USA > Iowa > Warren County > History of Warren County, Iowa : from its earliest settlement to 1908; with biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county > Part 41
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 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92
HARRY E. HOPPER.
Harry E. Hopper, who has made a success of the real-estate business and is now extensively handling Canada lands, maintaining his office in Indianola, was born in Henderson county, Illinois, in 1862. His father, John Wesley Hopper, was a native of the state of New York and was descended from Hol- land ancestry. In his boyhood days he removed westward to Illinois with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lambert Hopper. His father was a merchant and mil- ler and in Illinois established his home in Henderson county. It was in that locality that John Wesley Hopper was reared and after attaining manhood he engaged in merchandising. He also conducted a gristmill. a woolen-mill and a sawmill. He was distinctively a man of affairs and one who wielded a wide influence. He died at La Ilarpe, Illinois, to which place he had removed
Digized by Google
Dig zed by Google
Digitized by Google
415
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
his store, although his family were still residents of Henderson county. Dur- ing the greater part of his life he was quite prosperous in his undertakings. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church and was a member of that denomination at the time of his death.
His father, Lambert Hopper, was a leading Methodist of his section and served in the church as a class leader, while his home was always the place of entertainment for the circuit riders. In his fraternal relations John W. Hopper was a Mason, while in political faith he was a republican. He mar- ried Caroline Elliott, who was born in Henderson county, Illinois, and is of Irish lineage. She, too, is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Hop- per died at the comparatively early age of thirty-nine years but his widow still survives and has now reached the age of seventy years. They were the parents of six children, of whom two are deceased. Those still living are: Eugene, who is the wife of L. F. McFadon, a merchant of Emerson, Iowa; Donzella, residing in Indianola and formerly a teacher; Harry E., of this review; and Nellie, the wife of C. F. Enos, who is connected with the Sigler Lumber Company of Indianola.
Harry E. Hopper was only eight years of age at the time of his father's demise. He attended the schools of his native county and afterward became a student in the Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa, completing the scientific course by graduation in 1893, at which time the degree of Bachelor of Sei- ence was conferred upon him. He had come to this state in the spring of 1880 with his mother and the other children of the family and they located upon a farm in Montgomery county. By the united labors of all, the farm was soon paid for and when it was possible to be released from the work of the fields, Mr. Hopper, of this review, resumed his education as a student in Indianola in November, 1889, matriculating in Simpson College as previously indicated.
During the periods of vacation he bought and sold cattle and horses. In the spring of 1893, while in college, he made investment in a tract of forty acres of land in the northwestern part of Indianola and laid off the Homedale Place addition, in which enterprise he was associated with J. M. Kittleman. He then turned his attention to the real-estate business in connection with Mr. Kittleman and J. L. Brown and in 1894 they laid out the Kenwood addi- tion to Indianola. Mr. Hopper was thus connected with general real-estate interests until 1902, when he turned his attention to Canada lands and is now handling several hundred thousand acres of land in western Canada and also British Columbia timber. He likewise owns property in this coun- try and since his college days has been numbered among the representative and progressive real-estate men of Warren county.
He has a farm of one thousand acres, and recently his name figured prominently before the public as purchaser of the entire stud of C. W. Wil- ' liams, of Galesburg, Illinois, headed by Allerton, with a record of 2:0914. and Expedition, 2:153/4, two of the most famous of living trotting sires. These stallions were bred and trained by Mr. Williams, their former owner, who, without any experience or expert knowledge. started in to train, drive
Digitized by Google
416
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
and raise them himself. Although his methods were diametrically opposed to those then most approved, he deferred not at all to the opinions of others but followed his own ideas, and Allerton made a record of 2:0914. The stud which Mr. Hopper has purchased comprises about fifty head and includes, in addition to the stallions mentioned, a number of richly bred brood mares. Mr. Hopper has been engaged in breeding horses for a number of years and will not only keep the stud intact but increase its magnitude. This is but one department of the extensive business interests which claim the attention of Mr. Hopper and which, carefully controlled by him, are placing him in the front rank among lowa's substantial citizens.
On the 1st of January, 1895, Mr. Hopper was married to Miss Edith Car- penter, who was born in Indianola in 1872 and was a daughter of Professor George C. and Frances Carpenter. Her father was connected with Simp- son College in a professional capacity for twenty-five years. He died in 1894 and his widow afterward became the wife of William Buxton, presi- dent of the Warren County Bank, now living retired. Mr. and Mrs. Hopper have two children, Byron C. and Dorothy, born in 1899 and 1903, respectively. The parents are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Hopper is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, while his poli- tieal support is given to the republican party. In his business career he has advanced through consecutive stages as the result of his elose application and unfaltering energy. At all times he has made good use of his opportu- nities and it is by reason of his well directed diligence that he occupies the creditable position which is now accorded him in business eireles.
RICHARD ASHTON WICKETT.
Richard Ashton Wickett, a retired agriculturist living in New Virginia, was born in Devonshire, England, May 2, 1845, his parents being Humphrey and Ann (Ashton) Wickett, who were natives of England, and died in that country many years ago. Our subjeet acquired a common-school education, and when twenty-three years of age emigrated to Canada, where for four years he worked on a farm by the month. On the expiration of that period he removed to Polk county, lowa, where he was also employed on a farm by the month, but eventually the man for whom he worked failed, and Mr. Wickett lost three thousand dollars in wages. In 1878 he came to Warren county and began work as a farm hand for William Hasty, of Scott's Ridge. His posses- sions consisted of less than twenty dollars' worth of household goods, and he had a wife and small children to provide for, but, nothing daunted, he worked untiringly, persistently and energetically, and at length gained the prosperity which always comes as the reward of earnest labor. As he had no money, Mr. Hasty bought him a sack of flour. Subsequently Mr. Wiekett rented land of William Buxton and was successfully engaged in its operation for nineteen years. The relations between the two men were most congenial, for during all
Dyized by Google
---
1
4
ALLERTON
Digszeday Google
Digitized by Google
417
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
these years there was never a written agreement between them, all their con- traets being made verbally only. When his financial resources permitted Mr. Wiekett purchased eighty acres of improved land in Virginia township, and kept gradually adding to his holdings until he now owns five hundred and thirty acres of valuable land, which is farmed by his sons. His success may be attributable in large measure to the fact that he never went in debt, but always lived within his means. Brooking no obstacles that honest effort can overcome, he has steadily worked his way upward until he is now well worthy the proud American title of a self-made man. He is now living retired in New Virginia, having gained a competence that enables him to enjoy all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life without recourse to further labor.
On the 13th of September, 1870, in Canada, Mr. Wickett was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Ann Leach, who was born in Devonshire, England. September 5, 1852, and was brought to Canada by her parents when a year and a half old. Unto this union have been born seven children, one of whom died in infancy: Frederick George, who wedded Cora Munroe and has three clril- dren, owns and operates a farm of eighty acres in Virginia township. Frank Benjamin wedded Ida Halden, by whom he has five children, and also lives on his father's farm in Virginia township. William Lawrence was twice married, his first union being with Stella Fred, and his second with Alberta Fred. He has three children and lives on his father's farm in Virginia township. Charles A. wedded Mary Procter, has one child and resides on his father's farm in Liberty township. Walter R., who married Margaret Otts, by whom he has one child, also lives on his father's farm in Virginia township. Selena Ann is the wife of Alden Smalley. a farmer of Virginia township, and has one child.
Mr. Wickett is a stanch republican in his political views, and has served as school director, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. Both he and his wife were members of the Bible Christian church in Canada. bnt have not become identified with any denomination in this country, though they attend and contribute to the support of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a strictly temperate man and has never used tobaceo in any form. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought-which, by the way, are always open to the ambitions, energetic man-and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way upward. He possesses the resolution, perseverance and reliability so characteristic of his nation, and his name is now enrolled among the best citizens of Warren county.
WILLIAM F. BROWN.
Agricultural pursuits have always claimed the time and attention of William F. Brown, who is now successfully engaged in the operation of a fine farm on seetion 14, Richland township. He dates his residence in Iowa from 1853, and he has made his home in Warren county since the 4th of January,
Di zed by Google
418
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
1854. He has taken an active part in the upbuilding and development of this region, and is justly entitled to mention among its honored early settlers.
Mr. Brown was born near Lafayette in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, January 14, 1836, and is a son of James Brown, who was a native of Kentucky, and at an early day removed with his parents to Ohio, being among the first settlers of Miami county. The home of our subject's paternal grandfather was on the extreme frontier at the time of the war of 1812. On reaching man- hood James Brown was married in Miami county to Miss Margaret Long, a native of Pennsylvania, and some years later they removed to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, where he opened up a farm. In 1853 he brought his family to Iowa, and the following year located in Warren county, where he purchased five hundred and sixty acres of land, which he broke and cultivated, spending his last years here. He died in 1862, at the age of sixty-six years, and his wife passed away two years later.
William F. Brown was a young man of eighteen years on the removal of the family to this county and he aided his father in the arduous task of develop- ing a new farm, remaining under the parental roof until the father's death. He succeeded to a part of the old home place and has since bought more land, until at one time he had five hundred and sixty acres. Upon the place he has erected a commodious and pleasant residence, good barns, cribs and granaries, has fenced the land and set out fruit, and to-day has one of the most valuable farming properties in Warren county. He has given considerable attention to the raising of stock, making a specialty of pure blooded shorthorn cattle. French draft horses and Berkshire hogs, and annually feeds a large amount of stock for market. He has divided his property, giving a farm to each of his sons, but is still actively engaged in general farming and stock-raising.
On the 23d of May, 1858, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Brown and Miss Rachel Viers, who was born at Akron, Ohio, and is a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Ship) Viers, also natives of the Buckeye state, whence they came to Iowa in 1849, arriving in Warren county on the 2d of October. Here Mr. Viers bought a preemption right, and later entered land from the govern- ment. Mrs. Brown was principally reared in this county.
Of the eight children born to our subject and his wife, four are now living. namely : Elizabeth, the wife of W. A. Spain, a farmer of this county ; James F .. who owns a part of the old home place; G. W .. a farmer of Lincoln township; and Latie, wife of W. F. Park, a farmer of Lincoln township. They also lost four children : Melissa N., the first born, married Thomas Moore and died in 1883, leaving a son, S. G. Moore, Martha J. and Eva both died in infancy, and Cora died at the age of five years. Mrs. Brown has also reared two boys and a girl who are now grown. and now has a little girl, Margaret Dubs, whom she intends to rear and educate.
Mr. Brown has never wavered in his allegiance to the republican party since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, and he has served as a delegate to the state and county conventions of his party. He has also served on juries and has been township trustee and treasurer. as well as school director for twenty years. He is a man of excellent business ability
Da zedby Google
419
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
and sound judgment, who usually carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and he has always been found thoroughly reliable and trustworthy. In religious faith he is a Baptist and now attends church at Hartford.
CHARLES D. MEEK.
Charles D. Meek is engaged in the dry goods business as a member of the firm of Meek & Robertson, and is classed with the enterprising merchants of Indianola, where he carries a large line of dry goods and enjoys a growing trade. He is one of Warren county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Hartford on the 1st of January, 1872.
His father, Joseph T. Meek, was born in Indiana in April. 1833, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. On leaving his native state he came to Iowa, settling in Richland township, Warren county. At Hartford he engaged in the operation of a sawmill and there remained until elected sheriff of the county, when he removed to Indianola. On his retirement from the office he turned his attention to the manufacture of brick and tile, being associated with others in the enterprise, his connection therewith continuing for several years. At length he withdrew from industrial pursuits and turned his attention to the real- estate business, negotiating many important property transfers while thus engaged. Eventually he retired and is now enjoying a well earned rest. He has been very successful in his undertakings and a handsome competence now supplies him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He now resides at Los Tanos, New Mexico, where he is accounted one of the respected and progressive citizens, his influence always being on the side of progress, reform and improvement. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and also belongs to the Odd Fellows society and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics he has been a lifelong democrat, and upon the party ticket was elected sheriff in 1874. His ineumbeney covered a term of four years and his duties were of the most strenuous character. He discharged them, however, without fear or favor, and proved a capable official. In 1857, in Indianola, Joseph T. Meek was united in marriage to Miss Louisa J. Pressley, who was born at Indianapolis, Indiana, March 5, 1837, and was of Scotch an- cestry. She resided in her native city until 1855, when she accompanied her parents on their removal to Indianola, and two years later she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Meek. They traveled life's journey together for about forty-eight years and were then separated by the sudden death of Mrs. Meek. occasioned by heart disease. July 16, 1905. The Rev. Dr. W. C. Martin officiated at the funeral, and amid the deep regret of many friends who sincerely mourned her loss, she was laid to rest. This worthy couple were the parents of seven children : Evelyn M., who is the wife of A. R. W. Robertson, a member of the firm of Meek & Robertson: William L., whose death occurred in 1883; Dollie. the wife of F. P. MeKay, a druggist of Des Moines ; Joseph, who passed away at
Dly zed by Google
420
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
the age of three years; Ehner, whose demise occurred when he was six months of age ; Charles D., of this review ; Louise, the wife of Frank J. Camp, secretary of the Brown-Hurley Hardware Company of Des Moines.
Charles D. Meek attended school in Indianola and at the age of nineteen years entered upon his business career as an employe in the dry goods store of Barker & Johnson. He thus became acquainted with the trade and with the methods in vogue in commercial circles. After three years spent in that estab- lishment he became a salesman in the store of Kittleman & Buxton, with whom he continued for a year, and afterward spent a year in the large estab- lishment of Younker Brothers at Des Moines. In 1900 he formed a partnership with A. R. W. Robertson and opened a dry goods and shoe business, in which they have continued with marked success to the present time. They have a large, modern store on the east side of the square, owning their own building. which is a briek structure, thirty by ninety feet. They occupy the entire first floor, and a part of the upper story. The store has tasteful equipments and the business methods of the house have secured to it a liberal and well merited patronage.
Mr. Meek was married to Miss Minnie M. Main, a daughter of the Rev. D. S. Main, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Meek have two children: Margaret Mildred, born August 31, 1902; and Joseph T., born January 5. 1904. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church. and are prominent socially, enjoying the warm regard of an extensive circle of friends. Mr. Meek belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and also affiliates with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is now numbered among the representative merchants of Indianola. There has never been anything spectacular in his career, but he has endeavored to make all his acts and commercial moves the result of definite consideration and sound judgment. There have never been any great ventures or risks, but he has practiced honest. slow-going business methods, supplemented by energy and good system.
HENRY HOLMES GOODE.
Henry Holmes Goode is a retired farmer living in Milo and is numbered among the most highly respected citizens of Warren county. He was born March 14, 1832, in Prince Edward county, Virginia, his parents being JJoseph and Mary Agnes (Johnson) Goode, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. They came to Warren county in 1854 and Henry HI. Goode was abont twenty- two years of age at the time of this removal. Here he first became a landowner through entering a claim from the government comprising two hundred acres in White Breast township. By industry and capable management he was enabled to add to his original holdings and as fast as he acquired land he placed it under a high state of cultivation. He carried on both general farm- ing and stock-raising and was known as one of the most extensive and
Digitized by Google
Digszeday Google
423 -
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
successful stockfeeders in his part of the county. As his financial resources have increased he has become owner of six hundred and twenty-eight acres of valuable farming land in White Breast township and forty-five acres in Otter township. In 1886, however, he put aside the management and active care of his farms and purchased a comfortable home in Milo, to which he removed. Since that time he has practically lived retired, but this does not signify a life of inactivity and idleness. In fact, his hours are fully engaged with his efforts to improve his town place, everything about the house being kept in good repair, while the grounds and garden afford him plenty of exercise. He has never found, therefore, opportunity to spend much time in the business center of the town, discussing the business affairs of others, for his own business has claimed his entire attention.
The history of the Goode family in pioneer times indicates more clearly the conditions which existed in Warren county when they arrived here. Their first dwelling was a rude log cabin, fourteen feet wide by sixteen feet in length. There was a rough slab floor and a roof made of split slabs. In this single room the entire family resided for the first six months of their residence in the west. Their next abiding place was an improvement on the original home, for a frame house, sixteen by twenty-four feet, was built of boards split by hand from logs, this being the best and only lumber that could be secured at that time. Many of the happiest moments in the lives of the pioneers, however, were spent in the primitive homes, which were devoid of many of those things which are now deemed essential to the comfort and happiness of the present generation. A window with sash and glass was a rarity and an evidence of wealth and aristocracy which but few conld support. Often greased paper was put over an aperture in the logs to serve as a window, but frequently the people depended upon the light that made its way between the logs, while the cabin was ventilated in the same way. The doors were fastened with old-fashioned wooden latches and during the daytime the lateh string hung out, so that friend or neighbor could easily make his entrance, for the pioneers were a most hospitable people and always entertained visitors to the best of their ability. It is notable with what affection the old pioneers refer to the early days and it may be doubted whether palaces ever sheltered happier hearts than the little log cabins of long ago.
It was on the 4th of March, 1857, in White Breast township, that Henry Holmes Goode was married to Miss Louisa Kimzey, a daughter of John and Susanna Kimzey, both of whom were natives of Kentucky and came to Warren county in 1854. By this marriage there were born three sons and a daughter: Frank D., now deceased; Susan, the wife of William Yoder, who resides in Bradshaw, Nebraska; Robert Fletcher and Henry, both of whom died in in- fancy. The mother passed away in September, 1865. at the age of twenty-six years, and Mr. Goode was again married March 28. 1880. to Mrs. Alberta T. Godlove, a daughter of William and Nancy Ann (Beall) McKendry. Mrs. Goode is a descendant of Thomas Beall, son of Samuel Beall, of an old and pat- riotic family noted in early Revolutionary times. The Beall family has been well known in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and also in Maryland. No other
Digitized by Google
424
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
had furnished so many soldiers in the important wars of the country. The annals of Maryland show that there were five officers of the Beall name accredited mostly, if not entirely, to Frederick county, of Maryland; Lloyd Beall being brigadier general; Thomas Beall, lieutenant ; William Dent Beall, second lieutenant ; Zeparick Beall, ensign ; and Thomas Beall, who was general- ly called Captain Beall. He was also known as Thomas Beall of Samuel, the affix being his father's christian name. Of this list three are found on the roll of the Cincinnati Society : William Dent Beall as major; Lloyd Beall as captain and Samuel B. Beall as lieutenant. No doubt, Samuel Beall was the father of Thomas Beall of Samuel. He came to Fort Cumberland in the year 1784 from one of the lower counties of Pennsylvania. perhaps Montgomery. He became the proprietor of two tracts of land called Walnut Bottom and The Brothers and the next year began the building of the town which is now the city of Cumberland.
In 1787 the legislature, upon his petition, appointed five commissioners- Andrew Bruce, Daniel Cresap, George Dent (grandfather of Mrs. General Grant), John Lynn and Evan Glynn-to lay out the town of Cumberland at the mouth of Will's creek in Washington county. The town was then laid ont and the old name of Fort Cumberland dropped. Beall had his land divided into several hundred town lots, which sold rapidly, and for many years he did an extensive real-estate business. The county records from 1790 until his death in 1823 show four hundred and eighteen conveyances, to say nothing of deeds he made while Allegheny was a part of Washington county, Pennsyl- vania. He was a member of the constitutional convention of 1776 from the upper district of Frederick county and was three times elected to the legisature from Allegheny, in 1791, 1792 and 1793. He died at about the age of eighty years, leaving a last will and testament dated November 16, 1823. It was a rather strange document. as only two of his eight children seem to have been noticed: a small bequest of two hundred dollars to his daughter, Mary Beaty. and the remainder of his estate to the eight children of his son Isaac. He gave his man Basil his freedom and ninety-nine aeres of land and also manumitted his three negro girls, Mary, Hetty and Maria. He had eight children : John Brook, Buell. Josiah. Lucky, Elenora, Lizzie, Mary and Priscilla.
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.