USA > Iowa > Wright County > History of Wright County, Iowa, its peoples, industries and institutions > Part 38
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HON. A. S. CHAPMAN.
One of Wright county's best-known citizens was A. S. Chapman, who came to this county in 1869. He was born in Penobscot county, Maine, May 27, 1846, son of Winthrop Chapman, a native of the same county and a son of Winthrop Chapman, Sr., who was a pioneer in Exeter, Maine. He was a man of much wealth. He was of Scotch ancestry. The mother of A. S. Chapman was Caroline ( Eastman ) Chapman. A. S. Chapman's father died on April 4, 1881.
A. S. Chapman was reared in his native county, educated at Exeter Academy and later engaged in teaching in several towns. In 1869 he came to Wright county and located in the southern part of this county, and kept "bachelor's hall." There he lived and became one of the county's wealthiest men and spent the rest of his life, dying in October. 1889. He owned over one thousand acres of valuable Wright county land, and was an extensive stock raiser and feeder. He was a stanch Republican and represented this (27)
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county in the Iowa Legislature, being elected in 1887 and served in the Twenty-second General Assembly. He was a most excellent lawmaker. Mr. Chapman was twice married, first to Emma W. Clark, by whom he had three children. His wife died in October, 1884, and for his second wife he married, in November, 1887, Anna E. Napper, daughter of Abel Napper, of Wall Lake township.
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EDGAR A. ALLEN.
The highest respect and regard of a community is usually shown by the election to office of trust of those men who are worthy the confidence thus reposed in their ability and efficiency to produce results. In the review of every life, either of high or low degree, there is much of value and interest to be gained, and a resume of the life of Edgar A. Allen, treasurer of Wright county, lowa, is not wanting in either.
Edgar .A. Allen is one of ten children born to Eugene .A. and Melvina (Clapp) Allen. His birth occurred on February 14, 1868, in Sharon, Wis- consin. Engene A. Allen was born in the state of New York and removed to Wisconsin with his parents when a child of two years. lle is indebted to the schools of that state for his early education and training. After leaving the class room he assisted his father in the duties on the home farm until 1872, at which time he became interested in the opportunities of Iowa and removed to Story county, this state. In the spring of 1874 he removed to Wright county, lowa, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Troy township. This property was increased to three hundred and twenty acres, which he cultivated until 1910, his retirement taking place at that time. After forty-three years of general farming, he retired to the town of Eagle Grove, lowa, where he held several township offices. Of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Eugene A. Allen, eight are now living in Wright county, lowa. Melvin ( Clapp) Allen was a native of Wisconsin and was married in that state.
Edgar A. Allen received his education in the common schols of Wright county, lowa, and after finishing the necessary branches he taught for sev- eral years, or until he was twenty-two years of age. At that time he pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of land, with the intention of operating for himself, which he did for eleven years. Mr. Allen removed, in 1901, to Eagle Grove, lowa, where he engaged in the hardware and implement business for a period of eighteen months. He again became interested in
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agricultural pursuits until 1911, when he engaged in the automobile busi- ness, following this until 1914. On November 3, 1914, he was elected to the office of county treasurer and his duties in that capacity began on Janu- ary 2, 1915. While engaged in farming Mr. Allen served his township by acting as township clerk and trustee of Troy township, and the dispatch with which he discharged all duties demonstrated his ability as a leader in the more important offices of trust to which he was later elected.
In the month of November, 1892, Edgar .A. Allen was united in mar- riage to Mary E. Lewis, daughter of Richard and Jane ( Pugh) Lewis, and to them have been born three children: Elva M., Vernice J. and Eugene R., all of whom are at home.
Edgar A. Allen is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he acted as trustee for some time during his residence in Eagle Grove. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics, he is a stanch Republican and is indebted to this party for the offices of trust which he has held.
DAVID L. CUPPETT.
The Union soldier, during the great war between the states, builded wiser than he knew. During four years of suffering and wasting hardships, through the horrors of prison pens and amid the shadows of death, he erected the superstructure of the greatest temple ever erected and dedicated to human freedom. It was the power of these valiant soldiers to reach out the mighty arm of power and strike the chains from off the slave, preserve the country from dissolution and to keep unfurled the stars and stripes, our country's flag. For the unmeasured deeds and valiant heroism of these soldiers, the living present can never repay. It remains to the children of generations yet unborn to accord a full measure of appreciation for the immortal characters carved out by the American soldier, among whom was the venerable David L. Cuppett, formerly a farmer, merchant, banker and public-spirited man of affairs.
Born on December 25, 1841, in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, David L. Cuppett, is the son of David A. and Elizabeth ( Mickles) Cuppett, who were natives of Pennsylvania and who married in Bedford county. David A. Cuppett was the son of Isaac Cuppett, who, it is believed, emigrated from Holland to America. David A. Cuppett had enlisted for service in the
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Black Hawk War, but his company was not called into service. He was a blacksmith by trade, and was the father of twelve children, six of whom lived to maturity and all of whom went west. In 1852 the family settled in Iowa, locating in Delaware county, where the father followed his trade. He took an active part in the politics of Colesburg and served there as justice of the peace for eleven years.
David L. Cuppett received a good common-school education, and when old enough, obtained work in a pottery, where he was employed for four years, until September 10, 1861, when he enlisted at Dubuque, Iowa, in Company G, Ninth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry. His first service was under General Curtis at the battle of Pea Ridge, Missouri, on March 6, 7 and 8, 1862. This regiment bore the brunt of that battle, and his brigade lost more men than all of the other regiments combined.
On March 7. 1862, Mr. Cuppett received a wound in the right shoulder and was sent home on a furlough for two months. He then started back to join his old company, but had proceeded only as far as St. Louis, when he was again sent home. He remained at home until July 8, 1862, when he joined his company at Helena, Phillips county, Arkansas. In July, 1862, the western campaign had become extremely bitter, and following Mr. Cup- pett's return the regiment took part in the engagements of Chickasaw Bayou, which was the only defeat the regiment ever suffered: Arkansas Post; the siege of Vicksburg: Jackson, Mississippi; Brandon, Mississippi; Cherokee, Mississippi; Lookout Mountain. Tennessee; Missionary Ridge, Tennessee ; and Ringgold, Georgia.
Mr. Cuppett was sent home on a thirty-day furlough in 1863, and was honorably discharged on January 1, 1864, at Woodville, Alabama. He again re-enlisted on the same day, in the same company and regiment. Afterward he took part in the battles of Reseca, Georgia; Dallas, Big Shanty and Kenesaw Mountain. At Kenesaw Mountain he was wounded by a piece of a shell, which struck him in the shoulder. He served with General Sherman in his campaign from Atlanta to the sea, and was in the following battles: Nickajack Creek. Atlanta, Ezra Church, Jonesboro, Lovejoy Station, Little River, siege of Savannah, Wateree River ; Columbia, South Carolina; Bentonville and Raleigh, North Carolina. Mr. Cuppett took part in the Grand Review. at Washington, D. C., and was honorably discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, July 18, 1865.
In May, 1864. Mr. Cuppett was promoted to the rank of corporal, but held this rank only two days, when he was promoted to orderly sergeant.
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He was later promoted to second lieutenant and served for a short time in this capacity, but never received his commission.
After Mr. Cuppett's discharge he returned to his home but did not remain long until he removed to Dubuque, Iowa, where he was taken in as a partner by his former employer in the pottery business. Mr. Cuppett continued in this business for two and one-half years and then returned to Colesburg, where, in partnership with Trueman P. Wells, purchased H. P. Wright's general store. They operated this store in partnership for two and one-half years and Mr. Cuppett then came to Wright county, in the fall of 1871, and located in Belmond, where he engaged in the hardware business in partnership with E. S. Hubbard. This partnership continued for several years, when finally Mr. Cuppett purchased Mr. Hubbard's inter- est and operated the store alone, in the meantime having added a stock of implements.
In 1891 Mr. Cuppett sold the hardware store to Val Greessey, and devoted his attention to the implement business until 1906, when he sold the implement business to Harry Tyrrell. Mr. Cuppett also owns several farms, among them one hundred and sixty acres in South Dakota, one hundred and sixty acres in Belmond township, Wright county, and has owned other farms at other times. He has also owned several town properties, but has sold most of his real estate except his home and one other house and lot and five acres of land in the north part of Belmond. Mr. Cuppett is a stockholder in both the First National and the Belmond State Bank.
On September 20, 1866, David L. Cuppett was married in Colesburg, Iowa, to Lucretia K. Hubbard, who was born on May 23. 1848, in Coles- burg, lowa, and whose parents were Hezekiah and Sarah ( Burgess ) 1lub- bard, natives of Connecticut, who removed to Pennsylvania and later to lowa in the early forties. Mr. and Mrs. Cuppett were married by the Rev. George Larkin. To their marriage there have been born six children, four of whom are living. Arthur B., born on September 19, 1868, married Jennie Rolbeck, and they have three children, Hazel, Blanche and David L. Hazel is married. Lorenza E., born on March 1, 1871, married George Brewsaugh, and they have two children, Vera and Geraldine. Lorena E. later married E. R. Bailey, and they have one child. Beatrice. Mary A., born on March 25, 1873, married Ed Christie, and they have four children, Iva. Frank. Mae and Arthur. Sarah E., born on May 23. 1877, married Albert Englet, and they have three children, Edwin, Ruth L. and an infant. Lee H., born on November 4, 1879, died on September 10, 1914. Harold S., born on August 18, 1884. died on November 7, 1884.
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Mr. Cuppett is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Grand Army of the Republic. He has held all of the important offices in the Grand Army of the Republic and for the last eight years has served as commander of the post. He was also a charter member of Belmond Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having been initiated into the order while in the army. Later he helped organize the Belmond lodge, but has since dropped out. He was a charter member of Whited Post No. 247, of Belmond, Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Cuppett is a Republican in politics and has served in many positions of trust and responsibility. He has been township trustee, school treasurer and assessor of Pleasant town- ship. Since removing to Belmond, he has filled an unexpired term as mayor, has served in the council, as city treasurer, as school treasurer, and in other capacities. Mrs. Cuppett is a member of the Congregational church.
MICHAEL ANGELO MICKELSON.
Michael Angelo Mickelson is a man so widely known and so beloved that a record of his life will find welcome in many hearts, this in itself con- stituting an enviable tribute. While much of his time has been given to agricultural pursuits, in which he has taken a deep interest, his mental hori- zou is broad enough to include subjects of the public good and public service, and in these perhaps Mr. Mickelson found his greatest source of pleasure. Michael Angelo Mickelson was born on December 30, 18.45, in Norway, and is the son of Ola and Angeline Mickelson, both natives of that country. Ola Mickelson was a farmer in Norway, and came to this country in 1850, locating in Green county, Wisconsin, where he had engaged in farming only a year when both he and his wife died from the effects of cholera, passing away within twelve hours of each other. One of their children, an infant, died at the same time. Lura, Michael and Newton are the remaining members of the family, the last named son now residing at Eagle Grove, lowa.
Michael. after the death of his parents, made his home with a Nor- wegian family and attended the local public schools. After one year's resi- dence with this family, according to the custom of that day, he was bound ont to a man by the name of Stewart. The boy engaged to work for Stewart with the understanding that at the age of twenty-one he was to receive a horse, saddle and bridle from his employer.
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Michael A. Mickelson enlisted for regular service in the Civil War on February 22, 1865, at Albany, Wisconsin, serving until November, 1865, in Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He joined the regiment at Madison, Wisconsin, then did guard duty at Rolla, Missouri, and in the latter part of September, 1865, was sent with his com- rades to do guard duty in St. Louis.
At the age of twenty-one Michael A. Mickelson rented a farm of forty acres which he cultivated for the period of one year. He then increased his rented property to two hundred acres which he farmed during the sims- mer, teaching school in the winter. This arrangement continued until he had taught eight terms. He then took up his residence on one hundred and sixty acres of land in Woolstock township, this county, for which prop- erty he paid twenty-five hundred dollars, which he had saved by the com- bined occupation of farming and teaching in Wisconsin.
On October 31, 1877. Michael A. Mickelson was married to Fannie Fern Fleek, a daughter of Edmund Thomas and Sarah ( Bowen ) Fleek. Mr. Mickelson's wife was born in Wisconsin, her father being a native of Virginia, and her mother was born in Pennsylvania. These worthy people were married in Wisconsin, to which state Mr. Fleek came when a young man and began farming in Green county, where he lived the remainder of his life. This couple were the parents of eleven children of whom Mrs. Mickelson was the third born. She has five brothers and sisters living.
The morning following the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Mickelson these two enthusiastic young people began their journey to this county with three horses and a well filled wagon, arriving in Woolstock township on November 9. 1877. They were guests of Mr. Mickelson's brother, Newton, until arrangements could be made for them to move on their own land. One of the first things which Mr. Mickelson did was to plant a number of beautiful trees which have made their home farm one of the most attractive in this section of the state. By hard work and perseverance Mr. and Mrs. Mickel- son have acquired four hundred and eighty acres of splendid farm land, and one of the owner's greatest interests has been the raising of fine stock. In 1802. Mr. and Mrs. Mickelson moved to Eagle Grove, where Mr. Mickelson became assistant cashier of the Citizen's State Bank, remaining there for four years. Being elected county treasurer he served in that capacity until 1902, this period of time covering three terms. To Mr. and Mrs. Mickel- son was born only one child, a daughter named Fernelle. This daughter married Maurice Frederick Birdsell and to them one child, Maurice Frederick, Jr., has been born.
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The confidence in which Mr. Mickelson is held in this community is evidenced by the fact that he has held a number of public offices. He was for some time township trustee, again was appointed road supervisor, and later president of the school board of Woolstock township. He was also treas- urer of the district school of Eagle Grove for two years; he served ten years as councilman and for four years of this time was mayor of Clarion.
Mr. and Mrs. Mickelson have a beautiful home, modern in every respect, located near the court house in Clarion. This is the scene of many pleasant social gatherings, for the owners are among the fortunate type of people who have friends because they are friendly. Mrs. Mickelson is a woman of culture and refinement.
Mr. Mickelson, who is a Republican, is an. enthusiastic member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, the chapter, council and commandery, and also is a member of the Mystic Shrine.
In even this incomplete study of the life of Michael A. Mickelson, one discovers the elements which go to make up what in more conspicuous lives is called greatness. Here is a man who was willing to die for his country if need be; in peace, he has lived for his country, and by his personality and his genial nature has been a true friend and real inspiration to all with whom he has come in contact.
JOHN CAMPBELL.
A native of Canada, John Campbell, like his worthy parents, has been content to follow a well-directed course throughout life. Born and reared on the farm, he has devoted his entire time and attention to agricultural pursuits, and has made a record which it will be an honor to hand down to his children. Although encountering obstacles and disappointments, he has refused to become disheartened, and has pressed forward until he has become one of the leading farmers in this county and has had the honor of having held all of the township offices. John Campbell was born on March 23, 1845, in Ontario, Canada.
David Campbell, father of Jolin Campbell, was born in the state of New York. When he was a small child his parents moved to Ottawa, Canada, and there he received his education and helped his father on the farm until his sixteenth year. He was then employed as a farm laborer for a number of years and by the time he was twenty-five years of age was able
MR. AND MRS. JOHN CAMPBELL.
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to- purchase farm land in Ontario with money he had earned and saved. There he farmed until 1850, when he removed to the United States. lle rented a farm in Lapeer county, Michigan, where he lived until 1865. He then came to Wright county, this state, locating in Pleasant township, where he farmed for a year or two and later bought a farm of eighty acres in lowa township. After five years of residence there he and his family moved to a farm which he rented in Belmond township, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1887. His wife, who before her marriage was Margaret MeMartin, was born in Osgood, Canada. She died in 1850. leaving four children, who are now living. . \ fifth child is deceased. Her brother, Thomas, served in the Civil War and was killed. Her three remain- ing brothers are still living in Canada.
John Campbell went to school in the state of Michigan and afterward was employed in farm work until he came to this county. After his mar- riage, January 14th, he bought a farm of eighty acres, which he has subse- quently increased to an estate of three hundred and sixty acres, where he has become a general farmer and stock raiser.
On January 14, 1871, John Campbell was united in marriage to Ange- line Morris, daughter of Dr. J. C. and Phoebe L. ( Babcock ) Morris. John L. Babcock was born in Almont, Michigan, although her parents were natives of other states, the father of Pennsylvania and the mother of New York, where Doctor Morris was educated. When abont twenty-five years of age, Mr. Morris started a store in AAlmont, Michigan, and after three years in that business he took a ten-year contract for cutting and delivering logs. He then took up the practice of medicine, and in 1864 came to Wright county, where, after a year's residence near Belmond, he started a medical practice, which subsequently became extensive. In 1880 he and his family moved to Scranton, Iowa, where they lived until the time of his death, in 1888. His wife died in January, 1915. Eleven of their thirteen children are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. John Campbell have been born three children, namely : William T. is the husband of Alma Sougstadt; John D. married Gertrude Dice, who is the mother of two children, Rhea and Ilene ; Cora Eveline, the youngest child, died when five years old.
Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are prominent members of the Methodist Epis- copal church. Mr. Campbell is a man who is well read and has been for many years active in public affairs. He has held nearly all the offices which this township has to offer. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell fill an important place in the community in which they have lived so many years and have shown
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practical interest in its welfare by supporting its worthy enterprises. Mr. Campbell is a man whom to know is to admire. Ile attracts friends by his genial nature, and his high moral standards have given him the respect of all who know him.
E. E. BEST, M. D.
Dr. E. E. Best, of Clarion, Wright county, lowa, is the personification of courtesy and kindness and his concentration has made him a master in the art of healing; his practical Christianity has brought him in close touch with the hearts of men and his toleration for their weaknesses has made of him a true friend to those in need.
E. E. Best is one of six children born to the union of W. C. and Ann Eliza (Clingman ) Best, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of Ohio. The birth of E. E. Best occurred on March 4, 1858, in Freeport, Illinois. W. C. Best remained in his native state until seventeen years of age, removing at that time with his parents to a farm near Freeport, Illinois. He engaged in agricultural pursuits independently, at the same time assisting his father in the cultivation of the home place until 1864, at which time he located in the town of Freeport, Illinois, and engaged in the tannery business for a period of four years. Making the wise decision that the business of agri- culture gave broader scope to a man's energy and education than did that of any one commercial line, he removed to Wisconsin where he again resumed the cultivation of the soil. For four years he operated a rented farm, finally purchasing a place near Tama, Towa, where he remained until 1895. Ile then sold the lowa farm and removed to a farm located near Mobile, Alabama, where he farmed until his death in 1900. Two years later. in 1902. his wife passed to her eternal rest, leaving their three remain- ing children to mourn her loss. The names of these children are: Mrs. Edna Mann, Harlan 11. and E. E.
E. E. Best received his initial education in the public school of Free- port. Illinois. Following this preliminary schooling he became a student for three years in the Normal College at Cedar Falls, lowa. He then entered the collegiate department at lowa City, and later entered the Med- ical College at lowa City, lowa, where he took a two-year course. His medical studies were completed in the Homeopathic Medical College, in Chi- cago, where he attended for one year, graduating and receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1896. During the six years of practice in which he
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was engaged in Chicago, Illinois, he completed the course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating from the same in 1899. Becoming interested in lowa as a future field for his medical practice, he removed to Clarion in 1901, and has since received a large patronage from the citizens of that town.
In 1897 E. E. Best was united in marriage to Laura Wheeler, daughter of Norman and Mariah Wheeler. E. E. Best is a member and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church and has served that denomination to the best of his ability since his arrival in Clarion. He is an honored member of the Masonic order, while his political faith is with the Republican party. Ilis reputation for honesty and sincere interest in those around him is only exceeded by his character, which is of the highest type.
PETER II. GOSLIN.
Peter H. Goslin is the son of Michael and Catherine ( Carroll) Goslin, and is one of six children born of their union. His birth occurred on Janu- ary 15, 1863 in County Kildare, Ireland. Michael Goslin, previous to his arrival in America from Ireland, was an employe of a railroad company in his native land. In 1863 he immigrated to the United States and located near Hazel Green, Wisconsin, where he was employed in the capacity of farm hand for a period of three years. In May, 1866, he removed to Wiight county, lowa, where he homesteaded perhaps the last tract of land in Wright county subject to homestead, near Clarion, and engaged in gen- eral farming until his retirement. This farm consisted of one hundred and twenty acres. While engaged in agricultural pursuits he was appointed to serve in several township offices and discharged all duties, connected there- with, with e' ciency and dispatch. He now lives in the town of Clarion where he is resting from a life of arduous toil. Of the six children born to the mion of Michael Goslin and Catherine ( Carroll) Goslin, four are living: Matthew, Peter II., Michael and Mary.
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