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 56
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
William F. Latta, the second brother, has remained single and makes his nome with his mother at Muscatine, Iowa, where his business interests keep him well employed.
Edgar L. Latta died at Ada, Pontotoc county, Oklahoma, November 13, 1902. After leaving the farm in Washington county he attended a school of telegraphy and entered the railway service, serving at various stations in the capacity of agent and operator, including the Chicago & Great Western in Iowa and the Missouri Pacific in both Missouri and Kansas. On June 19, 1899, he was united in marriage to Mabel J. Smith at Eureka, Kansas, and after his marriage he located at Ada. where he was one of the midmal set- tlers. He assisted in laying out the town and made sevchats is useful real estate investments, the fruits of which he was not, however permitted to enjoy, as sickness and death soon overtook him. As a remembrance of his short life in their midst he left to the town the "Latta Block," a fine corner building.
Kate M. Latta is the wife of S. M. Overholt, whose home ? ~~ ~ lumbus Junction, Iowa.
Rose I. Latta, the wife of R. Von Dresky, is a resident of Muscatine, lowa.
THE KECK FAMILY.
The great-grandfather of Irving A. Keck, the subject of this sketch, was a native of Bavaria and migrated to Lehigh county. Pennsylvania, in 1737. His son, Andrew, removed to Juniata county and died near Monticello, In- diana, in 1859. His wife was also a native of Pennsylvania and of German ancestry. Her maiden name was Rebecca Rottruck. Their son, Joseph, the pioneer banker of Washington county, was born in Huntingdon county,
595
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Pennsylvania, November 29. 1819. He was seven years of age when his parents moved to Juniata county. There he attended the common schools, which were taught by teachers who boarded around with the families of the pupils whom he taught, during the winter months. In this way he obtained the rudiments of an education. At the age of nineteen, he removed to Dela- ware county, Ohio, and was apprenticed to a cabinetmaker for two years, receiving for his services twenty dollars for the first year and thirty dollars for the second. After learning the trade, he continued the work of cabinet- making for twelve years and became very proficient. He was considered one of the best mechanics of his time.
In 1842, he located in the city of Washington, Washington county. Iowa, where for a short time he worked at his trade as a journeyman, after which he opened a shop and continued the business for a period of eight years. From childhood, it had been his ambition to own a farm and in 1849 he acquired an unimproved farm adjoining the city, a part of which he afterward platted as the western addition to the city on April 11, 1856.
He seems to have sold considerable portions of this addition and was in easy circumstances when the panic of 1857 came. In 1859 he became the owner of a block of stock in a branch of the State Bank, then being organized in Washington. Subsequently he was elected a director and within two years president, a position which he held until 1864. In 1863 the bank was reor- ganized as the First National Bank and with the exception of a year or two, Mr. Keck was president of that institution until his death in 1901. In 1871 he organized the First National Bank of Sigourney, of which he became presi- dent and of which his son, Irving A. Keck, became cashier, which positions they respectively held until 1886, when the son retired from the banking busi- ness.
On Nie. . 3:4, he was married to Elizabeth Jackson, and five children were born to Fen: Irving Alonzo, Mary Caroline ( Simmons), Viola Isadore (Phelps). Lueda ( elicia ( Crandall) and Charles H., all living with the exception of Mrs. Crandall, who died shortly after the death of her father. Mrs. Keck having died in February, 1879, Mr. Keck was united in marriage on July 20, 1882. to Fannie Hale and after her death he married Minnie R. Rausch, ( .enport, who has recently died. By this marriage there was born one cinla. Kathryn.
Mr. Keck was a man of mild, unassuming and agreeable personality ; a man of good common sense. He was certainly one of the greatest financiers the county has produced. He had remarkable foresight and his investments and business transactions were almost without exception, profitable. At his death he had a very comfortable fortune. In all business affairs, he was a man of superior judgment whose advice was often asked and generously given in matters affecting the business interests of the community. In poli- tics he was a republican, though he never held a public office of any promin- ence. It is rather singular that the public did not avail itself of his executive ability and high talents which would have done honor to any position in the gift of the people of his state. In religious belief he was a Methodist, a regular attendant and a generous supporter of the church. As a citizen for
596
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
more than half a century he was one of the best and most favorably known men in this county.
Irving A. Keck was born March 21, 1846, at Washington, Iowa, where he grew to manhood. He obtained his education in the schools of Washington and the Washington College. Later he attended Eastman College, Pough- keepsie, New York. After leaving school he became assistant cashier of his father's bank at Washington, which position he held until the organization of the bank at Sigourney, of which he was made cashier. He held this posi- tion until the fall of 1884, when he retired from active business. He then moved to Bowling Green, Florida, where he has since resided. His country estate, he has named "The Oaks."
In 1867, he was married to Nancy A. Campbell and to them were born three children, now living: Carl M., Elmer C. and Lyle (Carey). The sons live at Washington, Iowa, and the daughter at Boulder, Colorado. He was married the second time about 1880 to Altana Waite. Carl M. Keck was married to Helen B. Burrell and they have two children, Harriet Everson and Howard Burrell. Elmer C. Keck was married to Mina Hamm and they have five children, Veva, Anna, Leland, Evelyn and Harold. Lyle Keck was married to Edward L. Carey and they have two children, Myrtle and Rose.
Mr. Keck is a republican in politics, though independent in his support of local candidates. He is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church. Mr. Keck wrote a history of Washington county, which was published in the Annals of Iowa and to which the editor is much indebted in the prepara- tion of this work.
Irving A. Keck was the most multiferious reader, and had more out-of- the-way information than any man I ever knew except "Dick" Richardson, editor of the Davenport Democrat. His head was literally packed with use- ful and ornamental and out-of-the-way information ; and his memory was like a steel bear trap, never forgot anything that he read ; wonderfri talker, full of humor and a capital companion.
M. C. STRUBLE.
M. C. Struble needs no introduction to the readers of this volume for as cashier of the Security Savings Bank of Wellman, he has a very wide, ex- tended and favorable acquaintance. He was born January 23, 1865, in a indicates that the family came to this part of the state when it was a frontier log cabin on the present site of Struble cemetery about a mile east of Sioux Rapids, it being the second log house in Buena Vista county, a fact which district. The history of pioneer days of this part of the stae would be very incomplete and unsatisfactory were there failure to make reference to George W. Struble, who was not only one of the best known and most respected citizens but for many years took an active part in shaping public affairs and in promoting general progress. He bore his share in the work of transform- ing the western wilderness and the wild prairie into rich farms and with the
M C. STRUBLE
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIER AP
ASTOR ITHINK
1
599
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
passing years he continued his activities in agricultural lines up to the time of the death of his wife. Wherever known he was honored and respected and most of all where best known. He was born in Canadice, Ontario county, New York, on the 26th of January, 1834, and spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the state of his nativity, his education being acquired in its public schools. Later in the year 1860 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Moore, who was born in Canisteo, Steuben county, New York, Novem- ber 15, 1839. They began their domestic life in the east but in 1863 removed to Buena Vista county, Iowa, bringing with them their little daughter Flora. Mrs. Jennie M. Farmer in giving an account of early days spoke of the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Struble, saying: "They settled in Buena Vista county near what is now the town of Sioux Rapids on the banks of the Sioux river. The journey across the bleak prairies at such a time was accompanied by many hardships. Leaving the cars at Cedar Falls, they proceeded by stage to Webster City and thence to Fort Dodge, sixty miles from their destina- tion. A light snow had fallen and the cold was intense but the remaining distance was traveled without serious discomfort. At the close of the first day of December, 1863, they were welcomed within the hospitable home of Mrs. Lee, a sister of Mrs. Struble, who removed from New York state sev- eral years previous. i
There was so much delay in transmitting freight, their household goods did not arrive until four months later and spring was well advanced before the young people were settled in their own home, which was a two-story log house, acknowledged to be the largest and oldest in the county. There were two rooms on the ground floor : a bedroom, reserved during court for the judge, and the commodious living room. Days of sorrow came and, in the early spring, the little daughter was laid to rest in Lone Tree cemetery, on the bleak prairie, her grave being the third to mark that lonely spot.
It was indeed a sad beginning but with the approach of summer their courage revived and soon the advent of a little son helped brighten the lonely days. Neighbors were far apart and all were struggling to surmount the difficulties of frontier life. The nearest market for product was Fort Dodge, sixty miles southeast, and from this point they obtained their weekly mail, occasionally going to Webster City to mill, a distance of eighty miles. The trip necessitated a three-days' absence, even in the most favorable weather, but the prospect of letters from eastern friends served to shorten the time to those remaining at home. During severe storms, they were unable to trans- port their wheat to mill, often causing much inconvenience. During the winter of 1865, a snow storm raged continuously for many days. The roads became impassable for six weeks and they were obliged to grind all their corn for table use in coffee mills. In the meantime their supply of flour was exhausted and when at length Mr. Struble shipped in a fifty pound sack, by way of government stage line, from Sioux City, he paid for the same six dollars and twenty-five cents. Oats sold for one dollar a bushel during the same year but fish and wild game were abundant ; brant, wild turkeys and ducks fairly overrun the fields and wolves could be heard howling in the timber. The people, however, were sturdy and ambitious, full of hope for the
600
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
future and not easily overcome by obstacles." It is difficult to understand or realize the hardships of those early days when the exposure to blizzards was frequently attended by loss of life. They were also constantly annoyed by the Indians who professed friendliness but were notorious beggars and delighted in frightening the "white squaw."
The log house which was the original home of the family was erected by Abner Bell and was the second log house built in Buena Vista county. For many years "Strubles Tavern" was the principal stopping-place in this section. The family lived upon the old homestead until 1871 when George W. Struble built the Central house in Sioux Rapids and conducted it for about ten years. In the spring of 1881 he sold out to J. Duroe and returned to the farm, building a farm house now occupied by his son Wallace. In 1892 he removed to the city and there lived until the summer preceding his death when he erected a neat cottage upon his farm and occupied it until his demise. His wife was called from the scenes of earth on the 15th of June, 1898, when fifty-eight years of age. She was universally loved and her memory is yet cherished by many who knew her. She was ever of great assistance to her husband, her advice and wise counsel as well as her capable management of household affairs proving elements in his success. As the years passed by they prospered and as his financial resources increased Mr. Struble purchased land from time to time until he became the owner of three hundred and seventy-five acres constituting a very valuable and desirable property. He survived his wife for about two years, passing away on the 27th of January, 1900, just after he had reached the age of sixty-six years. He was a man of strong personality, positive in his opinions and aggressive in their support. He was noted for his strict integrity and never did he owe a man a cent. When death claimed him the funeral services were held in the Congrega- tional church and he was at length laid to rest beside his wife and daughter. By strict economy, keen foresight and hard work he had built up an excellent property and moreover had won an honored name for in all his business deal- ings he was reliable and straightforward.
M. C. Struble remained at home to the age of twenty years. In the mean- time he had enjoyed the advantages of a public-school education and had also been thoroughly trained in the work of the fields. Thinking that he would find some other pursuit more congenial than agricultural life he then took a commercial course at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and in 1886 returned to Sioux Rapids where he accepted a position in the Farmers & Merchants Bank, acting in that capacity for ten years .. On the 9th of July, 1896, he removed with his family to Wellman, Iowa, and organized the Security Sav- ings Bank with a paid up capital of twenty-five thousand dollars. He entered the bank as cashier and has since remained in that position of executive con- trol. The institution has since enjoyed a steady, prosperous growth and at this writing, in 1909, has an annual business representing a little over three hundred thousand dollars.
In 1888 Mr. Struble was united in marriage to Lena Weeks, of Santa Rosa, California, and unto them was born one son, George Struble, who was named in honor of his grandfather, G. W. Struble. On the 25th of April,
601
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
1897, Mr. Struble was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife who passed away on that date at her home in Wellman, leaving her husband and son to mourn her loss. On the 27th of July, 1898, Mr. Struble was again married, his second union being with Miss Allie Bernard Shaffer, whose home and birthplace were near Wellman, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Struble are now pleas- antly located in Wellman and have a large circle of warm friends in the city who entertain for them the highest regard. Mr. Struble has devoted much of his life to banking and is thoroughly conversant with the business, in which connection he has made steady progress. As a representative of one of the oldest families of this part of the county but owing more largely to his personal worth he well deserves mention among the most prominent and representative residents of the county.
HORACE GREELEY McMILLAN.
H. G. McMillan, widely known as one of the leading lawyers of Iowa and also as an extensive landholder, enjoys moreover a world-wide reputation as a breeder of fine stock. He was born in Dalton, Wayne county, Ohio, May 29, 1857. a son of Peter Robertson and Elizabeth (Cully) McMillan. His paternal grandfather came of a Scotch family, his parents emigrating from Scotland and taking up their abode in Washington county, New York. The grandfather was one of the old-fashioned Scotch Presbyterians and removed from New York to Ohio at an early period in the development of the latter state, undergoing all the hardships that fell to the lot of the pioneers. In 1846 he removed to Washington, Iowa, with his family, consisting of two daughters and eight sons, and died in Washington about 1861, his wife sur- viving him for fifteen years.
Peter Robertson McMillan was born in Washington county, New York, December 9, 1820, and when a small boy accompanied his parents to Ohio, where he assisted in clearing a farm in the midst of the dense forest. Through his own efforts he secured a college education and for several years he en- gaged in school teaching. He came to Iowa in 1846 with his father and mother and settled at Washington. In association with the Rev. George Vinton he conducted the first select school, or academy, in this city, probably during 1846-47. Afterward he returned to Ohio and in 1850 was married in Wayne county to Elizabeth Cully. In 1856 he removed to Crawfordsville, where with his brother Richard he engaged in merchandising. He then removed on to a farm which he had purchased four miles northeast of Wash- ington and on this farm he turned his attention particularly to raising blooded stock of different kinds. He was the first to introduce pure bred horses, hogs and cattle in his section of the county, and was always a successful ex- hibitor at the state fair and at some of the county and district fairs in Illinois. He was tall in stature, being six feet, three and one-half inches in height, and was a man of unswerving integrity of purpose, cool and deliberate in manner
602
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
and in thought, and at all times commanded the respect and confidence of his neighbors. To him his neighbors and townsmen naturally went for counsel and advice and he was looked upon as a leader throughout his community. Both he and his wife were devoted members of the United Presbyterian church. His death occurred March 13, 1882, at Washington, and he was laid to rest in the Washington cemetery. His widow still survives and yet makes her home in Washington.
In the country schools of Washington county H. G. McMillan pursued his early education and afterward attended Grandview Academy in Louisa county, Iowa, for one winter. Later he spent about one year in Washington Academy but did not finish the course and, turning his attention to the pro- fession of law, began reading in the office of McJunkin & Henderson. While thus pursuing his studies he would walk in from the farm each morning and return at night, for he did not have sufficient financial resources to pay his expenses in town or to enable him to attend law school. For two years he pursued his legal studies in that way and was then admitted to the bar in 1880. While a boy on the home farm he was much interested in his father's work in breeding pure-bred stock and greatly enjoyed attending the fairs and exhibiting the best specimens of stock from the farm. He was also fond of all outdoor sports, especially hunting, and of dogs and horses. Dur- ing his school life he took great interest in the literary societies and won local reputation as a speaker and debater among the school boys. After leaving school and before reading law he settled on a farm northeast of Washington with his father with the intention of joining him in the breeding of pure-bred stock and making that his life work, but on account of his father's financial reverses, caused by endorsing paper for his friends, he decided to take up the study of law and, as previously stated, was in due time admitted to the bar.
In March, 1882, Mr. McMillan removed to Rock Rapids, Lyon county, Iowa. His parents had also expected to go but after all arrangements were made to move the father was taken suddenly ill and died. Then with his own family and his mother. Horace G. McMillan undertook to make a start in this then new part of Iowa, entering upon the practice of law in partner- ship with a Mr. Van Wagenen under the firm style of Van Wagenen & Mc- Millan. The relation was maintained until 1891, when Mr. Van Wagenen retired from the firm. Mr. McMillan continued in active practice and after- ward associated with him John Dunlap, also of Washington county, under the firm name of McMillan & Dunlap. This partnership continued until 1897, when Mr. McMillan removed to Cedar Rapids, where he lived for ten years, and in 1907 he became a resident of Sioux City. While in Rock Rapids in company with Mr. Van Wagenen he published the Lyon County Reporter, a weekly paper, being led to this because the law business in itself was insufficient to give him a remunerative livelihood. After about two years the paper was sold at a very fair profit. By this time his practice had in- creased considerably and continued to grow during the time he remained in Rock Rapids. For about twelve years during that period his practice was quite extensive, his income averaging about eight thousand dollars per
603
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
year. Soon after his removal to Rock Rapids Mr. McMillan made a small payment on some land bought at a cheap price and continued to make investments in land as his financial resources increased, until he now has about five thousand acres of improved land ranging in value from fifty to one hundred dollars an acre. In the practice of law, too, he made continuous and gratifying progress and has long been recognized a leading member of the bar of Iowa.
While living in Washington county Mr. McMillan served for three years in the Iowa National Guard and during the latter part of his service was first sergeant of the company. While in Rock Rapids he served as chairman of the republican county committee for three or four terms and was the first city attorney of the town and also the first county attorney of Lyons county. He filled the latter position for three terms and then declined a reelection. In 1892 he was elected a member of the state republican committee from the eleventh district. He served for six years as a member of the state com- mittee, the last three years being its chairman, having been elected chairman in 1895 and continuing through the campaign of 1896-97. To him is due much credit for the successful management of the famous Mckinley cam- paign of 1896. He was appointed United States attorney for the northern district of Iowa by President Mckinley in February, 1898, and was reap- pointed by President Roosevelt and served about ten years as United States attorney. He was not a candidate for reappointment as he prefers outside interests to office holding, but in politics he has always been a stalwart repub- lican and continues to give to the party his stanch support. In 1883 he be- came a member of the Knights of Pythias at Rock Rapids and has held all the official positions in that lodge and has also served as a delegate to the grand lodge. While he does not belong to any church he is in sympathy with the teachings and doctrines of the Presbyterian denomination.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. McMillan was married on the 28th of August, 1877, to Miss Alice Van Doren, the wedding being celebrated in Washington. Mrs. McMillan was born in Washington, a daughter of W. A. Van Doren, one of the early settlers of the county. Both her father and mother, whose maiden name was Temperance Brown, lie buried in the Washington cemetery. Alice Van Doren received her education in the Washington high school, from which she is a graduate, and the Washington academy. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McMillan have been born the following children : Glen Van Doren, born December 16, 1878; Viva Alice, born De- cember 25, 1880; Stella, born in 1882; Florence, on the 10th of February, 1884; James Blaine, February 18, 1886; and Horace G., July 18, 1888. All are still living with the exception of Stella, who died in childhood. The eldest son, Glen Van Doren McMillan, was married to Helen Boise in Cedar Rapids and is now living in Sioux City, where he is manager of the Farmers Tribune. of which his father is the principal owner. Viva McMillan is now the wife of Edward Hammet, a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Florence is the wife of Floyd B. O'Brien, living in Seattle, Washington. James Blaine wedded Sally Martin and is living at Rock Rapids, Iowa. Horace G. is still attending school.
604
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
While Mr. McMillan chose law as his life work and has devoted much of his time and energies to the arduous duties of the profession he has also proven himself a successful business man in other fields of labor. After purchasing land in the vicinity of Rock Rapids his natural inclination for farming and the breeding of live stock induced him to put improved stock on his land. Continuous development has been the order of this business until he is today the owner of what is known as the Lakewood farm, consisting of thirteen hundred and forty acres of as good land as there is in the United States. In association with his sons he is conducting this farm as an ex- tensive breeding establishment, being the largest in the world. Their atten- tion is given to the breeding of Percheron horses, shorthorn and Jersey cattle and other improved stock, the purpose of the farm being to supply the stock raisers and farmers of the great northwest with pure-bred breeding stock adapted to their requirements. There are now on the Lakewood Farm over four hundred head of pure-bred Percheron horses, in addition to a large number of the other pure-bred stock mentioned. The Lakewood Farm has become one of the most famous in the United States and its owners have won more prizes at the Chicago International Live Stock Show and the principal state fairs of the west on their horses during the past four years than any other exhibitors in the entire country. In addition to their Lake- wood Farm they have almost four thousand acres of improved land, consisting of farms varying in size from a quarter section to nine hundred acres, and these they are gradually developing into stock farms.
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.