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 25
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Mr. and Mrs. Alberson are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as steward. He is today one of the most prominent and honored Masons in Iowa, standing as a splendid representative of the craft. He belongs 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, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Davenport. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his fitness for political service, have called him to various positions of prominence. For four years he served as mayor of Washington, giving to the city a busi- nesslike administration characterized by reform and progress. His labors in behalf of the city were of the most practical character. It was during his incumbency that the subject of paving the streets was agitated and carried to completion and now Washington has every reason to be proud of her well paved thoroughfares, Mr. Alberson giving much time and money to the promotion of this project. In 1898 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature, where he served for two years, when higher honors were conferred upon him in his election to the state senate for the term extending from 1900 to 1904. While a democrat in his political views and affiliation he was elected in a strong republican district, a fact indicative of his personal popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in hin. He served as a member of important committees including the one appointed to form a board of control bill, being favored in his appointments by reason of his recognized ability and unswerving loyalty to the public good. Since his retirement from office he has devoted his energies to his grocery business
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
and his Masonic interests. He has served as senior grand warden of the grand lodge of Iowa and was grand high priest of the grand chapter of Roval Arch Mason -. He was likewise grand master of the grand council of Royal and Select Masons and at the present writing is deputy grand commander of the grand commandery, Knights Templar. This organiza- tion, with the basic principles of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, finds a most worthy exemplar in Mr. Alberson and his efforts have been effective and far-reaching in promoting its interests. flis varied activity and the worth of his life work entitle him withont invidious distinc- tion to be ranked with the foremost citizens of his adopted county.
JOHN E. GRIFFITH.
Among those who are following the occupation of farming in Franklin township, Washington county, and who through their untiring energy and preseverance have tilled the soil to their advantage and are now blessed with a full measure of prosperity is John E. Griffith. He was born in Franklin township, May 2, 1868, a son of Elias and Henrietta E. (Humphrey ) Griffith, and a grandson of Robert W. and Elenor ( Long) Griffith. The father was born in Pickering county, Ohio, in 1833 and located in this county in 1848. He taught school and pursued a course of study in Washington Academy, remaining here until 1864, when he went to California and engaged in mining there until 1866, returning to Washington county during that year, and settling down to the life of a farmer, which occupation he followed until he departed this life September 1, 1888. He was well known as an enterpris- ing man who from time to time added to his possessions until at his death he left six hundred and ten acres of excellent farm land. He was united in mar- riage, April 29. 1867, to Henrietta Humphrey, a daughter of Eli and Lucia (Snow ) Humphrey. She entered into rest May 16, 1872. leaving two chil- dren : John E. : and Charles O., who is now living in San Diego, California.
In the district schools of his native township John E. Griffith acquired his preliminary education, subsequently pursuing a course of study at Wash- ington, this state. Naturally taking to agricultural life and desiring to adopt farming as his occupation, upon completing his studies, he settled on a farm and now operates six hundred and fifty-five acres, upon which he has made all improvements, his premises being provided with a magnificent dwelling house and supplied with all modern conveniences. While he produces all kinds of crops he pays particular attention to stock-raising and has won an enviable reputation throughout the state as a breeder of Angus cattle.
On the 3d of March, 1891, Mr. Griffith was united in marriage to Miss Barbara A. Neiswanger, a native of this county. Her father, Samuel Neis- wanger, was born near Toledo, Ohio, and her mother's birth occurred near Steubenville, that state. They were married, however, in Iowa in 1864. Mrs. Neiswanger passed away on the 17th of January, 1909, and was buried in Washington, lowa. Mr. Neiswanger is now living at Harvey, this state.
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TIDEN FOUNDATION
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MRS. JOHN E. GRIFFITH
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JOHN E. GRIFFITH
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUNDATION
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Unto Mr. and Mrs. Griffith have been born the following children : Clermont E., Charles S .. Warren E., Henrietta Margaret, Sarah Pauline and John Ed- win, Jr. The mother and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Griffith does not bind himself to the principles of any political party, but assumes an independent stand and irrespective of party affiliations votes for such candidates as in his opinion are possessed of the qualifications to enable them to serve with greatest efficiency in the offices they seek. In local affairs he has always been concerned, desirous of doing what he can to con- tribute to the welfare of the community, and for several terms he performed the duties of township trustee. His excellent citizenship and aggressive spirit have always enabled him to command the respect and confidence of his neigh . bors and he is numbered among the worthy and valued men of the township.
NATHAN MATTHESS.
Nathan Matthess, one of the older generation of farmers of Lime Creek township, Washington county, Iowa, was born in Ohio, October 23, 1832. the son of Garrett and Susan Matthess. Both parents were natives of Penn- sylvania, but in their early life removed to Ohio, where they made their home until their death. They were the parents of nine children.
Nathan Matthess attended the public schools, learning all that was taught in those little institutions of Ohio at that early period. When he was sixteen years of age he left home and worked as a farm hand until he was twenty- five, when he decided he would enter the married state and work a farm for his own benefit. The woman who had inspired this resolution and whom he chose for a wife was Miss Martha Longwell, a sister of Jesse Longwell, a sketch of whose life is given in another part of this volume. Upon his mar- riage Mr. Matthess rented a farm in Johnson county, Iowa, which he culti- vated for six years. In 1855 he came to Washington county, and bought a farm of two hundred acres in Lime Creek township. A part of the land he improved, for it was still virgin soil, and upon it built his home, in which he has lived ever since. Mr. Matthess has always been interested in cattle raising and every year sees a noticeable increase to the herd which can be observed feeding upon his extensive pastures.
There have heen fourteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Matthess: Mary J., the wife of John Whetstine, of this county ; Henry, also a resident of this county ; Lewis, of Des Moines, Iowa ; Jessie, living in Chicago : Rachel E., in Muscatine ; Franklin, of this county ; Hattie, living in Montana ; Eliza- beth, deceased; Clara the wife of E. Robinson ; Eddie N., and Delbert N., both of this county ; Flora E., the wife of Mr. Holzhauser, of Johnson county, Iowa, and two younger children who have passed away. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church and are actively affiliated with its interests and work.
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A member of the generation of farmers who worked the soil before the great improvement in methods, in farm machinery, and in conditions of life generally, which has transpired in the quarter of the century just past. Mr. Matthess has not only witnessed but has taken part in and done his share in bringing about the change. He is a man of great activity, or indus- try and foresight and has brought from the ground the best that it had to give. He has also evinced the interest of a public-spirited man in the welfare of the township and the community, whom he has served for several years most efficiently as a member of the school board. The trust that the people reposed in him in making him town treasurer has not been misplaced either, for during the several years he has been the incumbent of the office he has fulfilled his duties with credit and honor. When called upon to exercise his right of franchise Mr. Matthess gives his vote to the candidate of the re- publican party, and he stanchly affirms that he has never regretted his choice of a political guide. To sum up, he is a man whose solid qualities have won him wide respect and esteem among those who know him and for himself a success which none will begrudge.
CHARLES JAMES WILSON.
Charles James Wilson was born in the Jonathan H. Wilson home in Washington, Iowa. November 11, 1850. His parents were Michael Wilson and Catherine Wilson, whose maiden name was Catherine A. Hfood. Charles was reputed one of the prettiest and sweetest babes in all the countryside, but, not wishing to umpire the game, we shall leave it to his present admirers to say whether the promise and prophesy of the infantile pulchritude has been fulfilled, or broken to the hope.
His father was a farmer and one of the very first settlers of the county, and Charles grew up out of doors, fond of sports, animals, birds. flowers. colors, etc., and accumulated the average of colds, chilblains, stubbed toes and stone bruises on heels, and letters in the post-office. He was a few years too late for the Indians that he is so fond of, and he has been gathering their relic- ever since.
He never cared to climb his genealogical tree, for any of us may have had remote ancestors whose photographs we should not exactly prize. No one would care to trace back to the Flood when all of our forebears were sponged off the map. Charles did not care to scrape acquaintance farther back than grand or great-grand-he was not greedy of ancestors-let the dead bury their dead. It was enough matter of congratulation that he safely arrived on this merry scene.
His was a common-school education, supplemented by a few terms in a sort of academy. He read law about two years with McJunkin & Hender- son and graduated from the law department of the lowa University in the class of 1874-5. in June. 1875. While in the common schools, he learned much on the outside, as Emerson says, all boys get the best part of their
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education on the way to school, foraging for melons, green apples, worins for bait, and abluting in the Ole Swimmin' Hole.
Why did he propose to become a lawyer? To escape the farm. The man who started the story that Charles was passionately fond of farm life was a charter member of the original Ananias Club and a nature faker besides. He tried the law to get the means to exist and leave broad margins for the en- joyment of fun. He made good at law, practicing alone several years, then joined the firm of Stone, Wilson & Kellogg. On its dissolution, the shingle read Wilson & Kellogg. Then again alone a series of years, and for a year or so it was Eicher & Wilson, then Wilson & Wilson, his son Carlton C. becoming a partner.
He married Clara Conger at her parent's home in Washington, November 13, 1872, and five children were born to them; Nellie, who died in infancy ; Mrs. Katherine Smith ; Mrs. Edith Lytle ; Carlton C. : and Miss Helen.
Mr. Wilson has and ever had a strong taste for military affairs. He was one of the first members of Company D, Second Regiment Iowa National Guard, and had a continuous service with it from April 18, 1878, to April 12, 1906, in various grades, as private, commissary of subsistence, etc., and for two years he served on Governor Cummins' staff, as he is now serving on Governor Carroll's staff, as chief of engineers, with the rank of colonel. He was also a member of our famous Rifle Team that won contests with many noted companies and he was a splendid shot, a gift inherited from his Nimrod father.
In civil life, he held the offices of city solicitor, county attorney four terms, representative for Washington county in the twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth general assemblies of Iowa, and was a member of the republican state central committee for the first congressional district two years, and he is local attorney for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway. He is a Mason, a Knight of Pythias, an Elk, and belongs to several fraternal insur- ance societies. His church associations are by proxy Episcopalian, and his general religious views may be summed up in the credo, the goodness of man and the mercy of God.
He and his wife are noted for the jolliest hospitality. Mine host has few rivals as an entertainer, for he is brimming with stories, anecdotes, wise saws and pithy instances, and he is so artistic a mimic and has such a keen sense of the comic. he would shine on the vaudeville stage.
Withal, he has singular fitness for public life, especially adaptedness to wise legislation. This county never had an abler and more versatile, or safer and saner representative in the legislature than was he in two sessions. He loved the agreeable work, and the scope and wisdom and good sense of his acts were seen only by those who went behind the scenes, into the com- mittee rooms, where, as in laboratories, the germs are nourished or made way with, as the case requires.
He enjoyed quaint characters, full of sap and individuality, and no doubt he thought this county has grown as queer and as rich specimens of humanity as ever sat to playwright, poet, novelist, caricaturist, or were bodied forth by comedians to amuse mankind. Droll people appealed might-
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ily to him, and he counted that day dull which did not bring occasions for several earthquake laughs to this true Epicurean.
Mr. Wilson is a many-sided man, and a close acquaintance with him discloses signal ability and a variety of tastes and passions that one might not suspect in the silent, thoughtful, preoccupied man. At the bar his is one of the acutest intellects. In the heat of trial his mind acts with the quickness and energy of gunpowder, and he is a successful practitioner. He has a passion for gardening and is an enthusiast in the culture of flowers. The bride of his soul is the tube-rose. He comes up town with a pocketfull, mornings, and without a word tucks one in the button-hole of a friend. In the floral season he is all aroma-pronounce that ar-o-ma-and he smells as good as if he had slept in his clothes in the Persian rose-garden of Saadi. He is not booky, but he has done a heap of thinking on many lines. Beware how you engage him-in controversy he is as dangerous a polemic as Hux- ley said Newman was before he became cardinal. Charles thinks things out broad-gauge, with patience and thoroughness and the clearest vision of logical relations. He has a passion for relics, especially for Indian remains and archaic fire-arms and implements. He would, probably, rather pick up an Indian arrow-head than a twenty dollar gold piece, tho' he has bushels of these darts. Every new dart is another "good Indian." He built a museum to hold his curios, and it is the quaintest shop in the city.
ALVIN E. REEVES.
Alvin E. Reeves, a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist of Cedar township, is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and fifty acres on sec- tions 1 and 2. He was born in Washington county, Iowa, August 5, 1863, his parents being Abraham and Maria (Cooper) Reeves, the latter a native of Indiana. They came to lowa at an early day and Abraham Reeves, who was a farmer by occupation, became identified with the agricultural develop- ment of this county. On the 30th of April, 1868, he was killed by the accidental explosion of his gun while he was attempting to shoot a chicken hawk. His wife survived him for four decades, being called to her final rest on the 23d of February, 1908. Unto this worthy couple were born three children, namely: Charlotte E., who is the wife of William Benson, of Murray, Iowa ; Alvin E., of this review ; and Thomas, of Cedar township.
Alvin E. Reeves attended the common schools in pursuit of an education and continued to reside at home until twenty-one years of age. He then bought eighty acres of land on sections 1 and 12, Cedar township, which he cultivated for five years, on the expiration of which period he disposed of the property and purchased his present farm of one hundred and fifty acres on sections 1 and 2, Cedar township. The fields annually yield bounteous har- vests as a reward for his care and labor and his ability as an agriculturist is manifest in the excellent results which have attended his efforts.
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On the 2d of February. 1888, Mr. Reeves was united in marriage to Miss Nellie M. Sterling, whose birth occurred in Washington county, March 27, 1869, her parents being John W. and Elizabeth (Bear) Sterling, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Washington county, Iowa. The death of Mrs. Sterling occurred August 30, 1895, while her husband passed away on the 16th of February, 1901. Their union was blessed with seven children, as follows: William, now in the state of Washington ; Mrs. Charles Blanden, of St. Louis, Missouri ; Gideon, who is a resident of South Haven, Michigan : Mrs. Reeves; Mina, the wife of Frank Ruff, of Seattle, Washington ; Joseph, who makes his home at Blue Island, Illinois; and Newell, of Glenwood, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reeves have been born three children : Fern E., whose birth occurred May 30, 1890; Dale S., who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 6th of January, 1896; and Fayette E .. born November 22, 1903.
Mr. Reeves exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and has served as school director for several years. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America at Kalona, Iowa. Both he and his wife are faithful members of the Baptist church and in this county, where they have spent their entire lives, they have gained the warm regard and esteem of an extensive circle of friends.
EDWIN BROWN.
Edwin Brown, a farmer whose ice cream is well known in this section of the country, was born in Hartford county, Connecticut, November 3, 1849, the son of John P. and Annis ( Bacon) Brown. The mother was a native of Hartford county, the Bacons being one of the oldest families, dating back to colonial days. John Brown, on the other hand, was of English birth and came to the United States in his early manhood. In the country of his birth he had learned designing for carpet weaving and on his advent in Connecti- cut became one of the designers of patterns for the Hartford Carpet Com- pany, a firm which is still in existence and has one of the largest manufac- turing plants of its kind in the world. John Brown worked for the company for many years, until the first strike, when he was one of the men who walked out and refused to return. For a time subsequent to this he engaged in the butcher business, both wholesale and retail, in Hartford county, but in 1872, with three sons and one daughter, he came to Washington county, Iowa. Here he secured a farm in Lime Creek township, the one now owned by his daughter, Mrs. Eunice Brown, upon which he lived until his death, in 1891. when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-three years.
Edwin Brown, the subject of this sketch, was one of the sons who came with the father to Washington county in 1872, but in the fall of the same year he went to Chicago, where he was employed as meter inspector by the water works department of that city. He held this position for eight years and in 1880 returned to Washington county, locating on a farm of eighty
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acres in Lime Creek township, which he had purchased some time previous to his return here. About 1900 he began manufacturing ice cream. The business started on a small scale, and, it might be said, hy chance, for Alrs. Brown had brought with her from the east a recipe for making this popular refreshment. She was in the habit of making a quantity of ice cream on the occasion of sociables and picnics, but soon the fame of her product spread to such an extent, and she was called upon to furnish a quantity so frequently, that the family decided to go into the manufacturing of the confection as a business. The venture has prospered marvelously and the product is sold in Riverside, Kalona, Wellman and Keswick. Perhaps the fact that Mr. Brown keeps twenty-five head of cattle to supply the demands of the business and during the summer buys milk extensively may give some indication of the size of his trade and the popularity of his ice cream.
In 1874 Mr. Brown married Miss Emma Sperry, of Van Buren county. Michigan, and became the father of five children: Frank E., a farmer of Lime Creek township; Grace E., the wife of Ernest Gabriel, of the same township; Anna B., the wife of Ralph Foster, also of Lime Creek township ; George L., associated with the father in farming and the ice cream manufac- turing business ; and Arthur S., deceased. The family are members of the Wellman Baptist church and are regular in the performance of their re- ligious duties.
When occasion requires the exercise of his franchise, Mr. Brown votes with the republican party, but though he has ever been interested in the welfare of the community and in good government he has never been an office seeker. And yet he has for twenty years been a member of the school board, and in this capacity has rendered valuable service to the citizens and has proved how well founded was the trust reposed in his powers by those who have repeatedly elected him to this position. He is a man highly esteemed among those who know him for he is possessed of sterling qualities.
JOHN KEATING.
John Keating, deceased, was a prosperous agriculturist and worthy citizen of Washington township, this county, his life's career terminating November 14, 1893. He was a native of County Down, Ireland, born Sep tember 7, 1835, a son of Jolm and Mary A. ( Wilson ) Keating. The father was also a native of the Emerald isle, who following the death of his first wife married a second time and brought his bride to the United States, leaving the children of his first marriage in Ireland. On his arrival here he located in Herkimer county, New York, remaining there for a few years and then removing to this county, where he followed agricultural pursuits until he departed this life, November 11, 1876, his remains being interred in the old city cemetery. The mother of our subject was of Scottish extraction and spent her entire life in Ireland, where she passed away in 1842. To her were born six children: Mary, whose address is unknown : Margaret, de-
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ceased : Stewart, deceased ; John ; Jane, deceased ; and Nancy, a resident of New York state.
The common schools of his native country afforded John Keating his education, and upon the death of his mother his lot was cast among strangers when he was but seven years of age. He was thus forced to get along in life as best he could, working at anything which came to his hand. Hle suc- ceeded in making a living in his native land until he was sixteen years of age, when he came to the United States, locating in Herkimer county, New York, where he remained for about six years. He then removed to Kala- mazoo, Michigan, remaining there for a few years, and in 1858 located in this county, where he worked by the month for a time.
On September 23, 1861, Mr. Keating answered the country's call to arms and enlisted in Company F. Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry, serving for three years, and upon his discharge, December 31, 1863. he reenlisted and was in the military ranks until the close of the conflict, receiving an honorable discharge on July 15. 1865. In the battle of Shiloh he received a gunshot wound in the hand, which incapacitated him for duty for a time. Later he served in the Vicksburg campaign and participated in several battles in Louisiana, subsequently being with General Sherman on the march to the sea. Leaving the service in 1864 to be united in marriage, he afterward joined Sherman's army, his last engagement having been in North Carolina. Mr. Keating was present at the surrender of General Johnston and was at Durham station when he received the news of the assassination of Presi- dent Lincoln. He participated in the Grand Review in Washington, D. C .. at the close of the war and was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky. Dur- ing his military career he had been promoted to the office of corporal.
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