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 27
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On the 31st of October, 1849. Mr. Conner was united in marriage to Miss Anna Mary Mckinney and unto them were born four children : William C., the eldest, now living at Hinckley. Minnesota, where he is employed as a mail carrier : Robert A., who is engaged in railroading : Walter W., who is a grocer of Washington ; and Sarah Isabel, who has passed away. The wife and mother died January 9. 1864, and on the 22d of March, 1866, Mr. Con- ner was again married, his second union being with Miss Nannie R. Savage, who died November 9, 1882. There were five children of that marriage:
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Jennie M., who died in September, 1904; Minnie R., a teacher in the South Side public school in Washington ; Henrietta, at home; and two who died in infancy.
Mr. Conner belongs to the Second United Presbyterian church. He has always given his political support to the republican party, is active in this work and for twelve years served as city assessor. For a long period he was closely associated through his building operations with the substantial improvement of Washington. He erected many of the best residences and buildings here and throughout the adjoining districts and worked on the old courthouse which was built in 1846. When he arrived in Washington it was a little village containing only thirty-seven dwellings. He has resided here continuously since 1844, save for the summer of 1847, and has seen the place grow to a population of about five thousand. He owns a good resi- dence on West Jefferson street, where he has made his home for the past eighteen years. He now lives retired, having reached the age of eighty- four years. His life has been one of intense and well directed activity crowned with well merited success and the esteem and honor of his fellowmen, who have ever found him worthy of their high regard.
HON. MARSHALL GOODSPEED.
The public and private life of Marshall Goodspeed well entitles him to mention in this volume as one of the most representative and honored citizens of Washington county. From pioneer times he has figured prominently in this part of the state and his record has ever deserved and commanded for him the respect, good will and trust of those with whom he has been asso- ciated. He started upon the journey of life March 20, 1825, and has there- fore reached the venerable age of eighty-four years. His birthplace was two and a half miles east of Olcott, Niagara county, New York, and he was the eldest son of Heman and Louisa (Albright) Goodspeed. He supple- mented his early education acquired in the common schools of his native county by study in the Yates Academy, of New York, and after putting aside his text-books he learned the nursery business of Newell Farnum, while later he was employed as a clerk in the store of J. D. Cooper, at Olcott. For one term he engaged in teaching in the home school at thirteen dollars per month, after which he entered the employ of his grandfather, Jacob Albright, with whom he engaged to work for a year, his remuneration being one hundred and fifty dollars, although ten dollars per month the year around was common wages paid at that time. That he earned his salary there is no reason to doubt for he has always been a dilligent, energetic and industrious man in whose life there have been few leisure moments.
On the 21st of September, 1847, Mr. Goodspeed was married to Miss Cordelia Petty, near Lowville, Lewis county, New York. Two years later later he removed to La Salle, Illinois, where he located and engaged in teach- ing school for a year. Subsequently he took up his abode at Troy Grove,
MARSHALL GOODSPEED
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX MILDEN FOUNDATION
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Illinois, and engaged in the nursery business in partnership with Asa Dowl- ing, a connection that was maintained for ten years. Mr. Goodspeed then sought a home in the middle west, settling near Lexington, in Washington county, lowa, where he has since lived. He was numbered among the repre- sentative business men in this section of the state. He formed his plans readily, was determined in their execution and sought his success along the legitimate lines of trade. Here he resumed the nursery business, in which he continued for many years but gradually withdrew from active life as the infirmities of old age increased.
In 1906 Mr. Goodspeed was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 31st of July of that year. They were the parents of eleven children: Hersalora C., Leroy C., Weston A., Stella L., Thurston V., Alice L., Charles L., Cora M., Gladys B., Sylvia A., and Fred R. Six of these children are still living.
Mr. Goodspeed not only figured prominently in business circles but also made a most creditable record by his public service which carried him into important relations. For many years he served as justice of the peace and is yet acting in that capacity. His decisions have always been strictly fair and impartial, winning the commendation of all law abiding citizens. He has also served for several terms as county supervisor and during his last term in that office the railroad bonds of the county were paid off. In 1868 and again in 1872 he was elected a member of the state legislature and he like- wise served during the adjourned session of 1873. Each question which came up for settlement received his earnest consideration and he was con- nected with much restrictive, regulative and constructive legislation. He introduced the bill that was passed abolishing capital punishment in 1872, also the bill separating the horticultural from the agricultural department and giving farmers a rebate of taxes for setting out and keeping in cultivation a certain number of trees. He is now in his eighty-fifth year. enjoying good health and yet able to do a fair day's work on the farm and is at peace with all the world. Over the record of his public career there falls no shadow of wrong and in his business affairs, too, he has ever been straightforward and reliable, meriting and enjoying the confidence and trust of all with whom he has had business relations. Since writing the above Mr. Goodspeed died suddenly in Colorado. August 17, 1900.
JOSEPH P. BENZ.
Joseph P. Benz, proprietor of the Benz Hotel of Washington, is a native of this state, born November 24. 1879, and descends from a family, the members of which were among the early pioneers of this county. His paternal grandfather, Matthias Benz, was a native of Germany, where his death occurred at an advanced age, his wife Catherine, also dying in the fatherland after she had passed a long and useful career. In their family were five children, among whom were: George, Matthias. William and Lorenz. The maternal grandfather, Peter Tondre, was a native of France,
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and while in Europe was in the government mail service. Upon coming to the new world he settled in Lockport. New York, where he worked on the Erie canal. In the meantime his father and mother removed to Iowa, settling in Washington county, on what was known as the old Braden farm in Wash- ington township, and to this place Peter Tondre subsequently came and spent his remaining days, departing this life when thirty years old. His wife was Agnes Grazierarre, the grandmother of our subject, by whom he had three children, namely: Agnes; Peter : and Mary, who is deceased. Agnes Tondre became the wife of Lorenz Benz, a native of Germany, who came to the new world when fourteen years of age, making the journey alone, and upon his arrival settled in Davenport, this state, where he learned the butcher business, which he successfully followed for a number of years. Early in life he gave up this occupation and journeyed overland to California, where he engaged for a while in prospecting for gold, finally settling upon a ranch there, which he conducted for about three years. At the termination of that period he returned to Iowa, locating in Muscatine county, where he again engaged in the butchering business. He was among the early settlers of Washington and for several years was proprietor of a hotel on Marion avenue, where he later constructed a large brick building for the same pur- pose, the hostelry now being run by his son Joseph. Mr. Benz was pro- prietor of this hotel for thirty-two years. In April, 1907, he went to Los Angeles, California, with his wife, where he spent his last years and died February 25, 1909. His remains were brought back to Washington and and was buried in Elm Grove cemetery. His activities in Washington county were in great measure conducive to developing the natural resources of this part of the state and his excellent business judgment together with his enter- prise and industry contributed largely to the prosperous financial standing enjoyed by the city of Washington today. Being a member of the Catholic church, to which his wife also belongs, and his conduct always having been in keeping with the teachings of his faith, he maintained his character above reproach and he had an enviable reputation throughout this part of the state, where he spent many years in honest and earnest effort in behalf of its up- building. He reared a family of five children, two of whom survive, namely : Miss Kate and Joseph P., the remaining ones having passed away in early life.
In this county Joseph P. Benz was reared, acquiring his preliminary education in the parochial schools, where he remained until fourteen years of age when he became a student at the University of Notre Dame, at South Bend, Indiana. After leaving that institution he learned telegraphy in the Western Union Telegraph office in the city of Washington and this occupa- tion he followed for nine years. Upon resigning his position as telegrapher he became proprietor of the hotel formerly conducted by his father and of which he has been the successful proprietor for the past two years. The hostelry is well known throughout the state and the excellent service it renders has won it an extensive high class patronage.
On April 17. 1907. Mr. Benz wedded Miss Iona Shearer. a daughter of Wilda D. and Ida ( Wallick) Shearer, her father a native of Brighton, this
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county, while her mother was born in Findlay, Ohio. Mr. Shearer has spent the greater part of his life in Washington county, and since 1890 has lived in the village of Washington, where for the past eighteen years he has been employed as agent for the United States Express Company. Mrs. Benz was born in Perlee, this state, January 22, 1883, and her paternal grand- father was Martin Shearer. Her maternal grandfather, John Wallick, of German descent and a native of Pennsylvania, was an extensive stock buyer. Both he and his wife passed away in middle life, leaving the following chil- dren: Ida Mary, William, James and Nannie. One child died in infancy. Mrs. Benz is one of the following children: Fannie, the wife of Otto Stichter ; Everitte; Clara, who passed away in her fifteenth year; and Frank.
Mr. Benz is a member of the Catholic church, while his wife attends divine services at the Presbyterian church, both being liberal contributors to their respective denominations. Politically he is a democrat, always loyal to the candidates of his party, and, being a man of remarkable energy, whose industry and enterprise in the vocation he is following contribute largely to the financial and commercial standing of the city, he deserves mention among its substantial and representative citizens.
CHARLES W. STEWART.
Charles W. Stewart, a prominent and well known farmer and stock-raiser of Cedar township, was born in an old log cabin that stood on the site now occupied by the Elm Grove cemetery in Washington county, Iowa, his natal day being November 27. 1866. His parents were John G. and Mary L. (Bradford) Stewart. The father, whose birth occurred in Maryland, De- cember 28, 1842, came to Iowa in 1844, locating in Seventy-Six township. Washington county, where he lived for two years on a tract of land which he had entered from the government. On disposing of the property he bought some land that is now included in Washington township, adjoining the city of Washington, on which he remained for several years and subse- quently purchased what was known as the Clemmons Grove farm in Frank- lin township, which he cultivated for twenty-one years. He was quite prom- inent in public affairs, serving as county treasurer for a period of four years, from 1894 to 1898, as school director for twelve years and as assessor for nine years. He was also a member of the County Fair Association for a number of years and was widely recognized as a most substantial, progres- sive and public-spirited citizen of the county. His demise, which occurred November 12. 1907, came not only as a deep bereavement to the members of his immediate family but also to the many friends that his upright, hon- orable dealings had won him. His wife, whose birth occurred in Switzerland county, Indiana, December 22, 1844, was one of a family of four children and in 1846 was brought to lowa by her parents, who lived to attain the venerable age of eighty-five years. She was called to her final rest on the
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7th of December, 1901. By her marriage to John G. Stewart she became the mother of two children, namely: Charles W., of this review ; and Mary Corinne, the wife of R. G. Cherry. of Wellman, Iowa.
Charles W. Stewart supplemented his preliminary education by a college course and remained at home until he had attained the age of twenty-two years. During the succeeding four years he followed farming in Arkansas and on returning to this county he was engaged in agricultural pursuits on a farm south of Washington for ten years. On disposing of that property he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land on sections 18 and 19, Cedar township, where he has since resided, the place being known as the Cedardale Farm. He makes a specialty of raising Galloway cattle and Suf- folk and Belgium horses for breeding purposes, having a number of fine specimens always on hand for sale. He is a good business men. sagacious and far-sighted, and through the careful direction of his efforts is meeting with gratifying success in both his farming and stock-raising interests.
On the 11th of February, 1897, Mr. Stewart was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Wagner, whose birth occurred in Washington county, December 19, 1877, her parents being Knight and Rosie E. (Caldwell) Wagner, the former a native of Perry county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Greene county. Ohio. The father, who was born November 12. 1845. first made his way to Illinois but subsequently came to this county, both he and his wife still making their home in Marion township. Their family numbered the following children, as follows: Mrs. Stewart ; Fred, a resident of Wash- ington county ; Howard and Lester, both at home ; Eveline, the wife of Roy Davison, of this county : Gertrude M .. also at home ; and one who died in infancy. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have been born three children : Ella R., whose natal day was November 24, 1899: Nellie Marie, whose birth oc- curred July 8, 1905 ; and Lavera L., born September 21. 1907.
In his political views Mr. Stewart is a republican and is at present serv- ing as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 386, and also with the American Yeomen. Both he and his wife are faithful and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church and their many excellent traits of heart and mind endear them to all with whom they come in contact. Mr. Stewart is a native son of the county and a worthy representative of one of its pioneer families. His interest in public affairs is deep and sincere and is manifest in substantial cooperation which he has given to plans and measures for the public good.
FRANK HUBER.
Frank Huber, well known as a farmer and stock-raiser of Seventy-Six township, is carefully managing his business affairs in a way that is bringing to him a gratifying financial return. He is today one of the extensive land- owners of the county, his holdings comprising five hundred and sixty acres, all lying in Seventy-Six township. In the midst of this farm is a fine resi-
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dence together with all of the necessary improvements, accessories and the equipments which go to make up a model farm of the twentieth century. His birth occurred in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, February 14, 1847, his parents being Abraham and Prudence (Snavely ) Huber, both of whom were also born and reared in Lancaster county. They retained their resi- dence there until 1855, when they sought a home in the middle west, settling in Washington county, Iowa, where they lived until called to their final rest. The father died April 7. 1895, while the mother survived until March, 1904. They were the parents of three children, of whom one died in infancy. The others are Frank and Aaron, the latter a resident of Cedar township, this county.
As a farm boy Frank Huber was reared, coming with his parents to Iowa when eight years of age. He entered the district schools in his home neighborhood, dividing his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the home farm. From early boyhood he assisted in the labors of field and meadow, his duties and re- sponsibilities increasing as the years went by. On attaining his majority he left home and went by wagon train to California in 1868, it requiring five months to make the long and arduous trip across the plains, the hot stretches of sand in the desert and over the mountain passes. In California he first found employment as a hired man on a ranch and later he worked in the gold mines for a time, spending four years on the Pacific coast. On the expira- tion of that period he returned to Washington county, Iowa, and rented his father's farm, which he cultivated for two years. He afterward bought eighty acres in Cedar township, and lived upon that farm for five years. When he sold that property he invested in a tract of land in Seventy-Six township, whereon he made his home for seven years. He then sold again and bought a farm in Cedar township, which he made his home for six years. Having disposed of this, he made investment in his present farm and is today the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, all lying in Seventy-Six township. It is a splendidly improved property, everything about the place indicating the thrift and enterprise of the owner, who is not only diligent and active in business but displays sound judgment and keen discrimination in the management of his affairs. He has a fine residence and all modern improvements, including the latest machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. His barns and sheds furnish ample shelter for grain and stock and his home is one of the beautiful dwellings in this part of the county. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding hogs and this branch of his business brings to him a good annual income.
In 1872 Mr. Huber was married to Miss Sarah Brawner, who was born in Washington county, Iowa, in 1852, and is a daughter of Eli and Mary Ann (Alexander ) Brawner, who were natives of Coshocton county, Ohio, and at an early date came to Washington county, Iowa, casting in their lot with its early settlers. They continued residents of this county until called to their final rest. The father died in January. 1904, while the mother passed away in the early '60s. Their family numbered ten children. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Huber has been blessed with eight children: Cyrus O., living
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in Seventy-Six township; Olive M., the wife of John McCrabb, of Wash- ington county ; Harry E. and Otha E., who are living in Seventy-Six town- ship: Ira E., at home : Grace Prudence, the wife of Henry Durian, living in Wellman, Iowa; and Mary E. and Roy Erwin, both at homc.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and their lives are in close conformity with their professions. Mr Huber is a repub- lican in his political views, but has had neither time nor inclination to seek public office, giving his undivided attention to his business affairs, which are capably conducted and have brought him to a place among the men of prominence in the county. His record shows what can be accomplished by earnest and persistent spirit when guided by sound judgment and supple- mented by unfailing energy. All that he has accomplished is the reward of his earnest and persistent labor, and he is now numbered among the sub- stantial residents of this part of the state.
JOHN H. PEARSON.
John H. Pearson is pre-eminently a man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide influence in business circles. In all that he undertakes he displays an aptitude for successful management and his energy, persever- ance and enterprise have carried him into important relations with commer- cial, industrial and agricultural interests. He is now the owner of valuable farming property and of a splendidly equipped printing establishment.
Mr. Pearson was born near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, March 31, 1849, and is a son of Jesse and Mary (Frew ) Pearson. The Pearsons are of an old New England family of English origin and the first representative of the name settled in Massachusetts two hundred years ago. The father's birth occurred in the same house in which John H. Pearson first opened his eyes to the light of day and although it was then situated outside the corpor- ation limits of Pittsburg, it is now a part of the city. In April. 1855. Jesse Pearson arrived in Iowa, making the journey by steamboat. He first located in Jackson county, where he remained for a year and a half and then on the 15th of September, 1856, located on a farm southwest of Ainsworth in Washington county. With characteristic energy he began the development of the fields, plowed, planted and cultivated his land and year after year gathered abundant harvests as he carried on his farm work, remaining on the old homestead until about ten years prior to his death. He then removed to Ainsworth, where his last days were passed. his demise occurring in Octo- ber, 1905, at which time his remains were laid to rest in the Ainsworth ceme- tery. In his business affairs he had always been regarded as a reliable, sub- stantial man whose integrity was above question. He had been reared in the faith of the republican party but later became a democrat. An earnest Christian gentleman, he held membership in the Presbyterian church until about six years prior to his demise, when he joined the Methodist church. He took a great interest in church work, gave liberally of his means to the
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support of the cause of Christianity and did all in his power to further its influence. His wife was also born in the vincinity of Pittsburg. Pennsyl- vania, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. Her death occurred about 1899. In their family were seven children : John H., of this review ; Mary, the wife of J. B. McCoy, of Crawfordsville ; William, who died at the age of nine years; Calvin S., a farmer of Oregon township; Charles, who died when two years of age; one who died in infancy ; and Emma, the wife of David Miller, a farmer living near Washington, Iowa.
John H. Pearson was educated in the common schools and in the Ains- worth high school, in which he spent one term. He had been trained to habits of industry, thrift and enterprise during the period of his boyhood and after he put aside his text-books he started a seed and fruit farm about two and a half miles southwest of Ainsworth. There he remained for ten years, winning success through the careful conduct of his business affairs, after which he turned his attention to journalistic interests by establishing the Ainsworth Clapper on his farm with an outfit which he possessed. After seven years he removed the paper to Ainsworth and has made it one of the leading country newspapers of this part of the state and has a splendidly equipped office, including a fine linotype machine of the latest model and all modern appliances for the careful and successful conduct of a newspaper business at the present time. The paper has secured a large circulation list and he also does considerable job printing. In addition to his journalistic interests Mr. Pearson is the owner of a valuable farin of three hundred and twenty acres under a high state of cultivation. He likewise has many other substantial investments which return to him a most gratifying income. No higher testimonial of the confidence and trust reposed in him could be given than the fact that he has been chosen guardian for twenty-three children. He transacts a large amount of business for others and also conducts a real- estate and collection agency and an abstract business. He likewise does con- siderable legal work, and while thus controlling extensive business affairs, at the same time he takes an active and helpful part in measures relative to the welfare of town and county as a public-spirited and progressive citizen.
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