Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 55

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

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On the old home farm in the State of his nativity our subject spent the days of his boy- hood and youth and acquired his education in a log school-house of the neighborhood. He was a thorough student, made the most of his opportunities and for several terms success- fully engaged in teaching. He has always been a great reader and a man of deep re- search, and to-day is one of the best informed residents of this section of the State. On the Ioth of March, 1852, Mr. Ross led to the marriage altar Miss Matilda J. Rickabaugh, who was born in Ohio, July 5, 1832, and was

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one of the thirteen children of John and Phœbe (White) Rickabaugh. Of this number one son and two daughters are yet living. The par- ents were natives of Rockingham county, Vir- ginia, and at a very early day removed to Ohio, where for many years they lived. The father served in the war of 1812 and died at the age of seventy-eight years. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ross, of whom four are yet living: Thomas B., who is en- gaged in the stock business in Oklahoma; Phœbe A., wife of Edward Taylor and the mother of three children; Joseph W., also in the stock business in Oklahoma; and Alice M., who is the wife of Charles U. Clayton and has four children. They lost three chil- dren in infancy, and one at the age of ten years.

Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Ross came to Iowa, locating in Van Buren county, in October. He there purchased a tract of land and in 1854 went to Des Moines, then a small village containing only about 400 in- habitants. For a time he engaged in clerking, but soon established a store of his own and for eighteen years was numbered among the successful merchants of that city, building up an excellent trade, which continued to grow until it had assumed extensive proportions. He conducted his business on straightforward principles that won him the confidence of the public and · a large patronage. His business life, however, was interrupted by his service in the army.

Mr. Ross was a loyal Union man and on the 9th of September, 1861, joined the " boys in blue" of Company D, Third Iowa Cavalry, under Colonel Cyrus Busse. He participated in all the engagements of his company and regiment until the 18th of February, 1863, when he was honorably discharged for dis- ability. On the Ist of January, 1862, he was commissioned Lieutenant at Benton Barracks.

When the war was over he returned to Des Moines, where he remained until 1869, when he removed to Dallas county, and purchased seventy acres of land near the village of Van

Meter, and followed general farming until 1891. Coal had been discovered upon his property, and he sold the land to a coal com- pany, while he removed to the village of Van Meter, practically living a retired life until 1893, when he was appointed Postmaster under President Cleveland, and has since filled that position. He also served as Postmaster under President Cleveland's first administra- tion. He has filled different local offices, hav- ing served as Mayor and Justice of the Peace, discharging his duties with a promptness and fidelity that commends him to all. He is prominent in the Odd Fellows Society, and he and his wife are members of the Universalist Church. At the time of the Greenback move- ment in Iowa he was nominated for State Senator, and received a very flattering vote, which indicates his personal popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in him. He has been the architect of his own fortune and all that he possesses has been obtained through his own efforts. He owes his present position to perseverance, hard work, mastery of the details of his business and determination to succeed.

J OHN GRIFFITH THOMAS, Seeley township, Guthrie county, Iowa, figures as one of the prominent representative citizens of his county. He came here March 31, 1881, and since that time has been an important factor in advancing its interests.

Mr. Thomas was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, October 29, 1849. His father, Enoch J. Thomas, a native of that same county, was born October 22, 1822, a son of Enoch Thomas, Sr., who was of Pennsylvania birth. The Thomas family are of Welsh descent and are distantly related to the well-known General Thomas. Enoch Thomas, Sr., married Miss Anna Dilley, a native of New Jersey, and they both died in Ohio, he at the age of seventy- two years and she at ninety-four. Their children were William, James, Enoch, Ayers, Edward, Harriet, Mary, Martha, and Hannah.

. Eikenberry.

Mis. L.f. Eikenberry.

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Enoch Thomas, Jr., passed his boyhood on a farm in Guernsey county, Ohio. At the age of twenty-two he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Griffith, who was born in Noble county, Ohio, daughter of A. B. Griffith, a native of Pennsylvania. The children of this union were four in number and were as follows: Evard Young, a resident of Guthrie county, Iowa; John G., whose name introduces this sketch; Emma, wife of John W. Hutchinson, a resident of Guernsey county, Ohio; and Samuel L., who died at the age of three years. The parents are still living and maintain their residence on the old homestead in Ohio, where the father has for many years successfully carried on agricultural pursuits. They are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. During the days of the Abolition movement he was an ardent supporter of that party; later he allied himself with the Repub- licans, and of recent years he has given his support to the Prohibition party.

John G. Thomas, the immediate subject of this review, passed his boyhood on a farm, helping with the work and attending the dis- trict school. His education was further ex- tended by his practical business experience and home reading and study, and in this way he acquired sufficient knowledge to enable him to teach school, in which occupation he was engaged for about six years. Subsequently he for a time occupied a position as station agent for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and for two years was engaged in the drug business. All this time he was in Ohio. In the spring of 1881 he left his native State and came to Iowa and settled on his present farm. This farm comprises 480 acres of choice land, is well fenced and divided into fields, and is sup- plied with barns, sheds, stock yards and a good wind-mill. His residence is a modern one and is furnished and kept up in a manner that shows the refined tastes of the family.

Mr. Thomas was married December 4, 1873, to Miss Margaret Angeline Finley, a cul- tured and refined lady who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio. She is the daughter of Ebene- 22

zer and Elizabeth (Lyons) Finley; the former born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, July 31, 1813, died December 4, 1890; the latter born December 20, 1818, died May 27, 1892. Both were zealous members of the Presbyterian Church and his political views were those of the Republican party. He was a son of James Finley, a native of Pennsylvania and a descend- . ant of Scotch-Irish ancestors. The family of Ebenezer Finley was composed of six children, namely : John R., Levi L., Mary E., Mar- garet A., Thomas, and a son that died in in- fancy. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have four chil- dren,-Horace Dwight, Carl Waldo, Ray Fin- ley, and Cora Ethel.

In the politics of the day Mr. Thomas has always taken a lively and commendable in- terest, affiliating with the Republicans and being one of the "wheel-horses " of the party in his county. He has served as a delegate to both county and State conventions. Relig- iously, he is following in the footsteps of his honored parents and is one of the leading mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. A man of clear, bright intellect, excellent conversational powers and attractive personality, Mr. Thomas is popular with his large circle of friends. He is considered one of the first citizens of the county, socially, politically and financially.

ANIEL EIKENBERRY, deceased, was for many years a prominent business man of southern Iowa, and a leading citizen of Chariton. His name is inseparably connected with the com- mercial history of this section of the State, for his business operations were very extensive and embraced several fields of labor.

A native of Union county, Indiana, he was born on the 25th of September, 1825, and was reared to manhood on a farm, receiving such educational advantages as the schools of that time afforded. When a young man he left the State of his nativity, emigrating to Iowa and taking up his residence in Monroe county, where he successfuliy engaged in farming and

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dealing in live stock until 1866, when he sold his interests in Monroe county and came to Lucas county. Soon after his arrival in Char- iton he formed a partnership with G. J. Stew- art, of this city, in a general stock, grain and lumber business, and for more than a quarter of a century this firm, under the name of Eikenberry & Company, was prominent in the business development of southern Iowa. Their commercial operations occupied an ex- tensive field, as they had offices in Chariton, Indianola, Milo, Lacona, Derby, Russell and Pleasantville, Iowa. Their trade increasing, one after another these branch houses were established until their business had grown to immense proportions and they controlled a large share of the trade in their line in this part of the State. In addition to their other interests, they were the contractors for the building of the Lucas county court-house.

Mr. Eikenberry was also largely interested in farming and for many years an extensive dealer in live stock and one of the largest ship- pers in Southern Iowa. In his various busi- · ness enterprises he was eminently successful and became one of the wealthy and substan- tial men of the county. His abilities were by no means limited to one line of trade, but he successfully conducted many, and his able management made each a profitable invest- ment. In all his relations he was a model business man and conducted his affairs with a strong hand and clear judgment. He was moreover an honest man, meeting every obli- gation to the very letter, and while strict in the performance of duty himself, was exacting in requiring its observance in others; not a weak man to be trifled with, yet his sense of judgment was acute and profound. Strong, forceful and self-reliant, he was singularly un- assuming in manner, kind-hearted and gen- erous.

It is often the case with those who are strict in their business methods, that they are the most easily touched by a tale of distress or sorrow, and Mr. Eikenberry was ever quick to relieve the needy and afflicted if it lay in his

power so to do. His aid however was quiet and unostentatiously given; he did not need the commendation of his fellow inen for his acts of charity. Public-spirited and progress- ive, he took a commendable interest in every- thing pertaining to the public good. Politic- ally he was a stanch supporter of Republican principles, but never sought political prefer- ment for himself. Socially he was for many years an honored member of Chariton Lodge, No. 63, A. F. & A. M.

On the 17th of February, 1873, at Belle- fonte, Pennsylvania, Mr. Eikenberry was mar- ried to Miss Lizzie Jane Alexander, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Leidy) Alexander. To this union were born two children, Sarah and William. After a busy life of usefulness Mr. Eikenberry died at his home in Chariton on the 11th of October, 1893, leaving his family in the enjoyment of a handsome com- petence, which he acquired by industry, per- severance and business sagacity. Mrs. Eiken- berry is a most estimable lady of culture and education, and her refined taste is manifest in the appointments of her beautiful home, over which she presides with grace, making all guests feel at ease. The household is the abode of hospitality and the many friends of the family are always sure to receive there a cheery welcome. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and takes an active interest in charitable and benevolent work, extending a helping hand to those in need of assistance.

ILLIAM SHEEDER .- In the sub- ject of this sketch is found one of the largest land-holders and wealth- iest men of Guthrie county, Iowa, his residence being on section 5, of Baker town- ship. For over forty years Mr. Sheeder has made his home in this county and is, perhaps, as well known as any man within its limits. The date of his arrival here was in May, 1855. A sketch of his life is interesting in this con- nection and is as follows:

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William Sheeder was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, September 12, 1825. Frederick Sheeder, Jr., his father, was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, March 22, 1799, son of Frederick Sheeder, Sr., a native of Prussia. The elder Mr. Sheeder emigrated to this country with his parents when he was seventeen years old. He served as a soldier during the war of 1812, or through a part of that struggle. Returning home on a furlough, he remained, and his son, Frederick, Jr., took his place and carried a musket, although at that time only fifteen years of age. The fa- ther was a tailor by trade, late in life settled on a farm and was engaged in agricultural pur- suits the rest of his days. His wife, nee Anna Holtman, was a native of Pennsylvania, and they were the parents of ten children, six sons and four daughters, named as follows: Fred- erick, Jr., Henry, Mary, Samuel, Phillip, Caroline, Catherine, Sarah, Joseph and Ben- jamin. The mother died in 1863. The fa- ther at the time of his death was over eighty- seven years of age-87 years, 7 months and 14 days. He was a inan of strong individuality and made a success of whatever he undertook. He began life when a young man without any capital whatever, by his own honest and ear- nest efforts amassed a fortune of $40,000, and his whole life was such as to gain for him the confidence and good will of all who knew him. His religious creed was that of the Lutheran Church.

Frederick Sheeder, Jr., the father of our subject, was reared on a Pennsylvania farm and educated in the Chester county schools. He married Miss Elizabeth Shuler, a native of Chester county, born March 2, 1797, daughter of William and Sarah Shuler. Mr. and Mrs. Sheeder were the parents of two children, -- Sarah Anna, who died at the age of twenty months, and William. The mother died April 14, 1830, at the age of thirty-three years. The father also died in the prime of life, his death occurring at 1:30 P. M., December 30, 1834, at the age of thirty-five years.

After the death of his parents William

Sheeder made his home with his grandfather for four years and a half. Until he was thir- teen he attended the district school, and at that early age went to work as a teamster and made a full hand, driving a six-horse team and hauling stone to the limestone kiln, and each winter he hauled forty cords of wood. Between his sixteenth and his seventeenth years he be- gan work at the blacksmith's trade, entering upon his apprenticeship March 31, 1842, under Jesse Orr, of Chester county. For four years he remained with this man, working three years and a half for his board and clothing and the last six months receiving wages. After this he opened a shop of his own which he ran for a year. March 23, 1848, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Keeley, who was born August 28, 1830, daughter of Henry and Mary (Miller) Keeley, natives of Chester county, Pennsylvania. In their family were nine chil- dren, namely: Elizabeth, John, Samuel, Henry, George, Mary, Robert, Lewis and Hannah. Her father died in Pennsylvania and after his death her mother came West to Iroquois county, Illinois, where she died at the age of eighty years.

April 17, 1855, Mr Sheeder and his wife and four children started for Iowa. They traveled on the Pennsylvania Central R. R. to Rock Island, Illinois, thence by steamboat to Muscatine, Iowa, and from Muscatine Mr. Sheeder came by team to Guthrie county, land- ing here about the first of May. Here he en- tered 400 acres of Government land, 320 acres on section 5, of Baker township, and 40 acres elsewhere, and by the 17th of June his wife and family arrived. They lived in a tent for about three months, sleeping on the ground, until he built a log cabin, 12 x 16 feet, which had a clapboard roof. Afterward he built an addition to it of equal dimensions, this part be- ing covered with lap shingles. In this log house six of their children were born. Years passed by and prosperity attended his labors on the frontier, and in 1869 he built his pres- ent home, a modern residence, 24 x 36 feet, two stories, with attic, kitchen, basement and

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cellar, all of brick. It occupies a pleasant site and is one of the attractive rural homes of this vicinity. His barn is 30 x 70 feet and has a rock basement. From time to time Mr. Sheeder has continued to make additional land purchases until now he is regarded as the wealthiest farmer in the county and one of the most wealthy in the State. He owns 2, 201 acres of land in Baker township, 1, 240 acres in Seeley township, 850 acres in Bear Grove township, and 281 acres in Union township, making a total of 4, 572 acres in Guthrie county. Each year he pays over $1, 000 for taxes. Both general farming and stock-raising claim his at- tention and he takes especial pride in keeping a high grade of stock, horses, cattle and hogs.

Mr. and Mrs. Sheeder are the parents of ten children, nine of whom are living on their own land or their father's. Their names are: Silas, John, Eli, James, George, Anna, Domi- cilla, Willis, who died in childhood, Joseph and Wilmer. With the exception of two all are married. Domicilla is the wife of Samuel Chalphant, of Seeley township, this county.

Politically, Mr. Sheeder is a Democrat and takes a commendable interest in public affairs, but has never sought or held office, his exten- sive farming operations and personal affairs oc- cupying the whole of his time. He was reared a Lutheran, but is not identified with any Church. Mrs. Sheeder was reared in the faith of the German Reformed Church. Although he has reached his three-score years and ten, time has dealt gently with him and he is yet well preserved, both physically and mentally. Few men of Guthrie county have achieved as great success in a financial way as has William Sheeder.

a HARLES DALIN is a merchant tailor of Chariton, Iowa, and a pro- gressive, influential citizen, whose friends are many in the community. We therefore feel assured that this record of his life will prove of interest to many.

A native of Sweden, he was born March 7,

1839. His father died when he was a child of only four years. He was a tailor by trade and had followed that business for about thirty-four years. The mother long survived her husband, and, spending her entire life in Sweden, was called from this life in February, 1893, at the age of eighty-seven years. In the family were two sons and a daughter, but Charles is now the only living representative. His brother died at the age of fifty-eight years and his sister when in young womanhood.

Charles Dalin was reared to manhood in his native land and acquired his education in the public schools. When it came time for him to select a business which he wished to make his life work he chose the tailor's trade, and after learning it worked in that line in Stockholm for five years. Thorough and painstaking, he became an expert tailor and has since maintained the high standard of ex- cellence which he secured, his work of first- class quality, always commanding the best prices on account of its superiority. Before leaving his native land Mr. Dalin was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Eva Sophia Saukerson and the date of their nuptials be- ing 1864. Mrs. Dalin was born in Sweden in 1840.

The young couple began their domestic life in the land of their birth, and Mr. Dalin continued to follow his trade there until 1871, when he crossed the Atlantic and worked at his trade in various cities in the United States for three and a half years. He then returned for his family and brought them to the New World in 1876, making a location in Ottumwa, Iowa, whence he removed to Chariton in July. Here he has since made his home. He opened a merchant-tailoring establishment and keeps on hand a full stock of seasonable goods and employs from four to eight men. Mr. Dalin is an expert tailor and does his own cutting and fitting. He receives a liberal patronage from among the best people of the city and his business is constantly increasing in volume. It was a fortunate day for him when he de- cided to come to America, for he has met with

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success in his chosen field and become the possessor of a comfortable competence.

Mr. and Mrs. Dalin have a family number- ing four children: Hilma, now the wife of G. A. Anderson, a retired merchant and farmer living in Lucas county, Iowa; Oscar, who married Miss Ida Peterson and is a merchant tailor of Humeston, Iowa; Clarence and Arthur, who are members of the gradua- ting class in the high school of Chariton. The family are members of the Swedish Lutheran Church, and in his political faith Mr. Dalin is a Republican. He takes a commendable in- terest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community and its upbuilding, has lived an upright, honorable life and the com- munity numbers him among its valued mem- bers.

ENLEY G. CURTIS, an honored vet- eran of the late war, County Treas- urer of Lucas county, and a member of the City Council of Chariton, is a native of the Buckeye State. He was born in Belmont county, on the Ioth of August, 1847, and is a son of Thomas and Martha (Chyno- weth) Curtis, the former born in Belmont county, Ohio, in October, 1825, while the lat- ter was born in Maryland, in 1824. For almost half a century they have traveled life's journey together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity. From Belmont county they came to the west in 1860, settling on a farm in Warren town- ship, Lucas county, Iowa, where they still re- side, the father devoting his time to the man- agement of his land, which he has transformed into a highly cultivated and valuable tract. The family numbered three sons, of whom Henley G. is the eldest. Cassius, the second, is a farmer who makes his home in Omaha, Nebraska. He married Miss Sarah Chance, and has four children; Emory E., the youngest, resides near Pueblo, Colorado, where he is en- gaged in railroading. He wedded Miss Susan Edmons, and they have two children.

The gentleman whose name heads this record, was educated in the public schools of Lucas county, Iowa, and in his youth became familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He followed farming for a time in his younger years through the summer months, while in the winter season he engaged in teaching school, being thus employed for fourteen years, when he determined to give his entire attention to agricultural pursuits. He now owns a rich tract of land of 220 acres, which is situated in Warren township, Lucas county, and very successfully did he engage in its cultivation, the fields yielding to him a golden tribute in return for the care and culti- vation he bestowed upon them. Thus his time was passed until he was called to public office.

His fellow townsmen, appreciating his worth and ability, placed Mr. Curtis in nomi- nation for the office of County Treasurer on the Republican ticket, and when the election returns were received it was found that he was the successful candidate. He entered upon his duties shortly afterward, and so well were they discharged that in 1891 he was again elected, and in 1893 was chosen for a third term, and is now serving his sixth year. He is a most capable and faithful officer, devoted to the best interests of the community that can be promoted by the efficient performance of the tasks which fall to him. He is also serv- ing his second term as a member of the city council. Wherever he is found, whether in private or official life, he is the same loyal man, working for the welfare of the community and all that tends to its upbuilding.

Mr. Curtis was married in Lucas county, August 31, 1872, to Miss Minora Burr, a na- tive of Belmont county, Ohio. They had three children, but all died in infancy, and the mother passed away May 28, 1885, leaving a large cir- cle of friends to mourn her loss. On the 9th of February, 1888, Mr. Curtis was again mar- ried, his second union being with Miss Amanda Harris, also a native of Belmont county, Ohio. Her parents, Edward and Martha Harris, were prominent people of that locality, where the

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father died, in the prime of life, while the mother still resides there. Mr. and Mrs. Cur- tis have an interesting little daughter, Laura, now six years old. The parents hold an en- viable position in social circles and have a large circle of friends and acquaintances who hold them in high regard for their many excellencies of character.

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Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 55

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