Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 45

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

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In 1863 Mr. Case was united in marriage

with Susan Ann Sherad, who was born in Ohio July 29, 1844, and was also raised in that State. They have had three children: Emma, born April 13, 1864; Minnie, February 1, 1868; and Ralph E., December 22, 1874.

S AMUEL McKLVEEN, a member of the firm of McKlveen Brothers, lum- ber dealers of Chariton, is a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, born January 30, 1849, and is a son of Henry and Catherine (Lohr) McKlveen. He acquired his education in the public schools of his native county and in Ligonier Academy, and his early life was spent upon his father's farm, he thus receiving physical as well as mental training.

Seeking a broader field of labor in the West, at the age of nineteen Mr. McKlveen came to Iowa, joining his brother, Jacob L., with whom he learned the carpenter and join- er's trade. He then engaged in contracting and building for sixteen years, with good suc- cess, and on the expiration of that period formed a partnership with his brother, which still exists, and under the firm name of McKlveen Brothers they are doing a good busi- ness in lumber and fuel. For twenty-seven years they have been constantly associated to- gether in business, and the relations existing between them have always been of a most pleasant character and they have gained the confidence and esteem of all with whom they have been brought in contact.

In Lucas county, Ohio, Mr. McKlveen was united in marriage with Miss Flora Murray, a daughter of John and Patience (Burkhead) Murray, who were early settlers of Lucas county, and have long been prominently iden- tified with its best interests. The father followed farming for a number of years, but is now living a retired life in Chariton. The Murray family has long been established in America and is probably of Scotch ancestry. Mrs. McKlveen acquired her education in the country schools and in Chariton, and for a short time prior to her marriage successfully

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engaged in teaching. She is a cultured and refined lady and her friends throughout the community are many. Her father was a sol- dier in the Civil war, valiantly aiding the Fed- eral army in the struggle to preserve the Union.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McKlveen,-Olive, Edna and John Henry, -all of whom are still at their parental home. The daughters are graduates of the city high school; Miss Olive also attended the State Normal School at Cedar Falls, and both are now engaged in teaching. The family are members of the First Baptist Church in Chari- ton, and hold an enviable position in social circles. Mr. McKlveen is a member of the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias societies, is Past Grand of Chariton Lodge, No. 64, and is Past Chancellor of Chariton Lodge, No. 25, K. of P. He also holds membership in the society of the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served for two terms as an Alderman of Chariton, working for the best interests of the city, and proving an efficient and trustworthy officer. He was also the Democratic candidate for Sheriff of Lucas county, and succeeded in re- ducing the usual Republican majority of five hundred down to thirty-seven, a fact which in- dicates his personal popularity and the confi- dence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. His life has been a successful one, crowned with a prosperity that has come entirely through his own efforts, and his career, both public and private, is above reproach.

R ICHARD ILES, a successful farmer of Dallas county, was born in Lan- castershire, England, August 5, 1830, a son of James and Jane (Rossall) Iles, both born and raised in Lancastershire, as were also their parents. When Richard was nineteen years of age he decided to come to America. At that time he had an uncle en- gaged in the distilling business in Cincinnati, Ohio, it having been one of the first distilleries 18

in that city, and our subject made his way there. He afterward found employment on steamboats on the Ohio river for three years, and during that time made his home in Ken- tucky. At the age of twenty-three years Mr. Iles came to this State, spending the first two years here in Polk county, and during that time worked on milldams. At the expiration of that time he purchased and moved to the farm he now owns in Dallas county, consisting of 190 acres, which is under a fine state of culti- vation and contains all the modern improve- ments.

May 7, 1854, Mr. Iles was united in mar- riage with Julia Mozena, a native of Ohio, but came with her parents to Iowa when but ten years of age. They have eight children, as fol- lows: Laura, born October 30, 1855; Sarah Jane, March 3, 1857; James D., June 20, 1861; John Mark, December 27, 1863; Ester, De- cember 9, 1865; Victoria, January 22, 1867; Lawrence, January 12, 1869; and Bertha, July 9, 1872. Mr. Iles took out his naturalization papers in 1854, and has ever since been a stanch Democrat.

و S. PERKINS, Lucas, Iowa .- In the subject of this sketch is found one of the prosperous and popular young farmers of Jackson township, Lucas county, a native of this county and one thoroughly identified with its interests. It is too soon on life's pathway to attempt a biog- raphy of him, for most of his life, we hope, lies before him. It is appropriate, however, to make some personal reference to him and his family in this work, and it is gratity- ing to us to present the following:

W. S. Perkins was born on his father's farm in Otter Creek township, Lucas county, Iowa, September 3, 1871. His father, Ed- ward Perkins, was a prominent and successful farmer and stock-man of this county for many years and was a soldier of the Civil war. It was in 1865 that he settled in Otter Creek township, and there he spent the rest of his

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life and died. He was born in Litchfield county, Connecticut, in 1841, and at the early age of nine years started out in the world on his own responsibility. At the age of sixteen he came West as far as Illinois. He was in Illinois at the time the war broke out, and in September, 1861, he enlisted as a member of Company B, Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry, and went to the front to protect the old flag. His army service covered a period of three years and included the following engagements: The battle of Pea Ridge, siege of Vicksburg. the Red river expedition under General Banks, and a number of other engagements of less im- portance. At the end of his term of enlist- ment he was honorably discharged and re- turned to Illinois, and in 1865, as above stated, he came to Lucas county, Iowa, and settled on wild land in Otter Creek township.

The year following his arrival here he was united in marriage to Miss Malinda Marker, a native of Ohio, and their union was in time blessed by the birth of four children. Two of these children died in infancy, and of the other two we record that William S. is the subject of this article, and Catherine is the wife of Austin Woods, Mr. and Mrs. Woods residing on a portion of her father's old farm. February 15, 1879, some time after the death of his first wife, Mr. Perkins was married to Mrs. Nancy Thomas, with whom he lived happily the rest of his days. Mr. Perkins developed the wild land on which he settled into one of the most productive and valuable farms in this section of the country, was prospered in both his farming and stock-raising, and at the time of his death his estate comprised 580 acres of choice land and a large herd of cattle and horses, besides other valuable property, all of which went to his widow and children. His death occurred October 17, 1889. He had served with credit in a number of township of- fices, and was for a number of years a mem- ber of Good Shepherd Lodge, No. 414, F. & A. M., of Lucas. In his death the community lost a valued citizen.

W. S. Perkins was reared on the farm on

which he was born and from his father learned all the details of farming and stock-raising. His education was received in the public schools of his native county. In 1892 he set- tled on his present farm, 240 acres in Jackson township, well improved with cottage resi- dence, good barn and other farm buildings, substantial fences, modern windmill, etc., all giving evidence of an energetic and progressive owner. Here he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising.

Mr. W. S. Perkins was married January 15, 1893, to Miss Julia Woods, a native of Clarke county, Iowa. Her father, Andrew A. Woods, was born in Highland county, Ohio, December 3, 1844, son of Samuel and Julia Ann (Creek) Woods, the former a native of Kentucky. Andrew A. Woods came to Iowa in 1854, and is now a resident of Jackson township, Lucas county. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Lusetta Mosbarger, and who was born in Indiana, had a family of nine children, -four sons and five daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have one son, Floyd Ed, born November 29, 1893.

Mr. Perkins is Democratic in his political views and takes a laudable interest in public affairs. Fraternally, he is identified with the Masonic order. He is a young man of good habits, honorable and upright in his dealings, and is well known as a jovial, social fellow, popular with all.

F. DURHAM is a worthy representa- tive of the agricultural interests of Iowa, and after a well spent life is now living retired in a pretty home in the midst of a fine farin of Warren county. A native of the Buckeye State, he was born in Bloomfield township, Morgan county, June 3, 1835, and since 1838 has been a resident of Iowa. His father, David Durham, was born in Belfast, Maine, July 7, 1792, and was a son of Talford Durham, who was born in the north of Ireland. Suffering persecution dur- ing a religious war, the latter fled with his

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family to Scotland, where he took refuge for a time and then crossed the Atlantic to America, accompanied by two brothers. He located in Belfast, Maine, and in this country found free- dom from persecution so wrongly inflicted. - There is nothing so justifies the republican form of government of the United States, with its political and religious liberty, as the fact that the oppressed of other lands may here find homes and release from the tyranny of monarchical rule, develop their latent talents and energies, becoming worthy and valued citizens of their adopted land.

Talford Durham spent his remaining years in Maine, where was born his son David, who emigrated to Iowa in 1838, many years before a railroad had crossed the State. He married Nancy Clements, who was born February 13, 1798, in Somersworth, New Hampshire. They became the parents of nine children: Charles H., born March 16, 1819, died in Monroe, Waldo county, Maine, March 30, 1822; David T., born February 26, 1821, re- sides near Durham, Marion county, Iowa; Margaret, born February 17, 1823, became the wife of James M. Arnold, and died in Lucas county, January 3, 1893; Charles H., born July 30, 1825, resides in Marion county, and is one of its most prominent citizens, the town of Durham having been named in his honor; Eliza J., born April 20, 1828, is the wife of D. D. Miller, a farmer of Marion county; Foster E, born July 22, 1830, in Morgan county, Ohio, died in Marion county, Iowa, June 4, 1892; Sarah A., born September 6, 1832, in Morgan county, Ohio, died in Marion county, Iowa, in 1870; Hiram F. is the subject of this review; George W., born February 22, 1838, is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Lucas county, Iowa.

Upon his arrival in this State, David Dur- ham settled on a claim of the Black Hawk pur- chase in Jefferson county, and resided upon that farm for five years, during which time he lost his wife, who died April 13, 1839. She was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church, and her loss was deeply mourned by her

family and many friends. Mr. Durham was a second time married, August 4, 1850, in Marion county, Iowa, his union being with Mrs. Joan (Evertt) Silvers, who died in that county, May 8, 1873. While living in Ohio, David Durham operated extensive salt works. In Marion county he became the owner of a ferry on the Des Moines river, which he con- ducted for many years. In politics he was a Democrat, and was honored by an appoint- ment as Justice of the Peace by the Territorial Governor, Henry Dodge, of Wisconsin, for at that time Iowa was embraced within the boun- daries of the Badger State. As an honored pioneer he was widely known, and in the his- tory of Iowa bore a very important part in the early days. He passed away March 15, 1866, and a monument marks his last resting place in Eureka cemetery, of Clay township.

H. F. Durham, whose name introduces this sketch, attended the public schools of Jefferson county and the subscription schools of Marion county, Iowa. D. T. Durham taught the first school in Clay township, and was also the first Treasurer of Marion county. As a member of the Republican party he was sent to the State Legislature and was an im- portant factor in molding the early policies of Iowa. The father was one of the first Com- missioners of Marion county, and located the county seat at Knoxville. His support of that contested point won him considerable opposi- tion but neither fear nor favor could turn him from his course in support of what he believed to be right.

H. F. Durham in his youth aided in opera- ting the old ferry and to farm work largely devoted his time and attention. On the 10th of November, 1861, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Lee, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of John Lee. Four children have been born to them: William B., who was born in Marion county, August 28, 1862, and is now living on the home farm, in Bel- mont township, Warren county ; Nancy Jane, who was born July 26, 1864, and is the wife of W. F. Neymer, a farmer of Adair county ;

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Annie M., born December 15, 1865, is the wife of A. D. Talbott, a farmer of Belmont township ; David R., who was born October 27, 1871, carries on agricultural pursuits on section 25, Belmont township.

On the last day of February, 1882, Mr. Durham came to Warren county, and has since lived at his pretty home on section 26, Belmont township. He owns 284 acres of rich land, and the fine farm is a monument to his enterprise and good business ability. His hon- orable dealing in all business transactions and his irreproachable character in private life have gained him the confidence and esteem of his large circle of warm friends and of the general public as well. He is now living retired at his home. The deserved reward of a well spent life is an honored retirement from business, in which to enjoy the fruits of former toil. To- day, after a useful business career, Mr. Dur- ham is quietly living on his excellent farm, surrounded with the comfort that earnest labor has brought to him. In politics he has been a stalwart Democrat since casting his first presidential vote, for James Buchanan, and, though never seeking office, has served as Trustee of Belmont township, Warren county. He is also the secretary of the Warren County Farmers' Mutual Fire & Lightning Insurance Association.

a HARLES ELBERT RAWSON .- Among Des Moines' representative men who have materially aided in the advancement and prosperity of the city, few are better known, and none are inore worthy of a place in this volume, than Mr. Rawson, president of the Des Moines Life As- sociation. He has a most extensive acquaint- ance in insurance circles, and ranks among the foremost men engaged in that line of business in the United States.

Mr. Rawson is a native of the neighboring State of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Kane county, near Batavia, in 1849. He is a son of H. M. and Mary A. Daniels Rawson,

and a direct descendant of Edward Rawson, Secretary of the Massachusetts Colony, com- ing over from England in 1636, when the fam- ily was first established on American soil. Its · representatives are now numerous and are wide- ly scattered over the United States.

Mr. Rawson's father was a farmer and mer- chant of Kane county, Illinois, until 1853, when at that time he moved with his family to Iowa.

The paternal grandfather, Abner A. Raw- son, was born in New York; came to Illinois in a very early day and settled on a farm near Batavia, where he remained for many years, afterward retiring from farm life and moving to Batavia, where he died at a good ripe age.

Charles E. Rawson is the third in order of birth in a family of ten children, eight sons and two daughters. His father's family moved to Iowa in his early boyhood, arriving in Clinton county when he was about three years of age, where he remained on the farm with his father until he was past twenty-one years of age. He then entered upon his life career in connection with the insurance business, in which he was a decided success from the start. For some time he represented several Eastern and home insurance companies. In 1889 he conceived the idea of re-organizing the company of which he is now president.

At that time he became its general manager, with Hon. L. S. Coffin as president, whom he succeeded two years later. The association was first organized in 1885, but made no head- way until Mr. Rawson became its manager. The plan of insurance was completely changed at the time Mr. Rawson took the management of the company, and was established on what is known as the "Rawson system."

The office is located on the corner of Eighth and Walnut streets, and has a hand- somely appointed suite of rooms, well equipped for the business. From the beginning the as- sociation has met with marked prosperity. Over $100,000 up to this date has been accu- mulated and deposited with the Auditor of the State of Iowa for the benefit and protection of

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the policy-holders, thus offering the best possi- ble security to the patrons of the company.

To originate, establish, and carry to a suc- cessful issue such a business as Mr. Rawson has founded, requires peculiar endowments in the man who has so succeeded. He is possessor of the qualities needed, being cool and deliber- ate in judgment and a good judge of man, far- sighted and clear in his views concerning men and events. He is a man of courage com- bined with energy and perseverance that will overcome difficulties. To these qualifications he adds the sagacity and self-possession that enables him to employ his powers to the best advantage in all the affairs of life.

The world owes much to such men.

H. CONNER, of Derby, is one of the prominent citizens of Lucas county, having first come to this section as early as 1855, and having resided here now for many years.

He is a native of West Virginia, born in Preston county, near Wheeling, September 8, 1839. His father was also a Virginian by birth, and named Job Conner. He is of Scotch-Irish stock, well known to be one of the best in the world, and his more immediate ancestry have figured somewhat prominently in the history of this country. Mr. Job Conner married Nancy McNear, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of John McNear, also of Scotch an- cestry.

Mr. W. H. Conner was a boy of five years when his father and family moved from West Virginia to Indiana, locating in Cass county. His father died in that county, at the age of forty-two years, was a farmer by occupation, a Whig in politics and a Methodist in his re- ligion. In 1855 the widow and children came to Iowa, with a wagon and two-horse team, and settled in Union township, Lucas county. Here the sons went bravely to work, and in time developed a comfortable home. Their mother died at the age of fifty years. In the family were seven children, namely: Margaret

Clymer, who died in the State of Indiana; Al- fred, now a resident of Union township; Eliza- beth; John, who enlisted in the last war, in the Third Iowa Cavalry, in Davis county, this State; W. H., whose name appears as the in- troduction of this biographical notice; Harri- son and Lucy.

Mr. W. H. Conner was reared in Cass coun- ty, Indiana, on a farm, receiving his education in the public schools. Coming to Iowa with the family, in 1855, as already mentioned, he lived in Lucas county for three years, and re- turned to Cass county, Indiana, where, April 3, 1862, he enlisted in the war for the Union, - in Company D, Forty-sixth Indiana Infantry Volunteers, and served for three years. In the army he was first in service at Fort Pillow, Memphis, St. Charles, and afterward partici- pated in the campaign of Vicksburg and the battle of Champion Hills, where he was severe- ly wounded in the hip by a minie ball. After confinement in the field hospital for three weeks he was taken to a hospital at Memphis, and afterward to another at Indianapolis, where he remained until July 17, when he received a furlough. On the expiration of this period of vacation he rejoined his regiment in Louisiana, I'50 miles west of New Orleans. He served in General Banks' expedition up the Red river, having a position on an ordnance boat. Sub- sequently he was at New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain. Afterward he was for a time at Lexington, Kentucky, protecting supply trains, and at that place he was honorably discharged, in April, 1865.

Returning to Indiana, he resided there un- til 1869, when he came to Wayne county, Iowa, settling upon 120 acres of wild land. After living there for five years, improving the place, he sold it and purchased the farm he now owns, two miles north of Derby and com- prising 200 acres of valuable land. Here he has a nice home. The dwelling is 20 x 24 feet in dimensions, one and a half stories high, with an L of the same height, 18 x20 feet. The residence is situated on a good elevation, which is pleasantly ornamented with trees,

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etc. The barn is 30x 32 feet in size, and there are the requisite sheds and other struc- tures, all in good condition. He also owns a good house in Derby, 16 x 24 feet in dimen- sions, with an L 14 x 16 feet, and is a valuable property.

At the age of twenty-nine years, in Cass county, Indiana, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Marshall, a lady of intelli- gence and of a good family, and a worthy as- sistant of her husband in the practical duties of life. She was born in Carroll county, In- diana, and brought up and educated there. Her father, John Marshall, and her mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Kendall, both died in Cass county. Mr. and Mrs. Mar- shall's children have been four in number: George, who in the last war was Captain of Com- pany A, Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry; John H. Conner, who is a popular and suc- cessful teacher, now at school attending Ames Agricultural College: was at Drake Uni- versity at Des Moines for two years; Charles E., who married Celia George and has a son named Cloyd; Maggie, the wife of D. C. Sidebotham, of Wayne county, Iowa; and Bruce.

Mr. Conner has held township offices. In 1881 he was elected County Commissioner and held the office for three years, discharging the duties of the same faithfully. He is a prominent member of McKnight Post, No. 318, G. A. R.

J OSIAH LICHTEBARGER, who re- sides in a pretty and substantial villa in the enterprising little city of Russell -

Iowa, honored and esteemed by all who know him, is a native of this State, born in Linn county, Rapids township, in a hamlet then known as Kingston City, September 30, 1846. ·

Mr. Lichtebarger's father, Isaac Lichte- barger, was born and reared on a farm in West- moreland county, Pennsylvania, the date of

is birth being December 11, 1812, his educa- tion being received in a subscription school held in a little log schoolhouse. On attaining man's estate he was united in marriage to Miss Mary McDowell, a native of Westmoreland county, where she was born September 17, 1821, March 1, 1843, being their wedding day. They became the parents of six children, three sons and three daughters, of which number three survive, as follows: John M., Josiah, and Isaac G. John M. is a resident of St. Paul, Minnesota. He was born April 16, 1844, in Kingston City, Iowa, and his life has been spent for the good of others, he being especially known for the interest he has taken in the Young Woman's Friendly Association, of St. Paul. Isaac G., born December 13, 1851, has been engaged in agricultural pursuits all his life, his home being on a farm near Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The deceased members of the family are: Amanda, who died in in- fancy; Martha, wife of Alexander Larimer; and Emerine, who died at the age of five years. The father came to Iowa as early as 1838 from his Pennsylvania home and located in Linn county. Here he died of cholera, June 23, 1852. The good mother, brave and fearless pioneer woman that she was, courageously took up the work of providing for her little ones, and lived long enough to see her young- est child nearly eleven years old. Then she, too, was called to her last home there to join her husband and the two little ones who had gone before.

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Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 45

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