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 6
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The common schools afforded David R. Ritchey his preliminary educa- tion but he subsequently pursued a course of study in an academy of this county. When his father entered the Union army he took charge of the family and although but fourteen years of age he assumed management of the farm, pursuing agriculture on the home place until he was united in marriage. He has since followed that occupation independently here with the exception of five years spent in Reno county, Kansas. He owns an excellent farm containing forty acres on section 1. where with great success he engages in general agriculture, giving some attention to raising stock.
On September 10, 1879, Mr. Ritchey wedded Miss Arabella Logan, who was born in Brighton township, April 27. 1853. To them have been born three children: Winnifred, deceased ; Bessie L., the wife of Arthur Wead, a neighboring farmer ; and Helen MI., deceased. Mr. Ritchey has always voted the republican ticket and has never found cause justifying him in for- saking his party. He is a faithful adherent of the United Presbyterian church, as is also his wife, and throughout the township he enjoys an excellent repu- tation as an upright man and industrious farmer.
JOHN B. DEY.
John B. Dey, a salient factor in the financial interests of Brighton, is pro- prietor of an extensive real-estate business which, through his excellent man- agement and commercial ability, is one of the most important concerns of the kind in this part of the state. He was born here, November 30, 1845, a son of Richard S. and Eliza Anne (Shearer) Dey. The father. a native of New Jersey, located in Ohio in the early days and in the year 1845 removed to Brighton Springs, Iowa, settling in Brighton township about two miles and
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a half southeast of the village, where he remained until 1876. During that year he took up his abode in the village of Brighton, where he spent his remaining days, entering into rest in 1901, his remains being interred here. Throughout his entire life he followed agricultural pursuits and was con- sidered one of the most progressive farmers in the county, his excellent qualities at the same time gaining for him the respect of all who knew him. His wife, whose birth occurred in Ohio, where they were married, passed away in the village of Brighton in 1872. To them were born nine children, namely : John B .; Mary E., the widow of William Neal ; Lyddie, widow of William Madden ; Sarah M., wife of John R. Pensyl, residing in Stockton, California : Cyrus Frank, a gardener of Houston Heights, Texas ; Lenora S .. deceased; Henrietta A., the wife of Jeffries Harney, a stock-dealer, of Welton, Iowa; Lucy J., deceased ; and Clark P., a railroad agent, living in the state of Washington.
John B. Dey acquired his rudimentary education in the common schools, later pursuing a higher course of study in Wesley University, and after grad- uating from that institution he equipped himself for the commercial world by a course in a commercial college at Burlington, this state. About the time he was ready to enter the business world his patriotism being aroused he entered the Union army, enlisting March 30, 1864, in Company C, Second Iowa Volunteer Infantry to serve three years but was discharged at Louis- ville, Kentucky, July 12, 1865, as the war had ended. Although his martial experience was brief he participated in a number of hotly contested engage- ments ; was present at the first battle of Buzzards Roost; participated in battles at Dalton and Resaca, Georgia : was with General Sherman through- out the Atlantic campaign and the march to the sea, thence to the city of Washington, where, with his companions in arms, he was honorably mustered out. While in the service near Petersburg he had sunstroke, the result of which has since caused him much acute suffering.
Following the war Mr. Dey returned to Washington county, where he engaged in farming for several years, presently giving it up on account of his health and taking up school teaching as an occupation. Finally he rented a mill, which he operated for some time but, this pursuit not being to his liking, he went to Libertyville, this state, where for over a year he was engaged as a clerk in a store, at the expiration of which time he again had recourse to school teaching for a livelihood. After following this vocation for about two years he came to the village of Brighton in 1877, where his father was interested in a grocery and hardware enterprise and he took stock in the same business, in which he was actively interested for about two years, Presently he severed his connections with the store and then engaged in carpenter work, having during his early days perfected himself at the car- penter's trade. He plied his craft until 1890, when he became affiliated with the State Bank as assistant cashier, the duties of which position he per- formed for thirteen years, and upon his resignation he entered the real-estate business on his own account in Brighton, under the firm title of Dey & Mullen, the firm doing a large and lucrative business and being one of the largest financial enterprises in the city. Mr. Dey is also a notary public and
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his business transactions have been so important as to make him a factor in the financial life of the vicinity. He owns an elegant residence at the corner of Fountain and Jefferson streets and also one other residence property which are considered among the most valuable in the city. The Dey & Mullen Real Estate Company, which is also known as the Brighton Land Company, does a comprehensive business in realty lines, handling farm lands and city property and at the same time conducting a lucrative business in money loaning and insurance. Everything pertaining to the realty business is transacted by them and they furnish and write contracts, draw up agree- ments, draft deeds, enter mortgages, write leases and wills and in fact engage in the full round of business transacted by a firm of this nature.
In 1866 Mr. Dey wedded Miss Sarah J. Knerr, a resident of Brighton and their home is one of culture and refinement, being surrounded with everything with which to make life enjoyable. Politically Mr. Dey is a republican, having always taken considerable interest in local affairs, and has served as justice of the peace and clerk, treasurer and assessor of the village and in fact has filled all important local offices. The patriotism which led him to join the Union ranks years ago still predominates and he evidences his love for country and for military life by his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, in which order he is prominent, having served his post as quartermaster and now as commander. Enterprise and industry together with patience and perseverance are qualities which have enabled Mr. Dey to attain to his present prosperous position in the commercial world and, his transactions having always been conducted in accord with a high standard of morals, he has been honored by the highest respect of the people and is justly numbered among the representative citizens of the county.
HUGH L. KENDALL.
Hugh L. Kendall was brought to Washington county when two years of age and though he afterward resided elsewhere for a period he was later long identified with industrial interests until his election to the office of county recorder, in which capacity he is now serving. He was born in War- ren county, Illinois, March 13, 1844, and on the paternal side is of English descent, the Kendalls having come to this country from England at an early day and settled in Virginia, whence succeeding generations migrated to Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois and Iowa. Margaret Kendall, who died in the middle of the seventeenth century, was the first white settler who died a natural death in the cove erected by a great-grandson of James Ken- dall in Fulton county, Pennsylvania. Our subject's grandfather. Robert Kendall, was a native of that state and an early settler of Ohio. About 1830 he removed to Warren county, Illinois, and became quite prominent in the early history of that locality. His entire life was devoted to farming and he died in Illinois when in middle life. His wife was about sixty years of age at the time of her demise.
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Their son, William W. Kendall, was born in Ohio and accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois. He enlisted in the Black Hawk war but it is not known whether he took part in any engagements. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade but subsequently became a pioneer drug- gist of Washington, Iowa, arriving in this city in 1846 when it was a little village on the western prairie. Later he removed to Rock Island, Illinois, but in the fall of 1862 returned to Washington and soon afterward offered his services to his country, enlisting as a member of Company C, Nineteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for nearly three years. He then returned to Washington, retaining his residence here throughout his re- maining days. In early manhood he wedded Martha McFarland, a native of Ohio, while her father was a native of Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Kentucky and later went to the Buckeye state. His last years, however, were spent in Illinois. For some time he conducted a woolen mill. His family numbered three daughters and two sons, including Mrs. Martha Ken- dall, who died in 1905 at the age of eighty-three years, having long sur- vived her husband. They were both consistent and faithful members of the United Presbyterian church. Their children were: Anna J., the wife of James Latta ; Arthur R. : Hugh L. ; Rebecca, the wife of Fred Cramer ; Wil- liam Henry ; Ross L. ; Clark M. ; Ida L., the wife of Ira Simonds ; and Sarah E., a teacher in Chicago. Of this family Arthur R. Kendall was a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting from Rock Island as a member of Company C, Thirty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He veteranized and served for more than four years.
Hugh L. Kendall, brought to Washington when two years of age, here lived to the age of fifteen years and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Rock Island. He was but a youth of seventeen when he joined the boys in blue in defense of the Union cause. Hardly had the smoke from Fort Sumter's guns cleared away when on the 19th of April, 1861, he en- listed as a member of Company D, Thirteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years and two months, holding the rank of corporal. He was wounded at Ringgold Gap, Georgia, and was in the battles of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Jackson, Mississippi, the siege of Vicksburg, Tuscumbia, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and Ringgold, thus participating in many of the most hotly contested engagements of the war. After being wounded he went to New Orleans and was clerk in the quartermaster's department, his duties concerning water transportation.
When mustered out Mr. Kendall returned to Washington, lowa, and in 1867 took up the business of house and sign painting, which he followed continuously until 1908, being accorded a liberal patronage because of his good workmanship. He has also been somewhat active in local affairs, serv- ing as chief of the fire department for three years, while in November, 1908. he was elected county recorder and took the oath of office January 4, 1909. He was chosen to this position on the republican ticket, having always been a stalwart advocate of the republican party which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war and has always been the party of reform and progress.
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In December, 1869, Mr. Kendall was married to Miss Lucinda Moore, who was born in Ireland and in childhood was brought to America by her parents, who were also natives of the Emerald isle. Unto this marriage have been born two daughters, Effie D. and Belle. The former is the wife of Hubert Nicola, a resident of North English, Iowa, and they have one son, Leigh. Belle is the wife of W. A. Sutton, of Iowa City and they have a daughter, Dorothy.
Mr. Kendall is a member of Covenant Lodge, No. 101, I. O. O. F., and also of I. G. White Post, No. 145. G. A. R. His wife holds membership with the First United Presbyterian church. They occupy a good residence on North avenue B, which Mr. Kendall erected about 1888. They are well known in Washington, where they have long resided, and their many good traits have won for them the friendship and kindly regard of those with whom they have been brought in contact.
ROBERT C. RISK.
Robert C. Risk was one of the earliest-residents of Washington county and a man whose honesty was never questioned, notwithstanding the fact he controlled extensive business interests. His sneces's was gained entirely through his own labor and his enterprise, diligence, perseverance and in- tegrity were the salient points in his career. No history of the county would be complete without extended mention of him, for he was one of the best known citizens here for many years, casting his lot with the early settlers at a time when the Indians still frequently visited this part of the state.
A native of Ireland, Mr. Risk was born in 1814, and when a lad of five summers was brought by his parents to the United States, the family home being established in Pennsylvania, where he was reared. In early manhood he made his way westward to Illinois, settling in Tazewell county, where he remained for three or four years. This was about the time or soon after the Black Hawk war, wherein the white men contested with the red over the supremacy of these great prairies of the Mississippi Valley. He was one entire week crossing the Black Swamp on his way westward.
In 1836 Mr. Risk arrived in Washington county, traveling by wagon in company with his family, and upon arriving at what is known at the present time as the Slough bridge north of Skunk river, the wagon broke down, and. as it was almost sundown, Mrs. Risk, brave as was always her nature, taking their only child Sarah, on in front on one of the horses, followed the Indian trail as directed by her husband, as this was her first trip to the cabin. Dark- ness overtook her before reaching there, and upon arriving she was greeted by two Indian braves leaning against the cabin. They remained there until Mr. Risk came and told them to Puckachee, or go. They went peacefully. The Indians though numerous on this side of the Mississippi, usually main- tained peaceful relations with the settlers. They would frequently be seen
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUNDATION
Jusante Risk
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, TOR, LENOX HUILEN FOUNDATION
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
in large numbers visiting the village. After living here some time, on one occasion, Mr. Risk was told that an Indian had stolen his white horse and was taking it away. Mr. Risk followed and overtaking the supposed thief, demanded his property, whereupon the Indian informed him the horse was his own. Each protested in his respective language that the ownership of the animal was his. Mr. Risk in looking the horse over saw he was mis- taken and the Indian to show his good feeling dismounted and embraced Mr. Risk, and told him as best he could to go home and look in the stable for his horse saying Nischaschinee man, Nischaschinee horse, (good man, good horse). Another incident with the red men shows in part their friendly feeling toward the white men. One day the family were going visiting when a lot of Indians came and left a drunken one in the stack yard, where- upon Mr. Risk decided to stay at home. In the afternoon, when the Indian awoke, he took after Mr. Risk, who ran as best he could, but the Indian overtook and simply threw his arms around Mr. Risk and laughed good naturedly. Another time one cold, stormy winter day an Indian brave pushed the coverlid to the door aside, walked in, threw himself down on the hearth in fronth of the fireplace, and pulled from his blanket a butcher knife. Mrs. Risk thought her time for scalping had come, but instead the Indian cut a chew from a plug of tobacco. Presently some squaws came and Mrs. Risk ceased to be uneasy, but had to endure and let them lay by the fire until her husband came, who spoke in their native tongue, Puckachee (or go). They left at once.
It was some years before Fowa was admitted to the Union, and the district bordering Skunk river was mostly an unsettled region, giving little promise of the development which was soon to transform this district into one of the thickly settled and prosperous counties of the state. He located in Brighton township and entered land from the government, securing a tract which his daughter Ella owned until her death.
With characteristic energy, economy and perseverance, he began the development of the farm, gaining foothold slowly as prices were menial in those days compared to prices of the present day. In 1843 Mr. Risk drove hogs on foot to Burlington, receiving the average price of one dollar and a half per hundred pounds. He then turned his attention to merchandising, establishing a general store in Brighton, but not finding the occupation con- genial, he sold the stock, but still remained in Brighton and again engaged in farming for the next three years. On the expiration of that period he went to Chicago and bought another stock of merchandise and in the spring of 1850 started in business again in Brighton and after four years gave his son C. C. Risk a half interest in the stock. It was at this time he assisted in organizing The National Bank, the first bank of Brighton, now known as the State Bank of Brighton. He was chosen its first president and estab- lished it upon a safe and conservative basis. He owned and operated the Merrimac mills for some time, also purchased the Manhattan mills in Keo- kuk county, and in 1867 he sold his son, C. C. Risk, a half interest. They then run the store, carding machine and gristmills together. In 1868 he sold the balance of his interests to C. A. Bryan. After disposing of the mills he
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turned his attention to the cultivation of a tract of land for some time and subsequently retired.
In all of his business affairs he was very successful, gaining the greater part of his prosperity after locating in Brighton. He regarded real estate as the safest of all investments, and from time to time purchased property until he became the owner of a large tract and from his property interests derived a substantial income.
He possessed unqualified business honor, to which he held with the great- est tenacity, never sacrificing the truth in the slightest degree in any busi- ness transaction. He was thoroughly just and expected the same treatment of others. As the years went by great changes occurred and in the work of general improvement Mr. Risk always bore his full share. As the country became more thickly settled and the red people went to reservations in the west, the white men transformed this into a district the advantages. oppor- tunities and improvements of which are equal in every respect to those found in the older settled states of the east.
In his political views Mr. Risk was formerly a democrat, but his father- in-law, George Roberts, a stanch republican on the tariff question, convinced Mr. Risk that the republicans were on the right side, and from that time on Mr. Risk was a stanch republican until his death.
He was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church, giving liberally to the support of the cause of Christianity. at one time paying off the last payment of the mortgage on the Methodist Episcopal church of Brighton, of which his wife was a member. He withheld his endorsement from no movement which he believed would prove of benefit to the community. his efforts being attended with effective results, not only because he possessed the determination that enabled him to carry forward to successful comple- tion whatever he undertook, but also because his name was an influencing factor in public affairs.
When he passed away November 12, 1900, his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. The words of the Philosopher "An honest man is the noblest work of God," is a well merited encomium of his life.
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Susan H. Roberts, was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, June 18, 1814. They were married in Muncy. Pennsylvania, in 1837, and for more than six decades they traveled life's journey happily together, being separated by the death of Mr. Risk. The mother survived for about four years and passed away December 9, 1904. They were the parents of nine children : Sarah C., who is the widow of Wil- liam Brier, deceased, and resides near Bloomfield, Iowa; C. C., who has been engaged in the mercantile, milling and stock business in Fairfield, Iowa ; George, who died at the age of twelve years; Jennie, the wife of Gilbert Lowe, a retired farmer living in Webster, Iowa ; Rosetta, who died when two and one half years of age : Clara, deceased wife of Oscar De Long of Wright, Iowa: Cora R., wife of Joseph W. Stapleton, of Dubuque, who is division superintendent for the Milwaukee Railroad Company; Ella, to whom we are indebted for the material concerning her honored parents ; and Minnie R., the deceased wife of Lewis B. Johnson.
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After the death of the husband Mrs. Risk and her daughter Ella made their home in Brighton in the family residence. It is a fine and massive brick structure, one of the best homes in Brighton, standing in the midst of four lots constituting a well kept lawn beautifully adorned with trees and flowers.
Since the above sketch was written and order given for portraits by Miss Risk in honor of her father and mother she has answered to the Master's call. While Miss Risk was never a figure in public work she did her min- istry in a quiet and unassuming manner, always more thoughtful of others than of herself. She was born near Brighton, September 3, 1851, and died July 12. 1909, in Brighton. She was educated in the public schools of Brighton and after hier school days still remained with her parents, and at the death of her father, cared for her aged mother and looked after the busi- ness interests for different members of the family as well as her own, which she continued to do until the time of her death. The deceased was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church of Brighton. She was an enthusiastic worker as one of the trustees of the Ladies' Cemetery Association of Brighton when it was organized. Although of a quiet nature, she always had a pleas- ant word for her friends. She died suddenly while apparently in good health and she will be greatly missed in the community.
WILLIAM VINCENT.
William Vincent, who devotes his time and energies to general farming, having a rich and productive tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres in Seventy-Six township, is numbered among the native sons of this county. His birth occurred in Washington township on the 22d of June. 1846, his parents being John and Jane ( Mccullough) Vincent, who were natives of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and Green county, Ohio, respectively. The father, a son of James and Charity Vincent, was born April 8. 1796, while the mother's birth occurred March 4, 1810. Arriving in Iowa in April, 1842, he rented land for two years and then entered the old homestead of two hundred acres, upon which he continued to reside until called to his final rest. He was not only penniless when he reached this state but had incurred an indebtedness of forty-eight dollars and it was only his lack of funds that prevented him from returning to the east for he felt homesick and was dis- couraged by the outlook presented here in the conditions of pioneer life. However, he faced the situation, began developing his farm and as the years passed invested more and more largely in land until he was eventually able to give to each of his children eighty acres, while at his death the old home- stead property of two hundred acres was divided among them. All of this land he had entered from the government for one dollar and a quarter per acre. His labors were an important and effective force in promoting the agricultural progress and development of this part of the state. He exer- cised the right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the repub-
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lican party and he and his wife held membership in the United Presbyterian church. While returning from a visit to their children in October, 1876, they were struck by a passing railroad train and both were killed.
William Vincent spent his youthful days in his parents' home and the public schools afforded him his educational privileges. He was early trained to the work of the farm and became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops so that he was well qualified to carry on farming on his own account when he started in business life for himself subsequent to his marriage. He chose as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Melvina M. Cherry, a native of Ohio. Her parents came to this county in 1860. Her father, who was born in 1818, died in 1895, having long survived her mother, who was born in 1817 and passed away October 6, 1876. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Vincent were born six children, of whom three are yet living: Frank and Robert, both at home ; and Melda, the wife of John Weekley, who resides upon her father's farm and assists him in its operation.
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