History of Washington County, Iowa from the first white settlements to 1908. Also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county, Vol. II, Part 10

Author: Burrell, Howard A
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 686

USA > Iowa > Washington County > History of Washington County, Iowa from the first white settlements to 1908. Also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county, Vol. II > Part 10

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Samuel H. Bear remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty-one years, when he started out in life on his own account as an agriculturist, which line of activity has since claimed his time and energies. For the past twenty-four years he has owned his present farm of one hundred and sixty-six acres on section 11, Cedar township, and in addi- tion to tilling the soil he has made a specialty of raising and feeding stock to some extent. In all of his undertakings he displays good management and practical methods and has long been numbered among the prosperous, progressive and representative agriculturists of his native county.

In December, 1868, Mr. Bear was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Bowersox, who was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, and accompanied her parents on their removal to Stephenson county, Illinois, where the family remained for ten years. In 1865 they went to Keokuk county, Iowa, where Mr. and Mrs. Bowersox continued to reside until called to their final rest, the former passing away May 18. 1896, while the latter died March 14. 1899. Their family numbered twelve children, six sons and six daughters, seven of whom are yet living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bear have been born eight chil- dren, namely: Bertha D., whose birth occurred December 12, 1869, and who passed away May 3, 1881 : Charles H., born December 10, 1871, who follows

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

farming in Cedar township; Mary P., who was born April 9, 1874, and died March 1, 1889 ; Clara A., born March 17, 1876, who passed away Octo- ber 3, 1878; Anna E., who was born June 8, 1878, and is now the wife of T. C. Reeves, of Cedar township ; Myrtle E., whose birth occurred April 4, 1880, and who is now the wife of M. E. Booth, of Washington county ; one who died in infancy ; and Tessie 1 .. , born January 31, 1891, who is at home.

In his political views Mr. Bear is a republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church, to which the different members of his family also belong. A resident of the county throughout his entire life, he has seen the raw prairie converted into rich farms, in the midst of which towns and cities have sprung up, bringing industrial and commer- cial development. All through the years he has been an exemplary citizen and wherever known he is honored and esteemed.

CHARLES A. DEWEY.

Charles A. Dewey, capably and satisfactorily filling the office of county attorney, was born September 11, 1877, in Washington, Iowa, where he yet makes his home. Comparatively little is known about the remote ancestry of the Dewey family. The grandfather was a farmer by occupation and died in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, when past middle life. He married a Miss Baldwin and her death occurred in 1908 when she was eighty-eight years of age. They reared a large family, the living representatives being: Oliver, a resi- dent of Ohio; Hulda, the wife of Dr. Jenkins, of San Diego, California ; Luna, who married and lives in San Diego; and Mrs. Cassie Joris, also of San Diego.

To this family also belonged Judge Almon R. Dewey, father of Charles A. Dewey. He was a native of Ohio and served in the Civil war as a private in two enlistments. Following the cessation of hostilities he came to Wash- ington, Iowa, and for a time lived with his uncle, Ralph Dewey, who was one of the pioneer residents of this city and a very prominent and influential man, serving at one time as mayor of Washington and again as county clerk. He studied law in the office of Colonel Hiram Scofield until he had sufficiently mastered the principles of jurisprudence to pass the required examination for admission to the bar. Entering upon active practice in Washington he made continual progress in his professional career until his ability won him the honor of an election to the district bench. He served as judge for twelve years, his course on the bench being characterized by a masterful grasp of every problem presented for solution. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial, winning him the respect and approval of the members of the bar and of the general public. He was one of the distinguished representatives of the Masonic fraternity, becoming one of the early members of the lodge in Washington and an organizer of the other branches of Masonry here. He was honored with state offices, becoming a past grand master, a past grand high priest and past grand commander. His death occurred April 15, 1905,

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when he was sixty years of age and Washington county thereby lost one of its most valued and honored citizens, who was ever fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation. Both he and his wife were devoted members of the Methodist church. Mrs. Dewey bore the maiden name of Sarah Rousseau and was a native of lowa. Her father, Dr. W. H. Rousseau, was born in Kentucky and became an early resident of Washington, Iowa, where he practiced medicine for many years. Ile was twice married, his first wife being the mother of Mrs. Dewey. His death occurred about 1883 when he had reached an advanced age. Judge and Mrs. Dewey had but two children, the elder being Mrs. Mabel Brooking, the wife of J. C. Brooking, of Pueblo county, Colorado.

Charles A. Dewey was reared in Washington and acquired his education in the public schools of this city and in Oberlin (Ohio) Academy, from which he was graduated. He afterward pursued a two years' course in the law department of the University of Iowa, at Iowa City and was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1901. since which time he has continuously prac- ticed his profession. He has been accorded a liberal clientage, connecting him with much important litigation tried in the courts of the district. For four years he filled the office of city attorney and in November, 1908, was elected county attorney, which position he is now filling in most acceptable manner.

At the time of the Spanish-American war Mr. Dewey offered his services to the government and was made corporal of his company. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party which finds in him a stalwart champion. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is prominent in Masonry, belonging to Washington Lodge, No. 26, A. F. & A. M. ; Cyrus Chapter. No. 13, R. A. M .; Bethlehem Commandery, No. 45. K. T .; and Kaaba Temple of the Mystic Shrine. His entire life having here been passed he has many friends and enjoys the warm regard of all who know him.

COLONEL S. W. BROOKHART.

Colonel S. W. Brookhart, the senior partner of the old firm of S. W. & J. L. Brookhart and prominent as a representative of the Washington bar. was born in Scotland county, Missouri, February 2, 1869, his parents being Abram C. and Cynthia (Wildman) Brookhart, who were natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively. The former was a son of Abram Brookhart, whose birth occurred in the Buckeye state. He came of German-Swiss ancestry and devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. The maternal grandfather. James Wildman, was also a farmer and for a short time served as a soldier of the Civil war in response to the first call. Abram C. Brookhart also made farm- ing his life work and, on leaving his native state, removed westward, living for a time in Missouri and afterward one season in Minnesota prior to com- ing to lowa in 1879. On reaching this state he settled in Jefferson county for

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five years, whence he removed to Van Buren county, where he lived for twenty-two years. In 1906 he arrived in Washington county and purchased a farm of ninety acres in Washington township, where he now resides. For a little more than three years he was a soldier of the Seventh Missouri Cav- alry, serving among others under General Steele. Unto him and his wife were born ten children, six sons and four daughters: Smith W., Newton D .; James L. : Odes E. : Della E. ; George W. : Myrtle, the wife of George Poole ; May, now Mrs. James Quinn : Thompson L. ; and Lillian.

In taking up the present history of Colonel S. W. Brookhart we present to our readers the record of one who occupies a prominent place in the public regard by reason of his ability in his chosen profession and his loyalty to the interests which best conserve the general welfare. He lived in Mis- souri until nine years of age and afterward spent one summer in Minnesota, coming thence to Iowa with his parents, the remainder of his minority being passed on the home farm in this state. His early education, acquired in the country schools, was supplemented by study in the Bloomfield high school and by a scientific course in the Southern Iowa Normal. He was graduated from the last two and made a wide study of modern languages out of school. This together with broad literary knowledge to serve as a foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional learning. he took up the study of law, reading for a year at Bloomfield and later at Keosauqua. In October. 1892, he was admitted to the bar upon successfully passing an exam- ination before the supreme court and the same year began practice in Wash- ington, where he has since continued. In 1898 he admitted his brother J. L. Brookhart to a partnership and the firm is connected with much of the im- portant litigation tried in the courts of the district. Colonel Brookhart is very thorough, careful and painstaking in the preparation of cases. His knowledge of the law is accurate and comprehensive and his trial of a case is characterized by a strong and forceful logic. while he never loses sight of the common sense that appeals to all men. Aside from his profession he is a director in the Farmers & Merchants Bank and is the owner of consider- able stock in the George H. Paul Land Company.

Pleasantly situated in his home life Colonel Brookhart was married on the 22d of June, 1807. to Miss Jennie Hearne, a daughter of Samuel Hearne. They have four sons and one daughter, Charles Edward, John Roberts, Sam- uel Colar. Smith W., and Florence Hearne. Mrs. Brookhart is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Colonel Brookhart belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and in politics is a progressive republican, interested in the success and growth of right principles. He was elected to serve as county attorney for six years save for a period of six months when he resigned and enlisted in the Spanish- American war, becoming second lieutenant of Company D., Fiftieth Iowa Regiment. After the war he reorganized that company as captain and con- tinued in command for three or four years. He was afterward appointed by Governor Cummins a- colonel and general inspector of small arms prac- tice for the state and later was reappointed to the same position by Governor Carroll and is still at the head of this department. He was one of the pro-

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moters and is a director in the Washington Commercial Club and is a factor in many of the movements as well as business interests which have had to do with shaping the policy and molding the destiny of the county in recent years. In all he does he is actuated by a desire for the public good and his labors have been effective in attaining desired results. He is, however, preeminently a lawyer with deep interest in the science of jurisprudence, familiar with the law and with precedent and standing as a strong conservator of the liberties and rights of the people through the medium of his profession. At the same time he is not blind to the faults and technicalities of the law and one can not be found who is more alert for reform and progress. His chief diversion is military affairs and he takes great interest in the improvement of rifle practice in the Iowa National Guard by the most scientific and practical in- struction. He has developed a state rifle team that now holds a place in the first division of the national rifle matches and is looking to greater advance- ment in the future.

THOMAS SINGMASTER.

There is probably no country house in Iowa that surpasses the palatial residence of Thomas Singmaster-built in the old colonial style and sup- plied with every modern improvement and equipment. A capitalist, Mr. Singmaster is nevertheless an active factor in the business interests of the state, standing as a most prominent representative of the stock-breeding interests of Iowa. What he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of his innate talents and powers. He is well known as a man stable in pur- pose, quick in perception, swift in decision and energetic and persistent in action, and his labors have had direct result upon the prosperity of the com- monwealth in that his business has been an element in improving the grade of horses raised in this state, classes being materially advanced in conse- quence thereof.

The life record of Mr. Singmaster began in Perry county, Pennsylvania, on the 20th of September, 1840, his parents being Samuel and Mary (Sues- holtz) Singmaster, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state, born in Lehigh and Berks county, respectively. The father's birth occurred April 11, 1807, and in his native county he was reared, there making his home until 1836, when he came to Iowa on a prospecting tour. This state was then under territorial rule and the work of progress and improvement had scarcely been begun save for the settlements that had been made along the river. On that trip he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land in Keokuk county, but after a short time he left the west and returned to his Pennsylvania home. The memory of this district. however, came to him, proving irresistibly attractive, and two years later-in 1839-he returned to Towa and made permanent location upon the property which he had previously purchased in Keokuk county. The land was wild and unculti- vated, but with characteristic energy he took up the task of transforming

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the virgin prairie into productive fields. His means at that time were limited and he endured all of the hardships and privations common to pioneer life. At times he met with the success that usually attends untiring energy and perseverance, and again he suffered the disappointments that seem inevitable in establishing a home in a new country, far removed from the comforts and conveniences of the older east. A few years after he had come to Iowa his home was destroyed in a hurricane and in 1860 his barn and all of his machinery were totally lost in a disastrous fire. He did not allow these things to discourage him, however, his losses proving rather as an impetus to renewed effort and, placing his dependence upon honest labor, close economy and indefatigable energy he not only acquired a handsome compe- tence but was fortunate in securing a large share of this world's goods as the years passed by. From time to time, as his financial resources permitted, he made investments in land, until he was the owner of over two thousand acres of valuable property, most of which was well improved. In his later years he made a specialty of importing Clydesdale and Norman horses and in that branch of his business he was very successful. He was one of the first men in Iowa to import and introduce thoroughbreds and he deserved much credit for advancing the high standard of the Iowa horses. His life record stands as a splendid example of what may be accomplished through per- sistent, unfaltering effort, and his history proves conclusively that success and an honest name may be won simultaneously. He gave his political alle- giance to the republican party, but did not seek nor desire the emoluments of office. He died in April, 1898, and Iowa thereby lost one of her repre- sentative men, one who had been'a most prominent factor in promoting the agricultural progress and consequent prosperity of the state.

Thomas Singmaster was brought to Iowa by his parents during his first year and was reared in Keokuk county, acquiring his education in its public schools. From early manhood he was closely associated with his father in his extensive farming and horse-breeding operations, and during the later years of the father's life he retired somewhat from active business so that much of the management of his affairs devolved upon his son Thomas, who in this way became closely connected with his father's success. Although he is today numbered among the wealthy men of this portion of the state he by no means relegates the care of his affairs to others, but gives general supervision to all his manifold interests, his plans and his judgment constitut- ing the guiding forces in their control.

Following his father's death, Mr. Singmaster was married, December 6, 1900, to Miss Catherine Kaufman and for two years they remained on the old homestead. In March, 1903, they removed to Keota, where Mr. Sing- master purchased a residence, and in 1905 he began the erection of his present home, which without exception is the finest residence in either Wash- ington or Keokuk counties. It is of palatial dimensions, built in the old colonial style, is finished throughout with hard wood and supplied with all of the modern improvements, accessories and conveniences. Its furnishings are all that wealth guided by cultured taste can suggest. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Singmaster has been blessed with two daughters and a son,

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the virgin prairie into productive fields. His means at that time were limited and he endured all of the hardships and privations common to pioneer life. At times he met with the success that usually attends untiring energy and perseverance, and again he suffered the disappointments that seem inevitable in establishing a home in a new country, far removed from the comforts and conveniences of the older east. A few years after he had come to Iowa his home was destroyed in a hurricane and in 1860 his barn and all of his machinery were totally lost in a disastrous fire. He did not allow these things to discourage him, however, his losses proving rather as an impetus to renewed effort and, placing his dependence upon honest labor, close economy and indefatigable energy he not only acquired a handsome compe- tence but was fortunate in securing a large share of this world's goods as the years passed by. From time to time, as his financial resources permitted, he made investments in land, until he was the owner of over two thousand acres of valuable property, most of which was well improved. In his later years he made a specialty of importing Clydesdale and Norman horses and in that branch of his business he was very successful. He was one of the first men in Iowa to import and introduce thoroughbreds and he deserved much credit for advancing the high standard of the Iowa horses. His life record stands as a splendid example of what may be accomplished through per- sistent, unfaltering effort, and his liistory proves conclusively that success and an honest name may be won simultaneously. He gave his political alle- giance to the republican party, but did not seek nor desire the emoluments of office. He died in April, 1898, and Iowa thereby lost one of her repre- sentative men, one who had been'a most prominent factor in promoting the agricultural progress and consequent prosperity of the state.

Following his father's death. Mr. Singmaster was married, December 6, 1900, to Miss Catherine Kaufman and for two years they remained on the old homestead. In March, 1903, they removed to Keota, where Mr. Sing- master purchased a residence, and in 1905 he began the erection of his present home, which without exception is the finest residence in either Wash- ington or Keokuk counties. It is of palatial dimensions, built in the old colonial style, is finished throughout with hard wood and supplied with all of the modern improvements, accessories and conveniences. Its furnishings are all that wealth guided by cultured taste can suggest. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Singmaster has been blessed with two daughters and a son,

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Mary Eva, Margaret Lillian and Thomas Clarence. Not only by reason of its commodiousness, its rich furnishings and attractive surroundings, but also owing to its warm-hearted and generous hospitality is the Singmaster home a notable one in this part of the state, a cordial welcome being extended to all their many friends.

Since his father's death Mr. Singmaster has continued the breeding of thoroughbred Percheron, French draft and Shire horses, all registered stock. On his farm he now has one hundred and forty head of the best animals that have been bred in the state and he is also feeding one hundred head of cattle. In the spring of 1909 he sold five mares to one man for four thousand dollars, and he owns the stallion that took the first premium at the lowa state fair in 1908. He has recently received an importation of forty Percheron mares from France. He owns more than three thousand acres of land and with the exception of the tract of two hundred and forty acres in Nebraska the entire amount lies in the richest agricultural section of Towa-and Iowa stands first among the agricultural states of the Union. Aside from his farming and stock-raising interests he is a director in the State Bank of Keota, a director in the First National Bank of Richland, Iowa, and a stockholder in the Harper National Bank, of Harper, Iowa. His name has ever been an honored one on commercial paper and his business policy is one which will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny.

In his political views Mr. Singmaster is a republican and in religious faith his wife is a Catholic. He attributes much of his success to the aid and encouragement of his estimable wife, who is a lady of refinement and culture, occupying a prominent position in social circles. Although his business interests have been so extensive Mr. Singmaster has never had a lawsuit and has never foreclosed a mortgage on a poor man. He is not only entitled to a prominent mention in this volume from the fact that his career has been attended with a notable measure of success, but also because of the fact that his labors have constituted an important element in the state's progress in stock-breeding interests. He is also an advocate of improvement and advancement along many other lines, giving hearty cooperation to measures for the best interests of the commonwealth. Hle stands today as a high type of American manhood and citizenship, alert, energetic and de- termined, so utilizing his opportunities that public progress as well as in- dividual interests have been greatly conserved thereby.

A. L. HAMILTON.

A. L. Hamilton needs no introduction to the readers of this volume for he is widely known throughout the middle west and, in fact, in other sections of the country as a breeder of thoroughbred horses, making a specialty of heavy draft stock. He has been aptly termed a man of purpose and the story of his life is the story of thrift and enterprise, intelligently directed. He is a resident of Seventy-Six township and it was there that his birth

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occurred September 6, 1883. His father, R. M. Hamilton, who was his predecessor in business and a man of wide renown in that connection, was born in Clinton county, Indiana, February 29, 1840. He was a son of John and Susan ( Bennett) Hamilton, the former born in North Carolina in 1804. As a young man he removed to Ohio and following his marriage he and his wife began their domestic life in Preble county, that state. About 1830 they removed to Indiana and were residents of Clinton county until 1855, when they went to Mercer county, Illinois, and afterward to Warren county, in the same state, the death of John Hamilton there occurring in 1878.

R. M. Hamilton was reared in his father's home and acquired a common- school education. He was just twenty-one years of age at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war and in the opening year of hostilities between the north and the south he offered his services to the government and on the 16th of August was enrolled as a member of Company A, Thirtieth Illinois Infantry, to serve for three years. After the expiration of that term he returned to the north and spent one winter at home, but in the spring of 1865 re-enlisted, becoming a member of Company K, Forty-third Illinois Regi- ment. He was with that command until the close of the war and was hon orably discharged in November, 1865.

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History of Washington County, Iowa from the first white settlements to 1908. Also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county, Vol. II, Part 10

Author: Burrell, Howard A Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 686

Author: Burrell, Howard A
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 686