USA > Iowa > Wapello County > History of Wapello County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 8
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William S. Asbury spent his boyhood at home with his parents, who in 1876 had taken up their abode on a farm in Ringgold county, this state. In 1884, when eleven years of age, he went to South Dakota and in that state herded cattle. There being no school in the vicinity; he carried books and conned his lessons while seated on his pony and attending to his duties as a cattle herder. He returned to Iowa in 1890, locating in Ring- gold county, where he resided on a farm for two years. On the expiration of that period he entered a normal school, pursuing a general course in shorthand and typewriting. Subsequently he was employed by different firms at Sigourney, Keokuk county, as stenographer and bookkeeper, and later worked in a printing office, while in 1896 he became stenographer for Morris & Lowenberg, attorneys of Ottumwa. It was while in the service
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of this firm that he took up the study of law. In 1903 he became identified with the conduct of an institution for feeble-minded children at Glenwood, Mills county, Iowa, being placed in charge of the printing department. He remained at Glenwood until 1907, when he entered the Creighton Law School of Omaha. The following year he became a student in the law department of Drake University at Des Moines, from which institution he was graduated in 1909, being admitted to the bar in the same year. During the past five years he has followed his profession in Ottumwa, enjoying an extensive and lucrative clientage. He is remarkable among lawyers for the wide re- search and provident care with which he prepares his cases. At no time has his reading ever been confined to the limitation of the questions at issue. It has gone beyond and compassed every contingency and provided not alone for the expected but for the unexpected, which happens in the courts quite as frequently as out of them. Mr. Asbury has met with experiences of a varied nature in the course of his business career. For several seasons he acted as advance agent for a theatrical company and in that capacity visited nearly every state in the Union.
In 1905 Mr. Asbury was united in marriage to Miss Pearl V. Miller, a native of Mills county, Iowa, and a daughter of Clar- ence L. Miller. They have one child, Charlotte Lemoine. Mr. Asbury gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has attained an enviable position in the ranks of the legal fraternity in this part of the state and in professional and social circles alike has won a host of warm friends.
LESTER CHRISTOPHER HARDSOCG.
Lester Christopher Hardsocg, manager of the Hardsocg Manufacturing Company, is one of the younger business men of Ottumwa, but manifests a spirit of enterprise and progressiveness that has enabled him to rank in efficiency with many of much greater age. His birth occurred in Avery, Iowa, April 1, 1880, his father being Martin Hardsocg, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. In the common schools of Ottumwa the son began his education, which he continued through the
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high school and when his text-books were put aside he entered the employ of the Hardsocg Manufacturing Company and there learned the machinist's trade, remaining in the plant from 1899 until 1903. In the latter year he went to the Nicholls Manu- facturing Company, with which he remained as superintendent until 1906. He then returned to the Hardsocg Manufacturing Company and was superintendent until October, 1912, when he became manager, and is now bending his energies to adminis- trative direction and executive control. This is one of the im- portant productive industries of the city, and the business has been a source of material prosperity for Ottumwa as well as for the individual stockholders. Mr. Hardsocg is likewise a stock- holder in the Hardsocg Wonder Drill Company. He is wide- awake and alert-a typical young business man of the period, and his energy and determination have enabled him to overcome difficulties and obstacles, such as all meet in a business career, and work his way steadily upward.
On the 18th of June, 1913, Mr. Hardsocg was united in mar- riage to Miss Louise C. Rosenaur, who was born in Ottumwa, a daughter of John and Mary ( Kratz) Rosenaur, the former now deceased, but the latter still a resident of Ottumwa. Mr. Hardsocg holds membership in the First Methodist church and gives his political support to the Republican party, with which he has been connected since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He also belongs to the Country Club and has many friends both within and without that organization. His life has been one of intense and well directed activity and is proof of the fact that industry wins.
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JOHN BURNETT MOWREY.
Honored and respected by all, there is no man who has occupied a more enviable position in the financial and business circles of Ottumwa than did John Burnett Mowrey, not alone by reason of the success which he achieved but also owing to the straightforward business policy which he ever followed. He governed his conduct by the rules of strict, unswerving integrity and unfaltering enterprise, and his achievements rep- resented the fit utilization of his time, talents and opportunities. His efforts, too, extended beyond the bounds of Ottumwa and
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brought him into close connection with financial circles in other cities. A native of Knox county, Illinois, Mr. Mowrey was born on the roth of December, 1840, and the period of his boyhood and youth was spent upon a farm at the place of his nativity. He early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops, and he developed habits of industry and diligence which remained factors in his success throughout the remainder of his days.
On the Ist of March, 1866, Mr. Mowrey was united in mar- riage to Miss Adeline Plummer, and they began their domestic life in Knox county, where for three years thereafter they main- tained their residence. They then crossed the Mississippi into Iowa and made their way to Keokuk county in 1869, remaining there until 1877 when they removed to Ottumwa. Upon com- ing to Iowa they took up their abode upon a farm near Martins- burg and during the first winter after their arrival Mr. Mowrey engaged in teaching school. He afterward established a gen- eral store in Martinsburg, conducting the business for two years, during which period he met with excellent success. With- drawing from commercial pursuits, however, he turned his attention to the live-stock business, in which he engaged with his cousin, the late I. D. Mowrey, remaining active along that line for sixteen years. Mr. Mowrey was a stock buyer for the well known firm of John Morrell & Company for several years following the establishment of their plant in Ottumwa. He then reentered the commercial field by opening a hardware store in Ottumwa, which he conducted for one year. In 1890 he entered upon what proved a most successful connection with financial affairs, being elected president of the Ottumwa Na- tional Bank. On the organization of the Wapello County Sav- ings Bank, in 1897, he was elected its president and held both offices to the time of his death, wisely directing and safely guarding the interests of the two institutions and their deposi- tors. Beside filling the office as president of the two Ottumwa banks, he was the chief executive officer of four other financial institutions- the Blakesburg Savings Bank, the Batavia Savings Bank, the Hedrick State Bank and the Farson Savings Bank. In all of the cities in which these were located Mr. Mowrey was held in the highest regard both as a man and citizen.
In his political views Mr. Mowrey was a republican, and from 1887 until 1891 he served as a member of the board of supervisors of Wapello county, in which connection he ren- Vor II-6
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dered valuable service in behalf of public interests. He was also active and prominent in church work. In religious faith he was a Methodist and during his long residence in the city labored earnestly and effectively to promote the interests of his denomination. For several years he was superintendent of the Sunday school and did everything in his power to promote all the lines of church work and extend moral influence, which has led to the establishment of high standards among the people of this locality. He had a circle of friends that was almost coex- tensive with the circle of his acquaintance. He manifested unfeigned cordiality, was ever courteous, kindly and helpful and his example, both in his business and other connections, is one well worthy of emulation.
WILLIAM S. VINSON.
William S. Vinson, who has resided in Wapello county dur- ing nearly his entire life or for a period of forty-six years, has since 1890 been a member of the firm of Walter T. Hall & Com- pany of Ottumwa, wholesale manufacturers of confectionery. His birth occurred in Aurora, Indiana, on the 13th of June, 1866, his parents being Stephen and Cynthia (Chisman) Vin- son, who were likewise natives of that state. In 1868 the family home was established in Wapello county, Iowa, on a farm ten miles west of Ottumwa, where the mother died two years later. In 1870 the father took up his abode in Ottumwa, but the last fifteen years of his life were spent in Portland, Oregon, where he passed away on the 23d of September, 1910, at the age of sev- enty-eight years. Throughout the greater part of his active business career he worked as a stone mason and contractor. To him and his wife were born five children, as follows: Ella, who is the wife of W. E. Brown of Portland, Oregon; Emma, who gave her hand in marriage to W. A. Lawson of Portland, Ore- gon ; Minnie M., who is the wife of Walter T. Hall, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work; William S., of this review; and Carrie A., the wife of E. W. Simmons of Ottumwa, lowa.
William S. Vinson has resided continuously in Wapello county since brought here by his parents in 1868. He attended school until fourteen years of age and then secured employment
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as a messenger boy with the Western Union Telegraph Com- pany. Subsequently he became identified with the firm of Cock- erill & Hall, wholesale manufacturers of baking powder, extracts, teas and spices, with which establishment he has remained continuously to the present time, being admitted to a partnership in 1890. The business is now known as that of Wal- ter T. Hall & Company, wholesale confectioners. Mr. Vinson traveled in the interests of the concern for a period of seventeen years, selling goods both before and after becoming a partner. Since leaving the road he has devoted his attention to the manu- facturing end of the business and in this connection has con- tributed materially to its success and growth.
Mr. Vinson has been married twice. In 1890 he wedded Miss Lena Hammond, a native of Indiana, who died at Ottumwa in 1900. They had one son, Harold S., who is con- nected with his father's business. On the 3d of January, 1910, Mr. Vinson was again married, his second union being with Mae Martin, a native of Wapello county, by whom he has one child, Willa Mae. Mr. Vinson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is identified fraternally with the Benevo- lent Protective Order of Elks. He is known as a public-spirited and progressive man who has the welfare of the community at heart, and as the years have gone by he has won for himself a creditable position in business circles.
EDWARD A. SHEAFE, M. D.
Dr. Edward A. Sheafe, a worthy native son and prominent medical practitioner of Wapello county, has followed his pro- fession in Ottumwa for the past two decades with gratifying results. His birth occurred in this county on the 18th of Decem- ber, 1861, his parents being Edward A. and Margaret (Godfrey) Sheafe, the former a native of New Hampshire and the latter of Ohio. Edward A. Sheafe, Sr., made his way to California in 1850 and a few years later came to Wapello county, Iowa, being here joined in wedlock to Miss Margaret Godfrey, who had come to this county with a sister. He was successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits until the time of his death in 1876. His widow, who survives, makes her home with our sub- ject. She has an extensive circle of friends throughout the com-
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munity which has so long remained her home. Her children are four in number, as follows: Sarah, who is the wife of Wil- liam- C. Redmon of Upland, California; Edward A., of this review; Henry, who is now a resident of Foster, Iowa, and Joseph, a practicing physician and surgeon of Kansas City, Missouri.
Edward A. Sheafe has resided within the borders of this county from his birth to the present time. He supplemented his early education by a scientific course in the Iowa State Col- lege, from which he was graduated in 1888, and in 1894 the State University conferred upon him the degree of M. D. Through- out the intervening two decades he has followed his profession in Ottumwa, his practice steadily growing as he has demon- strated his skill and ability in coping with the intricate problems which continually confront the physician in his efforts to restore health and prolong life. He is a valued member of the Wapello County Medical Society, of which he has been secretary and president, and also belongs to the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
On the 14th of October, 1896, Dr. Sheafe was united in mar- riage to Miss Martha E. Harlan, a native of Wapello county and a daughter of J. A. Harlan, a pioneer settler of this county, who is now living retired in Ottumwa. Dr. and Mrs. Sheafe have four children : Martha Lucile, Bertha Harlan, Edward A., Jr., and Virginia Mildred.
Dr. Sheafe gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has done able service as a member of the board of education. He is a Royal Arch Mason and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, while his religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Christian church. He also serves as a director of the Young Men's Christian Association. Both Dr. and Mrs. Sheafe have always lived in this county and have long been num- bered among its most esteemed residents.
SENECA CORNELL.
Seneca Cornell is engaged in the general practice of law in Ottumwa, having been representative of the bar of this state for thirty-two years. His professional career has been characterized by continuous progress, and he has also won high honors and dis-
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tinction in political circles. His birth occurred in Jefferson county, Iowa, March 12, 1858, his parents being Washington and Sarah ( Wilson) Cornell. The father was a native of War- ren county, Ohio, and was of English lineage, his ancestors hav- ing come from England to the new world, at which time settle- ment was made first in Canada. After living for a time in War- ren county, Ohio, Washington Cornell came with his family to lowa in 1849, making the journey across the country in a covered wagon. They were en route for California, attracted by the dis- covery of gold on the Pacific slope, but one of their children was taken ill and by reason thereof they stopped in Jefferson county, Iowa. Pleased with the country and its prospects, they decided to remain, and Mr. Cornell there successfully engaged in farming for a number of years, but eventually retired and established his home in Fairfield, where both he and his wife spent their remaining days. They were the parents of five sons and two daughters, all of whom are yet living.
Seneca Cornell, who was the third in order of birth in the family of seven children, was reared upon the home farm in Jefferson county and supplemented his district-school education by study in Parson's College at Fairfield, but had to put away his text-books when twenty years of age owing to the temporary failure of his eyesight. When he had recovered sufficiently to resume his studies he began reading law with Hon. James F. Wilson, a United States senator, at Fairfield, and was there admitted to the bar in 1882. He then began the practice of law in Eldon, where he remained for nine years, and in 1891 came to his present office in the Odd Fellows building in Ottumwa, where he has since been located. He conducts a general law practice and is thoroughly well informed upon many depart- ments of jurisprudence. He prepares his cases with great thor- oughness and care, presents his cause clearly and cogently and his logical deductions and correct application of all principles to the points in litigation have been the source of his effectiveness as an advocate.
Mr. Cornell has always been a democrat since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and while living in Eldon he served as mayor of the city. He has always taken an active and helpful part in politics and is now a member of the congres- sional committee of the sixth district and is a candidate for the nomination for district judge. He was elected on the democratic ticket to the office of county attorney for six years and made an
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excellent record in that capacity, his course winning him much favorable comment, especially the able way in which he handled the John W. Junkins case, the defendant being afterward hung. While acting as county attorney Mr. Cornell was honored by election to the position of president of the State Association of County Attorneys. Steadily he has advanced in a profession where progress depends entirely upon individual merit, and, working his way upward, he is today recognized as one of the prominent lawyers not only of Ottumwa, but of his section of the state.
In 1885 Mr. Cornell was united in marriage to Miss Clara E. Caster, a native of Ottumwa, and a daughter of Dr. Paul Caster, one of the well known residents of this city. They have a son, Rolla Washington. Fraternally, Mr. Cornell is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Royal Arcanum, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and has been very prominent in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has been a member of the grand lodge and has been a colonel of the military rank of Odd Fellows. He is also one of the three trustees of the Odd Fellows Children's and Old Folks' Home at Mason City, and has been most active in promoting the work of the order, which is founded upon the spirit of helpfulness, and which inculcates high ideals of manhood. His life along many lines has proven one of usefulness and worth, and the majority of those who know Seneca Cornell entertain for him warm regard and respect.
CHARLES F. SHAW.
Charles F. Shaw, a photographic artist of Ottumwa, con- ducting a well equipped and liberally patronized gallery in this section, was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, October 3, 1873. He is a son of F. B. and Helen R. (Griffen) Shaw, both of whom were natives of Maine and were descendants from ancestors who came to America on the Mayflower. The father served his coun- try as a soldier of the Civil war, loyally protecting the interests of the Union, and after the cessation of hostilities he removed to Minneapolis, where he remained until 1877. In that year he he became a resident of Ottumwa and was the promoter of the Iowa Steam Laundry, which he operated for fifteen years, or until his life's labors were ended in death. He enjoyed the
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respect and good-will of his fellow townsmen, both as a business man and citizen. His widow survives and now makes her home with her son Charles F., their only child.
Charles F. Shaw supplemented his public-school education by a commercial course. He afterward took up the study of art and was connected with the Record Herald of Chicago for some time in a professional capacity. He then returned to Ottumwa and opened an art and photographic gallery, which he has since conducted. He does commercial work and is also connected with two railroad companies and does all the art and photographic work for various large concerns in Ottumwa. He has developed his latent powers and talents, and his ability has brought him to a position of distinction in this connection.
In 1899 Mr. Shaw was united in marriage to Miss Emma E. Hill, a native of Wapello county and a daughter of James Hill. They have become the parents of two children : Helen E., who is attending high school; and H. F., who is in the eighth grade. Mr. Shaw and his family occupy an attractive residence which he owns, and theirs is a hospitable home, its good cheer being greatly enjoyed by their many friends.
HENRY C. WILLIAMS.
Henry C. Williams, the owner of a large blacksmith shop in Ottumwa, has here been identified with the blacksmithing and machinist trades for about a half century and has won gratifying success in that connection. His birth occurred in Wapello county, Iowa, on the 22d of September, 1849, his parents being J. S. and Frances H. (Whitcomb) Williams, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They came to this country in 1843 and nine years later journeyed overland to Oregon by team, settling in Oregon City, where the father passed away in 1855. Subse- quently the widowed mother returned to Iowa with her family, locating in Ottumwa, where she made her home for more than a half century or until called to her final rest in 1911. Four of her five children survive.
Henry C. Williams has continuously resided in Ottumwa since seven years of age. He attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and when sixteen years of age began learning the blacksmithing trade, with which he has been
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identified continuously and successfully since, being now the owner of a large shop. An extensive patronage has always been accorded him, for he is widely recognized as a skilled and reli- able workman.
Mr. Williams has been married twice. In 1873 he wedded Miss Samantha Bizer, a native of Wapello county and a daugh- ter of O. P. and Margaret ( Booth) Bizer, who came to this county in an early day. The father is deceased, but the mother survives and makes her home here. Unto Henry C. and Sa- mantha (Bizer) Williams were born three children, namely : Margaret, Hester and Horace. The wife and mother passed away in 1882 and four years later Mr. Williams was again mar- ried, his second union being with Emma E. (Croll) Kirk, a - native of Marion county, Iowa, by whom he has eight children, as follows: Francis H., Emma K., Mary W., Charles B., Ruth E., Martha, Virginia and Edward O.
In his political views Mr. Williams is a democrat and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have chosen him for positions of public trust. He ably discharged the duties devolving upon him in the capacity of chief of police for a period of seven years and also acted as deputy sheriff, while for four years he served as a member of the city board of aldermen. For the past three years he has been one of the trustees of the city water works. He is identified fraternally with the Benevo- lent Protective Order of Elks, and his wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Williams is a man well liked and highly esteemed, and his efforts contribute substantially to the upbuilding and promotion of the interests of his community.
JAMES R. BURGESS.
James R. Burgess, deceased, was an active and influential citizen of Ottumwa and had the distinction of being the young- est man ever elected to the office of city councilman in the county. He was called upon to represent his district in the state legislature and did much in molding public opinion and in directing the destiny of the district in which he lived. He was born in Bullitt county, Kentucky, on the 5th of April, 1857, and when he was three years of age his father, John Burgess, re-
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moved with the family to Keokuk county, Iowa, where he fol- lowed farming. Two years later he went to Sigourney, Iowa, where he remained for ten years, and on the expiration of that period came to Ottumwa, where he resided to the time of his death. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary Car- lisle, was also a native of Kentucky and is now residing with a daughter in Oregon.
James R. Burgess was one of a family of five children, two sons and three daughters, three of whom are yet living, while a daughter and James R. have passed away. The latter was educated in the common schools until his father's removal to Ottumwa and here he pursued a course in a business college. He then embarked in the retail pump business and in 1882 ex- tended the scope of his activities by adding a stock of agricul- tural implements, buggies, etc. From a small beginning he constantly enlarged his business, owing to his capable manage- ment, enterprise and energy. Year by year his trade grew, and his business reached gratifying proportions.
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