USA > Iowa > Wapello County > History of Wapello County, Iowa, and representative citizens > Part 41
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P ATRICK WARD, a farmer of Keo- kuk township. Wapello county, lowa. is the owner of 200 acres of valuable farming land in that county. He was born in County Longford, Ireland, March 10. 1863, and is a son of Michael and Mary ( Kernan) Ward.
Michael Ward was a native of Ireland. from which he never emigrated. He was a farmer by occupation, and his death occurred in
the winter of 1901, when he had attained the advanced age of ninety-five years. Nine chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ward, and their names are as follows Thomas; Francis. who is a Catholic priest, stationed at Iowa City; Michael, of Des Moines, lowa: Patrick, the subject of this sketch : John : Matthew : Cather- ine: Annie; and a child who died in infancy. The Ward family were devout members of the Catholic church.
Patrick Ward came to America. in 1884. and landed at Castle Garden, New York City. There he remained for about one week, when he visited some relatives. He next removed to Ottumwa, lowa, where he was employed by a harness-maker in South Ottumwa. He had served several years of apprenticeship at this trade in his native country. He worked for this harness-maker one year, and then en- tered the employ of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Company, working between Grand Island. Nebraska, and Deadwood, South Dakota. Returning to Ottumwa, he was employed by John Morrell & Company. Ltd., in their packing house, remaining with them. however, only a short time as he had decided to try his luck at farming. He first worked on the farm, which is now his home. and which formerly belonged to his father-in- law. Luke O'Brien, and then consisted of but Tto acres. Mr. Ward has gradually increased the number of acres, until he is now the owner of 200 acres. This land is a very valuable for farming purposes, and is devoted to general farming. Mr. Ward also raises considerable stock, and has met with good success in his undertaking. He raises an average of from 00 to 75 head of cattle each year.
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In 1887, Mr. Ward was united in marriage with Margaret O'Brien, a daughter of Luke O'Brien. Eight children have blessed this union, namely : Annie and Mary, twins ; Lor- etta ; Maggie: Francis; Rogina; Luke; and Nellie. The two last named are deceased. The family attend the Catholic church, of which they are devout members. Mr. Ward is a Democrat in politics.
ESLEY A. BUCHANAN, who comes of a prominent okl family of Wapello county, lowa, is a well known farmer of Keokuk town- ship. He was born on his present farm, Janu- ary 6, 1862, and is a son of Samuel and Lu- cinda (Shaw ) Buchanan, and a grandson of Samuel Buchanan, who resided in Indiana at the time of his death.
Samuel Buchanan was born in South Caro- lina and was very young when brought to In- diana, where he was reared and schooled. Be- fore reaching his majority he commenced trad- ing with the Indians in Indiana, and bartered with the Pottawattomies for some time, which he found a very lucrative business. He was married there and settled on a farm which he cultivated until he came to Wapello county. lowa, in 1855. He located in Cass township, where he rented a farm and coal bank, which he oper ited about six years. He rented land until 1871, when he moved to Keokuk town- ship and purchased 160 acres of land .- 80 acres of the Mathews heirs and the remaining So of the Litchfields. This property he
farmed until his death on January 18. 1898, at the age of eighty-seven years. He was very successful in business, and during his many years' residence here made many warm friends. Ile married Sarah Toler, by whom he had five children, as follows: Nancy J .; George W .: Margaret : Sarah A. ; and Amanda. After the death of his first wife he married Lucinda Shaw, by whom he also had five children : Wesley A .: Ella; Martha: Cordie May; and Amice. In religious belief he was a Methodist. In politics he was a Republican, and was hon- ored with several township offices.
Wesley A. Buchanan attended the common schools of Keokuk township, and has always lived on the old home farm. Since his father's (lemise he has had entire charge of the farm. and is doing well. He is a very progressive man and a prosperous future is predicted by those who are familiar with his qualifications, and his honest and upright methods of doing business. He is unmarried, and his devoted mother keeps house for him. In politics he is a firm supporter of the principles advocated by the Republican party. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica.
OHN M. WINTE. This gentleman occupies a high place among the fore- most farmers of Wapello county. lowa. He is at present living on a farm in Keokuk township. He was born Jann- ary 8. 1854. on the present home farm, and is a son of Daniel and .inn ( Fife ) White.
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Daniel White and his wife. both natives of County Cork, Ireland, came to this country in 1836,-landing at New Orleans. There Daniel, in company with his brother Edward. engaged in public contracting work. and Daniel remained there until 1847. He then located in Keokuk township. Wapello county, Iowa, where he purchased land, which com- prised the west half of the northeast quarter. the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter and the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 28, township 71, range 13. This farm is now owned jointly by three mem- her- of the family, and 100 acres of the land are kept under a high state of cultivation. Mr. White died here in .August. 1898, aged eighty- nine years. He was one of the most prosper- ous men in the community. To his union with Ann Fife the following children were born : Mary .A. and Margaret. deceased : Nora, Tim- othy. deceased; John M .: Johanna: Cath- arine : and Edward, deceased. Mr. White was a Democrat in politics. Both he and his wife were faithful members of the Catholic church. His wife died in 1890. aged seventy-nine years.
John M. White, the subject of this sketch. attended the district schools of his native town- ship. and with the exception of nine years spent in Omaha, Nebraska, where he was fore- man of the Union Pacific Railroad machine shops, he has always resided in Wapello coun- ty. He learned the trade of a machinist in Creston, lowa, and in 1881 went to Omaha. held a position four years, when he returned to Ottumwa and with his two sisters, Nora and
Johanna, engaged in the hotel business, the hotel being the "Commercial." In 1898 he ended his career as a hotel keeper, and returned to the farm. lle is engaged in general farm- ing and feeds as many as 20 head of stock. Ile is a faithful worker and takes much pride in the improvement of his home.
In 1900 Mr. White married Elizabeth Fee- han, a daughter of Bartholomew Feehan, who was born in Ireland. Bartholomew Fechan came to America and settled in Center town- ship. Wapello county, lowa, where he is now living. Mr. and Mrs. White have one child. John Michael, born September 23. 1901. In political views Mr. White is a Democrat. Re- ligiously he is a faithful member of the Cath- olie church.
RANK STEVENS, a prosperous farm- cr of Keokuk township, Wapello county, lowa, was born in Herkimer county, New York. September 6. 1840, and is a son of Charles and Elizabeth ( Witherstine) Stevens, both descendants of Dutch ancestry.
Charles Stevens remained in the Empire State throughout his life. following the trade of a carpenter, in connection with farming. He was also a tavern keeper during the early days of stages. He and his wife became the parents of to children. as follows: George ; Nancy: William; Frank; James: Margaret ; | Jane: Darius; Charles; and Edward. In re- ligious belief they were Lutherans, while politi-
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cally the father was a stanch supporter of Dem- ocratie principles. He died about 1861, at the .age of fifty-three years, and his widow died in 1879.
Frank Stevens attended the public schools of Herkimer county, New York, and while the Civil War was in progress moved to Ohio, where he accepted a position as foreman in con- struction work on the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad. Ile remained with that company seven years, at the end of which time he en- gaged in the same capacity with the North Mis- souri Railroad Company, whose road afterward became a part of the Wabash system, in whose employ he remained for five years. Later he was made foreman of a construction crew on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. and continued with that company until 1881. While working for that company in Des Moines he and his crew were taking gravel from a bank and unearthed the remains of Chief Mahaska. whose identity was established by a medal which they also found. The medal bore the inscription .- "Presented to Chief Mahaska by J. Q. Adams in 1825." It is said he was mur- dered by neighboring tribes for making a treaty of which they were not in favor. In 1881 Mr. Stevens engaged with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company, and worked in Colorado and New Mexico. He had previ- ously purchased a farm in Davis county, lowa. which he leased, and in 1892 he settled per- manently in Wapello county. He had previ- ously lived in Ottumwa while in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy and Wabash Railroad companies. He and his son jointly
own 360 acres of land, formerly owned by Will- iam Page. This is one of the best farming properties in the county, and is devoted to gen- eral farming and stock-raising. It is well im- proved in every respect, and is supplied with an abundance of pure water.
In 1862 Mr. Stevens was united in mar- riage with Maria MeMarra, a native of Ireland, who came to New York when nine years of age. Her grandfather fought throughout the Revo- lutionary War, under General Schuyler. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens became the parents of two children, both of whom are living: James F., a record of whose life also appears in this vol- ume ; and Emma, who married Hiram Lester, of Keokuk township, by whom she has two chil- dren-Frank and Gertrude. In political belief the subject of this sketch is a Democrat.
AMUEL DIMMITT, one of the pros- perous young farmers of Highland township, Wapello county, lowa, was born October 25, 1866. on the farm where he now lives, which is situated in section 33. Highland township. He is a son of Ben- iah and Elizabeth ( Padgett ) Dimmitt.
Samuel Dinmitt was reared and schooled in his native county, and AAugust 29, 1895, was married to Louise Schertz. Her father, Jos- eph Schertz, came from Germany, and settled in Dahlonega township, Wapello county, in 1854. He still lives on the farm which he bought at that time, and owns 220 acres. He was born in 1812, and is still very vigorous,
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both mentally and physicially. He married Phoebe Ritter, who was born in Germany. March 6, 1837. This couple were married since they settled in lowa, and 13 children re- sulted from their union. Of these, they reared 11, namely: Philip: Catherine: Theresa : Tillie : Elizabeth, who died in 1895; Phoebe : Joseph: Louise; Caroline: Flora Belle: and June May.
Samuel Dimmitt and his wife are the par- ents of five children, whose names are : Harry ; Austin : Hazel: Rex Urban ; and Louise. Mr Dimmitt has a well stocked farm. and is one of the rising young farmers of the township. Hle raises a high grade of cattle and horses. Mr. Dimmitt is a brother of Beniah Dimmitt. superintendent of the schools of Wapello coun- ty. A complete sketch of this gentleman and of the Dimmitt family appears elsewhere in this volume.
Mr. Dimmitt is a Republican in politics, but has no political aspirations. Ile is always greatly interested in any public enterprise, and gladly lends his assistance to any worthy cause.
AMES McSHANE, one of the most prosperous and progressive farmers of Keokuk township, Wapello county. lowa, was born in County Down, Ire- land. October 30, 1852, and is a son of James and Catherine (O'Neil) McShane.
James McShane, Sr., was born in Ireland and came to the United States in 1852. settling in Monroe county, New York. He success-
fully followed the trade of a plasterer through- out life, and died in New York State at the age of fifty-nine years. Ile married Catherine O'Neil and they became parents of the follow- ing children : James : Hugh ; John : Mary .1., who married George McDonald, and resides in Monroe county. New York: Alice, wife of John Lannigan : Charles; Susan, wife of John Collins : Arthur ; and Catherine, wife of Maur- ice Sullivan. In political belief he was a Democrat. He was a devout member of the Roman Catholic church.
James McShane, the son, received a limited mental training in the common schools of Mon- roe county, New York, and left home at the age of thirteen years. He hired out on a farm and followed farming for two seasons. lle then began to learn the trade of a carpenter and. after serving his apprenticeship. followed that trade for some time. Thinking the West afforded better opportunities for a young man. he left New York State and located at Ot- tumwa. Iowa. He began working on the rail- road, first as a brakeman, and later, as a con- ductor: he followed railroad work for about five years. Ile then engaged in farming upon his present farm, which was the property of his father-in-law. Luke O'Brien; it contained 220 acres at the time of the latter's death. The farm was divided equally between Mrs. McShane and her sister, Mrs. Patrick Ward. Ninety acres of the Ho are now under a high state of cultivation. the remainder being de- voted to hay and pasture land. In addition to this property, Mr. McShane owns 200 acres in Green township, Wapello county, one-half of which is devoted to general farming. and the remainder, to hay and grazing purposes. He
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is a very prosperous man, and his success is due to his own efforts entirely, as he began working for himself at the early age of thir- teen years.
Mr. McShane was united in marriage, in 1881, with Mary O'Brien, a daughter of Luke O'Brien, a native of Ireland and a pioneer settler of Wapello county, Iowa. This union resulted in the birth of two children, Luke J. and Catherine. In political belief, Mr. Mc- Shane is liberal, and casts his vote for the man he feels best qualified for the office. Re- ligiously, he and his family are devout men- bers of the Roman Catholic church.
lives.
ILBERT JUDSON DAVIS, the sub- ject of this sketch, was born August 23. 1895. on the farm where he now The farm is situated in section 23. Highland township. Wapello county, lowa. Mr. Davis is a son of James and Rhoda ( Ster- ens ) Davis.
James Davis was born July. 1830, in Sul- livan county, Indiana, and died in 1897. 11c carre to lowa in 1852, and located on the farm which is now operated by his son. James Davis farmed extensively and did much to add to the history of this locality. He was a lover of fine horses and cattle, and for many years was engaged in the breeding of Shorthorn cat- tle. Ile had a wide circle of friends and ac- quaintances and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He took great pride in bringing his farm to the highest state of cul-
tivation, and it is generally conceded to be one of the most beautiful country places in Wapello county Mr. Davis married Khoda Stevens, who is a daughter of Abram and Cartherine Stevens, Three children resulted from this union,-Taney and Dow, twins, both of whom are deceased; and Gilbert Judson. the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Davis is liv- ing on the home farm with her son.
Gilbert Judson Davis married Clara Giltner. a daughter of John W. and Mary ( Norman) Giltner, and they have reared six children. namely: Edith May; Taney Hill: Bessie Edna: Norton Judson: Vernon; and Rhoda Ethel. Mrs. Davis and her daughters are members of the Methodist church.
Mr. Davis continues to manage the farm which was left by his father, and, being a man of much executive ability and clearheadedness, has met with success in all his undertakings. Mr. Davis is a member of the Odd Fellows, and in politics is a Democrat.
BRAHAM YOUNG. Among the leading agriculturists of Wapello county, lowa, is the gentleman whose name opens these lines. He ofins a farm of 65 acres in section 17, High- land township, having moved on that farm in 1801. Ile was born in Ohio, January 1. 1841. and is a son of Charles and Susan ( Harrison ) Young.
Charles Young was a native of England. where he was born in 1810. He came to the
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United States when he was fifteen years old AMES F. STEVENS, a well known resident of Keokuk township. Wa- DCG pello county, lowa, was for many years engaged in various lines of busi- ness, but at the present time is farming in con- nection with his father, with whom he jointly and located in Ohio. In 1856 he removed to Illinois, where he died in 1804. He married Susan Harrison, who was born in Ohio, in 1816, and died in Ottumwa, Iowa, in the sum- mer of 1900. They had 12 children, of whom even survive, as follows: Dorothea: Abra- Downs a fine farm of 360 acres. He was born in ham: Martha; Harrison: Sarah: Ella: and Theodore. The rest died young.
Abraham Young is engaged in general farming. His brother Harrison enlisted in the 8 th Reg., Ill. Vol. Inf., in 1501, and served until the end of the war, during which time he never re- ceived an injury. Mr. Young was united in marriage, May 24. 1865, with Christina Fleming, a native of Peoria county, Illinois, and a daughter of James and Christina Flem- ing, who were natives of Scotland. Mrs. Young's parents settled in Illinois in 1847. where her father died in October, 1889. at the age of sixty-seven years. Her mother lived in Missouri and died in 1901, aged seventy-seven years.
Mr. and Mrs. Young are the parents of thirteen children, namely: James: Maggie : Susan : Harry : Rhoda : Emma : William ; Mat- thew ; Etta: Jessie: Fred : Robert: and Emma (2).
Politically Mr. Young is a Republican. Ile takes a deep interest in local politics, but does not aspire to office. His friends in Wapello county are numerous, and he is known and es- tevemed for his many admirable traits of char- acter.
Clinton county, Ohio, near Blanchester, and is a son of Frank and Maria ( MeMarra) Stevens.
Mr. Stevens received the rudiments of an education in the common schools, and this was supplemented by a course in the Ottumwa Business College. Before reaching his ma- jority he began working for the Chicago, Burl- ington & Quincy Railroad Company as water boy, and gradually worked his way to the po- sition of track foreman. Ile remained in the employ of that company for one and a half years, and then moved to Davis county. Jowa, where he operated his father's farm for one year. He then again returned to railroad work, in Bent county Colorado, where he was in the employ of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company. He served as section foreman for one and a half years, when he returned to Davis county, lowa, and spent six years in farming, two years of the time being on the homestead. He then came to Ottumwa, lowa, and attended school, and at the April session of the board of supervisors, in 1891, he was appointed deputy auditor of Wapello county. He served with credit to himself and his constituents until his term expired, in 1894. He was then retained by the board of super-
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visors to prepare plats of city and county lands, and also a transfer record, and subse- quently worked for Mr. Mowrey, in the treas- urer's office, for two months. He then re- turned to agricultural pursuits, at which he continued for one year, when he accepted a position as bookkeeper for Harper & Meln- tire, wholesale hardware merchants, of Ot- tumiwa. He held this position for a year, and then moved to his present farm in 1897. when he and his father, Frank Stevens, purchased 300 acres of fine farming land. He is suc- cessfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising.
.April 27, 1898, Mr. Stevens was united in marriage with Anna O'Brien, of Keokuk town- ship, and they have one daughter, Mary Ellen. Before marriage. Mrs. Stevens was a promi- nent educator of Wapello county, having taught school from 1886 until her marriage. In religious belief they are devout Catholics. Fraternally Mr. Stevens is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
EORGE D. ROBERTSON, who is en- gaged extensively in farming in Wa- pello county, Iowa, owns 120 acres of land in section 20, Highland town- ship. 160 acres in section 19, and 15 acres in section 17. He was born January 11, 1854. in Highland township, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Van Winkle ) Robertson.
George Robertson, the grandfather of George D., lived in Illinois for a number of
years, and removed to Iowa in 1843, where his death occurred in 1864. William Robert- son, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Perry county, Indiana, in 1829. He removed to łowa with his father in 1843. Hle entered 80 acres of land in section 29, High- land township, where he was engaged in gen- eral farming for a number of years. At pres- ent he is living a retired life in Ottumwa. Ile married Elizabeth Van Winkle, who was born in 1833. and is a daughter of James and Am Van Winkle, both natives of Maryland. Will- iam Robertson and his wife were the parents of seven children, namely : George D. : James F .; W. H .: Mary M .; Isaac: Emery; and . Thomas V.
George D. Robertson was reared in the vicinity of his present home. He received his early training on his father's farm, and there acquired a practical knowledge of agricultural matters. He is now engaged in general farm- ing, and also gives much time and attention to the raising of Poland-China hogs, in which in- dustry he has been very successful.
Mr. Robertson was wedded to Matilda Schertz. September 24, 1884. She is a daugh- ter of Joseph and Phoebe ( Ritter) Schertz. Four children resulted from this union. as fol- lows : Joseph; Elizabeth; William H .; and Ruth.
Mr. Robertson and his wife are members of the Baptist church. Fraternally Mr. Rob- ertson is a member of the Odd Fellows' order. Politically he is a Democrat, and is now serv- ing as township trustee. He is a director of the school in his district, having held that posi-
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tion for fourteen years. He is also a member of the Standard Polund-China Record Associ- ation, ci Maryville, Missouri. Mr. Robertson is a man of strict integrity and of upright, hon- est character. Ilis friends are legion.
ESSE B. BOWMAN. The subject of this sketch has been a resident of Wa- pello county but five years, yet in that short period he has made for himself a prominent place in the community he has chos- en for his home. Ile was born in Richland township, Keokuk county, lowa, September 17. 1803. and is a son of William and Phoebe (Clark ) Bowman.
William Bowman is a native of Pennsyl- vania. At an carly date, he removed to lowa. and settled in Keokuk county, where he helped to no inconsiderable extent, in adding to the wealth and prosperity of that locality. Ilis wife. Phoebe Clark, was born in Virginia. They Irwe always lived upright Christian lives, and are well known in the community in which they live.
Jesse B. Bowman lived in Hedrick. Keokuk county, lowa, about three years. In 1895, he left that place, and moved to Wapello county, where he bought considerable land. He owns two tracts of land. in Dahlonega township, one consisting of 253 acres, and the other, of 80 acres. He takes much pride in the care and management of his farm, and a casual observer strolling over it will notice that Mr. Bowman is up to date in his ideas of husbandry, and
methodical in all his undertakings. In addi- tion to farming, he is greatly interested in the breeding of fine trotting horses and Jersey cattle. He is a good judge of horses and cattle, and has a number of animals that bid fair to make the name of the Bowman farm well known to fanciers of blue-blooded stock.
Mr. Bowman was united in marriage with Cora A. Utterback, March 13, 1884. She is a daughter of Abner Utterback. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman have been blessed with three children, namely : Sylvia O. : Amy Lee : and . Vva.
The subject of this sketch is a Republican. in politics. Religiously, he has a leaning to- ward Spiritualism, while his wife attends the Christian church, of which she is a member.
ILLIAM D.WVIS, one of the pioneer settlers of Wapello county. lowa, owns a farm of 333 acres in sec- tion 14. Competine township. He was born May 3, 1826, in Washington county. Virginia, and is a son of Moses and Mary ( Smith ) Davis.
Moses Davis was a native of Virginia. He married Mary Smith, who was also a na- tive of Virginia, and who died in 1863. They reared six children, namely : James, who died in Keokuk county, lowa, in 1893: David, who died at Martinsburg, Keokuk county, in 1800: Volney, whose death occurred in Indiana : William : Miriam, who married Hiram Smith. and died in Keokuk county, in 1886; and Isa- bel, who died in Indiana. in 1846.
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