USA > Iowa > Wapello County > History of Wapello County, Iowa, and representative citizens > Part 38
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bama, tearing up railroads and devastating the country as they went along. after which he re- turned with his regiment to Vicksburg and there remained until spring. They next moved to Mobile, Alabama, thence to New Or- leans and Dauphin Island. They took Fort Morgan, remained there for three weeks, and then took Spanish Fort, on Mobile Bay, and afterward Fort Blakeley. Mr. Coleman was wounded in the shoulder in the charge on Blakeley Island, and was incapacitated for further duty. For bravery shown at Fort Donelson he was breveted and made color ser- geant, and also mentioned for meritorious con- duct at Corinth and Vicksburg, and commis- sioned as captain. One of his comrades, James Height, who enlisted at the same time, also re- ceived the same recognition, and was commis- sioned captain for bravery. During his serv- ice he was never sick a minute, and was always on duty until discharged and mustered out, in July, 1865. He was granted a pension of $20 per month, which he still receives. Mr. Cole- man then returned to his home in Illinois, and again engaged in agricultural pursuits. He moved to Wapello county, Jowa, and in 1889 purchased his present farm in Center town- ship, of Catherine Keezel, whose father re- ceived the patent from the government. He built a model farm-house and barns and made other improvements. Ile has planted the farm to berries and has one of the finest berry farms in the county,-doing this branch of work as much for pleasure as a matter of business.
Mr. Coleman was united in marriage with
Mary Aklerdice in 1868, and to them were born six boys and two girls, of whom one daughter died at the age of four years. Politically he has always been a stanch Republican. In re- ligious views he is a Presbyterian. He has made his home in Wapello county since 1869, and has many acquaintances of long years' standing throughout this section of the state.
m ARK MANN, who is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in section 21, township 72. range 13. Wapello county, Iowa, is a veteran of the Civil War, and bears an honor- able record for service.
Mr. Mann was born in England, Novem- ber 6, 1827, and came to America in 1849. first settling in Pennsylvania. In 1854 he came west to Des Moines county, Jowa, where he remained eight months, then spent four years in Henry county, lowa, when he came to Wa- pello county, lowa, before the advent of the railroad in this section. Here he worked in- dustriously until 1862, when he enlisted in Company 1. 17th Reg., lowa Vol. Inf. His regiment went to Benton Bar, thence to Pitts- burg Landing, where a severe battle was fought, his regiment being used as a reinforce- ment. They went to Shiloh, and then to Cor- inth, being in an almost continual fight around that place. They fought the army of General Price, at luka and Corinth, and then went to Holly Springs, Mississippi, in pursuit of the Confederates. Finally the regiment was given
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HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
a rest in guarding a railroad for about six weeks. Then it was sent to Memphis, Helena, the Yazop River, Milliken's Bend and down through Louisana to Grand Gulf. They then participated in the engagement at Champion hills and in the siege of Vicksburg,-their divis- ion and General Logan's having the honor of taking the city when General Pemberton sur- rendered. After remaining there for two months they went to Helena, Memphis and Chattanooga, having marched over 400 miles through the enemy's country. They next took part in the engagement at Missionary Ridge, after which they wintered in Alabama. There Mr. Mann re-enlisted in the service, and was put on provost duty. He was subsequently in the battle of Resaca, after which they went to Tilden, Georgia, and for eight hours held the entire army of General Hood at bay, but the Union force was finally surrounded, cap- tired and sent south, where for many weeks they were nearly starved in prison. The Con- federate authorities have been greatly censured by many for the ill-treatment of prisoners, but Mr. Man's view is that there were extenu- ating circumstances, the Southern soldiers hav- ing barely enough to keep themselves from starving. After confinement in the South for six months he was paroled, and wass mustered out in June, 1855. Hle now receives a pen- sion of $24 per month.
Upon the close of the war he moved to the vicinity of Agency. Wapelo county, and in August following moved to the neighborhood of Ottumwa. His farm is under a high state of cultivation, and planted largely to grapes
and small fruit. In politics he is a strong Democrat. Religiously he is inclined to be liberal.
In 1852 Mr. Mann married Susanah Dwire, of Somerset county, Pennsylvania. by whom he had seven children, viz: Ebenezer, cleceased: Rebecca (Cool) ; Isaac: James, de- ceased; Edward, deceased; Agnes; and Mary.
HOMAS TRAUL, who is located on section 32, township 72. range 13. Center township. Wapello county, lowa, purchased this farm of 43 acres of his father's estate twenty years ago, and has since been one of the representative farmers of the township. He was born in Holmes county, Ohio, in 1833, and is a son of Daniel Traul.
Daniel Traut was born in Pennsylvania, of German parentage, and moved to Ohio at an early day, there learning the trade of a wheelwright. In 1840 he moved west to Van Buren county, lowa, and three years later to Wapello county, lowa, where in 1851 he en- tered the land now occupied by his son. It was then bottom land along the Des Moines River, and for many years was nothing more than grass land. But as the country became settled, the bed of the Des Moines River changed and the land became as fertile and productive as any in the county. As the river overflows its banks each spring, it keeps the land in excellent condition, its fertility being evidenced by the fact that in 1901 an average-
J. B. MOWREY.
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of 34 bushels of winter wheat to the acre was harvested. Mr. Traul spent the declining years of his life in Ottumwa, where he died in 1884. at the age of seventy-seven years.
Thomas Traul was seven years of age when he came with his parents from Ohio to Van Buren county, lowa. His educational ad- vantages were very limited, but he was pos- sessed of good natural ability. At an early age he was engaged in the winter in hauling logs that had been floated down the Des Moines River in the spring, the logs being floated down what is now the main street of Ottumwa. In 1854 he drove four yoke of oxen across the great western plains for Charles Dudley, and upon arriving in the West engaged in freight- ing. After a time he went to the mines and worked until 1859. when he made the return trip across the plains. The wagon train met with many trying experiences and narrowly escaped disaster at the hands of the Indians. The Omahas and Pawnees engaged in deadly battle with the Sioux, Snakes, Crows and Shawnees, having met them when intending to attack the whites. Owing to the disagree- ment which brought about the fight. the party of which Mr. Traul was a member was saved. .A very curious incident of this trip was the manner in which they were supplied with fresh butter. They took several cows with them. and the night milk was used, but the morning milk was placed in a vessel and attached to a wagon, the jar of the wagon churning the butter. Mr. Traul has a nugget of gold which he found in the mines; it is worth $31, and is now being used by his wife as a breastpin. He
also found a piece of quartz in the same way, worth $1.ooo, and this he also brought home with him. Since returning he has been en- gaged in agricultural pursuits, and for the past twenty years has been located on his present farm. He is a good business manager, and has laid by a handsome competency.
Mr. Traul has been married three times, and had to children by his first wife, of whom two are living. Sarah ( Brown) and John. To the third wife one child was born, Ivory G. Mr. Traul is inclined to be liberal in his re- ligious views.
B. MOWREY. one of Ottumwa's most substantial citizens, whose por- trait is herewith shown. is president of the Ottumwa National Bank, and of the Wapello County Savings Bank. Both are in a prosperous condition, as a result of their excellent management, and are among the most stable institutions of this section of the state. Mr. Mowrey was born in Knox county, Illinois, in 1841, and is a son of John and Eleanor ( Burnett ) Mowrey.
John Mowrey was born in Richland county, Ohio, and at an early age moved to Knox com- ty, Illinois, where he died in early manhood. His union with Eleanor Burtnett was blessed by the birth of seven children, three of whom are now living.
J. B. Mowrey obtained his education in Knox county, Ilinois, and started in life for himself by carrying on farming on the ok!
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HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
homestead, from 1800 to 1871. He then moved to Martinsburg, lowa, and was engaged in stock-buying for sixteen years. In 1877. when the John Merrell & Company, Ltd., packing house was established here, he located in (t- timmwa. lle was the buyer for that company until 1888, and in 1889 was engaged in the hardware business. In 1800, he was elected president of the Ottumwa National Bank, and has been at the head of that institution since that time. When the Wapelle County Saving's Bank was organized, in 1897, he was made its president, and fills that fice at the present time. Ile is a Republican, in politics, and was a member of the county board of supervisors from 1887 to 1891. In 1800 he was jo ined in the bonds of matrimony with Adeline Pluim- mer.
The Ottumwa National Bank was organ- ized in 1882, having been promoted by Hon. J. G. Hutchison, Captain C. P. Brown, Thomas D). Fester. J. T. Hackwerth, Albert G. Harrow. Daniel Ze Hers. J. C. Jordan, J. C. Osgood, C. O. Taylor, and J. Loomis, Is capital stock wis Sico,oco. Hon. J. G. Hutchison served in the capacity of president until January 1, 1890. when J. B. Mowrey was elected his successor. Captain C. P. Brown was its first cashier. and he was succeeded, in turn, by . A. Il. Bayson, M. B. Hutchison, C. E. Bond, and L. E. Stevens. The bank has never missed paying a dividend and has a surplus and undivided profit account of $52.779.52. The following comparative statement of the reports to the comptroller of the currency about May I, of the years named, shows the wonderful growth of this institution.
Year.
Deposits.
Loans.
Total Assets.
$123,571.28
$151,195.59
$219.332.12
189]
211.307.19
255. 216.99
3 1.61.05
1 595.
2215.388.53
257.895.36
361.591.29
1901.
532,608,50
18.565.19
The present directors of the bank are J. T. Hackworth, Albert G. Harrow, Thomas D. Foster, D. A. La Force. W. B. Searle, E. John- sen. Joseph Harmon, John B. Dennis and J. B. Mewrey.
IRAM T. BAKER, one of the lead- ing agriculturists of Center township. Wapello county, lowa, is located on section 31. township 72, range 13. where he owns a tract of 50 acres which has been in the family since 1862. He was born in Warrick county, Indiana. November 24. 1841. and is a son of J. G. Baker, and grandson of John Baker.
John Baker was of Scotch-Irish descent. and came to this country just previous to the Revolutionary War, in which he took sides with the colonists. He was but sixteen years of age and, owing to his recent arrival, was dressed as an English boy by the general and sent out to get valuable information. + These excursions of his were always attended by great danger, and he met with many thrilling experiences. Upon one occasion he and cight other scouts, all well mounted, were sent out to get information from within the English lines. Catching sight of a "Red Coat," they proposed his capture, and, suiting the action to the word. they spurred their horses and were led into an ambush of 40 men.
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The only alternate to hopeless fighting was to surrender, and this they would not do. Every brave man of the party was killed but Mir. Baker and one noble comrade. The latter was mounted on a thoroughbred horse and after passing the enemy's line could easily have dis- tanced them, but the former, being on a slower horse, proposed to get off and trust to his feet for escape. The gallant comrade objected to this and instructed Mr. Baker to ride to the left, and he would draw the fire to himself until the latter could escape, and would then trust to the fleetness of his horse for his own escape. This ruse was successful and they both returned to headquarters. This is but one instance of the great dangers he encoun- tered and the valuable work in which he was engaged. The only relic the family now pos- esses of this gallant old soldier is the old chair in which he sat during the late years of his life while relating his interesting experiences.
T. G. Baker was born in Warrick county. Indiana, and came to Wapello county, lowa. in October, 1844. Hle located just north of the cemetery, and awaited the opening of the land granted By the government. He then entered a piece of land seven miles from Oi- tumwa and remained there until 1856, when he removed to Ottumwa because of the educa- tional advantages that city would afford his children. In 1862 he purchased the home farm in section 31, township 72, range 13. Center township, but lived in Ottumwa until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy- three years.
Iliram T. Baker was but three years of age when his father came to lowa, and here he was reared and schooled. After attending the pub- lie schools for a time he entered a select school and attended it for five years. He then be- came identified with his father in the hotel business in Ottumwa, and in 1862 located on the farm, to which he succeeded as owner. The place was at that time wholly unimproved, hav- ing only a log house rpon it, which was re- placed by a good frame house. 24 by 34 feet. in 1869. A good barn, a granary and other buildings necessary to successful farming were erected, and it is now one of the best improved farms in its section of the county. He also built another house on the farm for a son, but nw resides in it himself. He engages in general farming and stock-raising, with great sticcess, his preference being for Shorthorn cattle.
Mr. Baker was united in marriage with Harriet A. Hull, and they had four children : J. G., who was born in 185 9, and died of quick consumption at the age of eighteen years ; Jesse B .. a farmer, aged thirty years, who is also a painter and paper hanger : Rheda, who is twenty-six years old: and Hiram 1 ... an elec- trician, working for John Morrell & Com- pany. Limited, who is twenty -two years of age. Mr. Baker was a member of the M. E. church for twenty-eight years, and very active in church work, but, believing the U. B. church more scriptural, he joined that and became an active local preacher. Largely through his efforts the church membership has been greatly
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increased, and he has accomplished a great deal of good. In politics he has always been a Democrat, but has taken no active part in political affairs.
ENRY MONTAGNE is probably the largest dairy and garden farmer of Wapello county, lowa, and has an excellent farm of 245 acres in section 1. township 71. range 14. He is within easy access of Ottumwa, to which city he makes daily trips and disposes of his milk and garden truck. lle has led a frugal and industrious life, and his affairs are in a very prosperous condition.
The name Montagne indicates French de- scent, but. if so, such descent goes farther back than he has any knowledge of. His parents were Germans and he was born in Oldenburg, Germany. He came to this country when young, and worked at day labor, saving what he could of his earnings until he was able to purchase So acres of the farm on which he now lives. He first engaged in general farm- ing. and continued it until 1887, when he en- gaged in dairying and gardening on a small scale. His success was such as to warrant him in increasing his business in that line, and he now has about 45 head of milch cows, and de- votes about to acres to gardening. He built one of the largest and best arranged barns in Wapello county and, as his business grew, en- larged his holdings and now has 245 acres of land. He has good buildings for the protec-
tion of his stock, and his farm is a model of convenience in every respect. He erected a large tank, which is filled by a windmill, and the water is conveyed through pipes to his barn, hog-lot and chicken yard, as well as to his house. He is thoroughly practical in all that he does, and is a firm believer in modern methods for saving unnecessary labor. . 11- though he is now in a position to retire from active work, if he chooses, the thrift of the German race is in him, and he works from early morning until night. In 1886, wishing to return to his fatherland and visit the com- panions of his early days, he went to Germany, accompanied by his wife, who is also a native of that country, and his son. They spent a few weeks very pleasantly, and then became restless to return to the farm and pleasant home so far away. Mr. and Mrs. Montagne have one son, John Louis. He is a man of many excellent traits of character, and has made friends of all with whom he has been brought into contact, both in business and so- cial relations.
ARTIN B. HUTCHISON, one of the most progressive and enter- prising of Ottumwa's business men, is cashier of the First Na- tional Bank of the city, and is closely identified with many of the enterprises which have added materially to the growth and wealth of the community. fle was born in Blair county, Pennsylvania, in 1861, and is a son of Joseph and Mary ( Scott) Hutchison.
HON. H L. WATERMAN.
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Joseph Hutchison was an active and suc- cessful business man and was engaged in the coal and real estate business. Ile was also a large brick manufacturer, and had extensive farming interests. He was a stanch Republi- can in politics. He died in March, 1900, at the age of seventy-three years, at his winter home in Eustis, Florida. His widow, who now resides at Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, at the age of seventy years, is a native of that state. They reared four daughters and two sons, as follows: Annetta R. (Wilson), of Shenandoah, lowa; Mary, who is at home: James, of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania; Mat- tie, who is at home: Mrs. M. R. Alexander, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania ; and Martin B. Two daughters, Ilester and Jennie, died in infancy.
Martin B. Hutchison was practically reared at Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, and later at- tended college at Easton, Pennsylvania, for two years, taking a classical course. In 1882 he came west and located at Ottumwa, chiefly because his cousin, Capt. J. G. Hutchison, was located here. He first entered the Ottumwa National Bank, of Ottumwa, as collector, and the year following became assistant cashier. Ile was later advanced to the position of cash- ier, which he retained for about four years, when, in the spring of 1891, he resigned on ac- count of ill health, and spent one year in Chi- cago recuperating. In March, 1892, he re- turned to Ottumwa and accepted the posi- tion of cashier of the First National Bank, which he has since filled in a highly satis- factory manner. Ile is treasurer and di-
rector of the People's Building & Loan Association, which he, in connection with J. F. Deams, of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad established. He is caslı- ier of the Union Trust and Savings Bank, a department of the First National Bank, estab- lished in 1898, of which he was one of the fore- most promoters. He is treasurer of the local li- brary association, and a trustee of the First Presbyterian church, of Ottumwa. He has al- ways been active in promoting the best inter- ests of the city, and stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens.
Mr. Hutchison was united in marriage in 1888, with Inez Jordan, a daughter of W. A. Jordan, deceased, who was the head of the firm of W. A. Jordan & Sons, dry goods and clothing merchants, of Ottumwa. This busi- ness was established as early as 1867 or 1868, and is now conducted by the two sons, J. C. and J. W. Jordan. Mr. Hutchison and his wife have two children: Margaret E., born June 10, 1889 ; and Mary Elizabeth, born Feb- ruary 20, 1897. The subject of this sketch owns a comfortable home in the city, situated at No. 320 Washington street. He is a Re- publican in politics and fraternally is a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias and the Ma- sonic fraternity.
5 ON. H. L. WATERMAN, a distin- guished citizen of Ottumwa, lowa. whose portrait is herewith shown, was born in Croydon, New Hamp- shire, November 19, 1840. His parents were
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HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
Lyman and Lucy (Carroll) Waterman, who were natives of Vermont and New Hamp- shire, respectively. His father died in 1846. and his mother in 1860.
II. L. Waterman's life was spent on the farm, in Vermont and New Hampshire, until he was seventeen years of age, when he went to California and remained there for three years. He was first on a farm and then taught school for two years. He received his early mental training in the common schools, and for two years was a student in the Lawrence Scientific School of Harvard University, where he became proficient as a civil engineer. He served one year as a private and non-com- missioned officer in the 47th Reg., Mass. Vol. Inf., and one year as a lieutenant in the ist Reg., N. Y. Vol. Engineers. After the war le came to Iowa, in September, 1865, and be- gan work as a civil engineer in the construc- tion of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, from Ottumwa westward, and was engaged thereon until the completion of the road to the Missouri River, in 1869. He came to Ottumwa in January, 1870, and served as city engineer one year. In 1871 he was in charge of the construction of a road from Han- nibal to St. Louis, and in 1872 had charge of the construction of what is now the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, between Ot- tumwa and Sigourney. From 1873 to 1878 he was engaged in business in Ottumwa, and in 1879 as city engineer. He served as mayor of Ottumwa from 1880 to 1884, and from the latter date to the present time has been
general manager of the Wapello Coal Com- pany, as well as its vice-president.
Mr. Waterman was united in marriage to his present wife, Alice Hill, a native of Ot- tumwa, in 1879. By a former union with Georgia Hammond, who died in 1870, he has a son, Philip H., who is now superintendent of the Wapello Coal Company. Mr. Water- man is not formally connected with any church, but attends the First Methodist Episcopal church of Ottumwa. He is a Mason and a member of the Grand Army of the Re- public. In politics he is a Republican. He was twice elected an alderman, and four times mayor of the city of Ot- tumwa. He was elected to the state sen- ate in 1893, and served in the 25th and 26th general assemblies, and in the special session that revised the code in 1897. Mr. Waterman was a member of some of the principal com- mittees in the senate, and was influential in securing the passage of several important measures. He is a clear and forcible speaker, and was one of the most prominent members of the upper house.
W. ENOCH, formerly a county at- torney of Wapello county, Iowa, is one of the leading members of the bar of this county. He was born at Rising Sun, Indiana, and is a son of B. M. and Caroline (Bonnell) Enoch.
B. M. Enoch was a native of Ohio, and
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became a boot and shoe merchant ; at one time he was a pilot on the river. Hle and his wife were the parents of three children,-two daughters and a son. One daughter died at the age of six or seven years, and the other came west, married a son of Major McKee. of Clark county, Missouri, and is now also deceased.
.A. W. Encch lived in his native county un- til he was thirteen years of age, when he ac- companied his family to Illinois, and later to lowa. They located at Carthage, Illinois, where he attended school, and at the age of six- teen years he decided to prepare himself for the legal profession. He was admitted to the bar in Illinois before the supreme court of that state when but twenty-one years of age. Ile practiced alone at Carthage for one year. and then removed to Afton, lowa, where he practiced for several years, forming a partner- ship with AAttorney P. C. Winter. 1le came to Ottumwa in 1801. and has since had a suc- cessful business here. Mr. Enoch served as county attorney of Wapello county for two terms of two years each. having been elected . to that office in 1896. He has occupied his present excellent suite of offices in the Baker Block for some years past.
Mr. Enoch was united in marriage with Emma Bagg. a daughter of Ralph Bagg, and a relative of Judge Sylvester Bagg, of the Towa bar. This union is blessed with two children: Albert B. and Clara B., both of whom are attending school. Politically the subject of this sketch is a Republican. His father was an old soldier, and served as a
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