Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 67

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

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Our subject was a lad of about fifteen years when he came to the United States. In his youth he worked at blacksmithing and shoemaking, following those pursuits until after the breaking out of the Civil war, when, on the 6th of September, 1861, he responded to the country's call for troops, joining the boys in blue of Company B, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry,' under Captain B. Mahana. He con- tinued in the service for three years, and with his regiment participated in many skirmishes

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and battles, valiantly aiding in the cause of his adopted country.

When his term had expired he was honora- bly discharged at Sioux City, in 1864, and at once returned to Des Moines, where for a time he followed shoemaking. On the first of January, 1868, Mr. Stevens was united in mar- riage with Miss Francelia Howard, daughter of William and Dolly Howard, of Boston. Her father was born in New Bedford, Massachu- setts and was a representative of one of the early families of that State. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens became the parents of six children, all of whom are yet living, namely: Emma, who married James Cummings, of Dallas Center, and has two children; Lillian May, wife of George Henry Loring, and has two children; Edward H., who is located in Des Moines; William, Frank and Arthur, all at home.

The mother of this family died in Dallas Center, at the age of thirty-five years, and on the Ist of April, 1889, Mr. Stevens was joined in wedlock with Mary E. Brown, a native of Peru, Illinois. Her parents were Martin and Anna (Baltz) Brown, natives of Westhofen, Germany. In 1849 they came to the United States, crossing the Atlantic on an old sailing vessel, which, after a voyage of forty days, reached the harbor of New York. They first located in the Empire State, and on leaving the East took up their residence in Illi- nois. About 1852 the family came to Dallas county, Iowa, and two years later moved to Keokuk, where they remained two years and then returned to Dallas county, where Mr. Brown spent his last days, dying at the age of sixty-four. His wife still survives him, and has reached the age of seventy-eight. Of · their family of four sons and a daughter all are yet living.

After his first marriage Mr. Stevens lived for a few years in Des Moines, and in 1873 went to Dallas Center, Iowa, where he opened a shoe store, carrying on business along that line for eighteen years. On the expiration of that period he purchased his present valuable farm of 130 acres. It is one of the most high-

ly improved in the county, having upon it a very fine home and commodious barns and out- buildings which were erected by our subject. The fields are well tilled, the latest improved machinery may there be found, and none of the accessories of a model farm are wanting. Mr. Stevens carries on general mixed farming and makes a specialty of the raising of fine stock.

In his political views Mr. Stevens has been a stalwart Republican since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He holds membership in Dallas Center G. A. R. Post, which he joined on its organization, serving as its first Commander. He is an act- ive and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, doing all in his power to promote the cause of Christianity and to advance every in- terest that is calculated to prove of public benefit. His business career has been one of success and has ever been characterized by honorable dealing that has won him unquali- fied confidence and respect. Dallas county has no better citizen, or one who is held in higher regard than Edward J. M. Stevens.

UGENE BUTTLES, as Mayor of Burlington, Iowa, occupies a position of distinctive importance in the city in which he was born and where he has passed his whole life.

Here it was, August 11, 1858, that he first saw the light of day, his parents being John and Mary A. (Rice) Buttles, both natives of Indiana. In their family were three sons and three daughters and with one exception all are still living. This one, Edward, died at about the age of seven years. The others are as follows: George R., of St. Louis, Missouri; Eugene; Olive J., wife of George Martin, Spokane, Washington; Hattie, wife of James Archibald, of St. Paul, Minnesota; and Nora, of Burling- ton. John Buttles, the father, removed from Indiana to Iowa in the year 1842, only a short time before Iowa was admitted into the Union, and settled in Burlington. When the Cali-

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fornia gold "fever " broke out in 1849 he was one of its victims, and made the overland trip to the Pacific coast. Arriving at the gold fields he engaged in mining at the placer diggings, but later carried on the grocery business at Rough and Ready, remaining in California three years. On his return to Burlington he engaged in the sawmill business, which he fol- lowed for some years, and after disposing of the mill he turned his attention to the manu- facture of brick. For the past fifteen years he has been retired, and he and his good wife re- side at their pleasant home at No. 920 South Seventh street, Burlington.

· Of Mr. Buttles' grandparents, be it record- ed that his paternal grandfather was a native of Rutland county, Vermont, was the father of six children, and died in Burlington at an advanced age. The maternal grandfather, George W. Rice, was one of the early pioneers of Burlington. He was a carpenter by trade, was a man of fine personal appearance, and was deeply pious. His was a well-known figure on the streets of this city for many years and all who knew him admired him for his many sterling traits of character. He died in 1870.

Having thus briefly referred to his parent- age, the biographer would now direct attention to the life of Mayor Buttles. As already stated, Mr. Buttles has spent his whole life in his native city. At the close of his school days he accepted a clerkship in the grocery of Adolph Schrei, and later with Woolverton & Cadwallader, with whom he remained one year, and after this he was for some time employed in the same line with other firms. Eventually he established himself in a grocery business of his own. That was in 1880 and at the corner of South and Madison streets, and here he has since conducted a prosperous business.

June 30, 1885, he married Miss Ella A. Cadwallader, daughter of J. W. Cadwallader, and they have one son, Bruce C. Mrs. Buttles is a most estimable lady and is a worthy mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Ever since he became a voter, Mr. Buttles has taken an active interest in both local and

national politics, has been an ardent Repub- lican and has been an active worker in party ranks. He, however, has never sought official position for himself; but, recognizing his ability and his fitness for the place, his fellow citizens in March, 1894, elected him to the re- sponsible position of Mayor of Burlington, the duties of which office he assumed the following April.

Mr. Buttles is not only the youngest Mayor that the city has ever had but also the only one that was born in Burlington. Mayor Buttles and his family reside in an elegant home at No. 902 South Seventh street.

a D. LYON, who has during the past few years figured prominently in the prosperous town of Milo, Iowa, is a son of Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Lyon, was born in Athens, Bradford county, Pennsylva- nia, July 1, 1857, and was reared and edu- cated in the East. While in his 'teens he gave his attention to telegraphy, and in 1875 entered the service of the Lehigh Valley Rail- road as telegrapher. August . 18, 1880, he married Miss Emma L., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Fee, of Wyalusing, and in Oc- tober of the year following his marriage came west to Iowa to accept a position as telegrapher for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. He was station agent for this com- pany at Grant City, Missouri, about five years, and came from there to Milo, Iowa, February 17, 1887.

Soon after he had established his home in Milo he was elected Mayor of the town, and on the ticket with Benjamin Harrison in 1888 was elected Justice of the Peace. In Decem- ber of that year he was appointed Postmaster, and at the same time purchased the Milo Motor, the town paper. For four years and nine months he rendered efficient service as station agent, postmaster and editor.

In June, 1895, through the influence of friends, he was induced to announce himself as a candidate for legislative honors, and ınade a

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splendid race; but, by one of the chances of politics and the unremitting personal jealousies of a few enemies, he was defeated in the con- vention.

During his residence in Milo, Mr. Lyon has in many ways been closely identified with its best interests. Through his paper, the Motor, and his personal efforts he has probably done as much for the upbuilding of the town as any other citizen in it. Especially in educational lines has his influence here been felt. The fine public school building, the pride of the town, costing $10,000, stands as a monument to his untiring efforts in this direction.

Mr. Lyon's family consists of his wife and six bright, interesting children-Andrew, Ros- coe, Sallie, Blanche, Paul and John.

S ILAS D. KIRKHART, one of the lead- ing citizens of Lacona, was born near Hillsboro, Highland county, Ohio, August 24, 1842, a son of Joseph and Mary (Duff ) Kirkhart. Silas D. was the sev- enth born of their eight children, of whom we make brief record as follows: John L., a blacksmith, of Milton, Iowa, was a soldier in the late war, a member of Company H, Third Iowa Cavalry, and was wounded while in the. discharge of his duties; Sarah J., widow of E. Beeman and a resident of Lacona; Elizabeth was the wife of Jonathan Coddington, but both are now deceased; T. J., of Stafford county, Kansas; Joseph F., of this city, was a member of the Thirteenth Ohio, Company A, and was wounded and taken prisoner; Joseph F., of Lacona; P. H., a resident of Ottumwa, Iowa, served with the Twenty-fourth Ohio Battery; Silas D., the subject of this sketch; and Jacob M., also of this city, served with the One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Ohio Regiment.

Joseph Kirkhart, father of our subject, was born on a farm near Lynchburg, Virginia. Early in life he began the occupation of farmer, and in an early day he crossed the mountains into primitive Ohio, where he aided in paving the way to civilization. There he erected a

rude cabin, and in that house Silas D. first saw the light of day. There Joseph Kirkhart passed the declining years of his life, having been an honest man and a kind and indulgent father. His first wife died when our subject was six years of age, and he afterward married Miss Eliza Kirkhart. They had two children, - William W., a freighter, of Colorado; and Mary E., of Highland county, Ohio. This wife died when our subject was serving his country in the late war of the Rebellion. Sub- sequently she married John Walker, who has also passed away.

Silas D. Kirkhart received his education in the rude log schoolliouse near his home, at- tending only during the winter months. Miss Catherine Oldaker was the teacher, and was a good instructor, thoroughly knowing how to apply the rod. Mr. Kirkhart early began the battle of life upon his own responsibility. After reaching mature years he emigrated to Fulton county, Illinois. In Van Buren county, Iowa, he enlisted as a private in Company H, Third Iowa Cavalry, and was mustered in at Keokuk. Following his regiment to St. Louis, he was present at the capture of General Marmaduke, participated in the battles of Kirksville, Chalk Bluffs, Pea Ridge, Little Rock and Arkadel- phia, and at the latter place received a thirty- days furlough and returned to his Ohio home. Mr. Kirkhart rejoined his regiment January I, 1864, and again visited St. Louis and Memphis, proceeded on to Fort Pillow, and covered many hundreds of niiles on various marches and skirmishes. Reaching Memphis, they were sent on a raid into Mississippi, to points on the Mobile & Ohio Railroad, where they met and severely punished the enemy. They re- turned to Memphis, again striking the trail of the Confederates, and gave pursuit to a point near St. Louis, called Pleasanton, named in honor of the General. They went from there to Fort Scott, on to Carondelet by boat, where the boiler exploded and killed two of Mr. Kirk- hart's comrades. Another boat carried them to Louisville. There our subject became afflicted with sore eyes, entering the hospital

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in February, and a few days after Lincoln's assassination, in April, rejoined his regiment at Atlanta. He was discharged there as Corporal, September 28, 1865.

After the close of the struggle Mr. Kirkhart returned to his home in Ohio, but a short time afterward went to Knox county, Illinois. His next home was in Lewistown, Fulton county, that State, where he secured work in a brick- yard, remaining there until 1869. After spend- ing a few years in Richland township, Warren county, Iowa, he came to White Breast town- ship, and in 1878 became a resident of Lacona. Mr. Kirkhart affiliates with the Republican party, having cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic order of the Odd Fellows Lodge, and of Lacona Post, No. 309, Grand Army of the Republic. He has never sought political preference, but has served as Assessor of Lacona several times, was a member of the City Council several years, and was for some time a member of the School Board.

Mr. Kirkhart was married in Lewistown, Fulton county, Illinois, by Reverend Morey, to Miss Amanda Kirby. They have had three children, -Effie Jane, wifeof Clementine Shupe, a son of that esteemed pioneer and citizen of Lacona, Isaac Shupe, for many years a popu- lar stock-buyer of this city; Sadie, an accom- plished young lady of Lacona; and Maude Irene, at home. The family worship in the Methodist Episcopal church at Lacona.

3 OHN HENRY STANTON, M. D., a well-known medical practitioner of Chariton, Iowa, is a son of Dr. J. E. Stanton, one of the pioneer physicians of Lucas county. He was born in Spearsville, Brown county, Indiana, April 24, 1860, and when a year old was brought by his parents, J. E. and Mary J. (Hobbs) Stanton, to Lucas county, where his father is still engaged in practice. He graduated in medicine at the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and has met with good success

in his chosen field of labor. In the Stanton family were two sons and three daughters, the elest being Mrs. Minnie Guylee, whose hus- band is a hardware merchant of Chariton; Dr. T. P. is the next younger. He is engaged in the practice of medicine with his father in this city. Alice is now the wife of James H. Lock- wood, who is engaged in operating a sheep ranch of 900 acres in Lucas county. Mrs. Ruthana Boyles resides in Chariton, where her husband is employed as a railway con- ductor on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Road.

Dr. Stanton, whose name heads this rec- ord, acquired his education in the high school, at which he was graduated, and then began reading medicine in his father's office, there pursuing his studies for several years, when he entered a drug store owned by D. Q. Storie. He spent seven years as a salesman in that es- tablishment and received his diploma as a reg- istered pharmacist May 23, 1885. Soon after- ward he entered Rush Medical College, of Chi- cago, and on the completion of the prescribed course of three years was given a diploma as Doctor of Medicine March 29, 1892. After his return from school he and his brother, Dr. T. P. Stanton, spent a year in visiting European hospitals and colleges, thus more fully and thor- .

oughly to round out their professional educa- tion. When our subject again came to Char- iton, in 1893, he opened an office and has since built up a splendid practice, being to-day recognized as one of the most prominent physi- cians of the county. He was elected Coroner of Lucas county in 1893, has also been Health Officer of the city and County Physician, hav- ing charge of the county's poor.

On June 30, 1894, Dr. Stanton was united in marriage with Miss Gertrude E. Aughey, a native of Brown county, Indiana. Her parents, Rev. John H. and Mary E. Aughey are now residents of Mulhell, Oklahoma, where her father has charge of the Presbyterian Church. She is a lady of education and refinement and also has her religious membership in the Pres- byterian Church.

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The Doctor belongs to the Des Moines Valley Medical Society and is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, being Sec- retary of Chariton Lodge, No. 63, A. F. & A. M .; and also holds the same position in Chari- ton Chapter, No. 22, R. A. M .; and Emanuel Commandery, No. 50, K. T. In his political views he is a Republican and was elected by that party to the office of Coroner. His skill and ability have gained him a high reputation as a medical practitioner, and he is now en- joying a patronage which many an older phy- sician might well envy.

J CLARK MORTON, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Warren county, was born in Washington county, Pennsyl- vania, August 15, 1851, a son of Rich- ard_and Harriet (Clark) Morton. The pater- nal great-grandfather of our subject came from the old country during Revolutionary times, locating in Pennsylvania, and was one of the early pioneers of that part of the State. He lived to an advanced age. Grandfather Mor- ton was also born in Pennsylvania at an early day, and spent his entire life there. The father of our subject was born on the old home- stead in Washington county, twenty-five miles from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, March 9, 1806, and his death occurred there in 1868. He was a farmer during his active life, was a Repub- lican since the formation of that party, and was always active in local matters. The mother of our subject was also born in Wash- ington county, January 1, 1815, and her death occurred in 1887. The ancestors of the Clark family came from England in an early day.

J. Clark Morton lived in his native State until eighteen years of age, when he came with his mother and sister to Iowa, locating in Indianola, Warren county, and at the same time purchased the west half of section 33, Lincoln township, then wild prairie, and he located on the place two years later. In 1882 he remodeled his home, built a large barn, and has all other necessary improvements for

farming and stock-raising. Mr. Morton makes a specialty of raising a fine grade of Poland China hogs, at times owning nearly 200 head, and he also keeps about 100 head of cattle and twenty head of horses. He has secured many prizes at the county fairs for his superior stock.

Mr. Morton was first married in 1881, to Henrietta Davisson, a native of Warren county. She departed this life in 1884. Three years afterward our subject was united in marriage with Florence Irene Frew, a native of Iowa, and a daughter of John and Eliza (Gregg) Frew, natives of Pennsylvania. The father died in June, 1893, at the age of seventy-six years. He had followed farming and carpen- tering during his active life. The mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Frew were the parents of nine children. To our subject and wife have been born four children : Ina, Lucy, Irene and James Cyrus. In his social relations Mr. Morton is a member of the Modern Wood- men of America, Camp No. 605, of Indianola, and of Three Rivers Lodge, No. 94, A. O. . U. W. Politically he is a staunch Republican and an active worker for his party.

H. WILSON is numbered among the honored pioneer settlers of War- ren county, Iowa, dating his resi- dence here from 1855. He has therefore witnessed almost the entire growth and upbuilding of the county and has aided in the work of development and progress. The visitor of to-day can scarcely realize the change that has been brought about by the worthy pioneers during the past forty years. Through their efforts the wild lands have been trans- formed into beautiful homes and farms, churches and schools have been built, indus- tries and enterprises have been established, and business activity has been promoted, until to-day Warren county occupies a front rank among the counties of this commonwealth.

Mr. Wilson was born August 27, 1833, in a hewed-log house in Belmont county, Ohio,

M. Ously.

J. R. Ously.

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and was the second of the nine children of J. N. and Lydia (Duncan) Wilson. . The father was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, and died in Belmont township, Warren county, Iowa, his remains being interred in the Quaker cemetery, where a monument marks his last resting place. In early life he was an old-line Whig but joined the Republican party on its inception. His wife, who was also a native of Virginia, now sleeps by his side in the quiet cemetery. She was a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. They became resi- dents of Belmont county, Ohio, in 1832, and in 1855 started Westward with a “prairie schooner," making the journey to Fairfield, Iowa, in four weeks. For a year they remained in Jefferson county, and then came to Warren county. They were accompanied by the ma- ternal grandmother, Mrs. Duncan, who was then past the age of ninety years. She was long a member of the Society of Friends, but in her later years joined the Methodist Church, and was ever a consistent Christian woman.

M. H. Wilson was a young man of twenty- two years when with the family he came to Iowa. On the journey to Warren county he drove a number of cows that forded the Des Moines river, and he also swam that stream. The market of the family was at Knoxville, Marion county. They lived in true pioneer style, experiencing the usual hardships of life on the frontier and in the arduous task of de- veloping a new farm our subject bore his share.

On the 2d of March, 1858, occurred one of the most important events in the life of M. H. Wilson, for on that day was celebrated his marriage to Miss Cecelia Gregg, a native of Belmont county, Ohio, and a daughter of Ab- ner Gregg, who died in that county. Two children came to bless the pioneer home, the elder, Gregg, being named for his maternal grandfather. He was born August 21, 1860, and is engaged in farming in Marion county, not far from his father's home. He wedded Edith Dennis, and they have two children, Ethel and Eunice. Jennie, born November 29, 1868, is the wife of T. F. Wright, a gene- 27

ral merchant and postmaster of Motor. They have one son, William Hartley. In order that his children might have good educational privi- leges Mr. Wilson removed to Indianola, and there remained for six years while they were attending school. Gregg was also a student in Simpson College. With this exception our subject has always lived upon the old home farm on which he located in 1857. His un- tiring industry has made it one of the most valuable places of the county-a highly culti- vated and well improved tract of land which yields to the owner a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestows upon it.

In his political views Mr. Wilson has al- ways been a Republican, having cast his vote with that party since its organization. His first presidential ballot supported Fillmore. He has served as Justice of the Peace in Bel- mont township for many years, has been School Treasurer for ten years, and has frequently represented his party in the county conven- tions. With him success in life has been reached by his sterling qualities of mind and a heart true to every manly principle. He has never deviated from what his judgment would indicate to be right and honorable between his fellow men and himself, and now has the con- fidence and respect of the entire community in which he lives.

ATTHEW OWSLEY is engaged in the grocery trade in Bloomfield, Iowa, and is one of the prominent business men of the city. The wel- fare and upbuilding of a community is largely due to the enterprising representatives of com- merce, men of resolute purpose and undaunted energy, and to this class the subject of this sketch belongs. His standing in business cir- cles is among the highest, and his honorable dealing and genuine worth has not only se- cured to him a liberal patronage but has won him the confidence and high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

Mr. Owsley is a native of Monroe county,

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Indiana, born November 18, 1834, the son of John Ransom and Amelia (Schofner) Owsley, natives of Tennessee. In 1840 the parents removed to Pike county, Illinois, settling upon a farm, the father carrying on agricultural pur- suits and at the same time operating a grist- mill on Six-Mile creek for a number of years. On the expiration of that period he went to Brown county, in the same State, taking up his residence near the Pike county line, where he spent his remaining days. At the time of his death he was employed as a sawyer and was killed in the sawmill by a pin thrown out by the breaking of a shaft. His wife died about eighteen months previously, in Naples, on the Illinois river. Of their four sons and eight daughters, only three are now living : Henry, the youngest son, resides in Bloom- field, and William is a resident of Kansas City, Missouri.

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Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 67

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