Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 33

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

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RECORD OF IOWA.

He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Chariton Lodge, No. 63, F. & A. M .; Chariton Chapter and Immanuel Com- mandery. In his political views he is a stal- wart Republican and is now serving as a mem- her of the City Council of Chariton. He is public-spirited in an eminent degree, wide- awake to the best interests of the community in which he makes his home. He is a great lover of fine horses, and among several fine specimens which he now owns is the young Ind-cap-i-tee, a colt of rare promise, possess- ing already exceedingly fine speeding qualities. In driving he finds one of his chief sources of rest and recreation.

Mr. Evans was married August 22, 1871, to Miss Anna E. Clancy, a native of New York. They have a pleasant home in Chariton, where they live surrounded by a large circle of warm friends. Mr. Evans has led a busy and useful life, faithful to all that is entrusted to him, and in all the relations of life he has been the same honorable, upright gentleman that the citizens to-day know.

J OHN T. REMEY, president of the National State Bank, Burlington, Iowa, claims this city as his native place, and, with the exception of eight years spent in Chicago, has passed his whole life here. He was born June 4, 1844, son of William B. and Eliza S. (Howland) Remey, natives of Ken- tucky and Vermont respectively. In their fam- ily were five children, only two of whom are now living: George C., a Captain in the navy and a resident of Washington, District of Co- lumbia; and John T., whose name honors the introduction of this article.

William B. Remey, the father of our sub- ject, was one of the pioneers of Burlington, having come here as early as 1837 from St. Louis, Missouri. He was for many years en- gaged in mercantile pursuits, and during his residence here filled a number of important positions. He served as a member of the City Council and was City Treasurer, and for three

terms filled the office of County Treasurer, and both as a business man and public official he ever conducted himself in such a manner as to win and hold the confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. Politically, he was in early life an old-line Whig, and later he affiliated with the Republican party. He died in April, 1871, at the age of fifty-six years. His wife survived him only one year, and died at the age of fifty-four. She was a member of the Episcopal Church. The Remeys are of French origin, while the Howlands descended from the English. Grand- father Howland passed his life at Woodstock, Vermont.

We pass now to a brief review of the life of John T. Remey. His education was re- ceived in the schools of his native city and in the Burlington University. His first employ- ment after leaving school was as messenger boy in the W. F. Coolbaugh & Company's bank in Chicago, where his prompt and faith- ful service was appreciated, as it has since been in the various positions he has filled. He was gradually promoted in the different banks in which he was employed until he became paying teller in the Union National Bank of Chicago, in which capacity he served four years. On severing his connection with that institution he returned to Burlington and was appointed cashier of the National State Bank. That was in 1871. This position he occupied for ten years, and since resigning it has been president of the bank. The National State Bank of Burlington was established in 1842, as a private bank, by F. J. C. Peasley & Com- pany, who conducted the business until 1854, when the firm became Coolbaugh & Brooks. In 1858 it was organized as a State bank, and incorporated as a national bank in 1865. It is the largest banking institution in the city, and the oldest in the State of Iowa. Mr. Remey is interested in a number of local busi- ness enterprises besides the bank, and is looked upon as one of the leading and most substan- tial men of the city. His political affiliations are with the Republican party. He is not, however,

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a politician, nor has he ever been an office- seeker.

October 30, 1872, Mr. Remey was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Rorer, daughter of Judge David Rorer, one of the prominent citizens and pioneers of Burlington. Her mother's maiden name was Delia M. Viele, and she was a descendant of Knickerbocker stock. Mr. and Mrs. Remey have an only child, David Rorer Remey. Mrs. Remey is a member of the Episcopal Church.

J EHIEL TONE .- The study of the char- acter of the representative American never fails to offer much of pleasing in- terest and valuable instruction. It de- velops an originality of thought, a peculiar mastering of expedients, which has given a most wonderful result. Deeds are not crys- tallized; hence it is that in estimating the worth of a man we instinctively ask, "What has he done?" for in his work we expect to find a true index of his character. The life work of him whose name heads this sketch is most worthy of record. A success which is so rare is not likely to be the result of mere chance or good fortune: it is something that must be sought and labored for. By patient persever- ance, arduous effort and well conceived and properly executed plans, Mr. Tone has worked his way steadily upward in commercial circles until to-day he stands at the head of one of the foremost industries of Iowa, being the senior member of the firm of Tone Brothers, manufacturers and wholesale dealers in Rio coffees, spices and baking powders, in Des Moines.

Mr. Tone was born in the town of Berger, Genesee county, New York, May 11, 1833, and is the eldest son of William and Laura (Williams) Tone, who were also natives of the Empire State, the former born in Cayuga county and the latter in the town of Barry, Orleans county. The boyhood days of our subject were passed in Berger, New York, where he attended the common schools, and

assisted his father until sixteen years of age. In the family were three sons and three daugh- ters, of whom four are living, one sister, Marcia, being now the wife of T. M. Longan, a member of the firm of Longan Brothers, of Des Moines.

At the age of sixteen years Jehiel Tone be- came the manager of the old home farm, which he operated for some years. In 1859 he started westward, locating first in Huron county, Ohio, where he again engaged in agricultural pursuits. He devoted his energies to that work until 1879, when he removed to Jackson, Michigan, where he began dealing in coffees, spices and groceries. In 1873 he came to Des Moines, where he embarked in the business of roasting coffees and grating spices. He also engaged in the manufacture of baking powder, the factory being located on Water street, where he remained for more than ten years. The business was then removed to No. 215 Court avenue, and in 1894 was established in the present commodious quarters, a new four-story building, which was erected by the firm at a cost of $40,000. The building is 44x 132 feet, and the four floors and the basement are all used by the company. The coffee roaster is on the fourth floor, and being situated high up in this way the smell usually attending the roasting of coffee is carried off. The machin- ery used is of the latest and best improved patterns, and the appointments of every de- partment of the business are perfect. They deal in all kinds of spices and are extensively engaged in the manufacture of baking powder. The firm of Tone Brothers began operations on a small scale and surely and steadily won the public confidence by their fair dealing and the excellent quality of goods which they carry. Thus they secured a large trade which has continually grown, their business coming from nearly all the Northern and Western States of the Union. They employ a large force of hands in their factory and house in Des Moines, and have a number of traveling salesmen upon the road. The policy of the house is to treat all customers alike, to con-

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duct business on strict business principles and to follow honorable and systematic methods.

In 1868 Jehiel Tone was united in marriage with Miss Loretta McGee, a native of Huron county, Ohio, and a daughter of Ebenezer McGee. Their family now numbers three children, a son and two daughters: William E., who is his father's assistant in business, and Mary L. and Alice, at home. Their resi- dence is a commodious and pleasant structure, located at No. 935 Ninth street, in one of the best neighborhoods of the city. It is taste- fully furnished and is the abode of a warm- hearted hospitality.

In his political connections Mr. Tone. is a Republican, but he has never sought or de- sired public office, preferring to give his entire time and attenion to his business interests, in which he has met with signal success. He has made judicious investments in real estate and to-day owns considerable valuable prop- erty. He has reached a position of eminence entirely through his own unaided efforts and well merits the prosperity that has come to him. He has won hosts of friends by his un- failing courtesy and geniality and his public and private life alike entitle him to their warm regard.

RAWFORD FREEMAN DAVIS, of Bloomfield, the subject of this sketch, was born in Iroquois county, Illinois, January 29, 1854, and was brought by his parents to Davis county, Iowa, the fol- lowing summer, who settled on a farm in Perry township, that county. They lived there till the fall of 1864, when they moved to Bloom- field, where Mr. Davis has since made his home. His father, John R. Davis, is an in- ventor, now living in Chicago. His mother's maiden name was Barsheba J. Crawford. Mr. Davis' father is a Canadian and his mother Scoth-Irish.

Mr. Davis, whose name introduces this out- line, received only a common-school educa- tion; in 1872 was Assistant Postmaster at

Bloomfield; in the spring of 1873 learned tel- egraphy and was operator at the Wabash depot for nearly a year; in the summer of 1874 be- gan learning the printer's trade in the office of the Grangers' Advocate; and in the summer of 1876 began studying law (in connection with his work as a type-setter), studying under the instructions of General Weaver and M. H. Jones, and was admitted to the bar at the April term (1878) of the circuit court at Bloom- field. In the fall of 1877 and winter following he taught school. The next June he estab- lished the Legal Tender Greenback, at Bloom- field, continuing the publication under that name till 1890, when it was changed to the name it now bears, Bloomfield Farmer. He has been editor and proprietor of the paper continuously since its first issue in 1878.

March 30, 1880, he was married to Miss Mamie Hagan, of Bloomfield. Of their union four children have been born, two of whom are living and two deceased.

In August, 1885, he was appointed a Spe- cial Examiner in the United States Pension Bureau, and after going to Washington and passing a civil-service examination he was sent into the field with headquarters at Moberly, Missouri, and held the office till April 30, 1889. He was a delegate to the Pomeroy national convention at St. Louis in 1880 and also a delegate to the Greenback national convention at Chicago the same year. He was reading secretary of the Greenback na- tional convention at Indianapolis, in 1884, and was also a delegate to the Populist national convention at Omaha, in 1892. He has been reading secretary of nearly every State conven- tion of the reform party in Iowa since 1878, and has been honored by his party with the nomination for State Auditor. In 1892 he was appointed Pacific Express Agent at Bloom- field, which position he now holds. He cast his first vote in 1876, voting for Peter Cooper for president, and ever since then has acted with the finance and labor reform party. Of late years, in connection with his other busi- ness, he has engaged in raising road horses.

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ORRIS JACKSON GRAHAM, who is engaged in the nursery business near Adel, Iowa, is a man well known in Dallas county and one whose business is rapidly extending throughout the State. It is fitting that a resume of his life be accorded place in this connection.

Morris J. Graham was born in Wabash, Indiana, December 6, 1853, son of Franklin S. and Irabell (Rotsell) Graham. Franklin S. Graham removed from Ashland, Ohio, his na- tive place, to Indiana in 1852, and the year following the birth of Morris J. came on out west to Iowa, making the journey hither by team, and settling on a tract of Government land in Dallas county, where he improved a farm and reared his family of five children, all of whom are still living. For the past ten years he has made his home in southern Mis- souri.

The subject of our sketch grew up on his father's farm, received his education at Adel, and continued to reside with his parents until his marriage, that important event occurring in the year 1875. After his marriage he se- cured a clerkship in the store of Risser & Son at Adel, with whom he remained several years. Next, he became a partner in a clothing store, in which he was occupied up to 1883. That year he bought twenty-two acres of wild land, -land covered with stumps,-built a house on it, and moved there in June. The first year of his residence on this place he set out five acres to fruit and orchard, and each subsequent year has set out more until now he has seventeen of the twenty-two acres devoted to fruit and nursery stock. It was in 1890 that he started his nursery. To this business he has given his close attention, making a special study of the needs and adaptation of Iowa, and has met with most excellent suc- cess. He now has agents in different parts of the State and is rapidly building up an industry that is of marked importance and value to the farmers of Iowa.

Mr. Graham was married April 11, 1875, to Miss Eva A. Loomis, and they are the par-

ents of five children, namely: William Arthur, C. Edwin, George W., Franklin L. and D. S.

Politically, he affiliates with the Republican party, his first presidential vote having been cast for Mr. Hayes. Fraternally, he is iden- tified with the Modern Woodmen of America, and religiously he is a Presbyterian.

J OSEPH BLAKE, of Palmyra town- ship, Warren county, Iowa, is recog- nized as one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers and best informed men. of his vicinity.

He is a descendant of one of the oldest Colonial families of New England, the Blakes of Maine, which family was established there long before the trying times of the Revolution. His father, Israel Blake, was a native of the Buckeye State, born in the year 1800. There he lived and died, raising a family of twenty children amidst the rough scenes and priva- tions of pioneer life. His wife, Alvira (Clark) Blake, was a native of Ohio, daughter of Aure- lius Clark, one of Ohio's pioneers, the family tracing back in New England to the early days of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The Clarks are of English origin. Grandfather Simeon Blake was born in the State of Maine and early in life emigrated to the wilds of Ohio, he being one of the "Block House " party at Marietta, the recognized earliest settlers of that great State. He was one of the foremost men of his time. The ancestry traces back in England to Commodore Blake of the British navy, who made the family name famous the world over by his deeds of bravery many gen- erations ago.

Joseph Blake, whose name honors the in- troduction of this article, is a native of Morgan county (afterward Noble), Ohio, born January 20, 1833, and in his native State spent the first twenty-two years of his life. In May, 1855, he went down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Memphis, thence up the Mississippi to Keokuk, and from that point walked across

H. S. Glenn.

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the country, a distance of 160 miles, to War- ren county, and first made settlement in Greenfield township, where he made his home until the spring of 1863. At that time he came to Palmyra township and settled on the farm he has since owned and occupied. Here he has over 200 acres of land, nearly all in one tract, upon which he has during all these years been engaged in general farming and stock-raising. An intelligent, well-informed man, he has always favored the raising of thoroughbred stock. His hogs are of the Po- land-China breed and areregistered, his cattle are Shorthorns, and his horses, which now number about twenty-two, are roadsters of fine quality, and Mr. Blake is well situated for the develop- ment of his ideas regarding improved stock, Palmyra township being the banner township of this region and noted far and near for its fine stock.

Mr. Blake was married first in 1854, to Miss Lucinda Wheeler, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Europe Wheeler, of that State. She died March 7, 1873, leaving the following named children: George W., a resident of Nebraska; Eli V., of Oklahoma; Joseph A., Palmyra township, Warren county, Iowa; Lydia A., at home; Elmer O., Oklahoma; Rosalie E., wife of Thomas Sever, Warren county, Iowa; Ulysses Grant, at home; Lu- cretia J., at home; Gentileska M., wife of Lewis Goldizer, Palmyra, Iowa; and Mary Ida, at home. December 19, 1877, Mr. Blake wedded for his second wife. Miss Nancy Ellen Adkins, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Malachi Adkins, the Adkins family being one long resi- dent of Indiana. This union has resulted in the birth of eight children, William H., James Weaver, John Perry, Francis E., Nellie Viola, Richard J., Horace Boies, and Oliver Leonard, -all at home.

Mr. Blake is a man of progressive views, is well posted on current topics, and keeps well abreast with the advanced thought of the day in many directions. Politically, he may be classed with the People's party, he having lost faith in the old parties.

ENRY SHANNON GLENN, of Char- iton, is one of the honored veterans of the Civil war who, when the South attempted to overthrow the Union, donned the blue and went to the defense of his country, valiantly defending the old flag until it was victoriously planted in the capital of the Southern Confederacy. When peace was restored he returned to his home, the same loyal citizen, a valued resident of the community with which he is connected and one well worthy of representation in the his- tory of his adopted State.

He was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, October 13, 1839, and is a son of William and Margaret (Hollinbaugh) Glenn, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the father born near Philadelphia, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, the mother in Armstrong county, same State, of German descent. They had three sons and five daughters, viz .: James, who enlisted in 1863 in the One Hundredth Pennsylvania Regiment and served until the close of the war; John, who is now engaged in mercantile pursuits in Youngstown, Ohio; the three living sisters are: Mrs. Lucy Harrison, who is living near Nashville, Tennessee; Mrs. Susannah Pierson, who resides in O'Brien county, Iowa; and Mrs. Tillie Fair, of Mercer county, Penn- sylvania.

Under the parental roof Henry S. Glenn spent the days of his boyhood and youth, re- ceiving such educational privileges as the com- mon schools afforded, and when his school days were over learning and following the blacksmith's trade. He was thus engaged at the time of the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. He had watched with interest the progress of events in the South and resolved that if secession was attempted he would strike a blow in defense of the Union. Accordingly when Fort Sumter was fired upon he was not long in offering his services to the Government, and in September, 1861, he be- came a private of Company B, Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Infantry. The regiment was drilled near Camp Curtin, near Harrisburg,

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and then went to Hilton Head, South Caro- lina, where it was armed and equipped ready for active service. Their uniforms were of the Zouave style, with keystone trimmings, and when new the regiment made a very pretty and striking appearance. The first real service of this command was at Fort Pulaski, April 10, 1862, and there they lost but one of their number. A cannon ball struck the muzzle of one of their cannons and dismounted it, and in falling it killed one of the gunners. Later on the regiment participated in the engagement at James Island, South Carolina, June 16, 1862, then returned to Hilton Head, and in October went on an expedition to Pocotaligo, South Carolina, participating in that battle, with a loss of several men.

During that service Mr. Glenn incurred a serious disability, which led to his discharge in the following December. Returning to his Pennsylvania horne, he joined the State mili- tia at the time when the movements of the army which culminated in the battle of Get- tysburg were being pushed forward. He spent sixty days in that campaign service, and when Morgan's men were driven from the State he again went to his home; but he could not re- main contentedly there, his spirit of patriot- ism was too strong, and on the 3Ist of August, 1864, he re-enlisted, as a member of Company M, Sixth Pennsylvania Heavy Artil- lery, which was the two hundred and twelfth regiment that had gone to the front from the Keystone State. Mr. Glenn was made Ser- geant and the drill master of his company, and did service along the chain of forts around Washington from the Chain Bridge to Alexan- dria. When the news came of Lee's sur- render he was at Fort Ward, near Fairfax Seminary, and in June, 1865, having witnessed the Grand Review in Washington, he was dis- charged at Fort Ethan Allen. Through the long and trying years of the war he had always been found at his post of duty, and his mer- itorious and valiant service well merits the thanks of a grateful people.

When the country no longer needed his

services Mr. Glenn hastened to his home and resumed his old work of blacksmithing in Mercer county, Pennsylvania. On the 22d of February, 1866, he was united in marriage in Greenville, Pennsylvania, with Miss Maria Cook, a native of New York, who came of one of the early and respected families of the Knickerbocker State. An oil painting of her paternal grandfather and grandmother, painted upon boards in 1823, adorns the wall of his office and is in a remarkable state of preserva- tion. Mr. and Mrs. Glenn became the parents of four children, but only the youngest, May, is now living. Emma and Friend both died when about two years of age, of scarlet fever, three years elapsing between their deaths. Lucius was accidentally poisoned when a child a year old.

In May, 1869, Mr. Glenn brought his family to Chariton, where he has since made his home and established his present business, that of wagon-making. He was passing through this place at the time on his way to Ringgold, Iowa, and while the train stopped for break- fast he resolved to utilize the twenty minutes by looking for work. He soon found that there was a demand for the services of a good blacksmith, and in consequence did not return to the train, but the same afternoon began business in the shop which he now owns. Af- ter about eighteen months he bought out his employers and from a small beginning has de- veloped an extensive business which is like- wise very profitable. He makes a specialty of the manufacture of the " Glenn wagon, " which is sold all over Iowa and in other States. He also deals in carriages and farm implements and has a very large trade. The business in- terests of Chariton find in him a worthy repre- sentative, and he has found in his adopted city a good patronage, which has made him one of the substantial residents of the community.

Mr. Glenn has been a life-long Republican, unwavering in his support of the principles of the party of his choice. He has been twice elected a member of the city council, and whether in public or private life he supports

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those measures which are calculated to pro- mote the general welfare. He is an active and influential member of, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is Past Grand of the subor- dinate lodge and Past Chief Patriarch of the encampment. He is also a member of Ise- minger Post, No. 18, G. A. R., is Past Com- mander, and at this writing is District Inspect- or for Lucas county. He has also been a member of the department staff for two years. He and his wife are active workers in and con- sistent members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Glenn was a member of the building com- mittee which erected the present fine house of worship, costing $16,000, soliciting subscrip- tions and handling the funds. For fifteen years he has been a Deacon in the church, for many years has been Sunday-school Superin- tendent, and is devoted to the work, and to all that will elevate humanity and make the world better, and his earnest, consistent life is well worthy of emulation.

A BRAM HARTZLER. - The subject of this sketch is a descendant of two of the pioneer families of the famous Lancaster county of Pennsylvania. He was born in Cumberland county, that State, October 7, 1844, one of the nine children of John and Fannie (Erb) Hartzler, all of whom are living except one. The names of his brothers and sisters are as follows: Mary, wife of Joseph Ruhl, Cumberland coun- ty, Pennsylvania; John, on the old homestead in Pennsylvania; Samuel, Cumberland county; Daniel; Annie, wife of Jacob Herr; Barbara, wife of John Greble, and Harry,-the last four being residents of Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

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Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 33

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