Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 130

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

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Dr. Parsons has been most successful in securing the patronage of the best people throughout the county, and is rated as one of the leading physicians of the place. He is a member of the American Institute of Homneo-

pathy, the Hahnemann Medical Association of Iowa, the District Medical Association of Ce- dar Rapids, Iowa, and is, in addition, a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity and the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows. In religion, as well as on other subjects, he is most liberal, condemning not the things which he cannot understand. In politics he belongs to the Republican ranks but is not an active party worker.

In 1870 the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Ella R. Spalding, a native of Cape May, New Jersey, but whose residence at the time of her marriage was in Waterloo, Iowa. They have had eight children, four of whom are living, namely: Belle, wife of D. E. Con- ner, of Traer; Percival L., who is now pur- suing his second year's course in the Iowa State University; Frederick A., deceased; and Carroll D., a student in the Traer schools. Benjamin B., Walter R., Lloyd S., and Fred- erick A. all died within two weeks, of malig- nant diphtheria, in November, 1889. Linn R., who is still at home, completes the list.

J OHN A. LADD, M. D .- The world has reserved special encomiums for self- inade men. A man who in youth found no helping hand reached out to smooth his path and remove the rough stones from beneath his tender feet, who being de- prived, through financial reverses, of paternal assistance in the way of an education, and who overcame these difficulties and rose above the crowd in spite of all, is certainly deserving of all praise bestowed upon him. Such a one is Dr. John A. Ladd, a successful medical practitioner of Traer, Iowa.

Dr. Ladd was born October 29, 1830, at Andes, Delaware county, New York. His father, John Ladd, was a native of Schenecta- dy, New York, born in 1778, and his mother, Nancy (McDonald) Ladd, a bonnie Scotch lassie, was born in 1800. She came to the United States with her parents and settled in New York, where she met and married our subject's father.

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Dr. Ladd is one of ten children, seven sons and three daughters, named as follows: William Thomas Vining, the eldest, died in Traer, Iowa, in middle life; Nancy M., wife of Watson Brown, was the youngest daughter and died in Minnesota in 1884; James Davies, a farmer in Minnesota; Margaret, the widow of Rev. Walter Stott, who died at Northwood, Iowa, resides in Mason City; Jane Ellen, who married Henry Davis, of Delaware county, New York, and died suddenly while visting her sister, Mrs. Stott, in Northwood, Iowa; Daniel Cameron, a retired farmer in Traer, Iowa; our subject is next; Lemuel Raymond, of Iowa; Levi, a produce dealer in Traer; and Augustus, a farmer residing in Minnesota.

The subject of this sketch grew to man- hood on a farm. From his earlest recollec- tions his highest ambition was to become a physician, but his father had through unfor- tunate speculation lost a fine property, and with so many mouths to feed he could give no financial aid to his aspiring son. Possessed of a generous amount of common sense, which disdained no labor, however menial, but look- ing upon it as an honorable means to an end, he learned the stone-mason's trade and worked faithfully wherever an opportunity afforded. At other times he taught school, peeled tan-bark and in fact accepted every employment which presented itself. Carefully hoarding his sim- ple earnings, he was at last enabled to begin the study of his chosen profession. Entering the office of Dr. J. R. Leal, in Andes, New York, he studied with various intermissions for five years. He then took two courses of lectures at Berkshire Medical College, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, but being again short of funds he secured a position in the Hartford (Con- necticut) Retreat, among the first insane asy- lums in the United States, and the first to adopt a strictly humane treatment for the in- sane. The year he spent here he counts the most valuable experience of all he found in later years.

Through the influence of a friend and col- lege chuin, Dr. Ladd came to Iowa and lo-

cated at Keokuk. He was now many hun- dred miles away from the scenes of his college studies and diseases there witnessed. To his dismay, he found tliat those troubles which prevailed most in the East were here rarely found, while new diseases, of which he was lit- tle acquainted, presented themselves to be treated. Too conscientious to experiment upon his patient, he entered the medical college at Keokuk and after a thorough course was grad- uated, in February, 1856. Opening his office once more, he began his practice with a clear conscience and a mind stored with the neces- sary knowledge to battle with every complaint which flesh is heir to. Forming a partnership with Dr. J. C. Hughes, a tutor in anatomy and surgery at the college, they practiced suc- cessfully together for one year. Dr. Ladd then moved to Toronto, Clinton county, Iowa, where he continued his practice alone until 1862.

The war breaking out, he enlisted as a pri- vate in Company I, Twenty-sixth Iowa Infan- try. Here he performed the duties of Surgeon of the regiment until promoted and transferred to the First Iowa Cavalry as Assistant Sur- geon. This order came fromn Governor Kirk- wood, April 15, 1863. In December of that year he was obliged to resign and was honora- bly dismissed from service on account of dis- ability incurred.

On his return home he removed his belong- ings to Iowa Falls, when he once more re- sumed his practice. In the fall of 1869 he again changed his residence, this time locating at the now defunct town of Buckingham, which, on the advent of the railroad skipping it, passed into oblivion, while the town of Traer sprang into active life and became a rushing business town. Dr. Ladd then re- mnoved to Traer and located permanently, where he soon built up a flourishing practice. Some of his family had preceded him here and were located on farms in the vicinity. His experiences as a pioneer physician here are thrilling and full of interesting details. His army service, in conjunction with his exten-

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sive preparations for his profession, together with a continual study and research in medical lines, renders him one of the safest medical counselors, as well as one of the best physicians and surgeons.

He was married at Toronto, Iowa, Decem- ber 30, 1860, to Miss Nancy E. Rose, a native of Ohio, who was born in 1841. Coming to Iowa with her parents when but six years of age, she spent her early life in Clinton county, where they located. By this marriage there are six children : Ossian D., the eldest, is a locomotive engineer on the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad; he was educated at Coe College, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa Col- lege, at Grinnell, Iowa; he is married and resides at Cedar Rapids. Anzonetta E. is a graduate of the Chicago Normal School and was for several years a teacher in the schools of Austin, a suburb of Chicago; she made a special preparation for primary work, but fail- ing health compelled her to resign her work altogether and return home to await the return of strength. Fred G. is a practicing physician at Dysart, Iowa; he was educated at Keokuk Medical College, and is married. John H. is connected with the railway postal service be- tween Marion and Council Bluffs, Iowa; he has been employed thus since 1885, with the exception of a few years during Harrison's administration; this intermission was filled in with a clerkship in a bank; he is married and resides in Marion. Mabel, the wife of George T. Bourne, who is engaged in the hardware business in Marshalltown, Iowa; and Nannie G., a student in the Traer school, completes the family circle.

Dr. Ladd was appointed Postmaster at Traer in June, 1894, at the earnest solicitation of his Democratic friends. His appointment gives general satisfaction to the patrons, with whom he is a special favorite. His charming daughter, Anzonetta, is a most efficient deputy.

For several years Dr. Ladd was about the only adherent of the Democratic party in Buckingham township, and was ridiculed by his friends for his devotion to the party princi-

ples, but his fidelity never wavered, although he little expected in those early days that his devotion would be recognized in this manner. It is often stated that political beliefs, like consumption, are handed down from father to son. Dr. Ladd, as one of the seven sons, proves this adage by being himself the excep- tion to the rule, his father and six brothers having sworn allegiance to the Republican party. He served for nine years on the United States pension examining board in Tama county, being president of the board, which met at his office in Traer. He has served as Mayor of the city of Traer; has been a mnem- ber of the School Board six years; local sur- geon of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & North- ern Railroad, Iowa Falls Division; and served on examining committees of the State Uni- versity in examining students for graduation in medicine.

In 1858 he became a member of the Ma- sonic order, where he has attained to the Knight Templar degree. He was for five years master of the Hesperia Lodge, No. 340, A. F. & A. M., of Traer.

Dr. Ladd takes pride in the fact that his grandfather was a patriot of the Revolutionary war. His paternal grandmother's family were massacred by the Mohawk Indians, only her- self and one sister escaping. Her father was in the army at that time, subsequently losing his life on the battle-field.

ON. STEPHEN PRENTICE YEO- MANS, M. D., is a man of broad and liberal views and progressive ideas, now successfully engaged in the practice of medicine in Charles City. He was born in Herkimer county, New York, Jan- uary 23, 1822, and accompanied his parents to the Territory of Iowa in 1837, the family loca- ting in Henry county. His father and mother, Prentiss and Margaret (Mckinney) Yeomans, were both natives of Connecticut, and be- longed to early New England families. The father was a mechanic. In the family were

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seven children, but only three are now living: The Doctor; Benjamin, a farmer of western Iowa; and Mrs. Susan Angel, a resident of Oregon. The parents both passed away in Woodbury county, Iowa, at an advanced age.

The early life of the Doctor was passed on the farm and his elementary education was ac- quired in the common schools. He was only fifteen years of age when he became a resident of Iowa, and since that time has not only witnessed the growth of the State but has always borne an active part in the upbuilding of the localities in which he has resided. £ When about twenty years of age he began the study of medicine, was graduated at Rush Medical College of Chicago in 1854, and at once en- tered upon practice in Henry county, Iowa. The same year he was called to public life by his election to the State Legislature, represent- ing Clark, Lucas, Wayne and Decatur coun- ties. In 1855 he was appointed by President Pierce as Register of the United States Land Office at Sioux City, and was re-appointed by President Buchanan, serving in all six years. In 1863 he entered the army as Assistant Sur- geon of the Seventh Iowa Cavalry, serving until the close of the war.

On his return to the North the Doctor es- tablished an office in Clinton, Iowa, where he engaged in practice and also acted as United States Pension Examiner for five years. In 1871 he entered Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, and was graduated there the same year. He wished to be thoroughly informed in the profession, and that he is a man of broad and progressive views is shown by the fact that he has studied the principles and practices of both schools, and he now follows both according to the temperament and con- dition of his patient. About 1878 he came to Charles City, where he has since been largely engaged in office practice. He has also served for five years as a member of the Board of Pension Examiners, and has been a member of the Hahnemann State Medical Society.

The Doctor was married in Brighton, Wash- ington county, Iowa, in 1850, the lady of his

choice being Miss Clara Van, a native of Indi- ana. They had six children, but only one is now living. George W., who was educated for the law, and engaged in practice in Clin- ton, Iowa, died of consumption at the age of twenty-seven. Four children died in early childhood. The surviving member of the family is Mrs. Margaret S. McKniff, of Chi- cago, whose husband is a Methodist Episcopal minister. Mrs. Yeomans and her daughter are both practicing physicians of Chicago. They are graduates of the Hahnemann Medical Col- lege of that city and are very successful in their chosen work.

Our subject has always taken an active part in political work and is a recognized leader in the Republican party. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for about forty years, in which he has taken the Royal Arch degrees, and is Past Commander of Charles City Post, No. 3, G. A. R. Since its organization he has been a member of the State Lawmakers' Pioneer Society, and for forty years he has been a prominent member of the Metliodist Episcopal Church. He is one of the leading and well known citizens of Charles City, and is one of the most honored pioneers of Iowa, having been identified with its history since Territorial days. His life has been well spent, and the many excellencies of his character command the respect and con- fidence of all.

R EV. WILLIAM JOSEPH HALPIN, pastor of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, of Eldora, Iowa, was born on the Emerald Isle, county Meath, March 12, 1852. His primary education was received in the public schools of Ireland, after which he spent four years in the diocesan sem- inary at Navan, Meath. Having cultivated a thirst for learning, he then went to England, where nine years were spent in college at Dur- hamshire, finishing with philosophy, rhetoric and theology. On his return to Ireland he continued his school for knowledge for one

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year and a half in Carlow College, and in 1880 embarked for America with the intention of entering the priesthood. At Dubuque, Iowa, he was ordained by Bishop Hennessy, but in- stead of taking a pastorate he accepted a call to the chair of Latin, Greek, English and rhet- oric in St. Joseph's College, Iowa. Following this, he became pastor of the Roman Catholic Church in Early, Sac county, Iowa, where he remained four years. During this time he erected three churches and a parochial school.

On the Ist of March, 1885, Father Halpin removed to Eldora, where he has been ever since. On his arrival here he assumed charge of five churches, namely: Iowa Falls, Eldora, St. Anthony and the Dunn settlement, all of which he served for four years. This was a most arduous task and required constant daily labor. One point was twenty-three miles away, and all except Eldora and Iowa Falls were reached only by team. In 1893 a priest was stationed at St. Anthony, who took charge of the churches at St. Anthony and the Dunn settlement, thus relieving Father Halpin of a portion of his labors. The Church at Eldora comprised about forty-five families of largely well-to-do farmers. At Iowa Falls there were twenty-seven families with a growing tendency toward the Church. The edifices in both places are spacious and comfortable. Father Hal- pin's home at Eldora is a fine parochial resi- dence, where after his manifold cares of the day he can enjoy the comforts of seclusion and rest.

The Rev. Thomas J. Halpin, the elder brother of our subject, was also educated for the ministry, and spent seven years as pastor at East Brattleboro, Burlington, Vermont. His literary education was received at All Hal- lows College, Dublin, and completed at St. Hyacinth's College, in Belgium. Coming to America in 1865, he was stationed for a short time at Dorset, Massachusetts. Illness com- pelled him to relinquish his pastoral labors and he returned to his native country. His health still continuing in a precarious condition, he journeyed to Nice and from there to the south

of France, where death overtook him in 1871. In the brief years of usefulness that were al- lowed him he did much good. His sincerity of purpose and careful management accom- plished far more than many another could have done in a given time. His parishioners were made to feel that he had a personal interest in each and all, and they mourned sincerely when he was obliged to take his departure.

Father Halpin, our subject, ever alert to amuse as well as to edify his parishioners, organized for the young people the Rosary Society in Eldora and a Young Ladies' Sodality at Iowa Falls.

He is a man of rare learning, and is deeply sympathetic with the poor and unfortunate. His influence is powerful and widespread, and wherever he goes his people vie with each other in expressions of their devotion.

S RENSHAW, who for a period of twenty-five years has had his abiding place on his present farm on sec- tion 21, Jefferson township, Madison county, Iowa, is ranked with the substantial and leading citizens of his community. In- deed there are few men, if any, in the town- ship who are better known or. more highly re- spected than he; and in this work it is particu- larly consistent that some personal mention of him be accorded place.

Mr. Renshaw dates his birth in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, August 23, 1845. His father, George S. Renshaw, was a native of Virginia, was reared and married in the Old Dominion, from there removed to Pennsyl- vania, and in 1852 came out to Iowa, locating first in Delaware county and subsequently re- moving to Farmersburg township, Clayton county, where he remained till death, being sixty-five when he passed away. James Ren- shaw, the father of George S., is supposed to have been born in England. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Martha Evens, was likewise a native of Virginia. She was of Welsh and Scotch origin. At the time

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of her death her years numbered seventy- five. In their family were nine children, four sons and five daughters, all of whom attained maturity, and all are still living except one, - Adaline R. Their names in order of birth are as follows: David L., Adaline R., James S., Amanda M., Leonidas, Valonia, Malzenia, Sylvester and Georgeanna.

Sylvester, the subject of this article, was about six years old at the time he came with his parents to Iowa, and in Delaware and Clayton counties. he was reared and educated, his education being received in the common schools and the Monona high school. After his marriage, which important event occurred in the spring of 1868, Mr. Renshaw farmed one year in Clayton county, after which he re- moved to Jasper county, Missouri, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1870, when he moved to Madison county, Iowa, and purchased the farm he has since owned and occupied. This place comprises 320 acres of good land, well improved, and is devoted to general farming.

Mr. Renshaw's marriage in March, 1868, was to Miss Sarah Hazen, a native of Clayton county, Iowa, and they have had six children, -- three sons and three daughters: Clarence L., deceased; Alford S., at home; Mabel L., wife of Harry Gilmore, of Vinton, Iowa; Edith E., at home; Rosa, deceased; and James Clyde, at home. The good wife and mother died in 1883, and January 9, 1884, Mr. Renshaw mar- ried for his second companion Miss Serena Bridges, a native of Des Moines county, Iowa. Mrs. Renshaw is a daughter, and the eldest of the family now living, of Losson and Malinda (Portlock) Bridges, both natives of Indiana. In all matters of local interest Mr. Renshaw has taken a most commendable part, always public-spirited and generous, and exerting an influence for good. His political views are those advocated by the Republican party. In 1892 he was elected Township Clerk, was re- elected in 1894, and is now the incumbent of this office. Also he has served as School Di- rector. His church fellowship is with the

Methodists, where he takes a leading and act- ive part, now being one of the Trustees of the church. Personally, he is one of those genial, sociable men whom it is a pleasure to meet.

a HARLES F. ELLERMAN .- Among the representative citizens of Iowa who are of foreign birth, none deserve the honor and respect of the entire community more than does Mr. Ellerman, a native of the Fatherland. He is now one of the leading farmers of Dallas county, Iowa, where he has accumulated a fine property, the result of honest toil and close attention to every department of his business.

Mr. Ellerman was born in Hanover, Ger- many, on the 25th of November, 1843, and is a son of John and Elizabeth Ellerman, also natives of the same country, where the father died, at the age of sixty-one years. The mother with four children started for the New World when our subject was but ten years old, leaving Bremen on a sailing vessel bound for New Orleans, where they arrived after a long and tedious voyage of eleven weeks. One sister died on the way. From New Orleans they proceeded up the river to St. Louis, thence up the Illinois river to Beardstown, Illi- nois, and in Cass county, that State, made a settlement. In the spring of 1871, however, they came to Iowa, locating in Polk county, but one year later came to Dallas county, where Mr. Ellerman purchased eighty acres of land which was still in its primitive condition. The mother died in 1895, at the ripe old age of eighty-five years, and many friends mourned her loss.

On the 28th of March, 1873, was per- formed a ceremony which united the destinies of Mr. Ellerman and Miss Jane E. Stroud, a daughter of William and Mary Stroud, natives of England, who became early settlers of the Hawkeye State and now make their home with our subject. Mrs. Ellerman's birth occurred in New York. By this marriage there are four

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children: William H., Cora B., Ida M. and George F.

After his marriage, Mr. Ellerman began his domestic life upon the farm which still contin- ues to be his place of abode. He has ex- tended the boundaries of his original tract un- til it now comprises over 500 acres of rich and arable land, all tiled and improved with all modern conveniences and accessories which go to make up the model farm of the nine- teenth century, and the good buildings upon the place stand as monuments to the thrift and enterprise of the owner. Although a stanch Democrat in political sentiment, Mr. Ellerman has been elected to many local offi- ces in the county, which is strongly Repub- lican, thus showing his personal popularity and the high regard in which he is held by his fel- low citizens. For ten years he served as Jus- tice of the Peace, and for the long period of twenty-two years has been Treasurer of his township. His word is always considered as good as his bond, and he and his wife have the honor and esteem of all. Moral and re- ligions interests receive their hearty support and co-operation and they are faithful workers in both church and Sunday-school.

T. REED, Monteith, Guthrie county, Iowa, dates his arrival in this county in 1864, and is ranked with its lead- ing representative citizens. He was born near the town of McConnellsville, Mor- gan county, Ohio, December 7, 1838. The Reeds are of German origin and were among the early pioneers of the Western Reserve.

Bonam Reed, the father of our subject, was a native of Ohio and a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Dickinson) Reed, the latter a native of Pennsylvania and of Scotch descent. Benja- min Reed was one of the earliest settlers of Guernsey county, Ohio, his location there being about the year 1812. Subsequently he removed to Morgan county and some time later to Washington county, where he died. Bonam Reed, as he grew up, gave his attention to

buying, selling and shipping stock. He was married at the age of twenty-two years to Miss Rebecca Talley, a native of that county and a daughter of John F. and Hannah (Polston) Talley, the former a native of Maryland and the latter a daughter of Swedish parents. In 1874 Benam Reed and his wife came out to Iowa and settled near Monteith, where she still resides, now at the age of seventy-three years. He died December 13, 1893, at the

age of seventy-eight. They had a family com- posed of the following members: H. T., whose name graces this article; John, a resident of this county; Priscilla, widow of Abram Jordan, of Adair county, Iowa; Benjamin, of Montana; Hannah, wife of John Jordan, Madison county, Iowa; La Fayette, Guthrie county; and Wil- hemenia, wife of Thomas Cabbage. Two are deceased: Bonam, who died at the age of nineteen, and Evelyn, who died in early child- hood. £ The father of this family was not a member of any church or denomination, and his political affiliations were with the Demo- cratic party.

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Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 130

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