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 29
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58
300
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
sailles, Missouri ; W. F .; George, an agriculturist and stock dealer of New- ton, this state : and Alfred H., who passed away in 1905.
The common schools of this county afforded W. F. Fleming his educa- tional advantages and he remained at home engaged with his father in the pursuit of agriculture until he was twenty-nine years of age, at which period of his life he took up farming independently and has since been devoting his attention to general farming and stock raising. He and his wife own three hundred and twenty acres of land in Washington township on section 16, the farm being provided with a magnificent residence erected by Mr. Fleming in 1903. It is also equipped with a substantial barn, outbuildings and all conveniences necessary to the pursuit of agriculture. He is one of the most progressive farmers in the neighborhood and is also a buyer, feeder and shipper of stock.
In 1892 occurred the marriage of Mr. Fleming and Miss Flora Glenn. whose people have long been residents of this county. She departed this life in 1897, leaving her husband and one daughter. Flora. In 1901 Mr. Fleming wedded Miss Anna Maxwell, a native of this county and a danghter of Thomas and Sarah J. (Miller) Maxwell, who came to Iowa from Ohio in 1847. By his second marriage Mr. Fleming had three children, two of whom passed away in infancy, the surviving one being Anna Mabelle, who was born July 4. 1905. Politically Mr. Fleming is a republican, always loyal to the candidates of his party, and he is a member of the United Presbyterian church. to which his wife also belongs, and he has always enjoyed the esteem of his fellow citizens.
JOHN W. EDWARDS.
John W. Edwards, a retired agriculturist of Brighton township, whose busy life for many years devoted to tilling the soil has enabled him to acctin- ulate that competence which now justifies him in withdrawing from the activities of life, is one of the most highly respected and esteemed citizens of his community, and during his business career was considered one of the most industrious and prosperous farmers of Brighton township. His birth occurred in Bartholomew county, Indiana. July 2. 1847, and he is a son of Jesse K. and Nancy ( Neusoma) Edwards. His father was born in Ken- tucky in the same county in which occurred the birth of Abraham Lincoln and when nine years of age, or in 1855, came to Washington county, Iowa, first locating on a farm three miles and a half from the village of Brighton, where he remained for about nine years. He then purchased the tract of land now under cultivation by his son, John W. Edwards, the property line being immediately outside of the village limits. Here he resided until death terminated his activities in 1908. All his life was devoted to tilling the soil with the exception of twelve years which he spent in the livery business in Brighton. The mother of our subject was born, reared and married in Indiana, and upon departing this life April 6. 1853, was laid to rest in her
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUNDAT !!
JOHN W. EDWARDS
-
MRS. JOHN W. EDWARDS
-
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX ! &N FOUNDATION
305
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
native state. She had two children, John W .; and James T., who follows farming in Radisson, Sawyer county, Wisconsin.
John W. Edwards was reared to agricultural pursuits, passing through the usual experiences common to the country lad, and during the winter months he obtained his education in the Brighton schools. He remained under the parental roof until the death of his father, when he assumed the entire management of the farm, which he operated until the time of his retirement. His property includes two hundred and twenty-two acres lying immediately to the north of the village of Brighton, and the farm is provided with every improvement, all the work of preparing the land for cultivation having been done by Mr. Edwards and his father. It is as fine a piece of soil for raising general crops as exists in the township.
In 1887 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Edwards to Miss Ahbie Draper, a resident of Clay township, and this union has been blessed by three children: Nellie, the wife of S. Hagans, whose farm lies in Jefferson county just across the Brighton township line; Florence, who resides at home : and Edwin, deceased. Mrs. Edwards' father was born in England in 1834 and was only nine years of age when he came to this country. On reaching manhood he was married in New York, Mrs. Edwards' mother being a native of that state, and in 1854 they became residents of Jefferson county, Iowa, where Mr. Draper followed farming for some years. He died in 1887 and his wife passed away in 1895, both being laid to rest in the Clay cemetery. Of their eight children four died in infancy, those who reached maturity being Abbie, Charles N., J. E. and Hugh Draper.
Mr. Edwards' political views have always been those of the republican party, his convictions having been early formed, and while he is not an office seeker. yet he is greatly interested in the successes of his party and is a strong supporter of its candidates. An enthusiastic church worker, he be- longs to the Baptist denomination, and he is secretary of the church and also a member of the board of deacons. His life has been one of great usefulness, not only as an industrious and prosperous farmer but also as a citizen, and through his religious ardor he has contributed much toward the moral and spiritual welfare of the community in which he lives.
JESSE LONGWELL.
Jesse Longwell is a representative citizen of Wellman, where he is con- ducting a well appointed drug store and in its management is meeting with good success. He is also connected with public affairs as an office holder. but whether in office or out of it, is always loyal to the best interests of the community. his cooperation proving a valuable factor in the general im- provement and upbuilding of the town.
A native of Marion county, Ohio, he was born June 8, 1847, and is a son of Louis and Harriett (Jury) Longwell, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, born in the years 1812 and 1817 respectively. After living for
306
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
sometime in Marion county, Ohio, they came to Washington county, Iowa, in 1852, the father purchasing and operating a farm in Lime Creek town- ship, whereon he reared his family. His wife died March 2, 1862, and his death occurred September 7. 1905. In their family were eight children, six of whom are yet living, namely : Isaac, a resident of Washington county, Iowa ; Rachel, the wife of Frank King, of North Dakota ; Martha, the wife of N. Matthers, of this county ; Mary J., who is the wife of Benjamin F. Adams and resides in Kansas ; Jesse, of this review ; and Margaret, the wife of John Whetstine, of Missouri.
Jesse Longwell pursued his education in the public schools and was reared upon the home farm in Lime Creek township, being but five years of age at the time of the removal from Ohio to Iowa. When not busy with the duties of the schoolroom his attention was largely given to the work of the fields and he remained at home until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when as a boy of sixteen years he responded to the country's call for troops, enlist- ing in Company D, Ninth lowa Cavalry, with which he served until the close of the war. He was in several hard skirmishes and was discharged at Little Rock, Arkansas, on the expiration of his term of enlistment. It was a strenuous experience for a youth of his age but he never faltered in the performance of his duty, manifesting his loyalty on every occasion by the faithful performance of the tasks assigned him.
At the close of the war Mr. Longwell returned home and continued to work for his father on the farm until 1869, when at the age of twenty-two years he went to Kansas and purchased a farm, upon which he resided for five and a half years. He then sold that property and returned to Wash- ington county, renting and cultivating his father's farm for three years, at the end of which time he determined to give his attention to commercial rather than agricultural pursuits and purchased a drug store in Dayton. In five years he sold out and bought a drug store in Wellman. He has since con- ducted the business and now has one of the oldest and best known establish- ments of the city. From the beginning he has prospered in this work, his trade constantly increasing as the years have gone by. His store is complete in its appointments and equipments, is attractive in its tasteful arrangement and altogether pleasing by reason of the straightforward business policy he has followed and the earnest desire manifest to please the patrons. Mr. Longwell today enjoys an extensive trade and in addition to his stock he owns a large double store building in Wellman. He likewise has a fine residence at the corner of Arch and High streets and these different structures are the visible evidence of his life of well directed thrift and enterprise. In addition to his other interests he is now one of the directors of the Wellman Savings Bank.
On the 12th of December, 1878, Mr. Longwell was married to Miss Flo- rilla Topping, who was born in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, April 6, 1852, her parents being Charles D. and Emeline (Lucas) Topping, both of whom are now deceased. In their family were six children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Iong- well have been born three children : Albert F., whose birth occurred Novem- ber 5. 1879. is a graduate of the pharmaceutical department of the State
307
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
University and is now with his father in the store : Zella E., born May 24, 1883, is a graduate of the Mount Pleasant Conservatory of Music ; and Ona B., born January 25, 1885, completes the family.
In his political views Mr. Longwell has ever been a stalwart republican, giving earnest, substantial and effective support to the party. His fellow townsmen, appreciating his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office and for over twenty years he has served on the school board, the cause of public education finding in him a firm and stalwart friend. He was likewise county supervisor for six years and in that position did heneficial work for the community at large. He belongs to the Masonic lodge at Wellman and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Both are held in high esteem and their own home is justly noted for its warm hearted hospitality. Mr. Longwell has won success without allowing per- sonal interest or ambition to dwarf his public spirit or activities. His is the record of a strenuous life, the record of a strong individuality, sure of itself, stable in purpose, quick in perception, swift in decision and energetic and persistent in action.
W. A. BIRNEY.
W. A. Birney follows agricultural pursuits on a large tract of land in Washington township, this county, making a specialty of buying and feeding stock, his shipments of cattle and hogs being very extensive and the most remunerative department of his business. He is a native of Harrison county, Ohio, born August 23, 1845, and a son of Hugh and Annie ( Reynolds) Birney. His father was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1803, and came to the United States when he was a boy and located near Cadiz, Ohio. where he engaged in general farming on a tract of land which he entered when he was about twenty-five years of age and there he resided until his death, which occurred March 12, 1880. when he was seventy-seven years of age. Our subject's mother was born on shipboard while her parents were en route to this country, and was married in Ohio, where she entered into rest. To her were born eight children: John H. : Jane, deceased : a child who died in infancy; W. A .; Robert, an agriculturist. following his occupation near Cadiz; Johanna, deceased : George R., deceased ; and a child who died in infancy.
W. A. Birney was reared on his father's farm, spending his boyhood days assisting in the duties of agriculture and taking advantage of the oppor- tunities afforded him by the neighboring schools. He remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age, at which period of his life he commenced the occupation of farming independently, beginning early to deal in live stock. He cultivated land in Harrison county, Ohio, until 1894, when he came to this county, upon his arrival intending to purchase land but, meeting with the misfortune of losing his wife, he gave up the idea and rented a farm containing three hundred and thirty acres, upon which he has since engaged
308
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
in general farming and in feeding all kinds of stock. He raises many head of cattle and hogs, paying particular attention to the latter, which he ships to all parts of this and adjoining states. The improvements which he has put upon the place makes it in every respect one of the best for carrying on his business and Mr. Birney is numbered among the experienced and expert agriculturists of the township.
In 1865 was celebrated his marriage with Miss Emma Spiker, a native of Harrison county, Ohio, by whom he has had eight children: Hugh, an agriculturist of Worthington, Harrison county, Ohio : M. L. ; Frank Howard, deceased ; Earl Jeptha, who engages in farming in Marion township, this county ; Homer Clare ; Anna E. ; Robert, deceased ; and Clyde S.
Mr. Birney votes with the republican party and while he takes an interest in local affairs and is willing to aid all projects designed for the public good, he does not care to hold office and declined to serve in the office of justice of the peace, to which he was elected. He belongs to the Methodist Episco- pal church, of which he is at present a trustee, and since the age of eighteen years he has always held some office in the organization. He is a man en- tertaining an excellent reputation throughout the community for his straight- forward life and enterprising spirit and is justly accounted one of the town- ship's worthy agriculturists.
LEWIS C. SITLER.
Lewis C. Sitler is conducting a general blacksmithing business in Wash- ington and a life of unremitting industry and well directed energy has brought him a gratifying competence as the years have passed, making him one of the substantial citizens of the community. He was born in Greene county, Ohio, March 28, 1843, and in his veins flows the blood of German ancestry, for in both the paternal and maternal lines he is of German lineage. His grand- father. Samuel Sitler, settled in Pennsylvania on his arrival in the new world and there both he and his wife spent their last days. The maternal grand- father of Lewis C. Sitler was John Bowers, who was also born in Germany and on coming to the new world settled in Hagerstown, Maryland. He served his adopted country as a soldier of the war of 1812. He married Miss Seville Bundle, and they became parents of five children, four daugh- ters and a son : Maria. Mary, Emeline, Elizabeth and John.
The parents of Lewis C. Sitler were Peter and Maria ( Bowers ) Sitler, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Maryland. The father was a blacksmith by trade and all of his sons followed the same pursuit. In the year 1859 he came to Washington county, lowa, settling in Cedar town- ship, where he purchased eighty acres of land and engaged in farming for a number of years. Subsequently he took up his abode in Washington, where he resumed work at his trade, but after laboring at the forge for two years he returned to the farm. His death occurred in 1885 at the home of his son Peter in Oskaloosa, Iowa, when he was sixty-five years of age, while his
309
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
wife passed away in 1883, also at the age of sixty-five years. She was a devoted member of the Methodist church.
In his family were nine children, five sons and four daughters: Martha J., the widow of James H. Adams, of Washington ; Lewis C .; Emeline, the wife of Worth Austin, of Rifle, Colorado ; Elias Dilley, of California ; Amanda Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Alvert Powers; Peter Miley, of O'Brien county, Iowa ; Patience, the wife of Clark Brown, of Wellman, Iowa ; Col- lette, the twin of Patience and a resident of Dayton, Iowa; and Charles, who is living in Sigourney, Iowa.
Lewis C. Sitler was reared in his native county to the age of sixteen years and during that period pursued his education in the district schools. In 1859 he came to Washington county, Iowa, and for two years worked on the farm for his father but in August, 1862, left the plow that he might aid his country in her struggle to preserve the Union. He, therefore, enlisted as a member of Company A, Twenty-fifth lowa Volunteer Infantry and served until June, 1865. He was slightly wounded in the shoulder at the battle of New Hope Church but otherwise escaped injury, although he was often in the thickest of the fight. participating in the battles of Vicksburg ; Arkansas Post : Lookout Mountain; Missionary Ridge; Ringgold; Dallas, Georgia ; Bentonville, North Carolina ; and Columbia, South Carolina. He also accom- panied Sherman on the famous march to the sea, which proved how weak was the southern Confederacy, its strength having been drawn from the interior to protect the border. When victory perched upon the Union ban- ners he participated in the Grand Review in Washington, D. C., where thou- sands of Union soldiers marched through the city, cheered by the multitude who thronged the streets and welcomed the returning heroes. When the war was over Mr. Sitler again came to Washington where he has since fol- lowed blacksmithing, conducting a shop here, in which he receives a liberal and substantial patronage.
On the 19th of November, 1868, Mr. Sitler was united in marriage to Miss Mary Glover, a daughter of James and Isabella (Thompson) Glover. Mrs. Sitler was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, while her parents were natives of Ireland. Her father died in the Keystone state. while the mother's death occurred in lowa. They had eight children, four of whom are living: Sarah, the widow of William Smith, of Columbia City, Indiana; Charles, living in Oskaloosa, Iowa ; James, a resident of Keota ; and Mary, now Mrs. Sitler. Unto our subject and his wife have been born three children: Howard, who married Ethel Jacobs, and is a blacksmith; Ida Marie, who died at the age of fifteen years ; and a daughter who died in infancy.
Mrs. Sitler is a member of the First United Presbyterian church. Mr. Sitler belongs to I. G. White Post, No. 108, G. A. R., and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. Politically he is a republican but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him as he prefers to give his undivided attention to his business affairs. That he has prospered in his undertakings is evidenced by the fact that he now owns a fine home in Washington, his shop and several lots. He has always been a busy man, active and energetic in following his trade and is also widely
31(
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
known as a reliable and progressive citizen, as true and loyal to his country in local affairs and in national interests as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields.
ROBERT PORTER LEWIS.
Robert Porter Lewis has now almost reached the seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey. He is living retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest, but for many years was actively associated with agricultural interest, and is still the owner of valuable farming property. Moreover, he is entitled to representation in this volume front the fact that he is one of the pioneer residents of the county, having lived within its borders for sixty-five years, during which time he has seen the wild prairie converted into fine farms dotted here and there with beautiful homes, while thriving towns and vil- lages have sprung up, offering excellent inducements for the establishment of industrial and commercial enterprises within their midst.
Mr. Lewis was born in Decatur county, Indiana, November 18, 1833, a son of William B. and Eliza Jane (Donnell) Lewis, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. The father was a son of Samuel Lewis, of French descent, a native of Maryland, whence he removed to the Blue Grass state, while later he became a resident of Indiana and subsequently of Iowa. In early days he trained in the old state militia of Indiana and his son William became a captain in the light horse artillery. Samuel Lewis married Cas- sandra Laisure, and they reared several children, including William B., Nathaniel, John, James, Elizabeth and Mary. The father died in Wash- ington county at the age of eighty-five years, while the mother's death oc- curred when she was seventy-nine years of age. The maternal grandfather of Robert Porter Lewis removed from Kentucky to Indiana, settling in Deca- tur county, when it was still a frontier district. He made farming his life work and both he and his wife died in middle life. They were the parents of several sons and daughters: James: Samuel: John; Luther and Eliza. twins ; Nancy ; and Jane. The last named became the wife of William B. Lewis.
The father of our subject was reared to farm life and although he engaged to some extent in general merchandising he carried on general agricultural pursuits during the greater part of his life. He, too, became one of the pioneer residents of Decatur county, Indiana, and in 1845 he arrived in Washington county, Iowa, where he purchased three hundred and sixty acres of land in Brighton township. He also entered land from the government. and to each of his children gave eighty acres. He died on his farm in this county at the age of eighty-three years, and his wife. who survived him. was eighty-four years of age at the time of her death. They were members of the United Presbyterian church and were people of prominence in the community. In early life Mr. Lewis represented his district in the state legislature when the capital was at Iowa City and was a member of the state
311
IIISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
senate and also of the house after the seat of government was removed to Des Moines. As a member of the general assembly he took an active and helpful part in shaping the early legislation of the state and in molding the policy of the commonwealth. Unto him and his wife were born eleven chil- dren, six sons and five daughters, all of whom reached years of maturity, while five are still living : Robert P .; Mary Ellen, the wife of Henry Mar- shall, of Kansas; Elizabeth and Josephine, who are living at Iowa City, Iowa; and Thomas L., also a resident of Iowa City.
Robert P. Lewis arrived in Washington county when he was but eleven years of age and here he has since made his home. He was reared on the farm amid the surroundings of pioneer life, sharing with the family in all of the hardships and privations incident to frontier existence. He attended the district schools and remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, when his father gave him eighty acres of land. He immediately began its cultivation but continued to make his home with his parents until twenty-five years of age. He then married and established his home upon his own farm. Later he left his wife and one child to go to the defense of his country, enlisting as a member of Company A. Twenty-fifth Iowa Volun- teer Infantry, with which he served until the end of the war. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, the battles of Arkansas Post, Ringgold, Mission- ary Ridge, Resaca and all of the military movements around Atlanta, after which he marched with Sherman to the sea and took part in the Grand Review in Washington. He went through all of the experinces that come on the long, hard marches and in the hotly contested campaigns, but was fortunate in never being wounded nor captured.
After the war Mr. Lewis returned to his farm in Brighton township, Washington county, and took up the active work in the fields, bringing his land under a high state of cultivation. He lived upon that place until 1890, when he rented it and removed to the county seat. In the meantime he had added two more eighty acre tracts and is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres, from which he derives a substantial income. He has lived retired, however, during the last nineteen years and well merits the rest which he is now enjoying.
It was on the 6th of October, 1858, that Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss Olivia K. Tracy, a daughter of Joshua and Sarah (Moore) Tracy. natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively. They arrived in Washington county, Iowa, in the spring of 1845, settling in Brighton township, where Mr. Tracy entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land, but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for his death occurred in 1847. He was also a twin. His wife passed away a week after his death. They were the parents of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, of whom four are now living : Bazil Tracy, a merchant of Brighton ; Dr. Levi E. Tracy, living in Chillicothe, Missouri; Mrs. Lewis; and Sheriden Tracy, of Richland, Iowa, who was a soldier of the Civil war. In tracing back the ancestry of Mrs. Lewis it is found that the family are descendants of Sir William Tracy, who came from England to America in September, 1620, and settled in Virginia, where he owned a large estate and was the possessor of vast
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.