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 42
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McDowell Maxwell pursued his early education in the schools of Craw- fordsville and afterward attended the Eastern lowa Normal at Grand- view, Iowa. All of his inclinations were along agricultural lines and the occupation to which he was reared he has made his life work. From early boyhood he has been actively connected with farming and stock-raising and about twenty years ago he located on the old Thomas Maxwell farm, three- quarters of a mile west of Crawfordsville, where he still resides. He is diligent, determined and energetic and his labors have won for him a meas- ure of success that is most gratifying.
On the 11th of September, 1906, in St. Louis, Missouri, occurred the marriage of Mr. Maxwell and Miss Alpha Dial, of San Antonio, Texas, For sometime prior to her marriage, she had engaged in teaching in the public schools of San Antonio. She is a lady of broad culture and innate re- finement and courtesy and presides with gracious hospitality over her pleas- ant home. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell has been born one son, William McDial. In his political views Mr. Maxwell has always been a republican, continuously supporting the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has never sought the rewards of office, however, for his party fealty. He belongs to the United Presbyterian church and has ever endeavored to guide his life by its teachings, so that he is found as a most honorable citizen, loyal to the principles of integrity, justice, truth and right- eousness, As a business man he is strong of purpose, quick in perception and energetic and persistent in action.
H. H. WILLSON.
H. H. Willson, who for many years was identified with general farming and stock-raising interests in Lime Creek township, but now makes his home in the village of Wellman, where he is living retired, was born in this county on the 26th of January, 1854. his parents being James Monroe and Eliza (Moon) Willson, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respec- tively. After their marriage they resided for a time in the Keystone state and then went to Ohio, whence they made their way to Iowa in 1843 in company with our subject's paternal grandparents. Here the father secured land and turned his attention to general farming. He died in 1893, while the mother
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MR. AND MRS. H. H. WILLSON
THE NEW YORK I UBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX LILDEN FOUNDATION
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passed away in 1895, their remains being interred in the old Taylor cemetery. Our subject's paternal grandfather, Horace H. Willson, came to this county in 1843 and entered land in Cedar township, where he followed farming and stock raising and also operated a sawmill on his farm. IIe was an influential member of the democratic party and served as a member of the fourth general assembly meeting in Iowa City. He was killed by a runaway team.
H. H. Willson spent his boyhood days on the old homestead under the parental roof and early became familiar with the work of the fields, being employed in connection therewith from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn. Through the winter months he attended the district schools until he had mastered the branches of learn- ing therein taught and subsequently he became a student in the Washington Academy, a well known educational institution of those days. For three terms he pursued his studies there and at the expiration of that period he returned to the home farm, where he again became actively connected with the work of the fields. Throughout his entire life to the time of his retire- ment he carried on general farming pursuits. In 1879 he purchased eighty acres of land and with the impetus of developing his own property resolutely set to work to bring the fields under a high state of cultivation. Year by year he carefully plowed and planted the land and in the autumn gathered rich harvests, the soil responding readily. to the care and labor which he bestowed upon it. In addition. to cultivating the cereals he also raised fine stock, his business in that direction reaching considerable proportions. He raised shorthorn cattle and also took up the task of breeding Hambletonian and Bashaw horses. While upon the farm he had some fine stock and this branch of his business proved quite profitable. Evidence of his increasing prosperity as the years passed was seen in the fact that by additional pur- chases he extended the boundaries of his farm until the eighty acres had been increased to two hundred and forty acres, while many substantial im- provements were placed on the farm in the way of good buildings and modern machinery. He lived a most busy and useful life, making his efforts count for the utmost in the task of acquiring success through honorable, straight- forward methods. In his early life Mr. Willson engaged in teaching school for nine terms and proved most capable in that department of labor but later, preferring to concentrate his entire energies upon his agricultural pur- suits, met with success in his undertakings.
In 1879 Mr. Willson was united in marriage to Miss Eva Runyon, who was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, on the 15th of August, 1853. Her father was a Virginian and her mother a native of Pennsylvania. The latter, a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church and an earnest Christian woman, died on the 12th of April, 1873. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Willson was born one daughter, Georgia Runyon, who became the wife of Dr. F. C. Carle and died June 27, 1905, her loss being a great blow to her parents, her husband and her many friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Willson continued to reside upon the home farm until 1903, when he put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Well- man, where they are now living and occupying a fine residence in the
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village. In addition to this property Mr. Willson yet owns his excellent farm in Lime Creek township and from it derives a substantial annual in- come. He is greatly interested in politics and is recognized as one of the democratic leaders of the party. He is ever able to support his position by intelligent arguments and also keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. His popularity was manifest in the fact that in a republi- can township he was five times elected to the office of assessor and he also received his party's nomination for county auditor. His defeat amounted almost to a victory for he lost the election by only eighty-five votes although the normal republican majority was about four hundred votes. He thus ran far ahead of his party, receiving the support of many who hold different political views. He was elected to the state legislature, however, and was an able member of the thirtieth and thirty-first general assemblies. Both Mr. and Mrs. Willson have a large circle of warm friends in Lime Creek township, in Wellman and in fact throughout the county, their sterling traits of heart and mind endearing them to all who come in contact with them. His business enterprise in former years, his well managed interests and his enterprising spirit brought to him substantial success in his farming opera- tions and with a competence to supply him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life he is now living in retirement.
E. C. JONES.
E. C. Jones, who is numbered among the younger representatives of agricultural interests in this section of the county, was born in Lime Creek township, November 7, 1880, and is a son of F. C. and Elida (Sherman) Jones. The father, a native of Licking county, Ohio, came to Iowa with his parents in 1853. when but one year of age. The family home was estab- lished in Lime Creek township, Washington county, and on this farm F. C. Jones spent almost his entire life, passing away here October 15, 1900, at the age of forty-seven years. His wife still survives, however, at the age of fifty-three years and makes her home in Wellman. In their family were four children : E. C., of this review ; H. J., a practicing physician of Keokuk county, Iowa : F. A., of this county ; and Alice M., residing in Wellman.
In the common schools of Lime Creek township E. C. Jones acquired his education, remaining at home until he had attained his majority. At this time he rented a farm, which he operated for three years, at the expiration of which period he purchased the farm upon which he now resides. It con- sists of eighty-five acres on section 27, Lime Creek township, and is a well improved property. He has devoted his time and energy to the further improvement and cultivation of this land, while he has carried on his ag- ricultural pursuits along strictly up-to-date and modern methods. Aside from his farming interests he has also had time to follow other lines of ac- tivity, being well known in the business circles of his township as a director of the Hawkeye Telephone Company.
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On the 12th of November, 1902, Mr. Jones was married to Miss Ina McAvoy, who was born in Washington county, March 30, 1880. She is a daughter of John W. and Margaret E. (McAvoy) McAvoy, who were distant cousins. The father, a native of Ohio, is still living although the mother, born in Ireland, died in May, 1884. In their family were five child- ren, which number included Mrs. Jones who, after leaving the high school, engaged in teaching school for four years prior to her marriage. She is a member of the Baptist church and a lady whose good traits of character have won for her many warm friends in the community.
Mr. Jones holds membership in Dayton Lodge, No. 149, A. F. & A. M., having filled all of its chairs, and is now worshipful master, while he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star. He is a republican in politics and is at present filling the position of township assessor. He is also serving as secretary of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a stal- wart champion. His public duties have ever been discharged with a sense of faithfulness and fearlessness, combined with an appreciation of the re- sponsibilities that rest upon him, and although he has not yet reached the thirtieth milestone on life's journey, he has nevertheless won the respect and confidence of his fellowmen and is recognized as one of the progressive and representative citizens of the township.
JOSEPH WALDSCHMIDT.
Joseph Waldschmidt owns and operates a farm of one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 7. Iowa township, and is also successfully engaged in raising and breeding fine grades of horses and cattle. One of Iowa's native sons, he was born in Washington county, March 17, 1871, a son of Michael and Eva (Streb) Waldschmidt, both natives of Germany. They arrived in America at an early date, first locating in Illinois. Recently they came to Washington county, Iowa, where the father has since passed away, while the mother now makes her home in Riverside. In their family were twelve children, eleven of whom still survive.
The common schools of this county afforded Joseph Waldschmidt his educational advantages, and he remained at home, assisting in the work of the farm, until he had reached his majority. Then deciding to follow as a life work the occupation to which he had been reared, he rented one hundred and twenty acres on section 7, Iowa township, which he purchased a year later and upon which he has continued to make his home. He has placed many improvements upon the farm and employs modern and up-to- date methods in the cultivation of his fields, while the success which has attended his efforts comes as the result of good management, sound judg- ment and untiring energy and perseverance. He has recently purchased thirteen acres of timber land and aside from his general agricultural pur- suits engages in the raising and breeding of Hereford cattle and Percheron
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horses, this branch of his business interests proving an additional source of a gratifying revenue.
Mr. Waldschmidt was married April 23, 1901, to Miss Viola Kueneman, a native of Johnson county, this state, and unto them were born the follow- ing children : Emmett M., Earl J., Gertrude M., Hubert M., Florence C. and Amilda C. Mr. and Mrs. Waldschmidt are members of the Catholic church, and the former gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, to the principles of which he is at all times most loyal. He is now serving as a school director and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He is public-spirited in his citizenship, lending his aid to all matters that tend toward the general upbuilding and progress of the community, while his success in business and his sterling traits of character place him among the representative citizens of Washington county.
SAMUEL M. PULVER.
Samuel M. Pulver, ranking among the substantial representatives of ag- ricultural interests of Washington county, owns and operates a fine farm of eighty acres situated in Seventy-Six township, where he is also successfully engaged in raising Poland China hogs. He was born in Dutch Creek town- ship, this county, on the 26th of February, 1861, a son of William M. and Jane (Alexander) Pulver, both natives of Ohio. The father, a carpenter by trade, came to Iowa as a young man, locating at Dublin, Dutch Creek township, Washington county, where he continued to work at his trade for some years. It was here that he made the acquaintance of Miss Jane Alex- ander, who had accompanied her family to Iowa two or three years prior to the arrival of Mr. Pulver. They were married in Dublin where they resided until 1865, when they removed to a farm two and a half miles northwest of the town. Here they made their home for thirty-five years, at the expiration of which time, in 1900, they removed to Keota, Iowa, where they have since resided, and the father is here devoting his time to building operations. He has always been a stanch supporter of republican principles, while he and his wife are consistent and faithful members of the United Presbyterian church.
Devoting the days of his boyhood and youth to the acquirement of an education as a pupil in the common schools of the county, Samuel M. Pulver remained at home, assisting his father in the improvement and cultivation of the farm until twenty-five years of age. Then wishing to engage in busi- ness on his own account, in 1886 he rented a farm in Dutch Creek township and for four years continued to operate it. In 1890, however, desiring that his efforts should more directly benefit himself, he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty-seven acres in the same township but sold it two years later. The fall of 1894 witnessed his arrival in Seventy-Six township, where he again became a renter, operating what is known as the Stewart place. It was only for a year. however, for in the fall of 1895 he purchased his present farm of eighty acres, to which he removed the following spring.
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This is a well improved tract of land and here he engages in general ag- ricultural pursuits and stockraising, making a specialty of Poland China nogs, while both branches of his business are proving a profitable source of revenue to him.
Mr. Pulver established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Mary Bennett, of Dutch Creek township, this county, the wedding being celebrated on the 13th of January, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Pulver hold membership rela- tions with the United Presbyterian church and are interested in all phases of the church work, while in politics he has ever remained a stanch repub- lican. Although he served one year as township assessor, he is not a pol- itician in the sense of office seeking. He is not. however, remiss in the duties of citizenship, but takes a deep interest in all matters relating to the welfare and upbuilding of the community. His many good traits of character have won for him the respect and good will of his fellowmen, while his in- telligently directed energies, good management and untiring industry have placed him among the successful and prosperous farmers of this county.
ELIAS WILLIAMS.
The present home farm of Elias Williams, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres of land in Crawford township, has been his place of resi- dence since 1889, and during the years that have since come and gone he has developed the land into highly cultivated fields. He was born in North Wales, December 27, 1852, a son of Richard and Jane (Williams) Williams, both of whom were likewise natives of that country. The father there followed merchandising and emigrated to the United States in 1856, locating in Burlington, Des Moines county, Iowa. He there continued his residence until 1865, which year witnessed his arrival in Washington county. He took up his abode in Crawford township and made his home here until his death in 1892, his remains being interred in the Welsh cemetery in Louisa county. In politics he was a republican and in early life was identified with the Welsh church, in which he served as a deacon but in his later years he was af- filiated with the Methodist Episcopal church at Crawfordsville. As above stated, the mother was likewise a native of Wales, where she was reared and married. She, too, is deceased, her death occurring in Washington county in 1904. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Richard Williams were born eight children : Rowiand, who passed away in California ; Kate, deceased; John, who has also departed this life; Elias; Anne, deceased; Mary, the wife of Hugh Evans, of Red Oak, this state; Harriett, deceased ; and David, who makes his home in Wapello, Iowa.
Elias Williams, the third son and fourth child in his father's family, ac- quired his education in the common schools in Des Moines county and re- mained under the parental roof until he was twenty-five years of age and then operated land which he rented for one year. At the end of that time
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he was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Maggie Evans, and the date of the wedding December 18, 1879.
Following his marriage, Mr. Williams operated a rented farm in Craw- ford township, Washington county, for two years and then, in partner- ship with his brother, purchased eighty acres, which he owned for some time. As he prospered in this venture, he was at length justified in making fur- ther purchase of land and in 1889 became the owner of his present tract, comprising one hundred and sixty acres in Crawford township. He also bought one hundred and twenty acres adjoining his farm. He has since erected a good residence, barns and other outbuildings and now has a well improved and valuable property. He devotes his time to general farming and in his work is meeting with gratifying success and is today classed with the substantial citizens of this section of Washington county. In addition to his other interests he also owns stock in the bank at Crawfordsville and is president of the same.
Mrs. Williams was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, a daughter of David and Jane (Williams) Evans. The father was a native of Wales, and emigrating to the new world in 1851, settled in Cincinnati, while in 1858 he established his home in Louisa county, Iowa, and there passed away in 1905. The mother, who was also a native of Wales, survived her husband's death only about four years, her demise occurring March 6, 1909. Mrs. Williams is the third member in a family of seven children, the others being: Mary Jane and Kate, both deceased: Thomas, a resident of Traer, Iowa ; and Libbie, Esther and Ellen, all of whom have departed this life. By her marriage Mrs. Williams has become the mother of four children, David, Luther, Esther and Jennie, all at home.
In politics Mr. Williams is a stanch republican, having firm belief in the principles and policy of its platform. He has been central committeeman three years, while for twelve years he has served as trustee of the township. He is identified with the Welsh Congregational church, in which he is a deacon, and he is a charter member of the Odd Fellow's lodge at Crawfords- ville. A man of good business ability, he has made it his purpose to win in the line which he has chosen as his life work and that he has accomplished his aim is evidenced in the fine farm of which he is today the possessor.
H. W. DEUKER.
Among the native sons of Washington county who are successfully engag- ing in agricultural pursuits is H. W. Deuker, who was born and reared upon the farm which is now his home and upon which his entire life has been spent. His birth occurred February 7. 1864. in a little log cabin erected by his father upon the old homestead. His parents were William and Catherine Deuker, both natives of Germany, who came to the United States in 1851. They first located in New York state, where the father engaged as a farm hand for two years. Continuing their journey westward they settled in
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Washington county, fowa, where Mr. Deuker purchased a farm on sections 15 and 22, Lime Creek township, and directed his energies toward cultivating the soil. As a shelter for the family a log cabin was built, covered with a clapboard roof, and supplied with a puncheon floor and door and a stick chimney. In this pioneer dwelling the family resided for eight years and then the more commodious frame house, which is still standing upon the place, was erected in 1866. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. William Deuker were three children, of whom two, Anna and Mary, have passed away. H. W. Deuker, of this review, was the third in order of birth. The parents spent their last days upon this homestead, the father passing away June 27, 1892. while the mother's demise occurred July 3. 1901.
H. W. Deuker is indebted to the common schools of the neighborhood for the educational advantages he enjoyed, while on his father's farm he obtained practical experience in the cultivation of the fields, early becoming familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting. When only fifteen years of age he took entire charge of the home farm, operating it and making all purchases necessary for its successful conduct and super- intending all of the selling. At the death of his mother in 1901 he came into full possession of the place, which is now known as Riverswell Stock Farm and is one of the finest farms in Lime Creek township. He has been sig- nally successful in his business interests, being now the owner of four hun- dred and seventeen acres of land in this township, while he also makes a specialty of raising double standard polled Durham cattle, recorded in the Shorthorn Herd book and the Polled Durham Herd book. He handles only the highest grades and his stock has taken prizes at state fairs in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Indiana, and international live stock shows at Chicago. It is not alone in agricultural circles that Mr. Deuker is well known, for he is prominently connected with financial interests of the county as vice presi- dent of the Wellman Savings Bank, while his various business activities combine to make him one of the prosperous and influential representatives of this county.
Happily situated in his home life, Mr. Deuker was united in marriage on the 24th of February. 1892. to Miss Candace A. Bull, a native of Washing- ton county, her birth having occurred June 21, 1860. She is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Page) Bull, both natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Towa in the early '50s. Both have passed away, however, the father's death occurring in 1875. while on the 27th of May, 1898, the mother was called to her final rest. Their family of six children included Mrs. Deuker.
Mr. Deuker was reared in the faith of the Mennonite church and his entire life has been in accord with the principles of upright and honorable manhood. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has been a stalwart supporter of the democracy, although he has never been an aspir- ant for public office as a reward for party fealty. The only office he has filled has been that of school director, and the cause of education finds in him a warm champion. Fraternally he is connected with Wellman Lodge, No. 92. I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the chairs, while at all times he is in sympathy with its spirit of brotherly kindness. He is not remiss in the
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duties of citizenship, but is deeply interested in all matters that pertain to the material, intellectual and moral welfare of the community. Having passed his entire life in the locality in which he now resides, he has acquired an extensive acquaintance and the fact that he is most highly respected where he is best known is an indication that the salient characteristics of his life are such as command the confidence, esteem and good will of mankind.
DAVID MCLAUGHLIN.
David McLaughlin, who is the most extensive stock-feeder in Wash- ington county and who operates three farms aggregating in the neighbor- hood of one thousand acres of land, was born in Seventy-Six township, this county, September 27, 1867, a son of Daniel and Susan (Robb) McLaugh- lin. The father, who was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1831, came to the United States when he was eighteen years of age, landing iu New York city. He spent five years between there and Brooklyn and while in that part of the country he lost three sisters, two brothers and also his mother by death, his father having passed away in Ireland. Thus left alone in the world, he came west and settled near Morning Sun, Iowa, where he was married and lived for about four years. In 1867 he removed to this county, settling on a farm in West Chester, where he spent his remaining days. He departed this life in 1902 and his remains were interred in Keota cemetery. His wife was also a native of Ireland, where their marriage was celebrated. She passed away in 1875 and was laid to rest beside her husband. They reared seven children: George, deceased; Samuel R., a United Presby- terian clergyman located at Eskridge, Kansas; Thomas, deceased ; James, deceased ; John D., a retired agriculturist of this place ; David ; and Charles W., of Washington, Iowa. Upon the death of their mother Mr. McLaugh- lin wedded Mrs. Hammil, who died in 1889.
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