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 42
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John Beall, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Goode, married Elenora Beaty and in 1810 went to Marysville, Kentucky, later he removed to Ohio and died in 1824. Isaac was the only son and remained in the old home county and was made sole executor of his father's estate. He married Rebecca Tomlinson. who died in 1845, while his death occurred in 1850. They were both laid to rest in the Tomlinson cemetery, at Little Meadow, in Garrett county, Ohio.
In resuming the history of Henry H. Goode, it is noticed that he had been almost a lifelong member of the Masonic fraternity, having been connected with the craft for more than forty years. He joined the fraternity at New- born, Marion county, and was a charter member at Sandyville and at Liberty Center, Iowa, which lodges he helped organize. The Newborn lodge was after- ward transferred to Lacona and Mr. Goode demitted to Lacona lodge from Liberty Center. He is a member of the Royal Arch Chapter at Indianola.
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He likewise belongs to Milo Lodge, No. 413, I. O. O. F. He was a trustee of White Breast township for many years and has served as alderman of Milo. In church connection he was formerly a Methodist but later in life became connected with the Christian Union. His political support is given the de- mocracy. Mrs. Goode comes from old Methodist stock, her grandfather being a preacher of that faith, while she has been connected with the denomination from the age of thirteen years.
In looking back over the life record of Henry H. Goode, it is plainly evident that his success is due to the honorable purpose which has actuated his every act. In studying lives and characters of men, we are naturally led to inquire into the secret of their success and the motives that prompt their action. Suc- cess is not a matter of genius, as held by many, but rather results from experience, sound judgment and upright dealings, and we find that the men of strong character who are enjoying prosperity are in nearly every case those who have risen gradually, fighting their way in the face of opposition. The salient traits of Mr. Goode are such as have gained for him an unassailable reputation as a business man and citizen, while those who have known him personally in social relations entertain for him the warmest regard and esteem.
JAMES M. AMOS.
James M. Amos who died May 8. 1898, on his farm on section 21. Otter township, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 4th of July, 1823, and was left an orphan at an early age. He had a brother, John Amos, now deceased, and a sister, also deceased. After the death of the parents the children were scattered and reared by different families. For a time James M. made his home with a man who took him to Ohio, but at a very early age he was thrown upon his own resources and the success that came to him in life was due to his own unaided efforts. During his youth he went upon the river, being em- ployed on barges, steamboats, etc., on the Ohio, Mississippi and Red rivers, making many trips to New Orleans. After about ten years spent in this way, he finally located in Knox county, Illinois, where he was subsequently married.
In was in 1854 that Mr. Amos and his wife decided to come to Warren county, Iowa, as land was much cheaper here than in Illinois at that time. He entered one hundred and twenty acres in Lincoln township, west of Idianola, where they lived for ten years. and he then traded that property for two hundred and fifty-three acres on section 15, Otter township. where he erected a residence and made his home until 1887. He then built on the southeast quarter of section 21, Otter township, where he continued to make his home until called to his final rest. it being now the property of his son Sherman. To this tract he subsequently added eighty acres and as time passed he extended the boundaries of his land until he had one thousand acres, of which seven hundred and eight acres are now owned by his sons Sherman and Grant G. In connection with general farming Mr. Amos also raised considerable stock,
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and in business affairs he met with far more than ordinary success. He was justly numbered among the self-made men of the county as all that he possessed was gained through his own business ability, sound judgment and good man- agement. At one time he held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and he was a man of high character and sterling worth who gained the respect and confidence of all with whom he came in contact. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and as a repub- lican he took an active interest in public affairs, serving as treasurer of the county school funds and as township assessor.
On the 27th of August, 1850, in Knox county, Illinois, Mr Amos married Miss Mary E. Stephens, who was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, September 13, 1831. Her parents, Lewis and Elizabeth (Alder) Stephens, were representatives of old Virginia families, and from that state they removed to Knox county, Illinois, in the fall of 1849, there making their home until called to their final rest some twenty-five years ago. In their family were eight children, of whom one son and four daughters are still living. Mrs. Amos is a most estimable lady and now at the age of seventy-seven years she resides on the old home stead with her son Sherman.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Amos were born eleven children, as follows:
Ora, born July 3, 1851, is now the wife of A. J. Conner, a farmer of Otter township, and they have six children.
Laura E., born September 10, 1852, is the wife of R. M. Bacon, of Morris county, Kansas, and they, too, have six children.
Ida V., born March 6, 1855, died June 7, 1863.
Nancy E., born February 15, 1857, died June 11, 1863.
John G., born April 22, 1859, died June 24, 1863.
James Liberty, born July 4. 1861, died May 22, 1893. He was first married September 11, 1888, to Miss Mary Baugh, who died in 1891, and in Jannary, 1893, he married Miss Eva Pope, by whom he has one child, John Amos, now fifteen years of age, who resides with his mother in Indianola. She married again but lost her second husband and is now engaged in teaching. The son John was left one thousand dollars by his grandfather, to be paid when he reaches his majority.
Mary N., born January 10. 1864. is the wife of Herber Worthley, of Otter township, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.
Lurena. born March 28. 1866. was married January 11, 1887, to W. T. Butler, also represented on another page of this work.
Grant G., born May 5, 1869, received a good common-school education and remained on the home farm until twenty-seven years of age, when he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ellen Chumbley. a daughter of Joseph G. Chumbley. represented elsewhere in this volume. Four children bless this union. Nellie May, born January 21, 1898; Nora Ellen. December 13, 1900; Aaron Howard. October 1, 1903; and Charles Monroe, April 28. 1907. Since the death of the father, Grant G. and W. Sherman Amos have operated the farm of seven hundred and eight aeres on sections 21. 22. 27 and 28. Otter township, in partnership, under the firm name of Amos Brothers. They are extensively
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engaged in stock-raising, making a specialty of pure-blooded Hereford cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs.
W. Sherman, born December 7, 1871, also attended the common schools, and as previously stated, he is successfully engaged in farming and stock- raising in partnership with his brother. He was married August 21, 1895, to Miss Lillian M. Woods, who was born in Decatur county, Iowa, in 1873, a daughter of William M. and Emma (Bassett) Woods. The family was original- ly from Pennsylvania, but her parents were reared in Knoxville, Illinois, from which state they came to Iowa in 1870, and removed to Warren county in 1889, locating first at Indianola. Later they removed to a farm in White Oak town- ship, where Mr. Woods died in 1896, at the age of fifty-one years, but his widow is still living on the home farm in that township at the age of fifty-seven. They had nine children, those living being Mrs. W. S. Amos; Nellie, who was born in 1875, and is now the wife of Frank Lester, a farmer of White Oak township; William M., who was born in 1877 and is now in Montana, where he has taken a claim; Hugh O., was born in 1879, and is manager of the Hawkeye Tele- phone Company at Indianola; Ralph, who was born in 1886 and is still at home; Mildred, who was born in 1891, and is now a junior in the high school at Indianola; and Edna, who was born in 1894, and is at home. Sydney died in infancy, and Fred at the age of six years. Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Amos have had four children, namely: Mary E., born June 10, 1897; James William, born October 12, 1900; Frankie Lloyd, who was born September 24, 1902, and died September 8, 1903; and Carl Morgan, born August 7, 1904. The mother and daughter are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Amos is connected with the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 70, at Indianola. Since attaining his majority he has always supported the republican party and has efficiently served as a school officer. In business affairs he has always been found notably reliable and he has the confidence and respect of all who. know him.
Alice V., the youngest in the Amos family, was born June 22, 1874, and was married August 21, 1895, to Harry L. Barnes, a painter, residing in Grand Junction, Colorado. They have one daughter.
EPHRAIM WELTY, M. D.
Dr. Ephraim Welty, a prominent physician of Norwalk, Iowa, where he has been successfully engaged in practice for many years, was born on a farmi in Perry county, Ohio, July 7, 1840, and is a son of Christian Welty, a native of Fairfield county, that state. His paternal grandfather was John Welty, who was born in Pennsylvania and belonged to an old colonial family. In early manhood Christian Welty married Salome Blosser, who was also a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, and was a representative of an old Virginia family. Of the thirteen children born of this union, twelve grew to maturity, and those still living are Mary P., wife of Charles Lott ; Rebecca, wife of Newton Hoover;
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Amanda, wife of Albert Polling; Jefferson and Christian T., both farmers; and Ephraim, of this review. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, died at the ripe old age of eighty-five years, and the mother was eighty-two years of age at the time of her death. Both were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics, Mr. Welty was first a whig and later a republican. He was a stanch Union man during the Civil war, and when Morgan was on his raid through Ohio, he spent one day in pursuit of him.
Dr. Welty was reared on the home farm and acquired his early education in the country schools of the neighborhood. During the dark days of the rebellion he entered the service as a member of Company G, One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain E. Brown, and was mus- tered in on the 17th of August, 1862. He was unfortunately wounded in the left shoulder during his first engagement, December 28. 1862, at Chickasaw Bluffs, Mississippi, by a shell, and was in the hospital at Memphis, Tennessee, until November 6, 1863, when he returned home. In the fall of 1865 he commenced the study of medicine, and later engaged in the practice of his chosen profes- sion in Hoeking county, Ohio, for five years. It was in 1876 that he came to lowa and opened an office in Norwalk, where he is still located, enjoying a large and successful practice.
On the 1st of August, 1867, Dr. Welty married Miss Rebecca Ellen Bran- stitter, who was also a native of Ohio, and a daughter of John Branstitter, a farmer by occupation. They have two children, John E. and La Vert. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are people of prominence in Norwalk, which town has now been their home for almost a third of a century. The Doctor is also connected with James Bell Post, G. A. R., and affiliates with the Masonic and Odd Fellows societies. The republican party finds in him a stanch supporter of its principles and as a public-spirited and progressive citizen he never withholds his aid from any enterprise which he believes will prove of public benefit.
JACOB F. PIFFER.
Jacob F. Piffer, whose death occurred at his home near Indianola, August 30th. 1904, was numbered among the well known and prosperous farmers of Warren county, and was one of its early settlers. His birth occurred in Wurtemberg, Germany. October 26, 1843, and he is descended from a long line of German ancestors. His father died in Wurtemberg and Jacob and his brother John came to the new world with their mother in 1853. while their sister Anna came one year later. They spent three years in Baltimore, and in 1856 eame west to Iowa. making a permanent location in Warren county, where they purchased land.
Jacob F. Piffer was yet a youth at the time of the emigration to the United States. He was reared to manhood on the home farm in this county and acquired his education in the common schools. The occupation to which
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he was reared he resolved to make his life work and engaged in farming on his own account. He first bought eiglity acres of land and later seventy-six acres, to which he kept adding until he had three hundred acres, and with characteristic energy he began to till and develop this, converting wild prairie land into rich and productive fields. His labor was of the character that enabled him to work his way steadily upward, and his entire life was one of unwearied diligence, sound business judgment and unfaltering energy.
Mr. Piffer was married in Warren county, May 16, 1878, to Miss Gennet Pilmer, who was born and reared in this county and is a daughter of George and Jemet Pilmer, who were natives of Scotland. On coming to the new world they settled in Ohio, where they were afterward married. About 1850 Mr. Pilmer removed to the west, taking up his abode in Warren county. He became a prominent farmer, owning a valuable tract of land of three hundred acres, to which he added all modern accessories and conveniences. He also owned a farm in Guthrie county, Iowa, and was numbered among the leading and representative agriculturists of his community.
Mr. and Mrs. Piffer began housekeeping on a farm lying on either side of the boundary line between Polk and Warren counties, the residence standing in the former county. There they lived until 1881, after which they took up their abode on a farm at Scotch Ridge. Mr. Piffer fenced and tiled that place, tilling the fields and carrying on the work of general improvement, being there nineteen years in all. In 1899 he purchased the farm whereon the family now lives, removing to this property in 1900. This place consists of eight hundred and eighty acres and is a most highly improved and valuable farm. He also owned another tract of land of six hundred acres, being one of the extensive landowners of this part of the state. He was also a large stock raiser and feeder and a well known financier. He placed his investments judiciously and realized a handsome return from them. He seemed to recognize almost intuitively the best way to work his farm and whatever he undertook he carried forward to successful completion.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Piffer were born ten children, six sons and four daughters : George F., who is carrying on the home farm and is engaged in the live-stock business; John W., a student at Simpson College; Harry W. and Robert M., who are also students in that college; J. Fred and Frank A., at home; Emma, the wife of the Rev. R. J. Picker, a minister of the Presbyterian church at West Allis, Wisconsin; Charlotte, at home; Florence, who is pur- suing her education at Monmouth, Illinois; and Annie, who completes the family.
Mr. Piffer was devoted to his home and family and not only did everything in his power to promote the happiness and welfare of his wife and children, but also rendered the most filial love and devotion to his mother, who lived with him until his death and survived him for four years. In politics he was an earnest republican but never eared for office, preferring to give his attention to his extensive farm and other business interests. He held membership with the United Presbyterian church of Summerset while his widow is a member of the same denomination at Indianola and he was a liberal supporter of the
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church, its societies and benevolences. His life in many respects was most exemplary and worthy of all regard. His fellowmen might well repose confi- dence in him for no trust given him was ever betrayed in the slightest degree. He recognized fully his obligations to his fellowmen and while he made splendid success in his undertakings, he gained his prosperity by methods the honor of which none call into question. Since her husband's death Mrs. Piffer and her son George have had charge of and have carried on the farms and business interests constituting the estate. She is a lady of excellent business judgment and keen discernment, is a charming hostess, having the faculty of making her guests feel at home, and moreover, is an active and helpful worker in the church and its auxiliary societies.
HUGH WILLIAMS.
Hugh Williams, an energetic and enterprising business man of Ackworth, Iowa, came to this state in 1866, and has made his home in Warren county since 1872. His early home, however, was on the other side of the Atlantic, for he was born in Wales, September 3. 1842, but he was only four years old when brought to this country by his father, Daniel Williams, who was also a native of Wales. The family located in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, where Hugh Williams grew to manhood.
When the country became involved in civil war, he enlisted August 11. 1862, in Company F, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. Going south, he participated in the battles of Franklin, Chickamauga and Resaca, and in the last named en- gagement he had part of the index finger of his left hand shot off, and being thus disabled he was sent first to the hospital at Jeffersonville, Indiana, where he spent about two months, and later at Lonisville, Kentucky. He was later detailed to help guard the arsenal at Louisville, and on the expiration of his term of enlistment was honorably discharged June 12, 1865, and returned to his home in Illinois.
During the summer of 1865, Mr. Williams worked in a mill, and in April, 1866, he was married in Knoxville, Illinois, to Mrs. Mary J. Elliott, the widow of James Elliott, who was a member of the One Hundred and Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was killed in the battle of Resaca. In the fall after his marriage Mr. Williams came to Iowa and located near Red Rock in Marion county, where he purchased land and also bought a half interest in a sawmill, being engaged in the manufacture of lumber for two or three years. He then traded his property there for land in Warren county and here he engaged in farming for a time. Later he removed to Sandyville, where he bought two places, and there continued to farm for several years or until his removal to Ackworth in 1893. For some years he had been engaged in the live-stock business and he now buys and ships stoek on quite an extensive scale and also deals in grain. In 1900 he embarked in the lumber business, opening a new
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yard in Ackworth, and during the fifteen years of his residence here he has done much to promote the welfare of the town by advancing its business in- terests.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been born ten children, those still living being: William, who is now in partnership with his father; Robert, who is engaged in the grain business in Ackworth; Roy, who operates the home farm of one hundred and ninety aeres; Effie, the wife of Benton Hornaday, a farmer of this county; Fannie, the wife of J. E. Ford, a business man of Indianola; Anna, wife of Frank Robertson; and Maud, wife of Rev. Henry Stewart, who is now a student in a Free Methodist Institute at Greenville, Illinois. Those of the family deceased are Daniel, who died at the age of three years; and Mary and Johnnie, who died in infancy.
Mr. Williams has aided in the improvement of Ackworth by the erection of a new store building, and was a genarous contributor toward building the Methodist and Friends churches. He never withholds his aid from any enter- prise which he believes will prove of public benefit. The republican party finds in him a stanch suporter and he has served as a delegate to various county conventions; filled the office of township trustee while living on his farm; was school treasurer for eleven years; justice of the peace one term; and has also served as a member of the city council and as mayor of Ackworth. He is pre- eminently publie spirited and progressive and the reins of eity government were never in more capable hands. He and his wife are members of the Christian church, and are worthy the high regard in which they are uniformly held.
ANDREW N. MePHERSON.
Andrew N. McPherson is a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of Lincoln township, who derives an exeellent income from his farm of two hundred and ten acres, which is situated on seetions 9, 10, 15 and 16. His business career has been characteristic of unfaltering industry and well directed effort, and he is widely known in Warren county, where he has made his home since the spring of 1875. He was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, December 21, 1845. His father, Maleomb MePherson, was also a native of that state, where he spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and was married, the lady of his ehoiee being Miss Margaret Noble, also a native of Ohio. The MePherson family is of Seoteh lineage and was founded in Ohio at an early period in the settle- ment of that state. Malcomb followed farming in Columbiana county, where he reared his family and spent his last days, being one of the respected agrieul- turists of his community.
A. N. McPherson was reared upon the home farm, in the county of his nativity, where he resided continuously to the age of eighteen years, when in 1864, he responded to the cause ealling for troops and enlisted as a member of Company B, One Hundred Forty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for one hun-
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dred days' service. Going to the south he did scouting and guard duty and worked on the intrenehments during the most of his term in service. In the fall of 1864 he was honorably discharged and returned home, again taking up his abode upon the farm in Columbiana county, where he assisted in the work of the fields until his marriage. It was about 1870 that he wedded Hannah Connell, who was born and reared in Columbiana county. They began their domestic life upon a farm where they lived for five years and then removed westward to Warren county, Iowa, where Mr. McPherson purchased one hun- dred and thirty acres of raw land. It was one of the first farms to be im- proved. Later he bought more land and is now the owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and ten acres. On this place he has erected a good residence, also has substantial outbuildings, and in addition to tilling the soil he makes a specialty of raising hogs and finds this an important and profitable branch of his business.
After living in this country for a time, Mr. McPherson lost his first wife and later married Anna B. Noble, who was born in Hardin county, Iowa, but was reared and educated in Warren county, Iowa. There were two children of the first marriage: Irene C., the wife of William Noble; and Bert A., who is married and follows farming in this county. There are four children of the second marriage: William N., Andrew M., Walter S., and Lachlin R. Politically, Mr. McPherson is a republican, and, although he has never sought nor desired office, he has served as township trustee and as school director for a number of years. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church of Indianola and they have many friends in the city as well as in the immediate neighborhood where they reside. Mr. McPherson is well known as a man of business integrity and worth and has the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact, while his business success is indicative of a life of well directed energy and thrift.
HON. JAMES H. BARNETT.
Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to lose. whose lives have been of such benefit to the community, that their loss brings a sense of personal bercavement to all. Such was the Hon. James H. Barnett, who was closely identified with the development of Indianola and Warren county during the greater part of his life. He became one of the active and prosperous business men and farmers and aside from his individual interests, he always found time and opportunity to aid in any measure or movement that was calculated to promote the upbuilding and welfare of the county. He died at his home, adjoining the corporation limits of Indianola, December 28, 1906. He was then but in the prime of life, for his birth occurred in Shenandoah county, Virginia, October 8, 1845.
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