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 5
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
On the 15th of September, 1900, Mr. Needham was married to Miss Nell D. Laffer, a daughter of Henry and Georgia (Crist) Laffer. Mrs. Needham was born on a farm near Sigourney and is a lady of culture and broad education, possessing as well good business qualities, and for the past seven years has served as court reporter in the sixth judicial district of Iowa.
46
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Mr. Needham belongs to Webb Lodge, No. 281, A. F. & A. M., of Sigourney ; Joppa Chapter, No. 40, R. A. M .; Bethlehem Commandery, K. T. of Washington ; and Kaaba Temple of the Mystic Shrine, at Daven- port. He also holds membership with the Sigourney Lodge of Odd Fellows and with the encampment at Washington and with the Knights of Pythias at Washington. His business ability, enterprise and laudable ambition in the line of his chosen life have carried him into important relations with the journalistic interests of the state and he holds a high place in the regard of his fellow members of the newspaper craft.
SOLOMON WEEKLY.
Solomon Weekly is numbered among the representatives of farming in- terests in Seventy-Six township, making his home since 1890 upon his present farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres of Iowa's rich soil. He was born in Doddridge county, Virginia, now West Virginia, and attended the common schools in his home neighborhood. At twenty-two years of age he was married and, thinking to find better opportunities in the middle west, made his way to Richland county, Illinois, where he remained for a year. On the expiration of that period he returned to Doddridge county, where he continued for ten years and in 1882 arrived in Washing- ton county, Iowa. Here he began farming upon rented land and continued to thus engage in the tilling of the soil until his industry and careful expendi- ture had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase a farm. It was in 1889 that he purchased eighty acres of his present place, on which he took up his abode in the spring in 1890. Two years later he bought an eighty acres adjoining, thus extending the boundaries of his property until it now includes one hundred and sixty acres. Here he carries on general farming and has been very successful in his chosen life work. Year by year he carefully tills the fields and the planting of early spring and the cultivation of the summer months are rewarded by generous harvests in the autumn.
Mr. Weekly was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Coleman. a native of Allegany county, Maryland, and unto them have been born five children : Lewis, a resident of Floyd county, Iowa : Virgil, living in Henry county, Iowa ; Blanche, the wife of O. T. King, of Seventy-Six township, Washing- ton county ; Frederick, who makes his home in Cedar township, this county ; and Effie, the wife of Frederick Fisher, who operates his father-in-law's farm. The parents are consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, taking an active interest in its work and doing all in their power to extend its influence. Mr. Weekly votes with the republican party. He does not seek to figure prominently in public affairs but is justly accounted one of the representative farmers of Seventy-Six township and belongs to the class of self-made men of whom the county has just reason to be proud. Starting out in life empty-handed, he placed his dependence upon the sub-
47
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
stantial qualities of energy and industry and thus he has steadily worked his way upward, brooking no obstacles that could be overcome by persistent and honorable effort. His record proves what may be attained in this way and his example should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others.
JAMES C. NELSON.
James C. Nelson, a prosperous and substantial farmer of this county, the character of whose citizenship has been of great benefit to the community, is a native of Wayne county, Ohio, who was born February 5, 1834, a son of Mathew and Mary (Dawson) Nelson. His father was a native of Penn- sylvania, but migrated to Ohio at an early date and in the fall of 1841 came by wagon to Washington county, Iowa, locating in what is now Washington township. The land was in a primitive condition and he was among the pioneers of the county. He engaged in farming until his death, which oc- curred here March 6, 1885, his remains being interred in the old Washington cemetery. He was a republican politically, always loyal to the candidates of his party, a lover of home life and a man who put forth every effort to make his domestic environment conducive to the highest degree of happiness. His wife, to whom he was married in Ohio, was born in Pennsylvania, March 15, 1810, and entered into rest in this county. September 25, 1873. her re- mains being interred beside those of her husband.
To them were born the following children: Barbara Jane, who passed away in infancy ; James C. ; Joseph, living on the old homestead ; Robert, who served during the Civil war in the Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry and met death in a railroad collision near Lafayette, Indiana, October 13. 1864; William, born March 23, 1843, who was a member of the Twenty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry and now pursues agriculture on a farm near Keota, this state ; Alexander, born January 2, 1846, a resident of this county ; and M. H., born November 1, 1848, a real-estate dealer of Spokane, Washington.
James C. Nelson, after acquiring his education in the public schools, remained upon the home farm until 1861, when he enlisted in Company H. Seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry for three years' service and during the conflict participated in the battles of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson. He was subsequently detached and assigned to the hospital corps, serving as a nurse until he received an honorable discharge at the close of the war. He then returned to this county and became a clerk in a grocery store, the duties of which position he performed for one year, when, in company with an uncle and others, he bought out the business and conducted it success- fully for two years. He then disposed of his interest and turned his attention to farming in Washington township, where he has since resided with the exception of two years spent in travel through Nebraska, Kansas and California. He owns eighty acres of highly improved and productive land, upon which he engages in general farming, making a specialty of fruit grow- ing, being particularly successful in raising peaches.
48
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
On May 11, 1875, Mr. Nelson wedded Jennie Neal, a native of New York state, born November 1, 1850, her people having come to this county when she was one year of age. Her father. William Neal, was born in Ire- land, of Scotch extraction, and came to the United States after he was married, locating in Herkimer county, New York. In 1850 he came to this county by the river route, settling five miles south of the town of Washing- ton, where he lived for a few years, later removing to a farm north of that place. He lived there until five years before his death, and for a time lived within the town corporation. His life was terminated in 1900, his remains being interred in Elm Grove cemetery. His wife, a native of the Emerald isle, where they were united in marriage, still survives. To them were born eleven children, namely: Charles, deceased; Jennie ; Ellen, a trained nurse residing in Davenport, this state; Mrs. Emma George, who lives near Superior, Nebraska : Mrs. Becky George, who makes her home on a farm near Ames, Iowa; Mrs. Anna Stephenson, who is in the general mer- chandise business in Blackwell, Oklahoma ; Mrs. Margaret Donaldson, who resides on a farm in Brookings, South Dakota; Mrs. Nettie Alger, of Frankfort, South Dakota; Samuel, an agriculturist of Washington town- ship; Mrs. Howton, who resides with her mother ; and Mrs. D. M. Palmer, who lives on a farm in this county. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, namely : Mrs. Robert Maxwell, of this county ; and George, at home.
Politically, Mr. Nelson supports the republican party, having always been loyal to its candidates. He attends divine services at the Associate Presby- terian church and his upright walk together with his industry and enterprise have merited him the reputation which he has won as an honored representa- tive of his community.
JOHN HECK.
John Heck, now owning and operating a well improved farm of ninety- seven and a half acres in Iowa township, was born in Johnson county, lowa, on the 15th of May. 1865, his parents being John and Catherine (Miller) Heck. The father. a native of Bohemia, was a lad of twelve years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States. They first resided for a short period in Chicago and then journeyed further westward, establishing their home on a farm near Solon in Johnson county, Iowa. Subsequent to his marriage John Heck, Sr., followed teaming for three years in lowa City and then came to Washington county, purchasing a farm of eighty acres in Iowa township. He was successfully engaged in its cultivation until the time of his death at the age of fifty-five years. His wife passed away when but thirty-five years of age. On the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the south he enlisted as a soldier of the northern army and loyally fonght for the interests of the Union until its supremacy had been estah- lished.
49
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
John Heck was reared on the home farm and obtained his education in the district schools. When seventeen years of age he secured employ- ment as a farm hand, being thus busily engaged in the work of the fields for nine years, when he rented a tract of land which he operated success- fully until 1902. Having accumulated sufficient capital through his untir- ing labor and careful expenditure, he then purchased his present farm of ninety-seven and a half acres in Iowa township and at once began its im- provement and development. As the years have gone by he has transformed the place into a highly cultivated and valuable farming property and is a most energetic and enterprising agriculturist, his efforts being annually rewarded by bounteous harvests. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for he started out in business life empty-handed and the suc- cess which has come to him is entirely the result of his unremitting energy, indefatigable industry and capable management.
In February, 1892, Mr. Heck was united in marriage to Miss Anna Yansky, of Washington county, by whom he has four children, namely : Bessie. Alva, Jesse and Mabel, all at home. Politically Mr. Heck is a stanch advocate of the republican party, believing that its principles contain the best elements of good government. He has resided in this county throughout practically his entire life and is a man whose marked strength of character, genial disposition and genuine worth have gained him the unqualified re- spect and good will of his fellowmen.
ALBERT R. SHAW.
Albert R. Shaw, who is devoting his attention to the pursuits of farming and stock-raising in Jackson township, was born in Knox county, Illinois, on the 28th of June, 1848, his parents being Samuel and Susan D. (Max- field) Shaw, further mention of whom is made in the sketch of E. M. Shaw, a brother of our subject, which appears on another page of this volume. Albert R. Shaw attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and remained at home until sixteen years of age, when with pat- riotic zeal he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Com- pany F. Eighth Illinois Infantry. He was wounded in the battle of Mobile and also participated in a number of skirmishes, loyally fighting for the interests of the Union until the close of hostilities. He was honorably dis- charged at Springfield, Illinois, on the 16th of February, 1866, and returning to Washington county, Iowa, has here since continued to reside. He now operates one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 35, Jackson town- ship, and also makes a specialty of raising, feeding and shipping stock, meeting with a commendable and gratifying measure of prosperity in his undertakings.
In June, 1876, Mr. Shaw was united in marriage to Miss Minerva A. Davis, whose birth occurred in Licking county, Ohio, October 4, 1848, her parents being Lewis F. and Sarah (Hannahs) Davis, the former a native
50
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
of West Virginia and the latter of Licking county, Ohio. In 1865 Mr. and Mrs. Davis removed to Rock Island county, Illinois, where they remained for two years and in 1867 came to Washington county. lowa, locating in Jackson township and here remaining until called to their final rest. Lewis F. Davis passed away in December, 1882, while his wife's demise occurred in February, 1893. Their family numbered six children, namely: Melville, deceased : Mrs. Shaw : Russell, who is a resident of Washington county ; Virginia and Milford, who have likewise passed away : and Harley, of Den- ver, Colorado. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shaw have been born six children, as follows: Virginia, who is deceased ; Grace E., who is a graduate of the academy at Washington, Iowa, and has taught school for eight years : Fred, likewise a graduate of that institution, who resides at home : Gertrude M .. who is also a graduate of the academy at Washington and is now engaged in teaching ; Floyd, who was graduated from the same school in 1909: and Alvin, at home.
In his political views Mr. Shaw is a stanch republican and has served in the position of township trustee, while at the present time he is president of the school board. He still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in G. A. R. Post, No. 108. His wife was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, the teachings of which she exemplifies in her daily life. In all relations Mr. Shaw has proven himself worthy the confidence and good will which are so uniformly ac- corded him and has won an extensive circle of friends in this county during the long period of his residence here.
C. A. MEYER.
C. A. Meyer, deceased, whose industry and enterprise have left their value upon the agricultural interests of Franklin township, this county, will long be remembered for his excellent qualities of character and the benefits which have accrued to the community from his straightforward and upright life. His birth occurred in Mason county, Illinois, June 17, 1869, a son of Herman and Hannah (Rimerman) Meyer. His father was a native of Germany and located in Illinois at an early date. In 1889 he removed to Logan county, that state, where he entered into rest.
In the common schools of Logan county, C. A. Meyer acquired his edu- cation, and upon completing his studies launched out in the world for himself, his initial step being that of the farmer. He remained in Logan county, dealing extensively in stock until 1901, when he came to Washington county, Iowa, locating on a farm which he occupied for four years, or until 1904. He then removed to the property upon which his widow now lives. The farm contains two hundred and thirty-six acres, which is provided with an excel- lent residence built by Mr. Meyer, together with all other conveniences reg- uisite to the occupation of farming, and aside from this excellent tract of land he also left one hundred and sixty acres located in Cedar township. Mr.
W YORK .. LIBRARY
AMIOR, LENOX LOEN FOUNDATION
53
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Meyer met death December 26, 1904, while, in company with his wife, he was driving over a railroad crossing when his team was struck by a train, receiv- ing injuries which caused his death a few hours later. His wife, however, escaped serious hurt.
Mr. Meyer's marriage to Miss Christine Leesman occurred in Logan county, Illinois, January 15, 1890, and they became the parents of three children, namely: Herman, whose birth occurred January 15, 1891 ; Francis, who was born September 8, 1893: and Clara, who was born September 8. 1895. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Meyer has been managing the farm interests and has added to the property a tract of eighty acres in Cedar township. Mr. Meyer was a republican in politics and although he never aspired to hold public office he was interested in the issues before the country, and his influence in behalf of its candidates was widely felt. His fraternal affiliations were with the Modern Woodmen of America, and from the age of fourteen years he was a member of the Reformed Lutheran church Being a man of high moral aspirations, who possessed excellent qualities of char- acter, he commanded the respect of the entire neighborhood, and in his death the community lost one of its most progressive and representative citizens.
FRANK M. FLEMING.
Frank M. Fleming, who for forty years has. resided in Washington county, has been a witness of much of its growth and progress and at all times has been interested in its upbuilding and development. Throughout the entire period of his residence here he has been associated with agricultural interests and is now farming sixty acres of finely improved land in Cedar township, which he purchased many years ago. Ile was born in Madison county, Ohio, January 23, 1845, and is a son of John and Sarah (Chappell) Fleming, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Tennessee. In an early day they arrived in Madison county, Ohio, settling on a tract of land in the midst of the dense forest. There the father built a log cabin which the family occupied for several years but as time passed by he was enabled to replace the pioneer improvements with those of a more modern character. He died in Ohio, while his wife passed away in Washington county, lowa. Their family numbered eight children, of whom four are still living: Lewelen, a resident of Kansas ; A. J., who makes his home near Bushnell, Illinois ; John, of Cedar township, Washington county ; and Frank M., of this review.
Frank M. Fleming passed his youthful days under the parental roof until he had reached the age of sixteen years, when he offered his services to the government, becoming a member of Company B, Tenth Missouri Volun- teer Infantry, with which he served for three years. He participated in the battles of Iuka, Corinth, Mississippi, Rawson, Jackson, Champion Hill and the siege of Vicksburg, the last namned continuing for forty-seven days. He was also in the battle of Mission Ridge and in several skirmishes. He was
54
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
likewise with Sherman during part of the Atlanta campaign, after which he returned to St. Louis and was honorably discharged. He made a credit- able military record by reason of his unfaltering loyalty to the cause which he espoused. He had followed the old flag on many a hotly contested battlefield and on many of the long hard marches which constitute a feature of military experience.
After receiving his discharge Mr. Fleming went to Macomb, Illinois, and was employed as a farm hand in that locality for two years. He then came to Washington county and engaged in cultivating a rented farm for five years, during which time he carefully saved his earnings, so that he was at length enabled to purchase sixty acres, constituting his present farm. This is a highly improved property and presents a most attractive appearance owing to the care and labor which Mr. Fleming has bestowed upon it. He has led a life of usefulness and activity, his industry constituting the foun- dation upon which he has builded his success.
On the 7th of April, 1872, Mr. Fleming was united in marriage to Miss Zerilda E. Gardner, who was born in Madison county, Ohio, July 10, 1846, a daughter of James and Eliza Gardner. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Fleming has been blessed with five children: Cora G., the wife of D. H. Tipton, of Ottumwa, Iowa; Loren and Laura, twins, the latter being the wife of Louis Longwell, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Mabel, the wife of Clarence Timmons, of Washington county ; and Clara E., the wife of Walter Patter- son, who operates his father-in-law's farm. The wife and mother died October 9, 1890, and her death was deeply regretted by many friends who had learned to love her by reason of her many attractive qualities and her kindly spirit. She was moreover a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which Mr. Fleming also belongs. In his political views he is an earnest republican and has served as school director for several years, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. He be- longs to the Grand Army post at Wellman and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. Few men of his years can boast of so strenuous a military record in the Civil war as Mr. Fleming, who was but a boy when he entered the service but the strenuous experiences of war- fare made him a man in all but years.
A. L. BRADEN, M. D.
Dr. A. L. Braden is meeting with success as a follower of the medical profession in Wellman, where he has been located since 1903. He was born in Des Moines county, Iowa, on the 8th of August, 1870, a son of J. R. and Carrie (Austin) Braden, both of whom were natives of Ross county, Ohio. It was in the year 1851 that the father came to Iowa, turning his attention to farming. He was busily employed in the work of the fields until more than a decade had passed, when he responded to the country's call for troops, joining the boys in blue of Company K, Fourteenth Iowa Volunteer
55
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Infantry. With this regiment he served throughout the entire war and par- ticipated in several hotly contested battles but never flinched when facing the enemy's bullets, actuated always by the high and earnest resolve of pro- tecting the interests of the Union. Both he and his wife are now deceased. His political allegiance was unswervingly given to the republican party and he took an active interest in promoting its welfare and success. The family numbered but two children, the elder being Mary Louisa Braden, now the wife of Grant Gregory, of Texas.
Dr. Braden, the only son, supplemented his public school education by a course in Kossuth Academy, from which he was graduated with the class of 1890. He largely pursued his medical course in Iowa City, where he spent four years in college. He also spent two years in the Bellevue Hos- pital in New York city and for a time was in the Mills Training School of the eastern metropolis. His thorough preparation well qualified him for the onerous duties of thie profession and in 1903 he came to Wellman, where he purchased the practice of Dr. Smith and later bought out Dr. W. P. Gardner. He has been very successful in his professional career, his skill and ability gaining him a wide reputation and extensive practice throughout the surrounding country. He is always most careful in the diagnosis of his cases and his labors have been attended with a gratifying measure of suc- cess. In addition to his private practice he is now physician for the Fra- ternal Aid at Wellman and examiner for several insurance companies.
On the 23d of September, 1903. Dr. Braden was married to Miss Carrie V. Heizer, who was born in Des Moines county, Iowa. They have become the parents of two children: Louisa, who was born November 8, 1904 ; and Cordelle, whose birth occurred June 15, 1907. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Dr. Braden is a member of the Woodmen Lodge, No. 1828, of which he is also examining physician. He is actuated by high ideals in his professional service and is recognized else- where as a man of attractive social qualities, whose interest in his fellowmen is deep and sincere, while his efforts for public progress are actuated by an earnest desire for the welfare and upbuilding of the community in which he makes his home.
DAVID R. RITCHEY.
David R. Ritchey has devoted his life to general farming in Washington township. this county, where he was born January 29, 1848, being one of the oldest living native sons. His rigid application to business together with his aggressiveness and straightforward transactions have always commended him to the respect and confidence of all those with whom he has come in con- tact. His parents were John C. and Margaret K. (Anderson) Ritchey. His father, who was a native of Indiana, removed to Illinois, and settled near Nauvoo, where he pursued agriculture for several years. He came to this county about 1840 and located in what is now Washington township, in
56
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
company with a brother Adam and his daughter. Here he followed his chosen occupation until 1862, when he enlisted in Company C. Nineteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry and during the battle at Morganza Plantation, he lost his life, his remains being interred upon the battlefield. All of his regi- ment were taken prisoners at that time except a few who escaped. The mother of our subject was a native of South Hanover, Indiana. born October 19, 1817, and when about six years of age removed to Green county, Ohio, with her parents, remaining there about ten years. She next lived in Laporte. Indiana, until 1842, when she came to this county, where she was married and here she lived until she departed this life August 8. 1908, her remains being interred in the old Washington cemetery. She reared three children : David R. : Florence, who passed away on November 10, 1889: and Luther, who died in infancy. By a former marriage on December 2, 1840. to Rhoda Houston, who passed away on February 18, six years later, John C. Ritchey had four children: Erastus, deceased ; Leander, who served three years in Company H, Seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry and was wounded at Belmont and who now resides in Illinois ; Mary E .. deceased : and Wil- liam, deceased.
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.