Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 54

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

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Des Moines; and Ralph, who is also in Santa Barbara.

When Isaac L. Hillis was a lad of ten summers he accompanied his parents on their removal to the northwestern part of Missouri, and remained at home until seventeen years of age, when he entered La Grange College, at which he was graduated on the completion of a four-years course. He was honored by being made valedictorian of his class, a selection that must have certainly been made upon its merits, as the teachers in the college and all of the students in the class were Democrats and Southern sympathizers, while Mr. Hillis is an outspoken Republican. Another indication of his superior mental worth is shown by the fact that upon his graduation he was made professor of Latin and mathematics in the school where he had formerly been a student and continued in charge of those branches for a year, when he was offered and accepted the principalship of one of the schools at Keokuk. His talent as an educator and the splendid success he had in the work soon became known over a wide territory, and he was offered the position as principal of the east city high school of Des Moines. He served in that capacity two years, and was elected for a third but de- clined, for in the meantime he had made other plans, desiring to enter the legal profession. Accordingly he went to Ann Arbor, Michi- gan, to pursue his studies in the law depart- ment of the Michigan University. He had, as a law student, while in the senior year, the high honor of being elected by acclamation as president of his class, of more than 200 stu- dents.

Mr. Hillis applied himself closely to his studies and creditably passed the examination, being thus well fitted to enter upon his chosen work. He is the owner of the pioneer ab- stract books and for a number of years per- sonally attended to the abstract business, but for the past three years this business has been in charge of his brother, J. W. Hillis, while he has given his personal attention to the law business and to real-estate matters.

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Mr. Hillis was happily married, in 1880, in New Orleans, to Miss Cora Bussey, a daugh- ter of General Cyrus Bussey, Assistant Secre- tary of the Interior, and a very prominent and influential man. Her mother bore the maiden name of Ellen Kiser. The home of Mr. Hillis, situated in North Des Moines, is one of culture and refinement, noted for its hospitality. In the family are three children-Ellen, a bright girl of eleven years; Cyrus Bussey, and Isaac. One son, Philip, died last spring while return- ing from California. Upon their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hillis came north to live, but the latter's ill health necessitated a return to the South, where they continued for two years. When she was again restored they once more came to Des Moines, where they have since resided. In social circles they hold a most enviable position and they have a host of warm friends who esteem them highly.

In his politital connections Mr. Hillis has always been a Republican, and an active worker in the interests of his party. For sev- eral campaigns he was president of the Gar- field Club, was temporary and permanent chairman of the county convention in 1893, and in the Jackson-Boies campaign made a number of speeches in behalf of the former. He also aided with his voice and influence in the last campaign. Two years ago he was the candidate for the office to which he was elected in 1894. As Mayor of Des Moines he has proved a most capable and efficient official, devoting himself to the welfare of the city with an interest most commendable. He is public-spirited in an eminent degree, and all who know him recognize his many excellencies of character and esteem him for his genuine worth.

LBERT LEE YOCOM, . M. D .- Hardly a profession deserves greater gratitude and receives less than that of the medical profession. One usual- ly does not stop to think of the self-sacrifices that the physician is called upon to make. A

soldier faces danger on the field of battle, but is inspired by his cause and the excitement of the moment, and encouraged by the strains of spirited music that shuts out the awful sounds of war. The physician, however, wages his warfare with death often in the silent watches of the night, when, wearied with the labors of a busy day, he should be seeking a much need- ed rest. Nevertheless he is found at his post, ministering to others, and by his skill and care relieving the sick and suffering. A worthy representative of this honored class is the gentleman whose name heads this record.

Dr. Yocom, who successfully practices medicine in Chariton, was born in Waynes- ville, De Witt county, Illinois, and is a son of Elijah and Caroline A. (Higgins) Yocom. The father was a native of Kentucky, and the mother descended from an old Southern family of English origin, the Yocoms, however, being German. The Doctor is the eldest of three children, the others being Annie R., now the wife of Mr. Stillman, and resides in Waynes- ville, Illinois; and Elijah Lincoln, who owns and resides on the old homestead where he carries on agricultural pursuits. An aunt of the Doctor, widow of George H. Higgins, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, is the only woman in this State receiving a pension for actual service in the Civil war. She was regularly appointed a Hospital Steward and thus served throughout the struggle, while her husband did duty in the field as a member of the same regiment.

Dr. Yocom obtained his literary education in the public schools of Waynesville, and was reared to manhood upon his father's farm, aid- ing in its cultivation. So desirous was he of securing a good education that he would strap a book to the plow handles and thus cultivate the field and his own mind at the same time. In this way he secured the foundation of his medical education, familiarizing himself with the contents of Gray's Anatomy, which was fastened to the plow. As soon as possible he entered the University of Illinois and pursued a scientific course as a preparation for the study of medicine, which he later began under the

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direction of Dr. J. A. Starkey, of Waynesville, Illinois, while employed in farming. He took a course in the College of Physicians and Sur- geons, in Keokuk, Iowa, at which he was grad- uated in 1886, but previous to this time had engaged for three years in the practice of medicine in Newbern, Iowa. He now re- turned to Newbern, where he remained until 1889, the year of his arrival in Chariton.

The Doctor has established here a good practice, which has constantly increased from the beginning. In addition to general practice he is a most successful and skilled surgeon, and is well prepared to handle surgical cases, having hospital accommodations in connection with his offices. His special practice is in the line of surgery and diseases of the eye and ear. In 1893, in order to further perfect himself in the line of his chosen vocation, he attended a special course at the Chicago Polyclinic School for graduates in medicine. He is now an esteemed member of the Marion County Medical Society, the Des Moines Valley Medical Asso- ciation and the American Medical Association.

On the 8th of September, 1879, Dr. Yocom was united in marriage with Miss Anna B. Short, a native of Heyworth, McLean county, Illinois, and a daughter of Augustus Short, a farmer of that place. Five children graced this union, but Alice LuNette died at the age of three years. Laura Belle, Minnie P., Albert Lee and Rupert Roswell are still with their parents. The name of Albert Lee, which is borne by both father and son, is in honor of the noted Confederate chieftain, though it was introduced into the family prior to the Civil war and came through the mother's interest in the South.

Socially the Doctor is connected with the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also holds membership in the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of the Maccabees. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church, while he is liberal in his religious views. Though reared a Republican, his judgment sanctions the principles of Democ- racy, and he now supports that party. He

has never sought office, but is serving as presi- dent of the Board of Pension Examiners. He is devoted to his profession, in which he has gained an eminent position, and he is a worthy representative of the science of medicine.

a APTAIN JACOB RHODES VAN METER is one of Iowa's pioneers who for many years has been identi- fied with the history of this State. The township and village in Dallas county were named in his honor and he is one of Iowa's foremost men, a leader in business and agricultural interests. He was born in Bar- tholomew county, Indiana, September 27, 1824, and is a son of Joseph H. Van Meter, who was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, and in 1820 removed to Indiana, where he located on a tract of wild land. About 1870 he came to Iowa and spent his last days in the home of his son Julius, where he died in 1887, at the age of ninety-five years and thirty days, his birth having occurred in 1792. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Grundy, and was a Southern lady. She died when our subject was only seven years of age, and of her family of five children the Captain is the eldest and the only survivor. The Van Meters are of Holland Dutch origin, and the name was originally spelled Van Matre.

On the old home farm J. R. Van Meter was reared, remaining with his parents until twenty years of age, when on the IIth of August, 1844, he wedded Mary A. Houser, a native of Indiana, born in 1825. She died in 1849. On the 27th of March, 1855, Mr. Van Meter led to the marriage altar Miss Mary Peabody, and they had seven children, of whom one son and three daughters are now living, namely: Ella, wife of S. B. Kenworthy, of Adel; Mary A., who married I. S. Hall and has three children; Carrie, wife of Cole Dack; and Henry C., who now operates the old home farm. He is married and has one daughter.

In 1847 the Captain removed to Kokomo, Indiana, and in connection with farming car-

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ried on a store. In the fall of 1850 he arrived in Dallas county, Iowa, locating first near De Soto, where he entered a section of land. Upon this tract he built a log cabin, 16x 16 feet, and developed a fine farm there, trans- forming the raw prairie into rich and highly cultivated fields. In 1851 he brought his family to his cabin home, but the follow- ing year the little dwelling burned down. Later Captain Van Meter sold 600 acres of his land for $10 per acre and removed to Adel, where he engaged in lending money. Subse- quently he spent a year in Kansas, and upon his return to Adel in connection with his brother, H. G. Van Meter, built a mill in 1860, which he operated until 1864, when he sold his interest and in the month of May organized a company for service in the late war, which was mustered in as Company C, Forty-sixth Iowa Infantry. The Governor commissioned him Captain and Mr. Van Meter continued in the service until the expiration of his term.

Upon his return home he formed a partner- ship with William Ellis and erected the Van Meter mill, of which he became sole proprietor two years later, continuing to successfully operate it until 1884. In a freshet it was washed away, causing a loss of about $35,000. Disappointment is the test of a man's charac- ter and Captain Van Meter stood the test. He at once went to work to retrieve his lost posses- sions, operating a mill in Adel for a time, after which he purchased his present farm of 454 acres. To this he has added until he now owns 520 acres in that place and another tract of 185 acres, which he rents.

Captain Van Meter cast his first presiden- tial vote for Zachary Taylor and was a Whig and Free-soiler in early life. Strongly opposed to slavery, when the Republican party was formed to prevent its further extension, he joined its ranks, voted for John C. Fremont, and has since been one of its stalwart advo- cates, doing all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. He has never sought office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business interests. He and his

wife are members of the Christian Church, and are active in all good work. Socially, he is connected with the Masonic fraternity of Adel, was the first Mason in the county and organ- ized the lodge. He is also a member of the Grand Lodge.

Captain Van Meter ranks among the hon- ored pioneers of the county, having for forty- three years been identified with the history of this locality and with its growth and upbuild- ing. His cabin was the last on the present line of the Rock Island Railroad. He has seen the wild lands transformed into beautiful homes and farms, while churches and schools have been built, manufactories introduced and indus- tries established. He has seen towns and villages spring up and has seen the State crossed and re-crossed by railroad and tele- graph lines. In the work of advancement he has ever borne his part, and Dallas county numbers him among its most valued citizens. He possesses excellent business ability and en- tirely through his own efforts has worked his way upward from an humble position to one of wealth and affluence.

EORGE JEFFERSON BLAIR, a well-known and much respected citi- zen of Conger, Iowa, dates his birth in Adair county, Kentucky, January 25, 1834. He is one of the family of ten chil- dren of John M. and Sallie (Young) Blair, of whom six are now living, four sons and two daughters. His brothers and sisters are lo- cated as follows: Alexander and John, Madi- son county, Iowa; William and Mrs. Mary Hog- gard, Atlantic, Iowa; and Mrs. Parthenia Cas- ter, Madison county, Iowa. Both Mrs. Hog- gard and Mrs. Caster are widows. John M. Blair, their father, was born in Kentucky in the year 1794. From the age of twenty-five years he was a United Brethren preacher, en- gaged in the work of the ministry in his native State up to the year 1860, when he left Ken- tucky and moved to Iowa, settling in Madison county. Here the residue of his life was spent.

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He was largely a self-educated man, one of more than ordinary force of character, and wielded a powerful influence for good during the whole of his ministry which extended over a long period of years, both in Kentucky and Iowa. He died in 1876, at the age of eighty- two years. Of his wife, whose maiden name was Sallie Young, we record that she was a Virginian by birth and was a daughter of James Young and wife, her mother's people being of German origin and among the early settlers of this country.

Alexander Blair, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Scotland. He came to America in early life and became one of the pioneers of Kentucky, where he died after a long and useful life and one filled with many adventures. His wife, nee Mary Breeden, was a descendant of an old English family. She, too, lived to an advanced age and died in Ken- tucky.

George Jefferson Blair, with whose name we introduce this sketch, spent the first thirty- two years of his life in his native State. In 1866 he came West and located in Jefferson, south Madison county, Iowa, where he con- tinued his residence until 1875. That year he moved to Warren county. In Jefferson town- ship of this county he purchased what was known as the Joshua Wallace farm, and on it he made his home until 1892, when he sold out and moved into the town of Conger. Here he bought a desirable property in which he has since lived and where he is keeping a small hotel.

Mr. Blair was married November 12, 1854, to Miss Mary A. Hamilton, a native of Barren county, Kentucky, and only child of John and Eliza (Walbert) Hamilton. Her father was born in Adair county, Kentucky, about the year 1815 and died in 1840, at the age of twenty-five years. Her mother also was a native of Adair county. The Hamiltons were among the earliest settlers of Maryland, where her grandfather, John Hamilton, was born, and from whence he removed to Kentucky in the early history of that State. Later he went

to Missouri and there died at an advanced age. He served all through the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Blair's maternal grandparents, David and Rachel (Van Zant) Walbert, were both born in Virginia, but the most of their lives was spent in Kentucky. Her great-grandfather Walbert was a native of Germany. Grand- mother Van Zant lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and two years. Mr. and Mrs. Blair are the parents of seven children, name- ly: Sarah, wife of Elmer Keniard, Norwalk, Warren county, Iowa; Luella, wife of George Hedrick, Jackson township, this county; John, a resident of Oklahoma; Claywell, at home and in the employ of the Great Western Rail- road; Leonard, Jefferson township, this county; Parthenia, wife of Loring Young Conger; and Mary, at home.

In politics Mr. Blair harmonizes with the Republican party. He has always taken a deep interest in matters pertaining to the gen- eral welfare of his community, has especially been interested in educational affairs, and has for many years served efficiently as School Director. He is a man of generous and genial hospitality, has been fairly successful in life, and enjoys the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends.

ENJAMIN MORRIS, of Warren coun- ty, is well known as one of the old pioneers, having for more than forty years been one of the representative men of this region. He was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, October 7, 1821, one of eleven children of William Godfrey and Nancy (Young) Morris. Our subject has now only one brother living, Hamilton Morris, of Shelby county, Indiana. William Godfrey, the father, was born at Norfolk, Virginia, in 1780. When nineteen years of age the family moved to Kentucky, where he lived until middle life, emigrating thence to Shelby county, Indiana, where he was one of the early pioneers. Where the thriving city of Shelbyville now stands there was at that time but one log

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cabin. Mr. Morris was a farmer and stock raiser on a large scale, noted as one of the foremost among the leading men there for many years. In early life he served as a sol- dier in the war of 1812, receiving later, on ac- count of meritorious services, a land warrant from the Government, which was laid on eighty acres in Jefferson township for his son. Mr. Morris was a strong Whig in his political relations. An uncommonly active man up to old age, possessing a remarkable memory, and keeping abreast with the questions of the day, he was for many years a noted man in the re- gion where he lived. His death occurred in 1864, at the age of eighty-four years, univer- sally respected for his sterling qualities. At the time of his death his descendants, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, num- bered 202. His father, William Morris, was a native of England, but came to this country in the early days of the colonies, settling in Virginia. He was at one time a large slave owner, but on leaving Virginia, in 1799, he gave them their freedom, having become con- vinced of the wrong of the system of slavery. William Morris located in Kentucky, and there spent his later life, dying at the age of ninety- three years. His first cousin, Robert Morris, was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

The mother of our subject, nce Nancy Young, was a Kentuckian by birth and a daugh- ter of James and Mary (Quinn) Young. The father, of Irish descent, served through the seven years of the Revolution. During an Indian uprising in Kentucky his parents and all their children excepting himself and a brother were killed. He lived to old age, dying in Kentucky. His wife's ancestry were of Scotch descent. She lived to the age of sixty-nine years.

Benjamin Morris, the subject of this sketch, was but four years of age when the family left his native State for Indiana, and he resided in Shelby county, that State, from 1824 to 1853, in the latter year removing to the place where he now lives, on section 14, Jefferson town-

ship, Warren county, Iowa. He entered eighty acres of Government land, afterward purchasing 240 acres, and became a prominent farmer and stock-raiser. Mr. Morris has al- ways been recognized as one of the well in- formed, public-spirited men of this county, ever ready to forward any good work, and has served his township as Trustee. A Whig in early life, his first presidential vote was cast for William Henry Harrison, and he is now known far and wide as an uncompromising Republican and a leader in his party.

December 17, 1846, Mr. Morris was united in marriage with Miss Artie Keck, a native of Virginia and daughter of Daniel and Priscilla (Chew) Keck. Of their ten children, five be- sides Mrs. Morris are now living, namely: Benjamin, George, Reason, John, of Kansas City, and Lucinda, now Mrs. Haworth, of Shelby county, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Mor- ris have had six children: Daniel T., of Win- terset, Iowa; Willis G., also of this State; Marion F. and Allen M., of Nebraska; Riley, at home; and Annie, wife of Henry Williams, of Grinnell, Iowa.

J OHN CARY HEADLEE, Guthrie Cen- ter, Iowa, is one of the well-known citizens of this (Guthrie) county, having been here since 1856.

Mr. Headlee was born in Noble county, Ohio, February 28, 1835. His father, Fran- cis Headlee, was a Virginian by birth and a son of John Headlee. The Headlees are of French origin and were for many years promi- nent citizens of the Old Dominion. Francis Headlee married Miss Mary Cree, who was of Irish descent. They came west to Guthrie county, Iowa, in 1866, and here passed the closing years of their lives, his death occurring at the age of seventy-six years, and hers at eighty-two. They were the parents of eleven children, as follows: Penelope, Luther, Sarah, George, John C., Esther, Francis, Mary, Daniel, Dwight, and one that died in infancy. The father was a farmer during his active life.

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In politics he was a Democrat and in his re- ligious belief he was broad and liberal. His son Francis was a soldier in the late war, serving through that struggle as a member of an Ohio regiment.

On his father's farm in Noble county, Ohio, the subject of our sketch spent his boyhood days. While his educational advantages were limited, he was early taught the important lessons of honesty and industry. Much of his time was spent in chopping and grubbing in the "clearing," and in tilling the soil. During the winter months he attended school in a log school-house, and the education he received there was extended by home reading and study and by actual business. On attaining his ma- jority he came to Iowa, the journey hither being made by boat to Marietta, Ohio, and on down the river to Cairo, Illinois, and thence up to Keokuk. From Keokuk he drove through to Guthrie county. Arrived here, he purchased 160 acres of land where he now resides, on section 9 of Baker township, and he also bought eighty acres in Bear Grove township. Here he first put up a rude shanty and sub- sequently erected his modern residence, which is 28x30 feet, with an L 14x18 feet. Near the house is a fine orchard of two acres. To his original purchase he has from time to time added other lands until now his farm contains 400 acres, mostly rich land along Seeley creek, and all well improved. His barn is 36x60 feet with 16-foot posts, and a rock basement. The hay barn, which is 24x72 feet, has a capacity of eighty tons. Besides his home farm Mr. Headlee owns 500 acres elsewhere, all of which is devoted to general farming and stock-raising.

Mr. Headlee was married April 24, 1869, to Miss Mary D. Herron, daughter of William and Rachel Herron. She was born and reared in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Headlee are the parents of six children, viz. : Theresa, wife of Daniel Lobdel, of Baker township, this county; Hallie, wife of Logan Rice, also of this town- ship; John C., Jr. ; Abbie; Lettie; Thurman; and Willard, deceased.

In politics Mr. Headlee is a Democrat; but has never aspired to office as his extensive farming operations have kept him sufficiently occupied. He is a member of the Masonic order, Orange Lodge, No. 123. Mr. Headlee is a self-made man. His stroug physique, clear intellect and earnest ambition have com - bined to make him a useful and successful citizen.

E RANCIS MARION ROSS is num- bered among Iowa's pioneers of 1852, and is now serving as Postmaster of Van Meter. A native of the Buckeye State, he was born in Gallia county, July 25, 1830, and is descended from Revolutionary stock. His maternal grandfather was a sol- dier in the war for independence and died at the advanced age of 107 years! The great- grandfather of our subject on the paternal side was killed in that war, at an advanced age.

Joseph W. and Mary (Cline) Ross, the parents of Francis M., were both natives of Virginia, and at a very early day became resi- dents of Ohio. The father served in the war of 1812, was a leading and influential citizen, and for some time served as Judge of the County Court. He was a member of the State Legislature at the time of his death, which occurred March 23, 1850, at the age of sixty- eight. His wife long survived him, being a centenarian at the time of her demise. On both sides the family is noted for longevity.

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Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 54

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