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 50
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reaching the ripe old age of eighty-seven years. During his ministry Rev. Shaw was perhaps as widely known in the state of Illinois as any clergyman within its borders. Over a score of special services were held at different churches in that state on hearing of his death. Moreover, as a pioneer set- tler he was greatly endeared to all of the oldest and best families in the terri- tory over which he traveled. He passed away in October, 1890, while the death of lis second wife occurred in 1897. They were the parents of the fol- lowing children, all of whom were born in Illinois, namely: E. M., of this review : Elizabeth and Flora Maud, both deceased ; Louisa, the wife of W. S. Reister, a resident of Washington, Iowa ; Albert, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume ; Alfred, who was a twin of Albert and is now deceased ; James B., living in Nebraska.
When but five years of age E. M. Shaw accompanied his parents on their removal to Fulton county, Illinois, where he grew to maturity and was married. In the spring of 1865 he brought his family to Washington county, Iowa, purchasing the farm in Jackson township, which has since remained his place of abode. His holdings comprise two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land on sections 26 and 35, which he bought at five and a half dollars per acre and which he has improved and developed to such an extent that it is now worth one hundred and seventy-five dollars an acre. In addition to tilling the soil he has also made a specialty of raising and feeding cattle and hogs, both branaches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income by reason of his untiring and well directed industry and capable management. His property interests are the visible evidence of a life of unfaltering perseverance and energy and he has long been numbered among the most substantial, progressive and representative citizens of the county.
On the 14th of February, 1858, Mr. Shaw was united in marriage to Miss Sally Wheeler, a native of Jefferson county, New York, who removed with her parents to Fulton county, Illinois, in early childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler, who passed away in Fulton county, Illinois, reared a family of seven children, three of whom still survive. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shaw have been born eleven children, namely: Bertha, who is the widow of J. C. Meek and makes her home in Jackson township ; Jasper L., a resident of South Dakota ; Euphemia, the wife of W. F. McConahey, of Spokane Falls, Wash- ington ; Rose, at home ; Cora, the wife of J. D. Hays, of Washington, lowa ; Alfred, who died in infancy ; Ida, the wife of G. E. Richards, of Oklahoma ; Susan, who is a graduate of the State Normal School and engaged in teach- ing for several years; Allie, the wife of B. B. Jarrard, of Washington county ; Edna, who is deceased ; and Maud, who has also followed the pro- fession of teaching for four years and is residing at home. The mother of these children, Mrs. Sally Shaw, departed this life March 22, 1909, and her death was deeply regretted not only by her immediate family, but also by many friends, for she had endeared herself to those with whom she came in contact by reason of her many excellent traits of heart and mind.
Politically Mr. Shaw is a stalwart democrat and has capably served his fellow townsmen in various positions of public trust and responsibility. From
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1873 until 1875 he acted as assessor and was again elected to that office in 1900, holding the position to the present time. He likewise served as trustee and as school treasurer for twenty-five years, ever discharging his official duties in a manner that won him the confidence and good will of all concerned. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic lodge and with the chapter and commandery at Washington, Iowa, being a worthy exemplar of the craft. He is public-spirited, giving his cooperation to every move- ment which tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the community. The hospitality of the best homes is freely extended to him, as well as to the members of his household, the circle of his friends being almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.
ELMER I. COFFEY.
Elmer I. Coffey is now proprictor of the paper-the Wellman Advance- on which he learned the printer's trade. His present place in the business world is a proof of ability and diligence which have brought him from a humble position to one of local prominence. He is a native son of Wellman, born August 12, 1880. His father, Joseph L. Coffey, was a native of In- diana and in his boyhood days was brought to Washington county, Iowa, by his parents, James and Louise Coffey. His father, who for many years was well known throughout this part of the state as Uncle Jimmy-a term indicative of the most friendly relations-entered land in Lime Creek town- ship on his removal to the west, and upon the farm which he developed his son Joseph L. Coffey was reared, while the public schools afforded him his educational privileges. At the age of twenty-two years he put aside the work of the fields and came to Wellman, where for many years he was employed as a salesman in dry-goods and hardware stores, devoting the greater part of his time, however, to the hardware trade. With the excep- tion of six years spent in Riverside and Prairie City, he has continuously lived in Wellman since attaining his majority and is now a salesman in a dry-goods store of this city. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen, while his political allegiance is given to the democracy. He married Susan Wellman, a daughter of Joseph and Lucy (McDowell) Wellman. Her father was among the first settlers of this county and the town of Wellman was named in his honor. The McDowells were also pioneer residents here and both families were promi- nent in the work of general improvement and progress, whereby a wild frontier district was converted into one of the leading counties of the state, supplied with all of the evidences and conveniences of modern civilization. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Joseph 1 .. Coffey were born three sons: J. Wilson, who is now living in Iowa City : Elmer I. : and Irvin E., whose home is in New Albany, Indiana, where he is employed as a bookkeeper.
Elmer I. Coffey, according to the places of his parents' residence, at- tended the schools of Riverside, Prairie City and Wellman, and when his
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
school days were over he entered the office of the Wellman Advance, where he learned the printer's trade. He also spent a year in the office of the Garri- son ( Iowa) Independent, having charge of the paper at that time. In 1903 he returned to Wellman, and although but twenty-three years of age, he purchased the Advance and has since conducted the paper. He takes great pride in this journal, as well he may do, for there is probably no newspaper published in the state of Iowa in a town the size of Wellman that can claim as large a subscription list, for the paper now has a paid circulation of thir- teen hundred. It is an able exponent of modern journalism and his plant is a well appointed establishment. including a type setting machine and other time-saving appliances. The Advance presents a most neat and attractive appearance and is devoted to the dissemination of general and local news.
In 1902 Mr. Coffey was united in marriage to Miss Lola Oldaker. who was born in Iowa county. Iowa, on the 26th of June, 1880, and is a daughter of H. J. and Mary E. (Crosby) Oldaker, the former a resident farmer of Green township. Mr. and Mrs. Coffey have become the parents of four children: Max A., born November 27, 1902; Marcia, born November 23, 1904; Helen I., born January 5, 1907; and Kathleen, December 13, 1908
Mr. Coffey is a popular and valued member of the Knights of Pythias lodge and also of the Masonic lodge at Wellman, while his wife holds mem- bership in the Methodist Episcopal church. They are both widely and fav- orably known and in the city of their residence have many warm friends.
HARWIN T. REYNOLDS.
Harwin T. Reynolds, now living retired in Washington, was born in Rensselaer county, New York, April 20, 18.47. and is a son of Almon E. and Mary R. (Knowlton) Reynolds, who were likewise natives of the Empire state. The paternal grandfather, Elijah Reynolds, was also born there and followed the occupation of farming as a life work. He married Betsy Bab- cock, and they had two children, Almon and Olive. After losing his first wife. Mr. Reynolds married again, and there were four children by that union : Eben C., William T., Ann, and Maria. In the maternal line Harwin T. Reynolds comes of an old New York family. His grandfather, Nathan Knowlton, was born in that state and in early life learned the trades of car- pentering and cabinetmaking. He married Eunice Randall and both lived to an advanced age. Their family numbered two sons and five daughters, namely : Mary, Olive, Maria, Harriet, Paulina, Warren and Aaron.
Almon E. Reynolds devoted his life to farming in Rensselaer county, New York, and in the '3os he belonged to the state militia. He lived to an old age, passing away in 1898 at the age of eighty-six years, while his wife died in 1892 at sixty-eight years of age. They were the parents of five children: Elizabeth, the wife of L. Quackenbush, of St. Paul, Minnesota ; Harwin T .; William H., deceased; Mrs. Jennie D. Quackenbush, of Hoo- sick, New York ; and Almon F., also of Hoosick.
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Harwin T. Reynolds spent his youthful days in the usual manner of farm lads of the period and the locality. He was reared in Rensselaer county, New York, and remained with his parents until he had attained his majority, in the meantime acquiring his education in the country schools, in the public schools at Hoosick Falls, in the Fort Edwards Institute at Fort Edwards, New York, and in the Alfred ( New York) University. Coming to Iowa soon after the completion of his education he became identified with agri- cultural interests of this part of the state, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in Jackson township, which he improved and successfully cul- tivated for many years. He brought his fields under a high state of cultiva- tion, carrying on work along modern lines and as his financial resources per- mitted he added one hundred and twenty acres to his original possessions. which he afterward sold. At different times he has bought and sold other tracts, but still retains possession of eighty acres in Jackson township. He continued his residence upon his farm there until 1893, when he removed to the city of Washington, where he has now made his home for the past sixteen years, living in honorable and well earned retirement.
On the 24th of November, 1869. Mr. Reynolds was united in marriage to Miss Frances Percey, a daughter of John M. and Patience (Percey) Percey. Mrs. Reynolds was born in Rensselaer county, New York, October 31. 1849, and her parents were farming people who were also natives of the Empire state. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds has been blessed with two sons, John P. and Almon E. The former, who is now division engineer of the Grand Rapids district of the Pere Marquette Railroad, married Lillian Wilson and has two children, Francis W. and J. Isabel. Almon E. is a traveling salesman, located at Calgary, Canada.
Mr. Reynolds belongs to Washington Lodge, No. 26, A. F. & A. M .; Cyrus Chapter No. 13, R. A. M. ; Bethlehem Commandery. No. 45, K. T .; and also to the Knights of Pythias lodge. His political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party and he has been called to fill various local offices, serving as justice of the peace two years, as township assessor four years, as township clerk six years and a member of the board of county supervisors for nine years. In all these positions he has dis- charged his duties with promptness and fidelity, fully recognizing and meet- ing the obligations that devolved upon him.
CHARLES L. WAKELEE.
Charles L. Wakelee, who has passed the years of his maturity in Wash- ington county and is known here and in Keokuk county as a large farmer and the owner of an extensive tract of land, was born in Connecticut. Sep- tember 15. 1836, the son of W. C. and Caroline (Hawkins) Wakelee. Both parents were natives of Connecticut and lived to see nearly four score years pass over their heads, for the father was in his seventy-seventh year at the
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time of his death, and his helpmeet had told off one more year when her life's work was done.
At the age of nineteen Charles L. Wakelee started to win his success in the battle of life, at first working by the day on a farm. In 1856 he came to Washington county, not so easily reached as at present, for the railroad went no farther than Iowa City. In 1861 he enlisted at Iowa City, in Com- pany B, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, for service on the frontier and was soon transferred to the cavalry. All along the Missouri River, at Fort Randall, Fort Piere, and other places he did his share in the skirmishes with the Indians. His three years of service, for he was discharged in the fall of 1864, had given his experiences as thrilling, demanding as much courage, and incurring as much danger as those of that greater struggle that was being waged at the same time on battlefields far to the south. On leaving the army Mr. Wakelee returned to Washington county and subsequently bought a farm in Keokuk county, which had Washington and Iowa City as its nearest markets. In 1868 he engaged in the lumber business in South English, Iowa, but after two years hearkened to the call of the farm and re- turned to his former occupation. In 1892 he moved to Wellman, where he secured a comfortable home and has since resided here.
In the spring following his discharge from the army, that of 1865, Mr. Wakelee married the woman of his choice, Miss Sarah Duer, the daughter of William and Margaret (Stinchcomb) Duer. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and subsequently lived in Ohio, but came to Washington county, Iowa, in 1843. Three years later the father died at the early age of thirty-seven, and the mother returned to Ohio, where she remained until 1856. In that year she came again to Washington county, where she passed the larger number of her remaining years. Four years before her death she went to Smith's Center, Kansas, and there at the ripe age of eighty-eight on the 17th of February, 1899, she passed away. Mrs. Wakelee was one of a family of five children. Her brother Jonathan married Miss Sarah Crans- ton and lived for a time in Keokuk county, whence he removed to Kansas- his place of residence until his death, which occurred December 3, 1907. Another brother, John, married Miss Jane McElvane, and after her death Miss Rachel Gillem. He also lives in Kansas. The third brother, Josiah, who married Miss Mary Hand, likewise went to Kansas after a short resi- dence of four years in Washington county. The youngest of the family, Achsah, was the wife of I. N. McElvane and lived in Washington up to 1886, the year of her death.
Charles L. Wakelee was the third son in a family of four, the others being : Eli H., who married Miss Amanda Chatfield and lived in Connecticut until his death in 1907; Albert, whose wife, Emerette, died about 1862; and David, who married Miss Mary Myers and was a resident of Cedar county, Iowa, up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1888. Charles L. Wakelee and his wife have two sons and their later years have been glad- dened by two grandchildren. The older son, Charles Herman, married Miss Cloe Squires and resides in Creighton, Nebraska. He is the father of one son, Floyd. The other son, Lewis Clark, married Miss Agnes White and is
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
now the father of one daughter, Eva. He makes his home in Ellensburg, Washington.
As a member of the Ed. Hamlin Post, No. 112, G. A. R., Mr. Wakelee revives the memories of his soldier days with those other men who fought for the preservation of the Union. The Methodist Episcopal church numbers him among its members, and the republican party counts upon his vote and in- fluence at election times. Mr. Wakelee is well known and held in high esteem in this and Keokuk county, where during his long life he has been identified with farming interests. In the latter county he is at present the owner of one hundred and fifty acres on section 13, Liberty township.
JOHN D. BUCKLEY.
John D. Buckley is numbered among the men of foreign birth who, at- tracted by the opportunities of the new world, sought a home in America, and in the utilization of advantages here offered have gradually worked their way upward in the business world. He is now acting as engineer of the water works at Washington and is accounted one of the substantial citi- zens of this place. His birth occurred in County Kerry, Ireland, November 25, 1851. His paternal grandfather, Daniel Buckley, was likewise a native of that land, where he followed the occupation of farming until he passed away at an advanced age. His son, Dennis Buckley, who was born on the Emerald isle, became a farmer and in following that pursuit provided for his family. He married Johanna Shea, also a native of Ireland, as were her parents, Oliver and Jane (Shelton) Shea. Mr. Shea also carried on general agricultural pursuits and both he and his wife reached advanced years ere called to their final rest. They were the parents of three sons and four daughters : Daniel, Patrick, John, Mary, Julia, Bridget, and Johanna. The last named became the wife of Dennis Buckley and unto them were born nine children, of whom seven are yet living: James, a resident of County Kerry, Ireland; Jolin D., of this review ; Mary, who is the widow of Michael Keating and lives in County Kerry; Julia, who is married and resides in Manitowoc, Wisconsin ; Patrick, a resident of Chicago ; Daniel, who is living in Texas ; and Dennis, also of Chicago. The father died when about seven- ty-five years of age and the mother passed away at the age of sixty-three. Both were members of the Catholic church.
John D. Buckley lived in Ireland until sixteen years of age and attended the parish schools, but hearing the call of the new world he responded and in 1867 sought a home in America. His first location was in Warren county, Illinois, where he was employed at farm labor and in 1869 he came to Iowa, locating in Jefferson county, whence in 1871 he came to Washington and secured a situation as brakesman on the Rock Island Railroad. After being employed in that capacity for three years he devoted nine years to service as a fireman on the road. Being promoted to engineer he first had charge of a freight and later of a passenger engine, being thus employed from 1885
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until 1898, when he embarked in mercantile lines as a dealer in coal, wood and ice. For two years he conducted the business, after which he spent six months as an engineer in the employ of the Great Northern Railroad. After his return home he went to Columbus, Mississippi, and became locomotive engineer for the Southern Railway, but spent only a brief time in that service. Since 1902 he has occupied the position of engineer at the Washington waterworks and has given thorough satisfaction in that position.
In November, 1876, Mr. Buckley was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Cross, a daughter of J. B. and Mary (Scannell) Cross. Mrs. Buckley is also a native of the Emerald isle, where her parents were likewise born. Her father died there, after which her mother came to America, spending her last days in Washington, Iowa, where she passed away in 1907 at the age of seventy-six years. There were but two children in the family, James and Mary. By her marriage Mrs. Buckley has become the mother of seven children : George, the eldest, residing in Chicago, is now western agent for Everybody's Magazine. Dolly is living at home. Kate is a nurse in the Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago. Mary is attending the university in Iowa City. Frank is a reporter on the Chicago Daily News. Raymond is clerk in a shoe store in Washington. Harold is in school.
The parents are members of the Catholic church and Mr. Buckley is con- nected with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. His political allegi- ance is given to the democracy, for he believes that the principles of the party are best calculated to promote good government. He resides at No. 421 West Second street, where he owns a good home, which is the visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift. Whatever success he has achieved is attributable entirely to his own labors and the record shows that he has been an active and energetic man, never fearing earnest labor nor close application-in fact those qualities constitute the basis of the success which he is now enjoying.
T. E. JOHNSON.
T. E. Johnson is a retired farmer who for many years was identified with the agricultural interests of Washington county and through his persistent, earnest labors attained the success which numbers him among the men of affluence of the county and now enables him to enjoy the fruits of his former toil. He is a native of Nelson county, Kentucky, born September 22, 1841, his parents being Noel and Frances M. (Vaughan) Johnson. The Johnson family is originally of Scotch lineage and was founded in Virginia at an early day. Later representatives of the name went to Kentucky and Noel Johnson was born in Fleming county of the latter state. He married Frances M. Vaughan, also a native of Kentucky. Her grandfather was a native of Wales, became the founder of the family in the new world and devoted much of his life to the work of the Baptist ministry. The grandmother of our
T. E. JOHNSON
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUNDATION
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subject was in her maidenhood a Miss Allen and a niece of General Ethan Allen, of Ticonderoga fame.
The parents of our subject were married in Kentucky and in 1852 came from that state to Iowa, locating in Marion township, Washington county, where the father carried on general farming until 1882. In that year he was called to his final rest and his remains were laid in Eureka cemetery. His early political support was given to the whig party and he afterward became a stanch democrat. He was a member of the board of supervisors, was justice of the peace and assessor in Marion township, filling the last named position for thirty years. No higher testimonial of his faithfulness and ability could be given. He was at all times a loyal, reliable citizen and business man, who enjoyed in high measure the confidence and good will of those with whom he was associated. Unto him and his wife were born eleven children, five of whom are yet living: Milton Y., who follows farm- ing in Christian county, Missouri ; Martha K., who is the wife of Waller Cowhed, a resident of Louisville, Kentucky ; Lorenzo D., who follows farm- ing near Lincoln, Nebraska ; Gertrude, the wife of George Hammond, who is also engaged in tilling the soil near Lincoln ; and T. E.
The last named spent the first ten years of his life in the county of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa, where he shared with the family in the hardships and experiences incident to pioneer life. In August, 1862, he responded to the country's call for aid to crush out the rebellion in the south and was on duty for three years, par- ticipating in a number of engagements. He was wounded at the battle of Prairie Grove, being shot through the left arm below the elbow. Following his recovery he was taken prisoner and was incarcerated for ten months, some of the time being in Tyler, Texas. He was then exchanged and later participated in the battle of Spanish Fort and other engagements of that campaign. When he was discharged he held the rank of sergeant. His military record was a most creditable one, being characterized by the utmost loyalty in every relation.
When the war was over Mr. Johnson returned home and began working by the month as a farm hand, but ambitious to engage in business on his own account he utilized the first opportunity to do so. In 1868 he began farming in Marion township, and subsequently he sold that property and in 1873 took up his abode at his present location in Franklin township. Here he has now continued for thirty-six years and has one of the well developed prop- erties of the community, constituting one of the attractive features in the landscape. His farm contains two hundred and forty-four acres lying in both Brighton and Franklin townships and all of the improvements upon the land have been placed there by Mr. Johnson, who has ever manifested a spirit of undaunted enterprise and progress in his business career. In connection with farming he raises a great many fancy road horses.
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