USA > Iowa > Appanoose County > Past and present of Appanoose County, Iowa : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 22
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Eminently progressive in his citizenship, Mr. More gives a loyal sup- port to the democratic party and takes a helpful and active interest in all movements which have for their object the public welfare or the growth and advancement of the section in which he has so long resided. Although not an office seeker he has never been known to shirk his public duties and in their discharge has been found constantly loyal and public-spirited, an carnest worker in the service of the people. For the past ten or twelve years he has been secretary of the school board and has been township as- sessor, township clerk and township trustee, serving in some one of these three offices for over twenty years. He stands today among the men of weight in this community and during the thirty years of his residence here his influence has never been given to a dishonorable cause and has never been unworthily used.
JAMES E. HENDERSHOT.
James E. Hendershot has for twenty years been closely associated with commercial interests of Exline as a member of the firm of Hendershot & Robley, merchants, and with the general business interests of the com- munity through his identification with all the leading projects and enter- prises which directly affect advancement and development. He was born in Caldwell township, Appanoose county, June 15. 1865, and was reared upon his grandfather's farm. His early education was acquired in the pub-
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lic schools of the locality and he was later for one term a student in the University of Kansas. When he laid aside his books he engaged in teach- ing in the public schools of his native section but after six years abandoned that occupation and farmed near Sedan for one year. At the end of that time he located in Exline and has since given his attention to business con- cerns. He bought a small stock of goods and established himself as a gen- eral merchant. He soon became well known on account of his upright and honorable business methods, his fair dealing and his constant courtesy and consideration for the wishes of his customers, and as a result his business grew. Year by year he added to his stock and continued to conduct the enterprise until 1906, meeting with steadily increasing prosperity. Even- tually, however, he sold his business interests and went upon a pleasure trip to the Pacific coast, journeying through Washington, Oregon and Cali- fornia. When he returned at the end of three months he became interested in the Exline Savings Bank, which he promoted and built up and served as its president for some time. being still a large stockholder. At one period in his career he purchased a ranch in Texas and in 1911 moved to the Pan Handle, near Amarillo, and resided upon his property for about three months, after which he returned to Exline. Here he formed a partnership with E. S. Robley and bought out the Exline Cash Store. the business be- ing now conducted under the firm name of Hendershot & Robley. They carry a fine line of goods and are conducting a business which is constantly growing in volume and importance. They have now a liberal patronage and their trade is increasing. owing to the straightforward business methods and the reasonable prices which have become recognized as a policy of this business house. Mr. Hendershot has other extensive and important busi- ness interests in Exline, being a stockholder and a director of the Exline Savings Bank and the owner of valuable property holdings. He holds title to a number of residence lots, upon which he has built some eight or ten houses which he rents and in addition to this owns also extensive busi- ness property. During the course of his twenty years of activity in Exline he has aided greatly in the upbuilding and development of the town. lend- ing the weight of his influence to the promotion of projects which affect material progress and public advancement.
Mr. Hendershot married near Sedan. lowa, in January. 1892. Miss Lily Wood, who was born, reared and educated in Appanoose county and who taught in the public schools previous to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Hendershot have three children: Marie, who is studying in Davenport; Carl Elton : and Kenneth. Two of the children born to this union died in infancy.
Mr. Hendershot has been affiliated with the democratic party since at-
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taining his majority and has held many positions of responsibility and trust. He has served as township clerk and as township trustee and has besides been a delegate to many county conventions, proving himself al- ways a forceful and efficient public servant. He is a progressive business man who seems to recognize the value of every situation and to make the most of his many opportunities. Through legitimate lines of trade he has built up a growing business that is indicative of his spirit of enterprise and determination.
RALPH E. WILSON.
Ralph E. Wilson, conducting a barber shop in Unionville, has been a resident of Appanoose county since his childhood. His birth occurred in Knoxville, Knox county, Ilinois, May 18, 1879, his parents being Jacob and Katherine E. ( Brain ) Wilson. The father was born in Greene county. Ohio, January 23. 1849, but the grandfather on the paternal side, John H. Wilson, was a native of Virginia. His birth occurred on September 14, 1816, and he died in Illinois, September 15, 1893. His wife was in her maidenhood Miss Isabella Hogue. She was born in Greene county, Ohio, in 1818 and died in Knox county, Illinois, in 1858. The father of our subject came to Illinois in September, 1856, with his parents and there grew to manhood. He married on the 25th of December, 1873. Miss Katherine E. Brain, a daughter of George and Ellen (Cox) Brain. Both were born in Gloucestershire. England, in which county their marriage oc- curred. They came to the United States in 1852 and located first at Yel- low Springs, Ohio, and later in Knox county, Illinois. In 1878 they came to Appanoose county and here the father purchased two hundred and fifty acres of land in U'dell township which he improved and developed until his death in 1899. His widow makes her home with the father of the subject of this review. The mother of our subject was born in Knox county, Ili- nois and after her marriage came with her husband to Appanoose county. locating in this section in February. 1880. For some time they lived upon a rented farm but in 1883 Jacob Wilson moved into Unionville and pur- chased the livery stable then conducted by William Crow. He was suc- cessful in the management of this enterprise, in which he continued until 1885 and then bought a hardware and furniture store in Unionville. In 1892 he took A. T. Bishop into partnership with him but two years later repurchased his partner's interests. He later disposed of the furniture and undertaking department but retained the hardware and implement end of
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the business and in 1898 added groceries and gentlemen's furnishings, con- ducting this business at present. He handles a fine general stock of goods and in addition complete lines of buggies and farm implements. In 1901 he joined with C. I. Harrison in the purchase of a grist and sawmill from the Joshua Riggs estate and seven years later the father of our subject was injured in this mill and later sold out his interest to his partner. He has served as postmaster of Unionville for four years and was for some time a member of the school board in Unionville. He served as tax collector and township clerk in Knox county, Illinois, and is in all matters of citizenship eminently progressive and public-spirited. Fraternally he is affiliated with Blue Lodge, No. 719, A. F. & A. M. He gives his allegiance to the demo- cratic party, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. They are the parents of three children : Frederick, whose birth occurred Novem- ber 3, 1874, and who is now a merchant of Unionville; Ralph E .; and Estella B., born May 17, 1889, at home.
Ralph E. Wilson came to Appanoose county when he was a child and grew to manhood in this part of Iowa. He received his early education in the public schools and completed a course in the Unionville high school in 1897, after which he spent one year in the Capital City Commercial Col- lege in Des Moines. In the fall of 1899 he began his active career. secur- ing a position as stenographer and bookkeeper for the firm of Hicks & Cree, dealers in real estate in Centerville. He remained with them for three months, after which he returned to Unionville, worked in his father's store, until in 1902, when he purchased a barber shop from P. V. Underwood which he has since successfully conducted, his prosperity being the direct result of his own energy and business ability. In 1905 he was editor of the Unionville Chronicle and conducted the same for three years.
On the 22d of April, 1902, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Clara B. Bishop, a daughter of Archibald T. and Jane ( Hicks) Bishop, the former of whom was born in Lee county, Virginia. in 1848 and the latter in Jefferson county. Iowa, July 17, 1850. Mrs. Wilson's grand- parents on the paternal side were Joseph and Polly Ann (Hopkins) Bishop, natives of Virginia and Tennessee. Her maternal grandparents were James T. and Elizabeth ( Rogers) Hicks, both of whom were born in Lee county, Virginia. Mrs. Wilson's father came to Appanoose county with his parents when he was a child and grew to manhood in this section. where he still resides. In 1869 he rented a farm and conducted it so suc- cessfully that he was soon able to purchase one hundred and sixty acres in Union township. In 1900 he rented this property and came into Union- ville, where he engaged in the mercantile business for some time, trading his store in 1911 for a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Allen county,
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Kansas. On the 10th of April, 1912, he formed a partnership with Paris E. More and they purchased the general merchandise store belonging to R. M. Creech, which they have since conducted. Mr. Bishop has held var- ious township offices, supporting always the democratic party, and frater- nally is affiliated with Unionville Lodge, No. 665. 1. O. O. F. Mrs. Bishop belongs to Unionville Lodge, No. 155, O. E. S .. and she and her husband are members of the Baptist church. To them six children were born : Millie and Joseph F., both of whom are deceased: Etta. the wife of George Brain. a farmer of Udell township, Appanoose county : Florence. who married Fred Wilson, a merchant of Unionville: Clara B., now Mrs. Ralph E. Wilson; and Laura, the wife of Paris More. a merchant of Unionville. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson became the parents of three chil- dren : Genevieve, born June 30, 1905; John Russell, whose birth occurred August 7. 1908; and Edith May, who was born September 7, 1909. and died October 29, of the same year.
Fraternally Mr. Wilson belongs to Unionville Lodge, No. 665. I. O. O. F., and to Unionville Lodge, No. 4248. M. W. A. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and his political allegiance is given to the repub- lican party. As a citizen he is public-spirited and whatever tends to pro- mote the best interests of the community receives his indorsement and hearty support.
JAMES B. WERTZ.
James B. Wertz is one of the able and progressive men of Numa. where he conducts a general store and is otherwise connected with in- portant enterprises which have been factors in the general development and progress of the town as well as a source of gratifying income to him. He is a native of Appanoose county, born in Bellair township, September 24. 1871, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Sarah ( Hubler) Wertz, the former born in Ohio and the latter in Indiana. The father came to Appanoose county in 1854 among the early settlers and purchased land in Bellair township, operating a valuable and profitable farm for many years. In 1902 he went to Oregon and in that state his death occurred in Sep- tember, 1911. His widow still resides in Oregon.
James B. Wertz was reared upon his father's farm in Bellair town- ship and acquired his education in the district schools. After laying aside his books he obtained a position in a coal mine, working in that capacity until he was twenty-five years of age. At that time he accepted a position
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as clerk in the general store conducted by J. W. Martin, and when he resigned it went to Kansas, where he worked for two years. Returning to Numa, he entered the employ of J. W. Hubbs, acting as clerk in his general store for two years and a half. In all of his subordinate posi- tions Mr. Wertz worked diligently and intelligently, gaining the broad experience which has proven the foundation for his success as an inde- pendent business man. In 1909 he established himself in the general merchandise business and has conducted his enterprise since that time. He carries a complete line of stock and enjoys a large patronage as a result of his upright and honorable methods of dealing and his high standards of business integrity. He has displayed sound judgment in all that he has undertaken and his energy has been one of the powerful features in his progress. He is also a stockholder in the Numa State Savings Bank and has valuable property interests in the town, displaying in all business matters keen insight and good judgment.
In April, 1907, Mr. Wertz was united in marriage to Miss Maude Kewley, a daughter of Thomas P. and Hanna F. (Allen) Kewley. The father was a farmer and stock-raiser and followed both occupations in Appanoose county, to which he had come in early days. However, he afterward abandoned agricultural pursuits and moved into Numa, where he engaged in the mercantile business until his death, which occurred in 1895. His wife still makes her home in this community.
Mr. Wertz gives his allegiance to the republican party and takes an active interest in the growth and welfare of the community. He served for a number of years as treasurer of the town of Numa, displaying in his official work the same energy, enterprise and integrity which influenced and hastened his business success. He has important fraternal affiliations. being a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Foresters of America. He is one of the prominent business men of Numa, interested in the growth and development of this community and identified with it and is well known throughout his native county as one of its public-spirited and progressive citizens.
ISAAC BROKAW.
Isaac Brokaw, now seventy-nine years of age, is living retired in Center- ville, but for many years he was closely associated with business interests as a manufacturer and farmer. Moreover, as a veteran of the Civil war he is entitled to representation in this volume, for during the dark hours
ISAAC BROKAW
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of our country's history he espoused the Union cause and carried arms in its defense. He was born in New Jersey, December 11. 1833. a son of John and Eunice ( Whitenack) Brokaw, both of whom were natives of New Jersey and of German descent. The father was a farmer by occupa- tion and at an early day removed from the east to Indiana, purchasing land in Hancock county. that state. For some time he continued the culti- vation and development of his farm there, after which he removed to Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life in general agricultural pur- suits, his death there occurring in 1852. His wife was accidentally killed by a falling tree ten years before.
Isaac Brokaw was but four years of age when taken by his parents to Indiana and in the public schools of that state he obtained his education, but his opportunities were somewhat limited owing to circumstances over which he had no control. At the time of his mother's death, which occurred when he was not quite ten years of age, his father put him out to work and from that time forward he depended upon his own labors and resources for a livelihood. In the fall of 1862. however, he put aside all busi- ness and personal considerations in order to respond to the country's call for aid and enlisted as a member of Company E. Thirty-fourth Indiana Infantry, with which he served for two years and two months. when he was honorably discharged on account of disability. His health had become greatly impaired during his strenuous military service and for a long time after the war he was unable to do much work. Finally, however, he pur- chased land in Indiana which he improved and cultivated for a long time. He also engaged in the manufacture of tile there for nine years and through his carefully directed business affairs met with a substantial suc- cess. In 1882 he came to Appanoose county and purchased one hundred and fifty-one aeres of land in Bellair township. This he at once began to improve and develop, continuing its cultivation for nine years, at the end of which time he rented the place and retired from active business lite. Establishing his home in Centerville, he purchased a residence at No. 718 East State street which he entirely remodeled and has since occupied.
On the 16th of August. 1855. Mr. Brokaw was married to Miss Eliza- beth Hughes, who was born February 24. 1836. in Ireland, a daughter of William and Maria ( Stinson ) Hughes, who were natives of the north of Ireland and were Protestants in religious faith. The father was a farmer by occupation and came to the United States in 1838. After a short resi- dence in Ohio he removed to Indiana. where he bought and improved a farm near Anderson. continuing its cultivation throughout the remainder Vol 1-11
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of his days. He died in 1882 and for eight years was survived by his wife, who passed away in 1890.
Mr. and Mrs. Brokaw became the parents of seven children. as follows: William, who is engaged in the real-estate business in Wyoming: Charles, a merchant of Albia, Iowa; Edward F., a resident of Centerville. lowa; Cyrenes. the proprietor of a restaurant at Centerville: John Emery, who passed away in 1864; one, who died in infancy; and Eunice Maria, whose demise occurred in 1893.
Mr. Brokaw maintains pleasant relations with his old army com- rades through his membership in the Grand Army post. He votes with the democratic party but has never sought or desired office. preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs while he was still an active factor in commercial and agricultural circles. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church and have lived earnest. consistent Christian lives. They are people of the highest respectability and their circle of friends in Appanoose county is an extensive one. They have now traveled far on life's journey and can look back over the past with- out regret, for they have made good use of their time and opportunities and in their relations with their fellowmen have always attempted to follow the Golden Rule.
PETER BALES.
Peter Bales is classed among the substantial pioncer residents of Appa- noose county, dating his residence here from 1851. He owns and operates a well improved and valuable farm of three hundred and thirteen acres, located on section 3. Franklin township, and has so carried forward the work of development that his activities are regarded as important factors in local agricultural growth. He was born in Tennessee, near Knoxville, November 23, 1849, and is a son of Washington and Mary ( Huffaker ) Bales, both natives of that state. The father of our subject was a farmer in Tennessee and remained upon his property there until 1851. when he came as a pioneer to Iowa, where he preempted land. He later filed upon four hundred and eighty acres in Franklin township, upon which he made permanent location. This was all raw prairie land when it came into his possession but with characteristic energy he at once began its improvement and development. He broke the soil, fenced the fields and built a small log cabin in which he made his home until it was replaced by a more mod- ern dwelling. Upon the outbreak of the Civil war he left the farm and
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enlisted in Company 1, Thirty-sixth Volunteer Infantry. He was mus- tered into service and went south, where he served for six or eight months, at the end of which time he was taken sick and sent back on a furlough. He never reached his home but died at Keokuk, where he was buried. His wife, bravely took up the work of the farm and reared her five sons, all honorable and upright men and themselves the fathers of large families today.
Peter Bales, the eldest in this family, grew to maturity upon the home- stead. He received his education in the common schools and was for a time in the Davenport Orphans' Home. At an early age, however, he returned to his mother and aided her in the operation of the farm, so that whatever success he enjoys today is due entirely to his own efforts. In early life he inherited forty acres of the home farm, upon which he located in 1871 and whereon he has since made his home. He began the work of development along practical lines and has steadily carried it forward for over forty years, being today one of the most prosperous and substan- tial agriculturists of this locality. He built upon his farm a commodious residence and a barn and outbuildings and, in addition to the orchard which he set out. planted beautiful shade and ornamental trees, for he has always paid special attention to the attractive appearance of his place. From time to time he added to his holdings and now owns three hundred and thirteen acres of fertile land under cultivation, with the exception of one hundred acres in timber and pasture. The farm is well fenced and cross- fenced into fields of convenient size and. in addition to general farming. Mr. Bales engages also in stock-raising, feeding and fattening fine herds of high-grade Shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs and raising horses.
Mr. Bales married in Franklin township on December 22, 1871, Miss Clara MeCabe, who was born in Saratoga county, New York, and is a sister of W. H. MeCabe, a prominent farmer in Franklin township, of whom more extended mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Bales are the parents of three children. Laura Winnifred, the eldest. is the wife of E. Harl, a prosperous farmer of Franklin township, and they have five children, Bessie B., Edna C., John T., Herbert Peter and Grace Lillian. Luella B. married Estes Desper, also a farmer in Franklin township. Alda A., who completes the family, is the wife of Edward E. Condra, who is operating a farm in the same section. Mr. and Mrs. Bales are both active in religious work and are members of the Baptist church, Mr. Bales acting as deacon and was superintendent of the Sunday school. Mrs. Bales is a Sunday school teacher and in all the relations of her life exemplifies the doctrines in which she believes.
Mr. Bales gives his allegiance to the republican party, and although
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he has never sought or desired public office. he has often been called upon to serve in an official capacity. He is especially interested in school work and for a long time served as school treasurer, promoting in an able and conscientious way the cause of public-school expansion. He has also been a delegate to a number of county conventions and has proved his loyalty and progressive citizenship by his efficient work. During the long period of their residence in Appanoose county Mr. and Mrs. Bales have made for themselves a real home upon their farm and have kept alive within it the warin spirit of hospitality which marked the pioneer era in Iowa. Their numerous friends find always a hearty welcome at their fireside, good cheer and happiness and as a result they are held in high regard and have the confidence and friendship of the entire community. Through the years of an active, industrious and useful life Mr. Bales has watched the develop- ment of the great commonwealth and in an important way has been iden- tified with it, being counted among the notable pioneers of Iowa.
BARRACK E. TURNER.
Barrack E. Turner owns one of the finest farms in Taylor township, a well-improved property of three hundred and seventy-five acres, upon which he has resided since 1892. Appanoose county numbers him among her native sons and here he has spent his entire life, becoming in the course of years, by reason of steady work and well-directed ambition, a successful and influential man, a force in agricultural development and general up- building. His birth occurred October 22, 1863, and he is a son of William and Jemima (Parsons) Turner, both natives of North Carolina. where they were reared and married. Two of their children were born in that state, but in 1852 they came west to Iowa, locating on a farm in Taylor township, where the father resided continuously for over forty years. After a long, useful and successful career he retired from active life and moved into Moravia, where his death occurred in the spring of 1905. His widow survives and makes her home in Moravia. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and widely known as a woman of ex- emplary life.
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