USA > Iowa > Appanoose County > Past and present of Appanoose County, Iowa : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 10
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On Christmas Day of 1879 Mr. Shutts was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Eleanora Driggs, a daughter of Sherman and Rowena (Mey- ers) Driggs, the former a native of Nicholson, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Providence, that state. In early life the father learned the trades of shoe making and carpentering and devoted his life to industrial pursuits. Going to Green Bay, Wisconsin, he built a large dock there and was assisted in the same by Mr. Shutts. In 1884 Mr. Driggs removed to Frankford, Missouri, and accepted the responsible position of road master of the Hannibal & St. Louis Railroad. Finally, however, he ceased to engage in railroading and opened a shoe store at Frankford, where he continued successfully until 1891, when he retired, making his home. how- ever, in Frankford up to the time of his death. He was born December 2, 1831, and was therefore almost seventy-two years of age when he passed away in August, 1903. His wife died January 16. 1902. MIr. Driggs was connected with the construction corps all through the Civil war and remained throughout his life a loyal and progressive citizen, actively interested in the welfare of his country.
Mr. and Mrs. Shutts became the parents of three children: George. a musician residing at Muscatine. lowa; William, who is manager of the Brick Material Company of Centerville; and Edward, who is now assist- ant cashier of the First National Bank. The mother has every reason to be proud of her three sons. Mrs. Shutts was born at Nicholson. Pennsyl- vania. April 1, 1858, and acquired her education in the schools there. Her two eldest children were also born in that place. She now resides at No.
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605 North Ninth street where she has erected a fine modern brick bunga- low. Mr. Shutts held membership with the Masonic lodge and his wife belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star. He belonged also to the Order of Railway Conductors and he gave his political allegiance to the demo- cratic party. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church, to which his widow and children belong. In all his actions he followed the Golden Rule, and the companies which he represented found him trust- worthy and capable. His associates knew him to be a faithful friend and his family found him a most devoted husband and father. His life was well spent and his untimely taking off was deeply regretted by all who knew him.
JOSEPH PEACH.
Joseph Peach had a wide acquaintance in Centerville and throughout the surrounding country, and qualities of sociability and geniality made him popular wherever he was known. He spent the greater part of his life in this state but was born near Bellefontaine, Ohio, in April, 1844, his parents being William and Mary ( Mail) Peach, who were also natives of the Buckeye state. The father was a farmer by occupation and became one of the pioneer residents of Wapello county, Iowa, settling there when the work of development and improvement had scarcely been begun. He entered land from the government and although not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon the place he at once began its devel- opment, converting it into rich and productive fields and continuing the operation of the farm until his death, which occurred in 1852. His wife survived him until 1898.
Joseph Peach was but a young lad when brought to lowa and in the schools of Wapello county he mastered the branches of learning which usually constitute the public-school curriculum. After putting aside his text-books he worked for his uncle until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when he offered his aid to the government and went to the front with the boys in blue of Company D. Thirty-sixth lowa Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, participating in all of the many hotly contested engagements in which his regiment took part. For a year he was held prisoner in Tyler (Texas) prison and suffered many hardships dur- ing his captivity. When victory had crowned the Union arms and hos- tilities had ceased he returned to Wapello county where he purchased a tract of land and improved the farm, continuing its operation for eighteen
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years. He then sold out on account of the condition of his health and removed to Centerville, where he first secured employment as engineer in a brickyard, remaining there for four years. He then accepted a position as bookkeeper and collector with Dr. Reynolds, with whom he remained until the doctor's death, after which he occupied a similar position with Dr. Bamford until his own death, which occurred April 12, 1907.
Mr. Peach was married in March, 1870, to Miss Emma Sackett, a daughter of Alexander and Cornelia (Gilbert) Sackett, the latter a native of New York city and the former of Indiana, in which state he engaged in farming until after the outbreak of the Civil war. He, too, was thrilled by the spirit of patriotism called to life by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union, and he enlisted as a member of Company B, Eighth Iowa Cavalry. Accordingly he marched to the front but never returned, laying down his life upon the altar of his country. His widow survived until July, 1908.
Mr. Peach always maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army post. He was a strong republican, believing that the party platform contained the best elements of good government. His religious belief was that of the Uni- versalist church while Mrs. Peach is a member of the Christian church. She resides in a nice home at No. 922 Drake avenue. The business inter- ests of Mr. Peach brought him into contact with many and wherever known his genial qualities gained him friendly regard.
GEORGE B. OGLE.
George B. Ogle is one of the young business men of Appanoose county, whose enterprise has carried him forward to success. He is proprietor of a laundry which he is capably conducting and there are other ereditable chapters in his life record, including service in the Spanish-American war. Centerville numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in this city February 4, 1875. His parents were Barton A. and Minerva E. (Arnold) Ogle, natives of Indiana and Ohio respectively. The father was a miller by trade and came to Centerville, Iowa, prior to the Civil war. Here he worked at his trade for some time and later turned his attention to the foundry business, which he carried on for several years. His fel- low townsmen, recognizing and appreciating his worth and ability in matters of citizenship, elected him to the office of county auditor and gave indorsement of his first term's service in reelection, so that he
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remained in the position for two terms. At the time of the Civil war, however, he put aside all business and personal considerations, for he felt that his first duty was to his country and enlisted as a member of Company I, Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, with which he served until the close of the Civil war. He continued to reside in Centerville until his death, which occurred in February, 1882. His widow survives and has now reached the age of seventy-three years.
George B. Ogle was reared and educated in Centerville and when his school days were over he secured employment in a dry-goods store, being thus occupied for ten years. That the fires of patriotism burned as brightly in his breast as in his father's was indicated when the country again became involved in war, for with the outbreak of hostilities between the United States and Spain he enlisted as a member of Company E, Fiftieth Iowa Infantry. Following the close of hostilities he returned home and engaged in the laundry business, purchasing the Cook Laundry, which he is now operating under the name of the Regal Steam Laundry. He purchased this business in 1899 and has since conducted it with excellent success. He also has a dry-cleaning department and both branches of the under- taking are proving profitable, being carefully and systematically man- aged by Mr. Ogle and his partner, N. V. Craig. Their patronage is growing year by year and they use as the basis for their prosperity excel- lent work and fair dealing. Mr. Ogle is also a stockholder in the Company E armory, a two-story building sixty by one hundred feet, which is now being erected. He is likewise a stockholder in the Centerville Gypsum Company and in the Centerville Savings Bank, and he is the owner of the building in which the laundry business is conducted and also of a pleasant residence at No. 712 West Washington street.
On the 27th of September, 1901, Mr. Ogle was united in marriage to Miss Grace Scott, a daughter of Mrs. Eugenia ( Murphy ) Scott Elliott. The father died when Mrs. Ogle was very young and the mother has since married again and still makes her home in Centerville. Mr. and Mrs. Ogle became the parents of three children: George Lawrence, seven years of age: William Scott, aged four ; and one, who died in infancy.
Mr. Ogle belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken high rank, being a member of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs also to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias, while his political faith is indicated in the support which he gives at the polls to the republican party. His religions views accord with the teachings of the Methodist church, of which he has long been a member. His interests and activities are wide and varied and his unfaltering enterprise has brought him to an enviable position in business circles. There has been
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nothing spectacular in his life history, but the substantial qualities of pro- gressiveness, laudable ambition and unabating energy have borne fruit and he has gained a place among the prominent and representative resi- dents of Centerville.
MOSES H. BEER.
Liberal college training fitted Moses H. Beer for the work which he has done in the field of pharmacy. He is now proprietor of a well-appointed drug store in Centerville, where he also has other financial investments. He was born in Livingston, this county, January 14, 1880, and is a son of Joseph and Emma (Fuller) Beer, who are natives of Ohio and lowa respectively. The father came to this county in 1856, when but four years of age, his parents settling with their family near Livingston. Upon the home farm Joseph Beer was reared to manhood, being well trained in the work of the fields, and eventually he came into possession of his father's farm, which he cultivated until 1888, when he retired and removed to Cincinnati, this county, where he and his wife are now living.
Their son M. H. Beer was a pupil in the public schools of Cincinnati until graduated from the high school with the class of 1896. His early' commercial training came to him in a drug business and later he entered Highland Park College at Des Moines, where he pursued a course in pharmacy. With the completion of his college training he removed to Centerville, where he entered the employ of William McCreary & Son, with whom he continued for eight years. In June, 1906, he bought the store, of which he is now proprietor, and for more than six years he has successfully managed this enterprise. He has a well-equipped establish- ment, the neat and tasteful arrangement of which is a feature in its suc- cess, combined with his reliable business methods and reasonable prices. Gradually his trade has increased until his patronage is large, and he derives therefrom a substantial annual income. He is also a stockholder in the Hercules Manufacturing Company of this city.
In January, 1900, Mr. Beer was married to Miss Nellie Swearingen, a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Bryant) Swearingen. Her father was one of the early settlers of Appanoose county and for many years engaged in the grocery business here. He still lives in Centerville and is cultivating a small farm in addition to doing house moving. To Mr. and Mrs. Beer have been born two children, Paul S. and Joseph F., aged respectively nine and six years. The family residence is a nice home at
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No. 612 West Maple street and its hospitality is greatly enjoyed by the many friends of the family.
Mr. Beer is well known in fraternal circles, holding membership with the Elks and with the Knights of Pythias, belonging to both the subordi- nate lodge and the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan. Politi- cally he is a democrat but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him, as he has always preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, in which he has met with signal success. His religious faith is that of the Christian church, to which both he and his wife belong. They are well known throughout Appanoose county and possess the social, genial qualities which render them popular wherever they are known.
LOYD L. WHITSELL.
One of the progressive and enterprising young business men of Center- ville is Loyd L. Whitsell, who is also a graduate in dental surgery. He is a native of this city, born October 25, 1877, and is a son of Frank P. and Cora (McCreary) Whitsell, the former for many years prior to his death closely connected with business interests in Centerville. For many years the father of our subject conducted a livery stable in the city and continued his identification with this enterprise until his death, which occurred on the 28th of May, 1908. His widow survives and is making her home in Cen- terville with her mother who has reached the age of eighty years. More extended mention of Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Whitsell is found an another page in this work.
Loyd L. Whitsell of this review acquired his primary education in the public schools and was graduated from the Centerville high school in 1897. After laying aside his school books he worked for some time as bookkeeper for the Centerville Block & Coal Company but in 1902 resigned his posi- tion in order to enter the State University at lowa City, lowa, graduating in 1905. with the degree of D. D. S. He located for practice in Center- ville and secured a gratifying patronage, the results he obtained being the best proof of his ability. After the death of his father, however. Mr. Whitsell gave up his dental practice and assumed charge of the livery business, working in the interests of his mother. In business affairs he has proved capable and reliable and has won a measure of success which places him among the substantial and representative men of this com- munity.
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On the 14th of September, 1909, Mr. Whitsell was united in marriage to Mrs. Daisy Estes, a daughter of Henry C. and Sophronia ( Minteer) Adams, natives of Iowa, the father being the first white child born in Washington county. After he grew to maturity Henry C. Adams followed the blacksmith's trade and worked at it successfully until he was elected sheriff of Washington and Keokuk counties, at the time when these were united. He served with conscientiousness and ability from 1878 to 1882 and afterward was appointed to the Indian service, being stationed first at Fort Defiance. Arizona, and later at Fruitland, New Mexico. He was an honored veteran of the Civil war, having served through four years of that conflict as a member of Company D, Thirteenth Jowa Volunteer Infantry. His death occurred in New Mexico in 1893, in which year he was accidently drowned. His wife survived him two years, dying in 1895. Mrs. Whitsell has one child by her first marriage, a daughter, Marjorie, who attends school in Centerville.
Mr. Whitsell has attained high rank in Masonry, holding membership with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a republican in his political beliefs and takes an active and helpful interest in community affairs, although his public spirit never takes the form of office seeking. He has made good use of his time and of the opportunities which have come to him and has in this way gained prosperity, holding a place of prominence and importance in business circles of Centerville.
JAMES W. CAMPBELL.
James W. Campbell, a wholesale dealer in coal whose careful man- agement and indefatigable industry have brought to him a good business, came to Centerville in 1881 and, although his residence here has not been continuous, he has always been well known in this locality since his arrival in Appanoose county more than three decades ago. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in August, 1848. a son of William and Anna (Law) Campbell, who were natives of the land of hills and heather. The father worked in a brewery there and later turned his attention to farming. cultivating a tract of land for many years. He eventually came to America in 1871, settling in Pennsylvania, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1882. His wife passed away in Centerville in 1892.
The boyhood and youth of James W. Campbell were spent in his native city and after he left school he sought a position in the coal mines. being thus employed until 1869, when at the age of twenty-one years he
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came to the United States. He was afterward employed in the coal mines of Pennsylvania for some time and later removed to La Salle, Illinois, work- ing in the mines there until 1881. The latter year witnessed his arrival in Centerville but subsequently he went to Brazil where he worked in the mines until 1886. In the meantime he carefully saved his earnings, hoping to one day engage in business on his own account. The year 1886 saw the fulfillment of this hope for at that time he bought a stock of merchandise from John Freeze and thereafter conducted the business for about seven years. He then began dealing in coal in connection with Thomas Phillips, with whom he remained for several years, when they sold out and Mr. Campbell entered into partnership with Joseph Turner. They were associated in coal mining interests for thirteen years, at the end of which time they sold out and purchased the marble and granite works of Center- ville. A few months afterward, however, Mr. Campbell disposed of his interests in that business to his partner and went upon the road for the Southern Iowa Coal Company, which he represented for a short time. He then once more embarked in business on his own account as a whole- sale dealer in coal and has since continued in this line. He now has a partner, J. L. Turner, who represents the business on the road under the firm name of J. W. Campbell & Company. They have secured a liberal patronage, their straightforward dealings and promptness in delivery being important factors in their success.
On the 15th of May, 1874, Mr. Campbell was married to Miss Susan Williams, a daughter of Richard and Sarah (Gilmore) Williams, the former a native of Wales and the latter of Ireland. The father came to this country at a very early day, settling in Pennsylvania. He was a track layer in the mines and after coming to this country remained in the Keystone state until his death, which occurred in 1900. His wife survived until 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell became the parents of ten children, namely: Grace, the wife of JJ. H. Moore, a traveling salesman ; William, a street car conductor in Centerville; Ella, who married J. L. Turner, the business partner of Mr. Campbell; Richard, a miner; Katie, who lives at home; James, who also engages in mining; Susie, engaged in teaching school; Mary, the wife of Elmer Sharp, a hardware merchant of Centerville; Earl, who died in 1894; and Harry, now attending school. The family reside at No. 115 North Tenth street, in a residence which Mr. Campbell owns.
Mr. Campbell has been a member of the Masonie lodge in this county since 1869 and while in Scotland served as Master Mason. For twenty- seven years he has been identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political support is given to the republican party and he
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served as township trustee for nine years, but while he has ever been loyal to the best interests of the community he has preferred that his public service should be done as a private citizen rather than as an official. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church and its teachings have guided his life, shaping his conduct in all of his relations with his fellow- men. He has never been afraid of work, knowing that earnest, honest labor is the basis of all honorable success. All days in his career have not been equally bright yet he has pushed his way steadily forward and is now at the head of a substantial and profitable business which is re- turning to him a good income.
WILLIAM NORMAN SHAFFER.
Almost four decades have come and gone since William Norman Shaffer passed away, but he is yet remembered by the older settlers as a progressive and enterprising farmer of Vermillion township and his widow yet remains here, his wife and children having taken an active and helpful part in promoting publie progress along many lines. Mr. Shaffer was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, December 23, 1844, his parents being Michael and Mary (Enfield) Shaffer. The father, a native of Penn- sylvania and of German descent, was a carpenter by trade and eventually took up contracting. On his removal to lowa he settled in Appanoose county, locating on land which he purchased in Vermillion township in 1868. His wife was also a native of Pennsylvania and of German lineage. She died upon the farm in Vermillion township in 1878, having for six years survived her husband, who passed away in 1872.
William Norman Shaffer attended the public schools of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and also Swickley Academy in that city. After leaving school he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed in Donegal, Pennsylvania, but in 1868 came west with his parents and settled with them upon the farm. For two years he worked on the farm through the summer months and in the winter seasons engaged in teaching. In 1870 he leased from his father eighty acres of land upon which he lived for four years, this being located near Shawville mine, in Vermillion township. There he passed away on the 20th of June, 1874. He practiced industry, and energy was always one of his salient characteristics while in all of his business relations he was thoroughly reliable.
Following the death of Mr. Shaffer, his wife and children purchased a house and forty acres of land from his father and occupied the place for
WILLIAM N. SHAFFER
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four years, the home being situated three miles southwest of Centerville. Mrs. Shaffer then bought eighty acres four miles southeast of Centerville and occupied that farm for seventeen years, except when she was away educating her children. She took up the business of raising fruit and veg- etables and annually gathered good crops. At length, however, she dis- posed of that property and purchased her present homestead of eighty acres. She still lives upon this place but rents the land, deriving therefrom a substantial annual income.
To Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer were born three children. Pearl M. and Carl J., twins, were born May 12, 1872. The former attended the district school of Vermillion township and later the State Normal School at Cedar Falls, Iowa, from which he was graduated with honors in the class of 1894. He then went to the state reform farm at Eldora as military instructor and at one time he was military instructor in the state college at Manhattan, Kansas, being appointed to that position over a competitor who was a West Point graduate. He was detailed for two years' service there but was so well liked that he was asked to return and remained for the four years' limit. While acting as instructor at Eldora he was appointed second lieu- tenant of the United States army. During the Spanish-American war he served in the Philippines but was taken ill and returned home. He has served there under three enlistments since and at the present time is Cap- tain of Company B, of the Twentieth Regiment of United States Regulars, now on detached duty at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He married Miss Zepherine Towne, of Saratoga Springs, New York. Carl J. attended the district school in Vermillion township and was for four years a student in the State Normal at Cedar Falls. Following his graduation he took up the profession of teaching which he followed for two years, and then entered upon the study of medicine in the State University of Iowa City, being graduated with the M. D. degree. He afterward pursued a post-graduate course of study in Chicago and then located in Carson, Iowa, where today he enjoys a large and growing practice. He was married to Miss Florence Flint, of Council Bluffs. Fannie, the only daughter of the family, was born April 27, 1874, and is now in California. Like her brothers she at- tended the district schools and the State Normal at Cedar Falls until grad- uated. For nine years she was a teacher in the public schools of Des Moines, Iowa, and then went to Los Angeles, California, where she pursued a four years' course of study in osteopathy. She then practiced for a year in New York but because of impaired health returned to California.
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