Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 110

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1360

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In his fraternal relations our subject is prominently identified with the noble order of Freemasonry, retaining membership in Clinton Lodge, No. 15, A. F. & A. M .; McCord Chap- ter, No. 5, R. A. M., and Jerusalem Command- ery, No. 7, Knights Templar, at Mount Pleas- ant. He is also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine at Davenport.

Mr. Chester has been twice married, his first union having been consummated Septem- ber 21, 1864, when he wedded Miss Olive E. Hendricks, daughter of James H. Hendricks, of Jefferson county. Mrs. Chester passed into

immortality on the 13th of July, 1878, leaving four children: Flora E., wife of Charles Her- ring, of Fairfield; Mildred J .; Daisy E .; and Frank M., of Fairfield. Mr. Chester's second marriage was celebrated December 4, 1879, when he was united to Miss Elizabeth Mc- Kemey, daughter of Allison McKemey, a promi- nent resident of Fairfield.

Mr. Chester is a man of commanding pres- ence, having a distinctively military bearing; but is genial and easily approachable, and is one of the most popular citizens of the county, his acquaintance being of very wide extent.

J OHN LEROY BANDY, one of the wealthiest and most widely known mer- chants of Redfield, Iowa, conducting a large confectionery establishment, res- taurant and grocery store, was born on the 17th of March, 1856, on his father's farm near Bewleyville, Breckinridge county, Kentucky, and is the fifth in a family of ten children, whose parents were Byron and Caroline (Jor- dan) Bandy. The father was born January 6, 1824, the mother in January, 1830, and both are still living on the old home farm where they located soon after their marriage and where our subject was born. It is also within six miles of the birthplace of the father. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bandy were reared in Kentucky, but were descended from old Virginian fami- lies, their parents having lived in that State. The paternal grandfather of our subject en- listed for service in the war of 1812, when but sixteen years of age. It was also the inten- tion of the maternal grandfather to enter the army at that time, but a neighbor, who disliked to see him leave his young wife and children alone persuaded him to remain at home, while the neighbor, taking Mr. Jordan's horse, cloth- ing and supplies, went to the war in his place, Prior to the Civil war Byron Bandy had three slaves given him, one of whom is still in his service, but these are all the negroes that he ever owned. He lived in a neutral section of the country and having a large family depend-

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ing on him he joined neither the Northern or Southern armies during the Civil war. In his family were ten children, but four of the num- ber died before reaching maturity, namely: Benjamin Franklin, Charles, Rachel and James. Those still living are Richard, Elizabeth, Silas, William, John L. and Lottie.

Mr. Bandy of this sketch spent the first twenty years of his life on the old farm, giving his father the benefit of his services. Wishing to see more of the world than came within the line of his vision at the home of his boyhood, he then bade adieu to friends and family and for twelve years traveled extensively over the United States. He had no capital but worked as he found opportunity, and living an indus- trious and frugal life he accumulated a small capital, which enabled him to begin business in his own interest. About 1882 he began work on a farm near Redfield, Iowa, where he remained during the greater part of the six suc- ceeding years.

In July, 1888, Mr. Bandy opened a small confectionery store in Redfield, his stock and fixtures representing but $92. 50. He was suc- cessful, however, in his new undertaking, and as his trade increased he enlarged his facilities; and, being careful not to get into debt and adding to his stock from time to time, he is now considered one of the wealthiest mer- chants in Redfield. He has long since re- moved to more commodious and desirable quarters, and in addition to his fine and well appointed confectionery store he conducts a first-class restaurant and carries a large stock of groceries. In 1890 he purchased one of the best business corners in the town and erected a good two-story building, the upper floor of which is occupied by the Clipper, a newspaper, and the first floor by a general store, in which Mr. Bandy owns a half inter- est. He is also half owner of a tract of six- teen acres of valuable land, of which eight acres has been divided into town lots. He carries on business as a dealer in grain, poul- try and produce, and his extensive business operations yield to him a handsome income.

He was instrumental in establishing the Red- field Co-operative Creamery, which has proved of great benefit to the surrounding country, and of the company he is now treasurer. He was vice-president of the Northwestern Oil, Gas & Mineral Company during 1893 and 1894, and is now one of the directors. He is a man of broad and superior capabilities, sa- gacious and far-sighted, and his laudable ambi- tion and enterprise have been the integral fac- tors in his success.

On the 30th of July, 1890, Mr. Bandy was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Chance, who was born and reared in Dallas county, Iowa, In politics he is a Democrat on questions of State and national importance, but at local elections, where no issue is involved, votes in- dependently of party affiliations. Entirely without his solicitation and without his knowl- edge he was nominated by the Democracy in July, 1895, for the office of County Treasurer. He is a public-spirited citizen devoted to the national welfare and all that pertains to the upbuilding of his resident community. His kindliness and benevolence are manifest in his liberal contributions to many charities.

LIFTON ELWOOD PATTERSON, M. D., who is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Sumner, Iowa, was born on a farın in Clay- ton county, this State, September 26, 1867, and is a son of Samuel and Phœbe (Rider)

Patterson. The former was born near San- dusky, Ohio, being the son of John Patterson, of Irish extraction. When a child he accom- panied his parents on their removal to Clayton county, the family locating on a farm. After attending the public schools of the neighbor- hood, he entered the Upper Iowa University, and when his collegiate course was completed he conducted a hotel in Elgin, Iowa. During the Civil war he was drafted and became a private of the Seventeenth Iowa Infantry, which was attached to Sherman's command, and went on the memorable march to the sea,

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participating in the battles and skirmishes of that campaign. Mr. Patterson was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, and now receives a pension of $12 per month. After his return from the war he attended school for another year. On the IIth of August, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Rider, a native of North Norwich, Chenango county, New York, and then turned his attention to agricul- tural pursuits, which for eight years he followed in Clayton county, upon a farm of 160 acres given him by his father. On selling this property he conducted a hotel in Elgin for two years, and then again sold out and purchased a farm of 240 acres, which he yet owns. He is now, however, living retired, and makes his home in Fayette, enjoying a well earned rest and the fruits of his former toil.

To Mr. Patterson and his wife were born three children: the Doctor; Ina E., who was graduated from the Upper Iowa University at Fayette, in 1895, and is now teaching school in Fayette county; and Jessie L., who is a stu- dent in the Upper Iowa University. The

father of this family is a stalwart Republican, and although he served as Justice of the Peace for one term he has never been an office-seeker. His life has been a quiet one, yet success has crowned his well directed and capable efforts, so that he is now the possessor of a comfort- able competence. His wife is a most estima- ble lady, kindly in manner, and devoted to the welfare of her husband and children.

Dr. Patterson, of this review, attended the public schools of Fayette county, and then en- tered the Upper Iowa University, at Fayette, at which institution he was graduated in the class of 1889 with the degree of Ph. B. De- termining to become a member of the medical profession, he then entered the Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital at Chicago, Illi- nois, and was graduated in 1893. He began practice in West Union, Iowa, where he re- mained for six months as a partner of Alvaro Zoller, his former preceptor. He then came to Sumner, in August, 1893, and has since followed his chosen calling. He has a lucrative

practice, which from the beginning has stead- ily increased, and he is one of the most popu- lar as well as one of the leading young physi- cians of the county. He is quick to act and think, and is a man of sound judgment and clear foresight.

On the 22d of May, 1894, was consum- mated the marriage of Dr. Patterson and Miss Lena Hoyer, a native of West Union, Iowa, born in 1876, and a daughter of Charles and Sarah Hoyer. She is the fourth in order of birth in a family of five children, and is a most cultured lady, with superior education. She attended the Western University, of Toledo, Iowa, pursued a thorough course in music, and is a splendid performer on the piano. Five children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hoyer, of whom Mrs. Patterson is the fourth in order of birth, the others being Anna, Jerry, Noah and Edward.

The Doctor is a Democrat in his political connection. Mrs. Patterson holds member- ship in the United Brethren Church. Both are widely known and have a wide circle of warm friends.

S AMUEL McNEER, whose devotion to the welfare of his adopted county places him among the valued citizens of Milo and makes him well worthy of representation in the history of Iowa, was born in Preston county, Virginia, April 20, 1827, and when a child moved with his parents to Fayette county, Pennsylvania, within a half mile of the Youghiogheny river, which divides Somerset from the county of his birth. He was the first born of the four sons and four daughters of Alexander and Catherine (Sypolt) McNeer. Six of the number are yet living, namely : Samuel; James, a successful and well-known farmer residing on section 35, Bel- mont township, Warren county; Clara Jane, wife of R. C. McNair, a retired farmer living in Milo; Nathan, an agriculturist of Belmont township; Catherine, wife of Marion King,

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of Preston county, West Virginia; Lucinda, wife of William Reynolds, a farmer of Virginia township, Warren county; Thomas and Drusille Hitchcock, who are deceased. The former was a farmer of West Virginia, and died leav- ing a wife and five children, while the latter passed away in Illinois.

The father of this family was born in the Keystone State May 11, 1793, and died March 18, 1872, his remains being interred in Fair- view cemetery of Fayette county, where a monument has been erected to his memory. Throughout his business career he carried on agricultural pursuits and met with a high degree of success in his undertakings. He was a broad-minded man, charitable and liberal in his views, and, while assuming the right to think and act for himself, accorded all others the same privileges. He was a supporter of Jacksonian Democratic principles and was a consistent member of the Methodist Church. His wife, who was born in Preston county, Virginia, in 1805, died September 13, 1866, and was laid to rest by his side. She, too, belonged to the Methodist Church, and was a lady whose superior qualities and genuine worth won her the esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Our subject is descended from Scotch-Irish ancestry on the paternal side, but his grandmother crossed the Atlantic from Germany. The grandparents died in Fayette county.

In Fayette county, Pennsylvania, Samuel McNeer was reared to manhood, becoming familiar with all the experiences of pioneer life. He was born in an old log cabin, acquired his . education in a log school-house of the neigh- borhood and was reared on his father's farm, where he early became familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. At the age of twenty-three he left the parental roof and went to the old homestead of his grandfather, David McNeer, operating that place. When he was married he took up his residence in the old log house there, around which wolves had once prowled, while deer had roamed in its immediate vicinity. It was-

a story-and-a-half log structure with a lap- shingled roof and an immense fire-place.

On the 8th of February, 1851, Mr. Mc- Neer was united in marriage with Miss Jane Hinbaugh, a daughter of George Hinbaugh, a native of Somerset county, Pennsylvania. They were companions from early childhood, and upon their marriage they located on the old McNeer place, which our subject pur- chased, making it his home for about nine years. On the expiration of that period he removed his family to what was known as the Sloan farm, two miles down the river. This he purchased, continuing its further development for nine years, when, in February, 1868, he sold out, preparatory to his removal to Iowa. He crossed the Mississippi river on the ice and made his way to Belmont township, Warren county, where he purchased eighty acres of wild prairie land, building thereon a small house, 14 x 20 feet. Six years later he added an L. With characteristic energy he began the arduous task of breaking the raw prairie, which was soon transformed into rich and fer- tile fields. He also bought twenty acres ad- joining his farm on the west and ten years later bought forty acres on the south: subse- quently he added an eighty-acre tract and thus extended his operations until a very valuable farm was yielding a handsome income from the care and cultivation he bestowed upon it. He also purchased in Milo the home of John Pennington, and removing to that place in July, 1891, has since lived retired, enjoying a rest which his well spent life richly merits. He is still a well preserved man, although he has passed the sixty-eighth milestone on life's journey.

Mr. and Mrs. McNeer became the parents of five children, but two died in infancy, and Thomas Ross died at the age of eleven years. Mary is the wife of Harvey Davis, who oper- ates the old home farm in Belmont township; and Anna is the wife of Charles Ringenberg, who lives on the old Chittenden farm.

On questions of national importance Mr. McNeer supports the Democracy, but at local

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elections votes for the man whom he thinks best qualified for office, regardless of party affiliations. He cast his first presidential vote for James K. Polk, and that he is not strongly partisan is shown by the fact that he cast a ballot for Abraham Lincoln. For twelve years he has served as Treasurer of the school dis- trict but cares nothing for political preferment. He has ever taken a commendable interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the commu- nity and for over a quarter of a century has witnessed the growth of the county and aided in its progress. His business transactions have ever been characterized by straightforward, honorable dealing, and those who have met him socially have for him the highest regard.

I. SAAC F. CROSBY, M. D., Menlo, Iowa, has for over six years been iden- tified with the medical profession of this place, having located here May 22, 1889.

He is a native of the neighboring State of Illinois, born in Rock Island county, Septem- ber 2, 1864, son of Isaac B. and Elizabeth (Marshall) Crosby, natives respectively of New Hampshire and New Jersey. The Crosbys were residents of New Hampshire for many years. Grandfather John Crosby was born there. Isaac B. Crosby was born in 1819, the eldest of his father's children, and about 1841 came out to what was then considered the far West- Illinois-and on the banks of the Mississippi selected a place of location. Shortly afterward he was followed by the father and .other members of the family. The venerable father spent his closing years with his children, and died in Illinois. On first coming West, Isaac B. purchased a tract of land, and for some years farmed and worked at the carpen- ter's trade. He was prospered in his under- takings, acquired other lands from time to time, and finally became the owner of a thou- sand acres, on which he was extensively en- gaged in farming and stock-raising and where he built a fine large residence. Here he died

in 1873. He was well known throughout the county, was a Baptist and a prominent church and Sabbath-school worker, and had the re- spect of all who knew him. Indeed there were few men who stood higher in Rock Island county than did Isaac B. Crosby. His widow is still living and resides at the old home place. They were the parents of seven children, namely: Amos, a fruit-grower of Kansas; Clara, wife of Stephen Sprague, died in Polk county, Minnesota, and left three children; Horace, who has charge of the home farm; Ella, wife of Henry Fletcher, died at River- side, California, in 1895; Dr. Isaac F., of this sketch; Hattie, who died at the age of twenty- one years; and Lottie.

Dr. Crosby was born and passed his boy- hood days on the farm above mentioned. He attended the district schools until he was sev- enteen. Then he went to school at Fulton two years, where he took a commercial course and graduated. From the time he was nine- teen until he was twenty-one he worked on the home farm, and after attaining his majority he commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. J. W. Morgan, of Port Byron. Later he entered the College of Physicians and Sur- geons at Chicago, where he graduated in due time, being a member of the class of 1889. Immediately after his graduation he came to Menlo, Iowa, and established himself in prac- tice and here he has since remained, having built up a large and lucrative practice to which he gives his closest attention. In 1894 he took a post-graduate course at Chicago, thus further fitting himself for his life work, and, judging the future by what he has already attained, it is fair to predict that his career will be one of great usefulness. He is a member of both the Guthrie District Medical Society and the Iowa State Medical Society, and is secretary of the former.

Dr. Crosby was married June 23, 1892, to Miss Lucy Mack, daughter of Mr. Platt Mack, of Menlo. She was born in Adair county, and not far from Menlo. They have one child, a son, Fory.

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Dr. Crosby takes only enough interest in political matters to be an intelligent voter, and casts his franchise with the Republican party. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Presbyterian Church.

J ACKSON S. JORDAN, who carries on general farming and stock-raising in Pleasant Grove township, a half mile west of the city of Pleasantville, is a native of the Golden State. Many of Iowa's residents have been born in the East, whence they have come to this State, but few are na- tives of the region west of this. His birth oc- curred on the Ist of May, 1863, in Los Angeles, California, and his parents were William R. and Mary (Young) Jordan, the former a native of Hancock county, Illinois, and the latter of the same State. The pater- nal grandfather, William Jordan, is numbered among the honored pioneers of Marion county. He brought his family here in the '40s and at one time was the owner of the site of Pleasant- ville.

William R. Jordan acquired his education in the State of his nativity, and accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa, where he followed farming until 1849. In that year, attracted by the discovery of gold in California and by the stories of the marvelous fortunes that were being made, he crossed the plains to the Pacific slope, where he followed mining about a year. On the expiration of that pe- riod he returned home, and in 1850 was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Young. Soon after- ward he took his family to California, and again followed mining for a time, but subse- quently engaged in stock-raising. He lived for a while in San Francisco and then went to Los Angeles, where he made his home for seventeen years, dealing in stock and fruit. He is familiar with much of the history of Cal- ifornia in those early days, and went through many of the experiences attending its settle- ment. In 1868 he returned with his family to

Iowa, making the journey by way of the isth- mus of Panama, the gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic ocean to New York city, thence across the country to this State.

About a quarter of a mile west of Pleasant- ville, Mr. Jordan purchased a farm, which he subsequently traded for a tract of land a half mile east of the town. This he sold after a time and bought another farm a half mile northwest of Pleasantville, then followed agri- cultural pursuits and merchandising until his death, which occurred December 18, 1892. His widow is still living on the old homestead. In religious associations he was connected with the Christian Church, and his political faith was in accord with the principles of the De- mocracy. His was a noble life: he was charita- ble and benevolent, and the poor and needy found in him a true friend. He was ever ready to extend a helping hand to those who were endeavoring to make the most of their opportunities, and he was a very popular citi- zen, well liked by young and old, rich and poor. In the family were six children, namely: William L., who married Miss Joanna Gose, and resides on a farm in Marion county; Jack- son S .; Alta, wife of Jacob H. Camp, a farmer of Marion county; and three who are now deceased.

Of the children our subject was the fifth in order of birth. He began his education in the public schools, and entered Ackworth Acad- emy, of Warren county, at which institution he was graduated in 1878. He then entered Drake University of Des Moines, where he re- mained about three years. His school privi- leges were then supplemented by travel, which. is also a source of education. He went to the State of Washington, but after a short time returned to his Iowa home and began farming.

As is usual with young men he felt the need of a companion and helpmeet on life's jour- ney, and July 16, 1885, was united in marriage to Miss Laura E. Speed, who was born in Ohio on the 28th of April, 1866. They now have a family of three children: Charles W., Chester A. and Jay R. Mrs. Jordan is a daugh-

Lewis Bonnett.

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ter of Amon Speed, a well-known farmer of Marion county.

Mr. Jordan and his wife began their do- mestic life in Calhoun county, Iowa, where he owned a nice farm of 160 acres, and there re- sided for seven years; but upon his father's death he returned to Marion county, in 1893, and has since cultivated a portion of his moth- er's farm. He is a progressive agriculturist, keeping thoroughly abreast with the times, and his energetic efforts have been crowned with success. He and his wife are esteemed mem- bers of the Christian Church, and in politics he is a Democrat.

EWIS BONNETT .- This gentleman is well. known as one of the most wealthy and influential men of Lucas county, Iowa, his fine farm and beau- tiful home being located in Benton township. Upon his life history the biographer is now permitted to touch, and takes pleasure in here presenting a sketch of his life.

Lewis Bonnett was born at Mount Vernon, Knox county, Ohio, May 24, 1830, fifth in the family of ten children of John and Elizabeth (Yontz) Bonnett, and one of the five of this number who are still living, viz .: Yontz, a retired farmer of Bloomington, Illinois; Lewis; Daniel G., who has been a resident of Iowa since 1856, his home being on a farm two miles west of Chariton; James, a wealthy farmer of LeRoy, McLean county, Illinois; and Mary, a resident of LeRoy, and a lady of many accomplishments. Of the deceased members of the family, we make the following record: Susan, who died in 1854, in McLean county, was the wife of John West; William, for many years a farnier of Decatur county, Iowa, died at the age of fifty-eight years; Isaac died in Knox county, Ohio, at the age of twenty-two years; Sarah C. was the wife of G. M. Sellers, LeRoy, Illinois; and John who died in McLean county, Illinois, in 1852. The father of the above named family was a native of Pennsyl- vania and went with his father from the Key-

stone State to Ohio, when six years of age. He was born January 8, 1798, and died in McLean county, Illinois, June 1, 1852. Nearly the whole of his life was spent in agricultural pursuits. He was a Democrat of the Jack- sonian stripe, and he was a man who enjoyed the confidence and respect of all who knew him. While he never sought official prefer- ence, he filled numerous positions of import- ance and trust. His wife, a noble Christian woman, was a native of Hagerstown, Mary- land, born in 1802, a descendant of German ancestors. She was seventy-one years of age at the time of her death, which occurred at her home in LeRoy, Illinois.

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Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 110

Author: Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1360

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1360