Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 96

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

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Turning from the public to the private ca- reer of Mr. Martin, we note that in 1871, in Adair county, was celebrated his marriage to Miss Lucy E. Derby, a native of New York, who removed to Henry county, Illinois, with her parents, when about seven years of age, and afterward accompanied the family to Adair county. She was educated in Illinois and Iowa, and is a cultured and estimable lady. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have become the parents of five sons and one daughter. The latter, Clara, was educated in Iowa College, at Grinnell, and is now the wife of John L. Langfitt, a resident of Snohomish, Washington, where he is en- gaged in teaching school. Clyde died in Fon- tanelle, in 1874. William B., who was edu- cated in the city schools of Greenfield, and the Capital City Commercial College of Des Moines, is now employed in his father's office. Fred D. is a student in the preparatory depart- ment of the Iowa State University. Clive G. and Carlton, who complete the family, are now in the public schools of Greenfield. Mr. and Mrs. Martin and their daughter are mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church, and are de- voted to good works. Mr. Martin is promi- nently connected with the Masonic fraternity, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

ROFESSOR EMANUEL FRANK- LIN WARREN, A. M., is the vice- president of Western College, of Toledo, Iowa, and is professor of mathematics in that institution, being one of the well-known educators of the State. He has attained to this position entirely through

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his own efforts, and is to-day a man of broad and liberal views, progressive in his methods, and a zealous advocate of advancement along all educational lines.

Professor Warren was born in Shelby county, Illinois, near Tower Hill, July 13, 1857, the son of Lawrence and Mary Ann (Stout) Warren, natives of Pickaway county, Ohio. The father was born in 1829, and was a representative of the Warren family which settled in New England in early Colonial days and included among its members General War- ren of Revolutionary fame. The grandfather, Silas Warren, removed from Delaware to Pickaway county, Ohio, becoming one of its pioneer settlers. There he followed farming and upon the old family homestead Lawrence Warren was reared. He, however, learned the trade of carpentering, and for some years engaged in business as a bridge carpenter, and in other lines of the heavy work of that occu- pation. In 1854 he was married, and re- moved to Illinois, locating in Christian county, near Pana. A year later he removed to a farm near Tower Hill, Shelby county, where he re- sided up to the time of his death, in May, 1894. His land he transformed into a well- improved farm of 160 acres, making it a valu- able and desirable place. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife still resides on the old family homestead.

This worthy couple were the parents of ten children: James M., who died at the age of twenty years; Emanuel F., of this review; John, a carpenter residing at Tower Hill, Illi- nois; Nelson, who follows farming in Tower Hill township, Shelby county; Lewis H. and George W., also agriculturists of that town- ship; Mary Isabel, deceased; Nora Jane, at home; Otis W., a teacher of Shelby county; and Edward Newton, at home.

Our subject was reared on the old home farm, attended the district schools, and subse- quently taught school. He then entered the Westfield College, of Westfield, Illinois, and was graduated in the class of 1882, with the

degree of Bachelor of Science. Shortly after he secured a situation as a teacher in a graded school at Lovington, Illinois, where he re- mained two years, when he entered upon a commercial course of study in the famous East- man Business College, of Poughkeepsie, New York, spending two summers in that institu- tion. All his life he has been an educator, and has met with continued success. This is due to his thorough preparation, his love of the work, and his conscientious and painstaking efforts.

For one year Professor Warren served as assistant principal and was then for two years principal of the Dover Academy, of Dover, Illinois. Later he took a post-graduate course under H. B. Bryant & Son, at Chicago, pre- paratory to accepting a situation in Western College. In 1885 the Westfield College, of Illinois, conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts. He has also taken a special course of study at Chautauqua, New York. It will be seen that while Professor Warren has been almost continuously engaged in teaching he has also continued his studies, advancing rapidly through the field of knowledge and se- curing many of its richest treasures.

In the fall of 1887 he accepted the position of principal of the college of commerce, a de- partment of Western College, of which he had charge three years, and was then professor of mathematics for one year. The following year he was general manager and treasurer of the col- lege. On the expiration of that period he went to York, Nebraska, having charge of the business department of York College until 1894, when he returned to Toledo. In July of that year he was elected vice-president of Western College, and is also assistant treasurer (but practically treasurer), and is bookkeeper of the institution. He is a most excellent mathematician, and is the author of the "Manual and Guide to Business Practice," a text-book which is used in the college. Professor Warren was really the organizer of the commercial department of this school, for previous to the time when he assumed charge it amounted to very little.

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On the 15th of August, 1894, our subject married Miss Ora J. Gose, a native of Warren county, Iowa, and a daughter of Stephen A. Gose, a farmer and stock-raiser of that county. They hold membership with the United Breth- ren Church, take an active part in its work, and for several years Professor Warren has served as Superintendent of the Sunday-school. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity. He has a very bright and analytical mind, keen perceptive powers, and the faculty of imparting readily and accurately to others the knowledge he has acquired.

S TEPHEN STIGER has for twenty- eight years been connected with the business interests of Toledo, and is antedated by only one merchant of the city. Since 1873 he has carried on the drug trade, and is a recognized leader in that line of business in Tama county. His residence in Iowa began in 1861, and since 1863 he has lived in the county which is his place of abode, winning and retaining a position among its foremost citizens.

Mr. Stiger was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, August 29, 1832, and is a son of George and Eva (Hoenstein) Stiger, natives of Wur- temberg, Germany. On crossing the Atlantic to the United States they located in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and subsequently re- moved to Columbiana county, Ohio. The father was a tailor by trade, but in the Buck- eye State pursued farming, purchasing a small tract of land which he afterward platted, thus becoming the founder of Georgetown, Ohio. A few years later he removed to a farm in Wayne county, and shortly afterward to Rich- land county, now Crawford county, Ohio, where he carried on agricultural pursuits. He owned two different farms during his residence there, but on disposing of his Crawford county property, purchased a farm in Allen county. This he subsequently sold, and thereafter lived with a granddaughter, in Allen county, until his death, which occurred at the advanced age

of more than eighty years. His wife died a few years previous, between the ages of seventy and eighty.

George Stiger came to the United States a poor man, but through his diligence and per- severance accumulated a competency. In politics he was a stanch supporter of the Democracy, but was never an office-seeker. Both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church, and of their six children four reached years of maturity and are still living. Two daughters died in infancy. Those who yet survive are George, who, having accumulated a good property at farming, is now living a retired life in Delphos, Allen county, Ohio; Stephen, of this review; Sophia, wife of Samuel Young, a resident of Wyoming; and Ann, widow of Jacob Orth, is living in Delphos, Ohio.

The boyhood days of Stephen Stiger were passed on his father's farm, and his educational privileges were those afforded by the common schools, which he attended at irregular inter- vals, pursuing his studies when his labors were not needed in the development or cultivation of the old homestead. He remained under the parental roof, carrying on the work of the farm until twenty-eight years of age. He then left the State of his nativity, and in 1860 be- came a resident of Benton county, Missouri, which he made his home until July, 1861. In that year he removed to Madison county, Iowa, and rented a farm near St. Charles. In 1863 he came to Tamna county, rented a tract of land in Otter Creek township, and in 1866 purchased a farm of 100 acres. The following year he traded his property for a grocery store in Toledo and removed to the city, having since been prominently connected with its com- · mercial interests. In 1873 he established his drug house and has now a well appointed store, complete in its equipments, while his trade, which is large, indicates the confidence of the public in him and his straightforward dealing.

October 14, 1852, Mr. Stiger was united in marriage with Miss Abigail L. Jackson, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, November 12,

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1832, but who was reared in Morrow county, where their marriage was celebrated. Her father, Joshua Jackson, was a farmer and a native of Maine, but died in Ohio. Mrs. Stiger passed away June 7, 1864, in the thirty-second year of her age, leaving one son,-Horry J., born June 6, 1857, who is now a member of the law firm of Struble & Stiger, of Toledo, Iowa. He was educated in the Toledo schools, read law, was admitted to the bar, and for many years has been associated in practice with Judge G. R. Struble. He is an active Democrat, has served in the State Legislature for one term, has been Mayor of Toledo, and has also served in county offices. Stephen Stiger was a second time married April 30, 1865, the lady of his choice being Miss Lucy L. Musser, a native of Ohio, born May 18, 1843, a daughter of Martin Musser, who was born in Pennsylvania, and was a tanner by trade. In 1864 he came to Iowa from Michi- gan, and for a short time resided on a farm, but subsequently engaged in mercantile pur- suits in Toledo, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Stiger have two children: Martin G., born March 10, 1867, was educated in the high school of To- ledo and is now city Postmaster; and Edith, born December 9, 1876, is at home.

Mr. Stiger is a self-made man, and in early life had many difficulties and obstacles to en- counter, but he made the most of his oppor- tunities, brushed aside the barriers that ob- structed his path and through his own persist- ent effort has acquired a comfortable compe- tence. He is now the possessor of a good property. He erected and owns a business block in which his drug store is located-a two-story brick structure with offices on the second floor. He also owns one of the finest residences in Tama county. It is located on Ross street, is of modern style of architecture, and is tastefully and richly furnished. It is such homes that go to make life worth the living. 'The house is also surrounded by beau- tiful grounds, well kept and adorned with trees and plants. He also owns 560 acres in Tama county, all under a high state of cultivation.

Mr. Stiger has taken a deep interest in all mat- ters of public welfare. He is a valued citizen. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his business. So- cially he is connected with the Masonic fra- ternity.

ALLACE BINKLEY LOUTHAN, an attorney at law and dealer in real estate, of Toledo, Iowa, has been established in the successful practice of law in this city since 1880, and in the profession where advancement depends solely upon merit and ability he has won a high rank. He was born in Troy, Miami county, Ohio, December 22, 1851. His father, Dr. John B. Louthan, was born near Win- chester, in Frederick county, Virginia. The county of Loudoun, Virginia, was named in honor of his grandfather, who emigrated from Scotland to that locality before the Revolu- tionary war, in which he served as a soldier, assisting in the capture of Cornwallis. He was the founder of the family in America. In his native land the people were designated as Mid-Lothians- representing a division of Scot- land. Members of the family removed from Virginia to Ohio, and became very numerous in Miami county, and a number of its repre- sentatives have distinguished themselves in the various learned professions.

Dr. Louthan was reared in Virginia, but, being an opponent of slavery, left his native State after attaining his majority, and through his violent opposition to slavery his father was induced to give some of his negroes their free- dom and dispose of the others, and follow his son to Ohio, where his remaining days were passed. Dr. Louthan received but limited school privileges, but early developed a taste for reading and study and through his unaided efforts became a very intelligent man and a talented and successful physician. He pur- sued his medical studies in the Cincinnati Ec- lectic College, and began practice in Frederick,

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Ohio, in 1845, after which he went to Milton, that State. In 1855 he removed with his family to Iowa, locating on and improving a 200-acre farm at Helena, Richland township, Tama county, where he also practiced medi- cine in connection with agricultural pursuits until war times, when he quit the practice and for many years devoted his energies to farm- ing. After the organization of the Republican party he was one of its stanch advocates; pre- vious to that time he was a Whig, and cast his first presidential vote for Martin Van Buren, after which he also supported Zachary Taylor and James K. Polk. On the 26th day of October, 1895, at his home in Toledo, he departed this life, at the ripe age of seventy- nine and one-half years, seized of the old homestead farm above mentioned. In the year 1843 he married Miss Mary Mikesell, a native of Darke county, Ohio, born in 1823. Her parents were of German nationality, but her father died during her infancy, and she was reared by English-speaking people, so that she never learned her native tongue.

The Dr. and Mrs. Louthan, in 1893, cele- brated their golden wedding, having traveled life's journey together for fifty years, during which time their mutual love and confidence was increased. Theirs was a happy old age, and they resided in a pleasant home in Toledo at the time of his death. Eleven children were born to them, eight of whom grew to mature years, and six are now living, viz. : Hattie is now the wife of John M. Hillman, a resident of Goffs, Kansas, who served through the Civil war in an Iowa regiment. Bruce S., who is a graduate of the Iowa State Univer- sity, is now a successful practicing physician at Sutherland, O'Brien county, Iowa. Eureka resides with her mother. Wallace B. is the next younger. John M., who graduated from the Iowa State University, practiced medicine as a partner of his brother in Sutherland until his death, on December 10, 1888. Burrell J. is a resident of Toledo, Iowa. Mary T., who completed her musical education in Chicago, is now teaching that art. Elmira J. is the de-

ceased wife of Charles W. Bricker, of Ladora, Iowa, and like her sister Mary, was a talented musician, who graduated at the Western Col- lege, and completed her studies in Chicago. Virginia Ann Page and Jesse Fremont died in infancy.

Mr. Louthan, whose name introduces this sketch, was a child of only four years when his parents moved to Iowa. He acquired his early education in the public schools of Tama, and subsequently entered the philosophical de- partment of the State University, where he spent four years. During his collegiate course he engaged in teaching, and since that time he has taught for several years, being an able educator. Desiring to enter the legal profes- sion, he began reading law with the then well- known law-firm of Stivers & Bradshaw, at To- ledo, Iowa, and in February, 1880, was ad- mitted to the bar, since which time he has de- voted his entire energies to the practice of his profession in Toledo. He has met with ex- cellent success, for he is careful and pains- taking, devoted to the interests of his clients, and is recognized as a safe counselor and able advocate. His large business has brought to him a handsome income, and he has made judicious and extensive investments in real estate, having now much valuable property in Toledo. He is a man of striking personality, though small in stature, being of sandy com- plexion, five feet seven inches in height, weigh- ing 140 pounds.

On the 24th of February, 1880, Mr. Louthan was united in marriage to Miss Lillie V. Stiv- ers, daughter of W. H. and Emily B. Stivers, of Toledo, Iowa. Mr. Stivers was of the law- firm above mentioned, a man of great energy, and one who still ranks among the most promi- nent lawyers of Iowa. Mrs. Louthan is a lady of culture and refinement, and with her hus- band occupies an enviable position in social circles. She was educated in Rockford, Illi- nois, pursuing a musical, and academic course. They are the parents of one son and six daugh- ters, namely: Emily E., Ethel E., Ellen E., James S., Martha L., Paulina H., and Lucile

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G., and the family circle yet remains un- broken.

Mr. Louthan, of this review, is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics he has always been a stanch Republican. For a period of six years he has acceptably served as City Attorney in Toledo, a city of the second class, and was again recently elected for a term of two years. He is a prominent and well- known member of the bar, a courteous and genial gentleman, and enjoys the full con- fidence of the bar, and the highest respect of all his associates.

J OSEPH ROBB .- Prominent among the energetic, far-seeing and successful busi- ness men of Albia is the subject of this review, and his name is a synonym in business circles for faithfulness, ability, integ- rity and trustworthiness. He is a member of the well-known firm of Robb Brothers, dealers in groceries and produce, and the undertaking has proved a profitable one. Their trade has now assumed extensive proportions and is the just reward of persevering effort.

Mr. Robb was born in the city of Pittsburg, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March 26, 1830, and is a son of Josiah and Rachel (Mc- Millan) Robb. The mother was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the father was also a native of the Keystone State. In 1855 he left his Eastern home and emigrated with his family to Poweshiek county, Iowa, where he resided for four years. In 1860 he re- moved to Mahaska county, Iowa, where his death occurred in 1865. He was a son of Joseph Robb, also a native of Pennsylvania, the family having been early founded in that State. The McMillans were of German lineage.

The subject of this review was the second in order of birth in a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters, of whom seven are yet living. He spent his boyhood days in the State of his nativity, working on his father's farm through the summer months, and

early becoming familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturalist. He is in- debted to the public-school system for his ed- ucation. On attaining his majority he left the parental roof and for two years followed the occupation of milling. In 1855 he came West to Poweshiek county, Iowa, where he secured a situation in a sawmill, being there employed for ten years in the manufacture of hard-wood lumber. In 1866 he came to Albia, and with the capital he had acquired through his industry and perseverance he established a retail grocery store, and has continued in that line of business up to the present time. He formed a partnership with his brother, George L. Robb, and this is one of the oldest grocery firms of Albia. They carry a general stock of staple and fancy groceries and queensware, and also handle flour by the carload, selling it by retail to their customers. They also buy and ship poultry, butter and eggs, and their business has attained extensive proportions.

Our subject has been twice married. He first wedded Miss Sarah E. McAllister, of Steubenville, Ohio, daughter of James Mc- Allister. She died in 1862, leaving three chil- dren: Charles J., a resident of Michigan City, Indiana; Maggie, wife of Sherman Cox, who is living in St. Joseph, Missouri; and Joseph D., who for seven years has made his home in McCook, Nebraska. For his second wife, Mr Robb chose Mrs. Matilda Varner, of Albia, a native of Ohio and a widow of Captain Mar- tin J. Varner.

The success which Mr. Robb has achieved is due entirely to his own efforts. His career entitles him to a most prominent place in this work, for his life is an example of the power of patient purpose, resolute working and stead- fast integrity.

S AMUEL THOMPSON, M. D., lo- cated in Toledo, Iowa, March 24, 1865, and is therefore one of the old- est practicing physicians of the State. He was born in Westmoreland county, Penn-

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sylvania, March 22, 1843, and is a son of Jaines and Jane (Callan) Thompson, also natives of the Keystone State. His father was born in 1811, and now resides in Red Oak, Iowa. He followed farming in Pennsylvania during the period of his active business career, continuing that pursuit until 1875, when he removed to Red Oak, where he has a daughter living. His wife also survives and has reached the age of seventy-six years.

This worthy couple were the parents of eight children, namely: Samuel; William H., who is telegraph superintendent on the Chi- cago, Burlington & Northern Railroad at La Crosse, Wisconsin; Margaret, wife of Albert McMichael, of Red Oak; Matthew C., assist- ant superintendent of the Burlington & Mis- souri telegraph system, at Lincoln, Nebraska; Mary, wife of Nelson Olson, of Chicago; Mrs. Clara Thayer, of Lincoln, Nebraska; and John C., who is master mechanic in the Bur- lington & Missouri Railroad shops at Nebraska City.

The Doctor was educated at Alleghany College at Meadville, Pennsylvania, and in 1862 came to Iowa, where he took up the study of medicine with Dr. E. L. Mansfield. Subsequently he entered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, pursuing a two-years course there. In 1865 he began practice in Toledo, and in 1867 was graduated at Rush Medical College, of Chicago. With the ex -. ception of the period spent in that school, he has been continuously engaged in practice here for the past thirty years. He received the ap- pointment of surgeon of the Burlington & Mis- souri Railroad, at Lincoln, Nebraska, but did not accept it on account of his extensive busi- ness. . He is a close student, always abreast with the times, and continuing his investiga- tions in the science of medicine until he has become one of the most capable physicians of Iowa. In 1881 he took a course of lectures in New York, and in 1887 studied for a time in the College of Physicians and Surgeons and in the Bellevue Hospital of New York. He has a very extensive practice, and is also serving

as president of the United States Board of Pension Examiners for the county.

In January, 1869, the Doctor married Adelaide Hollen, who was born in Indiana. They have one son, Hollen. Dr. Thompson votes with the Democratic party, but takes no active part in politics, preferring to devote his entire time and energies to his business. He is a member of the American Medical Associ- ation, and the Iowa Central Medical Society. He has a good library of medical and miscel- laneous works and has contributed many valu- . able articles to medical journals. Socially he is connected with the Masonic fraternity. In his undertakings he has met with excellent success, and now owns his office, which is ex- cellently well equipped; also his residence, which is the finest home in Toledo, supplied with all modern conveniences and richly and tastefully furnished.

J UDGE SAMUEL NOBLE, a retired merchant, who for many years was prominently connected with the com- mercial interests of Albia, and who has been the promoter of various enterprises cal- culated to advance the material welfare of his adopted county, is certainly deserving of rep- resentation in this volume. The high place he occupies in the regard of the public is well known and his life record contains many val- uable lessons showing what can be done by energy and earnest labor, directed by sound judgment.

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Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 96

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