USA > Iowa > Wapello County > History of Wapello County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 39
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
551
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
1848, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Wapello county. Something of the frontier condition of the district is indicated in the fact that Mr. Bennett was able to enter land from the government and secured a tract in Richland township just north of the farm upon which W. H. Bennett now resides. His place comprised one hundred and twenty acres, a part of which is still in possession of the family. He at once began the development of the place, upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made, and continued to cultivate his land until his death, which occurred in 1861. His wife long survived him, passing away in 1909 at the age of eighty-four years. In their family were nine children: Margaret, who married F. L. McNair, but both are now deceased ; Catharine, who is the widow of J. M. McNair, a brother of F. L. McNair, and now makes her home in Montana; Jane, who became the wife of M. E. S. Rubel, but is now deceased; Charles P., living in Eddyville; Melissa, also a resident of Eddyville; W. H., of this review; Eliza, the wife of George W. Thompson of Ottumwa; Lucy, the deceased wife of J. S. Chandler; and George J., who is located on a part of the old homestead in Rich- land township.
W. H. Bennett has spent his entire life in Wapello county and for three years was a resident of Ottumwa. He started out to earn his own living when a youth of fourteen and took up the confectionery and bakery business, which he learned in Fair- field, Iowa. He followed that pursuit through the summer months for several years. He afterward became connected with coal mining, operating a local mine. He built two different homes in Ottumwa for himself and for three years worked for the Wapello Coal Company in conducting a store. His busi- ness activities have, on the whole, been crowned with success, and he is the owner of sixty acres of rich and productive land, situated on section 20, Richland township. He rents his land and is now living practically retired. He does not have very good health, so he takes life easy, his former industry and careful management having brought to him capital sufficient to enable him to do this. He has made judicious investments in other lines of business and is now the vice president of the Chillicothe Sav- ings Bank, of which he has been a director since its organiza- tion and vice president almost as long.
In December, 1873, Mr. Bennett was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Brown, a native of this county and a daughter of
552
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
Thomas Brown of Kirkville. She died in 1877, leaving a daughter, Blanche, the wife of H. E. Pope of St. Louis, Missouri. In 1883 Mr. Bennett wedded Mattie E. Shepherd, who was born in Harrison county, Ohio, August 4, 1859, and came to Iowa with her parents, William and Elizabeth Shep- herd. Her father is now deceased, but the mother resides with her children. In his political views Mr. Bennett has always been a republican since old enough to vote, and he has held a number of township offices, including that of trustee. Frater- nally he is connected with the Masons and exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft, to the teachings of which he has ever been loyal.
THEOPHILUS REED.
Theophilus Reed is successfully engaged in the grocery busi- ness in Kirkville, having built up an establishment which reflects credit upon his business ability. He was born in Ohio, June 1, 1855, and is a son of John and Henrietta (Van Buskirk) Reed, natives of the Buckeye state, who in 1865 came to Wapello county and located on a farm in Columbia township, where they made their home until their deaths, the father passing away in 1900, and the mother in 1910. In their family were seven chil- dren : Osborn, of Los Angeles, California; Charles B., of Bird City, Kansas; Theophilus; Martha A., deceased; B. L., of Missouri; James M., of Richland township; and John F., of Ottumwa.
Theophilus Reed was reared on the parental farm and in the acquirement of his education attended the schools of the neigh- borhood. He remained at home, assisting his father until twenty- two years of age, when he accepted work in driving a dairy wagon, so continuing for one and a half years. He thence moved to Agency and for four years was there established in the grocery business, selling out at the end of that time. For the next two years he acted as bailiff and then was for two years employed in a clerical capacity in Kirkville. At the end of that time he joined the staff of the Hightman Coal Company, with whom he remained for four years, returning to Kirkville at the end of that time. He established himself in the grocery business in Kirkville and has since built up a profitable trade, showing busi-
553
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
ness ability and careful and judicious management. He follows fair methods and is always obliging to those who patronize his store.
In 1882 Mr. Reed married Miss Belle A. Owens, who was born in this state and was a daughter of John J. and Martha A. (Powell) Owens, the father born in Kentucky, and the mother in Virginia. Both came to this state at an early age and both passed away here. Mrs. Reed was one of a family of four chil- dren and became the mother of two children: Harry, who resides in Richland township; and Gladys, a graduate of the high school, residing with her father. Mrs. Reed, who was a devout member of the Christian church, died in 1911, finding her last resting place in the Kirkville cemetery.
Mr. Reed is a democrat and takes an active interest in his party's affairs. He is serving at the present time in the capacity of mayor of Kirkville and is doing everything in his power to further the progress of the town. He has also for fifteen years been a notary public. Fraternally he is a member of Camp 4186 of the Modern Woodmen of America and has served as clerk of the lodge since 1896. He owns two residences and his store building in Kirkville and also holds title to a residence in Ottumwa. He is respected as a business man and has many friends in his community, all of whom speak of him in highest terms of appreciation.
HARRY E. WARDER.
An excellent farm of two hundred and thirty-eight acres in Pleasant township is the property of Harry E. Warder and pays to him substantial tribute in good crops for the care and labor which he bestows upon the place. He was born in Pleasant town- ship, December 11, 1881, and is a son of M. C. and Nancy (Carson) Warder, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Wapello county. Iowa. The father was but a year old when brought to this state by his parents, and since that time has lived continuously in Pleasant township, Wapello county, where he still owns and occupies an excellent farm.
Harry E. Warder was one of a family of eleven children, and his youthful days were spent in a manner similar to the others of the household, his educational training being received in the
554
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
district schools, while his father's instructions and practical experience made him acquainted with all of the departments of farm work. He has never sought to change his occupation, for he finds it profitable and congenial. He continued to assist his father until after he had attained his majority and then purchased the farm upon which he now resides, comprising two hundred and thirty-eight acres, all in Pleasant township, on sections 16 and 17. He has improved this property with fine buildings, and the farm presents a most attractive appearance owing to the neatness and thrift which pervade the place and the excellent crops which are annually gathered.
In his political views Mr. Warder is an earnest democrat and is now filling the office of township assessor, having acted in that capacity for four years, his duties being discharged with prompt- ness and fidelity. He belongs to Olive Branch Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M., and to Farmers Lodge, No. 198, I. O. O. F., having filled all of the chairs in the latter organization. He is in hearty sympathy with the teachings of these two fraternities and in his life exemplifies their beneficent principles and high purposes.
F. M. EPPERSON.
F. M. Epperson, cashier of the Manning & Epperson State Bank at Eddyville, figures prominently in business circles in Wapello county, and he is equally well known in public connec- tions, having been called upon to fill various offices of honor and trust, the duties of which he has faithfully discharged. He was born in Pulaski county, Kentucky, November 14, 1841, a son of Anderson Epperson, whose birth occurred in eastern Tennessee in 1814 and who died in Pulaski county, Kentucky, in 1881. He made farming his life work and thus provided for his family, which numbered seven children, although F. M. Epperson is the only one now living. The mother bore the maiden name of Lockie Coomer and was a native of Virginia, but, as indicated, the family resided for a number of years in Pulaski county, Ken- tucky, where she passed away in 1853.
F. M. Epperson pursued his education in the public and select schools at Mill Springs, Kentucky. After his mother's death, which occurred when he was but twelve years of age, he made his home with friends. Later he took up farming in Ken-
Fim Epperson
1
557
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
tucky, where he resided until February, 1861, when he came to Iowa, settling on a farm in Marion county. The following year, however, he put aside all business and personal considerations to respond to his country's call for troops, enlisting as a member of Company D, Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry. He was in the army for three years and for ten months was held as a prisoner of war at Tyler, Texas. He participated in all of the engagements in which his regiment took part, including many hotly contested battles, and was mustered out August 24, 1865, some months after the actual close of hostilities, returning to his home with a most creditable military record of which he has every reason to be proud.
When F. M. Epperson put aside the nation's blue uniform for civilian's dress and resumed the duties of private life he came to Eddyville, where he engaged in clerking in a wholesale gro- cery house for two years. He then accepted a clerical position in a dry-goods establishment, in which he was employed for two years, and in 1871 he formed a partnership with Edwin Manning for the conduct of a general mercantile establishment. That relation was maintained until Mr. Manning's death. In 1902 the Manning & Epperson State Bank was organized and incor- porated although since 1878 the firm had been engaged in the banking business in connection with their mercantile interests. Mr. Epperson has since been identified with the banking busi- ness, a period of thirty-six years, and at the present writing is cashier of the bank, which is one of the most substantial institu- tions of this part of the state. He is thoroughly acquainted with every branch of the banking business, and his enterprise and progressiveness, tempered with a safe conservatism, have been the salient features in his prosperity.
Not alone in business lines has Mr. Epperson figured prom- inently but also as a leader in public connections. He has been mayor of the city, a member of the city council and city treasurer, and in 1879 he was elected to represent his district in the general assembly, where he made such a creditable record that he was reelected in 1881. He was again chosen to that office in 1904, when he became a member of the thirty-first general assembly. and while in the house he took an active part in shaping im- portant state legislation, seeking ever the welfare and upbuilding of the state and the advancement of the best interests of the com- monwealth. For the past thirty-eight years he has been treasurer of the independent school district.
Vol. II-27
558
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
On the 8th of June, 1875, Mr. Epperson was united in mar- riage to Miss Louise O'Hara, who was born in Wisconsin, July 7, 1852, a daughter of Samuel and Louise (Mayhan) O'Hara, both of whom are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Epperson have been born three sons: Frank, who is now vice president of the bank; Elbert M., an engineer on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; and Arthur B., who is principal of the high school in Albia.
Mr. Epperson and his family attend the Congregational church, in which the parents hold membership. His political support has always been given to the republican party, and with firm belief in its principles he has never faltered in his allegiance thereto. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree, and has also crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has been treasurer of the Workmen lodge and of the Masonic lodge and in fact has held all of the chairs in the local Masonic organization. His life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft, which is based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. His salient traits of char- acter are those which win commendation, and his good deeds have been many, while his worth is acknowledged by all with whom he comes in contact. To know Mr. Epperson is to esteem and honor him and he has a wide acquaintance in this county and throughout the state, where he has lived continuously for more than forty-eight years.
W. B. BONNIFIELD.
Time gives the perspective which places each event of history and each character that has figured in connection with public life in its true relation to the whole. As the years pass on and one does not have to look at a close range he sees the true relation of a fellowman to his hour. Judged in this way the fame of W. B. Bonnifield is even more pronounced. His life was the expression of high purposes and of noble principles. He neglected no duty whether of a public or private character, and at all times was faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation. He figured for a long period as one of the leading bankers of
559
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
Wapello county, organizing the First National Bank in 1863, and remaining its president until his death, which occurred August 9, 1908.
Mr. Bonnifield had passed the eighty-first milestone on life's journey when called to the home beyond. A native of Virginia, he was born in Randolph county on the 23d of February, 1827, and was a little lad of ten years when the family home was estab- lished in Jefferson county, Iowa, the father securing a farm nine miles east of Fairfield. There both parents passed away in the spring of 1841, W. B. Bonnifield being then but fourteen years of age. He continued upon the home farm until he reached the age of twenty, and during that period he was a pupil in the dis- trict schools through the winter months. The little "temple of learning" was a log building with greased paper windows, slab seats and other primitive furnishings. The school session con- tinued for about three months a year, and during the remainder of the time Mr. Bonnifield was busily engaged in the work of the fields. The limited school advantages which he received did not satisfy him, however, and, accompanied by his two younger brothers, he entered Iowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant, studying there for a year and a half. The three brothers then matriculated in Allegheny College at Meadville, Pennsylvania, to which point travel was usually by boat on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers to Pittsburgh and thence by canal to the destination. In the year in which the brothers went to the east cholera was prevalent, and not wishing to become victims of the disease they tramped across the prairies of Illinois to Chicago, carrying their luggage with them and occasionally assisted by a passing farm wagon, a ride being offered them by the farmer or else allowed them for pay. The Michigan Southern extended eastward from Chicago, but travel by rail was more expensive than by water, and the three boys, now footsore and weary, took passage on a steamer for Erie, Pennsylvania, which was forty miles from their destination. They experienced seasickness, however, and at Cleveland left the boat, preferring to walk the remaining ninety miles to Meadville rather than shorten their tramp by continued lake passage to Erie. Two and one-half years were spent in college, at the end of which time their finan- cial resources were exhausted, and finding it necessary to immediately begin earning his living, W. B. Bonnifield went to Kentucky, where he taught school for a term of five months, expecting as soon as he had money enough to resume his college
560
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
course. His work as a teacher was so satisfactory, however, that his wages were increased from time to time and he remained in Kentucky for nearly two years.
The country was still in the throes of excitement over the gold discoveries in California, and in 1853 Mr. Bonnifield with his four brothers started for the Pacific coast, traveling across the plains with ox teams. Mile after mile they crossed the hot sands or traveled over the mountain passes, at length reaching the western coast. W. B. Bonnifield was then engaged in mining and in stock-raising in northern California until 1860. He did not win wealth, but obtained a fair competence during that period, and on again proceeding to the middle west he settled at Ottumwa, lowa, where in October, 1861, in partnership with his two brothers, he embarked in the private banking business under the firm style of Bonnifield Brothers. With the passage of the national banking law he organized the First National Bank of Ottumwa in October, 1863, securing charter No. 107, this being the first national bank organized west of the Mississippi. The new institution was capitalized at sixty thousand dollars, with George Gillaspy as president and W. B. Bonnifield as cash- ier. Ere a year had passed, however, the latter was promoted to the presidency, and so continued until his death, with the exception of two years. The bank weathered all the financial storms which at times threatened the business stability of the country, and growing steadily and surely increased the capital stock in 1891 to one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Five hundred thousand dollars has been paid in dividends to the stockholders since the organization. Mr. Bonnifield watched every indication pointing to success, formed his plans readily and was determined in their execution.
Other business interests also profited by his co-operation and the soundness of his judgment. He was president and treasurer of the lowa Central Coal Company at Oskaloosa for one year and for six years was treasurer of the St. Louis & Cedar Rapids Railroad Company, at the end of which time the road was merged into the Milwaukee System. 1le was active in organiz- ing the Ottumwa Water Power Company, and for eight years directed its policy as its president. He extended his efforts into the financial field in 1898, when he became one of the organizers of the Union Trust & Savings Bank, capitalized for fifty thousand dollars. 1ts promoters were the same men who organized the First National. In 1870 the officials of the latter erected a bank
1
561
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
building which was destroyed by fire in 1880, and in 1881 they rebuilt at the corner of Main and Market streets. While he was still living a contemporary biographer wrote of him: "W. B. Bonnifield has been an important factor in the building up of Ottumwa; he has all the time been a banker, bringing to the business his native good sense as well as that financial education that comes to those who are accustomed to handling the money of others ; he has never aspired to office, but steadily kept in view the interests of those who confided in him as a financier, and has so managed the affairs of his bank that at no time has it been in peril, or even threatened with peril. In the exercise of these functions he has had the accustomed experience of bankers, and yet with all of his conservatism there has never been a day or an hour that he has not been ready to aid all legitimate enter- prises that have been calculated to advance the interests of Ottumwa, materially as well as morally. He has, at the risk of loss, been a fearless advocate of temperance, and in every way he has thrown his influence in favor of things that contribute to good rather than to evil. In all the public movements for charity the name of W. B. Bonnifield has been among the foremost in contributing to relieve the woes of others, whether at home or abroad."
On the 28th of July, 1862, Mr. Bonnifield was united in marriage to Miss Alcinda Innskeep, a native of Hillsboro, Ohio, and they became the parents of a son, William B., and two daughters: Mary, who is now the widow of Frank C. Hormel and makes her home in Boston, Massachusetts; and Lizzie, the wife of F. W. Simmons of Ottumwa.
The son was born June 30, 1874, and had for fifteen years been associated with the First National Bank at the time of his father's death. He then succeeded to the presidency and is still holding that position. He was educated in the common schools of Ottumwa, in the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illi- nois, and in Princeton University. Immediately after leaving school he entered the bank and is now not only president of the First National, but also of the Union Trust & Savings Bank and vice president of the City Savings Bank. He has become con- nected with financial affairs elsewhere and is president of the Kirkville Savings Bank and president of the Hiteman Savings Bank. He is also vice president and a director of the American Mining Tool Company. He is likewise interested in farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of thoroughbred Shorthorn
562
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
cattle and Percheron horses. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and his religious faith is that of the Congre- gational church. Fraternally he is connected with the Wapello Club and the Country Club.
On the 27th of December, 1899, William B. Bonnifield mar- ried Miss Lizette Near, who was born near Racine, Wisconsin, a daughter of Mrs. Mary E. Near, her father having died in her infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Bonnifield have become the parents of four children, Mary Alcinda, West Benson, Margaret and Edward Baker.
No history of Wapello county would be complete without extended reference to the Bonnifield family, because of the active and important part which father and son have taken in the busi- ness life of the community, and in support of its public welfare. W. B. Bonnifield, Sr., was indeed a worthy and honored pioneer resident of Ottumwa. His enterprise made him a leader and not a follower of men. He marked out paths which others have pur- sued, and his efforts were a most vital and far-reaching element in advancing the progress and upbuilding of the section in which he lived. No history of Wapello county would be complete without his record.
JUDSON E. MULLENIX.
More than a century ago George Washington said that agri- culture is the most useful, as well as the most honorable, occupa- tion of man, and the truth has been verified throughout all the ages which have since run their course. Iowa, through the enter- prise and industry of its citizens, has become one of the leading agricultural states of the Union, standing foremost in the produc- tion of corn. Among those who contribute to its well-earned reputation in this respect is Judson E. Mullenix, who was born September 22, 1865, in Highland township, within the borders of which township he still makes his home, living on section 7.
His parents were Thomas and Lydia S. ( Leggett) Mullenix, natives of Ohio. The father was born in Cincinnati, August 16, 1839, his parents being Thomas and Mary (Lynch) Mullenix, who were natives of Kentucky, in which state they were reared and married, removing thence to Cincinnati. In 1852 they came
563
HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
to Wapello county, settling in Highland township, and soon after- ward both passed away in Adams county. Thomas Mullenix, Sr., made farming his life work. In their family were seven children, including Thomas Mullenix, father of Judson E. Mul- lenix, who accompanied his parents to Iowa in 1852 and spent his remaining days upon a farm in Highland township. There were no spectacular phases in his life record and no exciting chapters, but in his history there is something of interest to all who care for those things which make for upright manhood and for good citizenship. He stood for that which is progressive in public affairs and sought ever the moral as well as the material benefit of the community. He passed away December 1, 1898, in the faith of the Baptist church, of which he had long been a member, serving as one of its deacons for many years. His polit- ical indorsement was given to the republican party. On the 25th of September, 1862, he married Lydia S. Leggett, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, February 3, 1841, and was brought to this county in 1853 by her parents, Sutton and Mary (Green) Leggett, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Brooke county, West Virginia, respectively. They spent their remain- ing days in Wapello county, Mrs. Leggett passing away February 22, 1884, at the age of seventy-four years, while the father died July 9, 1859, at the age of fifty-eight years. He made farming his life work and thus provided for the support of his family of nine children. Since her husband's death Mrs. Mullenix has remained in this county, and now makes her home with her son Charles in Highland township. By her marriage she became the mother of six children: George, a resident of Highland town- ship; Judson E .; Elfa Belle, who died in childhood; Charles, living in Highland township; Ella, the wife of Elijah Russell of Mahaska county ; and William R., of Highland township.
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.