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 20
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On the 18th of January, 1883, Mr. Whetstine was married to Miss Ida L. Poland, who was born in this county. July 22, 1860, and is a daughter of Simeon and Mary M. (Sigler) Poland, both of whom were natives of Maryland, whence they came to Iowa in 1853. locating in Lime Creek town- ship. The father enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company I. Thirteenth Regiment of lowa Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded in the battle of Shiloh and died from the effect of his injuries on the 22d of April, 1862. The mother still survives and resides with her daughter. Mrs. Whetstine, in her seventy-second year. One daughter, Georgia E., has been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Whetstine, her natal day being May 7. 1891. The parents attend the Methodist Episcopal church and are interested in those causes which work for righteousness, truth and justice. Mr. Whetstine votes with the democracy. He does not seek political pre- ferment but has served as a member of the school board for twenty years
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and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart friend. Ile belongs to the Masonic lodge at Wellman and has filled all of its chairs, his fellow members recognizing in him a faithful and exemplary representative of the craft. Carlyle has said, "The story of any man's life would have interest and value if truly told," and the record of Mr, Whetstine is one which contains a num- ber of valuable lessons as it indicates what may be accomplished by persistent, earnest and honorable effort. He has been a life-long resident of Washing- ton county, having for more than a half century witnessed its progress and development and throughout the period of manhood he has displayed the elements of public-spirited citizenship.
F. E. SKOLA.
F. E. Skola, the cashier of the Farmers Savings Bank, of Kalona, lowa, was born in Richmond, this state, on the 24th of February, 1876, his parents being Joseph and Lidmila Skola, both of whom were natives of Bohemia. In that land they were reared and married and in 1866 crossed the Atlantic to the United States, establishing their home in Richmond, Iowa. The father, a carpenter by trade, was successfully identified with that occupation in Richmond until the time of his demise in 1882. The mother, who still sur- vives, making her home with her son, F. E., is numbered among the well known and highly esteemed residents of the community.
F. E. Skola was but six years of age at the time of his father's death and was therefore reared by his mother. attending the public schools of his native town in the acquirement of an education. His opportunities in that direction, however, were somewhat limited, for at the age of thirteen years he put aside his text-books to assist in the support of the family. When a youth of fifteen he secured a position as clerk in a mercantile establishment of Richmond, where he continued for four years and then clerked in a Riverside store for one year. On the expiration of that period he removed to Washington and for six years held a position as clerk with Bowman Brothers, proving a capable and reliable employe. Subsequently he returned home, owing to his mother's illness, and in July, 1902, was appointed post- master of Richmond. In March, 1903, he came to Kalona to accept a posi- tion as bookkeeper in the Farmers Savings Bank of this place and three months later was made assistant cashier of the institution. That his effi- ciency, trustworthiness and fidelity were quickly recognized is indicated by the fact that in December of the same year he was made cashier of the bank, in which position he has since served to the entire satisfaction of all con- cerned. He is likewise acting as president of the Kalona Independent Tele- phone Company and is widely recognized as one of the representative sub- stantial and respected citizens of his native county.
In 1902 Mr. Skola was united in marriage to Miss Hattie A. Brown, of Washington, Iowa, by whom he has one child, Doris N.
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Politically Mr. Skola is a stanch republican, believing the principles of that party to contain the best elements of good government. He has served as city clerk of Kalona for one term, his personal popularity and the confi- dence and trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen being evidenced in the fact that he was the only republican candidate elected on the ticket. Fra- ternally he is identified with Richmond Lodge, No. 96, A. F. & A. M., and Kalona Lodge, No. 508, I. O. O. F. Although yet a young man, he has already attained a creditable position in business circles, while the salient characteristics of his manhood are such as have brought him the warm re- gard of those with whom he has come in contact.
WESLEY SMITH.
Wesley Smith is a retired farmer residing in Washington. His intense and well directed activity in former years constituted the basis of a gratifying success which now enables him to fest from labor and enjoy all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life." He is numbered among the worthy citizens that Ohio has furnished to this state, his birth having occurred about nine miles northeast of Columbus in Franklin county, Ohio, October 25, 1844. In the paternal line he represents an old family of German descent, repre- sented in this country through many generations. His grandfather, George P. Smith, was a native of New Jersey and became one of the early settlers of Ohio, where he followed the occupation of farming. His wife had the same surname before as after her marriage. Both passed away in the Buck- eye state, Mrs. Smith reaching a very advanced age. They were the parents of five children, including Benjamin Smith, who was born in Ohio Throughout his entire life he followed the occupation of farming and, wish- ing to enjoy the opportunities offered on the broad prairies of Iowa, he came to this state in 1856 and settled in Dutch Creek township, Washing- ton county, where he purchased eighty acres of land. This he improved, bringing the fields under a high state of cultivation and as the years passed and his financial resources increased he added to the property from time to time. Upon that farm he remained until his demise, which occurred April 23, 1893, when he was in his seventy-third year, his birth having oc- curred September 29. 1820. In early manhood Benjamin Smith wedded Hettie Holland, who was born on the Delaware, February 4. 1822, and was an only child. Her father died in carly manhood, after which her mother married again and there was one son by that union. Both Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Smith were consistent Christian people. holding membership in early life in the Methodist church, while later they became members of the Baptist church. In their family were seven children, of whom four survive: Wesley : Marion, of Story county, Iowa ; Frank, living on the old home farm in Dutch Creek township: and George, whose home is in Atlantic, Iowa. The mother died September 24. 1898.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENCX TILDEN FOUNDATION
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Wesley. Smith
Marc YAV. Smith
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HE NEW YORK . UBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUNDATION
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Wesley Smith spent the first twelve years of his life in the state of his nativity and then came with his parents to Iowa, being reared liere amid the wild seenes and environments of pioneer life. No event of special impor- tance occurred to vary the routine of the farm and through the fall and winter months he attended the district schools, while at the time of the early spring planting he took his place in the fields and assisted in the cultiva- tion and harvesting of the crops as the seasons passed. When a young man he thought to find other pursuits more congenial than agriculture and at the age of nineteen he began learning the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for a few years. In this way he made a little capital and, in connection with his brother Marion, he purchased a farm of two hundred and twenty acres in Dutch Creek township. About three years later he purchased his broth- er's interest and remained the sole owner of the property for about five or six years, when he disposed of it. His own investment brought him one hundred and sixty acres of land in Franklin township, to which at different times he added two eighty acre tracts. This place he still owns and also another farm of one hundred and thirty-one acres in the same township. He continued to reside with his family in Franklin township until 1907, when he removed to the county seat, purchasing a beautiful home at No. 606 West Washington street. As the years had gone by he had persistently and energetically pursued the farm work, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and using all of the latest improved machinery to facili- tate his labors. His farm ever presented a neat and thrifty apearance and in spring gave good promise of golden harvests, to be garnered in the autumn. His unfaltering industry, his careful management and his judicious sales at length brought him affluence and in possession of a substantial competence he is now living retired.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Smith was married on the 27th of December. 1869. to Miss Marie W. Wells, a native of this county and a daughter of William W. and Rebecca (Jackson) Wells. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Smith has been blessed with one son, Sidney S., who wedded Viola McCaleb and is operating the home farm. Mr. Smith is an earnest democrat with faith in the principles of the party and has served for several terms as township trustee and as school director. Both he and his wife occupy a prominent position in social circles, enjoying the warin regard of all with whom they have come in contact.
CHARLES SCHULTY.
Charles Schulty, a prosperous, progressive and representative agricul- turist of Cedar township, was born in Washington county, Iowa, on the 30th of June. 1863, a son of Henry Schulty, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. In his youthful days he enjoyed the educational priv- ileges afforded by the common schools and when eighteen years of age went to Nebraska, where he worked as a farm hand for a year. On the
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expiration of that period, however, he returned to this county and has since been identified with agricultural interests here, having lived on his present farm in Cedar township for the past nineteen years. In addition to tilling the soil he makes a specialty of stock-raising and in both branches of his business is meeting with success because of his capable management and untiring energy.
On the 30th of June. 1886. Mr. Schulty was united in marriarge to Miss Maggie A. Oldfield, a daughter of Paul and Rebecca ( Bidding ) Old- field, whose family numbered eleven children. Mr. Oldfield is now deccased but his wife is still living, making her home in Cedar township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schulty have been born two sons: Orvilk P., who is married and lives in Lime Creek township : and J. L., at home.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Schulty has given his political allegiance to the democracy and has served as a school director for nine years, being a stanch champion of the cause of education. Having spent practically his entire life in this county, his record is welf known and at all times it has been characterized by a purposeful spirit and ready determination that have enabled him to overcome difficulties and obstacles and make steady advancement on the highroad to prosperity. More- over his career has always been characterized by a recognition of community interests for the public good and by active cooperation therein.
L. P. JACKSON.
L. P. Jackson is cashier of the West Chester Savings Bank, having worked his way to this responsible position by his own efforts and in the position in which he is serving he is one of the most efficient men in the county. In Franklin township he was born December 8. 1863. a son of James and Mary C. (Clemons ) Jackson. his father having been a native of Ohio, who came to Washington county during the '50s and here he led a use- ful life as an agriculturist until he entered into rest in 1901. his remains being interred in New Haven cemetery. His mother was also a native Ohioan but was married in this county, her people, who were originally from the east. having been among the early settlers of lowa. She still survives in the enjoyment of good health and vigor and resides in the village of West Chester. She has been twice married. her first union having been with Zedekiah Butts, by whom she had six children, namely : Helen and Edward. twins : Aletha and .\delia, twins ; George W. ; and Mary, who is the only sur- viving member and the widow of Albert Miller. now residing in Greene county. Iowa.
By the second marriage there was one son, L. P. Jackson, who left home about 1884 and became employed on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, his first position being that of operator at Fairfield, at which post he served for some time. He then worked in various capacities for the same company until 1886. when he located in West Chester as station
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agent, the duties of which office he performed until 1902, when he became affiliated with the banking business as cashier of the West Chester Savings Bank, of which D. A. Boyer is president : J. B. Croyne, vice president. L. 1. Jackson, cashier, while D. A. Boyer. J. B. Croyne, L. P. Jackson, David Fisher and W. J. Mayer are directors. In 1888 Mr. Jackson was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Vollquardsen, who is of German lineage and they now have three children: Mabel, and Edward and Emma, twins, all residing with their parents.
W. T. TROTTER.
W. T. Trotter, actively engaged in business lines leading to success, is now dealing in buggies in Ainsworth, where he also conducts a blacksmith and wagon shop. Lahor and not idleness is the rule of his life and his indefatigable industry has made him one of the substantial citizens of his adopted town. His birth occurred in Talleyrand, Keokuk county, Iowa, June 18. 1860, his parents being Alexander and Amanda J. (Crawford) Trotter. The father was probably a native of Steubenville, Ohio, and. com- ing direct to lowa at an early day, located in Talleyrand, where he died during the early childhood of the subject of this review. He was a college graduate and afterward became a school teacher. At the time of the Civil war he offered his services to the government, enlisting as a member of Company K. Ninth Iowa Cavalry, in which he was the fifth ranking duty sergeant. His wife was probably a native of Keokuk county, where they were married. She is now the wife of Benjamin Mikesell and they reside in Fairfield, Iowa. By her first marriage she had three children: W. T .: Sylvania May, the wife of Robert Waters, a commission merchant of Chi- cago ; and Frank E., deceased.
Although he lost his father when quite young. W. T. Trotter continued to make his home with his mother and grandparents during the period of boyhood and youth. His education was acquired in the common schools but his opportunities in that direction were somewhat limited, for it early became necessary for him to provide for his own support. He worked in various ways until seventeen years of age and then began learning the black- smith's trade in Ainsworth on the site where his present shop now stands. He completed the regular term of apprenticeship, after which he continued with his employer for eleven months and then bought the shop. He now engages in the sale of buggies and also conducts a general blacksmithing and wagon work business. He owns his plant and also a good residence in Ainsworth and is now conducting a growing and profitable business.
In 1881 Mr. Trotter was married to Miss Isabelle Stewart, a daughter of James M. Stewart, of Ainsworth, where she resided until her marriage. She was born a mile and a half west of town, January 14. 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Trotter have become the parents of nine children. Carmeletta S. is the wife of F. D. Harding, of Ainsworth, and they have one son, William J.
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The second child died in infancy. Leonard E. is an electrical engineer of Schenectady, New York. James A., who is engaged in the furniture and hardware business in Bennett, Iowa, married Shirley E. Dawson. Willis T. is a partner with his father in business. Carinda May is the wife of H. V. Stickley, a telegraph operator at Milano, Texas. George F., Susanna A. and Lawrence J. are all at home.
In his political views Mr. Trotter is a stalwart republican and has been postmaster of Ainsworth for the last twelve years, and is still serving in that capacity. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and he holds membership in Ainsworth Lodge. A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master. He has served as a member of the town council and has ever discharged his public duties in prompt and capable manner. His life record has at all times been a creditable one, characterized by fidelity to duty and honesty of purpose in every relation.
WILLIAM A. FOSTER.
William A. Foster, owning and operating a valuable and well improved farm of one hundred and fifty-two acres on section 34, Lime Creek township, was born in Ohio on the 13th of November, 1848, his parents being A. D. and Martha ( Lucas) Foster, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Connecticut. Removing to Ohio, the father purchased a tract of timber land which he cleared and on which he erected a log house, continuing a resident of the Buckeye state until 1860, when he came to Washington county. Iowa. He took up his abode on a farm which he had purchased in Lime Creek township and remained a worthy and respected resident of the community until called to his final rest in September, 1889. His wife, sur- viving him for several years, passed away on the 8th of February, 1897. Their family numbered ten children, as follows: E. N., a resident of Okla- homa : William A., of this review ; Marian, living at Cedar Rapids, Iowa ; Henry, of Lime Creek township : and six who are deceased.
William A. Foster acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. Subse- quently he rented a portion of the old homestead farm, being successfully engaged in its cultivation and improvement for seven years. He then bought one hundred acres of the farm where he now resides and afterward ex- tended the boundaries of the place until it now includes one hundred and fifty-two acres of rich and productive land on section 34, Lime Creek town- ship. The fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them and he also makes a specialty of raising and feeding hogs, in which line of activity he has won a gratifying measure of prosperity.
In 1872 Mr. Foster was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Farley, whose birth occurred in Franklin county, Massachusetts, July 18. 1854, her parents being Frank and Mary E. (Harding) Farley, who were natives of Franklin
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county, Massachusetts, and New York respectively. After residing for some time in the state of New York, Mr. and Mrs. Farley came to Washington county, Iowa. in 1854, continuing to make their home here until they passed away. Frank Farley, who was called to the home beyond in 1889, survived his wife for three decades, her demise having occurred in 1859. Mrs. Foster, who is the only surviving member of her father's family, has become the mother of five children, namely: Harriet M., born November 8, 1873, who is the wife of C. P. Bradford. of Lime Creek township ; George E., who was born December 6, 1878, and is likewise a resident of Lime Creek township ; Frank E., born September 12. 1880, who makes his home in this county ; Ralph I., whose birth occurred November 30, 1884, and who is likewise living in this county ; and Ethel 1., at home, who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 2d of May, 1888.
Politically Mr. Foster is a stalwart republican and has served his fellow townsmen in various positions of public trust and responsibility. He is now acting as trustee and also as school treasurer, having held the latter position for thirty-two years. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, with which his wife is also identified. He is well known in this county, having been a resident here for almost a half century, during which time his genuine worth, his active life and his high principles have commended him to the good will. trust and respect of all with whom he has been associated.
SAMUEL ANDERSON.
Samuel Anderson is now living retired in Washington but for fifty-one years was a resident of Highland township and for a long period was counted one of the foremost and representative farmers of this county. His careful management of business affairs and his wise expenditure at length brought to him a substantial competence so that he is now enabled to enjoy life with- out further recourse to labor, his investments bringing him sufficient income for all of the needs and some of the luxuries of life.
Mr. Anderson was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, April 30, 1845, a son of John T. and Sarah ( Baxter) Anderson, natives of Pennsyl- vania and Virginia respectively. The paternal grandfather was a miller and followed that pursuit in the Keystone state. He died in middle life and his wife afterward became the wife of Craig Taylor. The maternal grand- father of Mr. Anderson, was Absalom Baxter, a native of Maryland, who made many surveys in that state. He married a Miss Butler and both died when past middle age, having reared a family of several sons and daughters.
John T. Anderson, the father of Samuel Anderson, was a cabinet-maker, learning his trade in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and following it until his re- moval to the west. In 1855 he arrived in Wisconsin, settling in Sauk City, but in 1857 he removed to Washington county, lowa, purchasing a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Highland township, which he operated until
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his death. He was long one of the representative and valued farmers of the community and passed away at the age of eighty-three years. He held men- bership in the Presbyterian church, while his wife, who survived him for about a year, was a member of the old school Baptist church. They were the parents of seven children, five sous and two daughters, of whom five are now living: Marion B., deceased ; Anna, the widow of Bazil Wells ; Sarah MI .. the widow of Thomas Craig : Absalom ; Samuel ; John T. ; and Charles O., deceased.
Samuel Anderson was reared in Highland township from the age of twelve and there lived for fifty-one years. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and during that period pursued his early education in the district schools, while later he attended a school in Ainsworth, Iowa, taught by Professor Doig and his daughter. At the time of his marriage Mr. Anderson had forty acres of land, which he at once began to till and improve and to which he added from time to time until he owned three hundred and thirty-five acres, constituting a valuable property. He continued the cultivation of his fields until January. 1908, when he removed to the county seat and erected a beautiful home at the end of East Washington street. Ile still derives a substantial income from farming property, owning two hundred and forty acres in Spink county, South Dakota.
On the 31st of December, 1868, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Mary Davidson, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth ( Majors) Davidson. Mrs. Anderson was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, and her parents were also natives of that state and were of Scotch descent. ller grandfather in the paternal line was Archibald Davidson, a native of Pennsylvania, who made farming his life work. He died in Venango county, Pennsylvania, when about seventy-five years of age, having for a long time survived his wife. There were three children of that marriage: Patrick ; Thomas; and Jane, who became the wife of a Mr. McElfatric. After losing his first wife Mr. Davidson married again and by the second union had four children, Martha, Mary, Margaret and John. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Anderson was also a Pennsylvania farmer and his children were: Sarah, who became the wife of Peter Walter ; Mary, the wife of Mathias McGarbey ; Jane, who married John Elder: Elizabeth, who became Mrs. Davidson ; Nancy, the wife of Joseph Me Wright ; Richard ; and William.
Thomas Davidson was reared to the occupation of farming in his native state, where he resided until the fall of 1864, when he came westward to Washington county, lowa. purchasing two hundred acres of land in High- land township. Year by year he carefully tilled the soil and developed one of the fine farms of the locality. He died at the age of seventy-nine years and his wife, who survived him for two years, also reached the age of seventy- nine. They were the parents of the following children: Archibald, Eliza- beth. Jane, Major, Sarah, Mary, Matilda and Frank P.
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