Foster of Guthrie Center, Iowa, by whom she has two children, John W. and Cedric T. Having lost his second wife, Mr. True was married in 1890 to Miss Linnie Weber, who died in December, 1898, leaving a son, Marion G., who was graduated from the Eddy- ville high school with the class of 1914. The family attend the Congregational church.
Mr. True gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a strong believer in its principles, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He has served in some local positions, however, to which he has been called by his fellow townsmen who have high appreciation of his worth and ability. He has been a member of the city council and for more than a quarter of a century was a member of the school board, serving for ten years of that time as its president. He is a gentle- man of the old school. The attainment of wealth has in no way warped his kindly nature, and he judges his fellowmen by genuine character worth. His home is a haven of hospitality and he and his family rank very high socially. What he has accomplished places him among the leading and honored citi- zens of his county, and he is recognized as one who has wielded a potent influence in shaping the material, intellectual and moral progress of the community.
FRANK D. BAKER.
Among the successful farmers of Richland township is Frank D. Baker, who owns one hundred and eighty-one acres on sec- tions 26, 35 and 34, Richland township, all of which is in a high state of cultivation. He gives also considerable attention to stock-raising. He was born in Richland township, October 24. 1860, and is a son of L. Taylor and Jane (Hill) Baker, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of England. The paternal great-grandfather, John Baker, was a cavalryman in the Revolutionary war. The parents of our subject made their entrance into Wapello county in 1844 and settled on the farm
471
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
which our subject now owns. There the father pursued agricul- tural labors until his death, passing away in 1900, his widow fol- lowing him in 1911. His first house was a log cabin, and the family lived in that primitive way for several years. In his later years he operated a flour mill in addition to his farm. He and his wife had six children: W. J., of Oklahoma; Sarah, who married D. W. Terrell of Virginia; John H., of Wapello county ; Minerva, deceased ; F. D., of this review; and Eunice M. Jane (Hill) Baker taught the first school in Richland town- ship, giving to the children of the pioneers instruction in the branches of knowledge which best fitted them for life.
F. D. Baker has remained upon the homestead practically all his life. He early began to assist his father with the work of the fields and when he reached his majority rented the home- stead, later acquiring title thereto. He has always followed the most modern methods and has proven himself progressive in many ways, having adopted a number of valuable innovations which have increased the productivity of his fields. His build- ings are in good condition and he has installed a valuable lot of farm machinery. He specializes in raising horses and also feeds cattle and hogs for the market.
On November 16, 1887, Mr. Baker married Miss Ellen Neil, who was born in Ottumwa and is a daughter of Daniel and Eliza. (Wilson) Neil, the former of England and the latter of Ireland. They came to America with their respective parents when they were yet small children. The father first located in Ohio, but in 1853 came to Iowa, where he was engaged in the draying business in Ottumwa until the Civil war. He enlisted with the Iowa Seventh Cavalry and participated in the frontier fighting with the Indians for about three years. He then returned to Wapello county, buying a farm in Green township, and there he lived until his death in 1887, his widow surviving him until 1894. In their family were seven children as follows : William J., of Ottumwa; James A., deceased; Margaret, the wife of J. C. McCune; Mrs. Baker; Hugh, deceased ; Daniel, of Oklahoma; and Elizabeth, who resides in Ottumwa. Mr. and Mrs. Baker were the parents of six children, of whom five are living: Maude E., a graduate of the Ottumwa high school in the class of 1908, who married Albert R. Bluhm; L. Taylor, who graduated from the Ottumwa Commercial college, at home ; Jessie M., a graduate of the Ottumwa high school in the class of 1911, who resides at home and is now engaged in teaching;
472
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
Margaret M., attending high school; and Daniel Neil, who is a student of the same institution. William F. has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the Presbyterian church and the former serves as one of the trustees. Politically he is a democrat and at present renders valuable service as township trustee, while in former years he served as a school director. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellow's, belonging to Lodge No. 101, and also belongs to Ottumwa Lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America. He has many friends in Richland township, all of whom esteem him for his high qualities of character and because he is a useful and public- spirited citizen.
JOHN C. BONHAM, M. D.
Dr. John C. Bonham, a well known physician and surgeon of Ottumwa, has followed his profession in this city continuously for the past twenty-three years and has been accorded an exten- sive and gratifying practice. His birth occurred in Lancaster, Wisconsin, on the 17th of June, 1859, his parents being John J. and Mary (Wright) Bonham, the former a native of West Virginia and the latter of Missouri. John J. Bonham, who was born on the 4th of January, 1827, and followed contracting and building throughout his active business career, passed away at Bloomington, Wisconsin, July 15, 1897, when seventy years of age. His widow survives and makes her home in Lancaster, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. John J. Bonham were the parents of four children, as follows: Roxie, who is the wife of L. D. Hol- ford, of Tulare, California; Bartie, who gave her hand in mar- riage to Walter Bennett, of Odebolt, Iowa; John C., of this review; and Stella, the wife of Davis Newman. The first repre- sentatives of the Bonham family in this country were three brothers of the name who came from England in 1632, settling at Plymouth, Massachusetts. The sons of these brothers grew to maturity and scattered over the eastern states. A Bonham of this line was governor of South Carolina, and prior to his elec- tion to that office was chosen as a general in the Confederate army. One of his sons was chosen state senator and still practices law at Anderson, South Carolina. Several uncles of our subject participated in the Revolutionary war, the Bonhams being rep-
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.