USA > Iowa > Appanoose County > Past and present of Appanoose County, Iowa : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 24
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On the 24th of June, 1906, Dr. Gray married Miss Beulah T. Cum- mins, of Moravia, a daughter of Rufus E. Cummins, at that time post- master of the town, and a granddaughter of Captain Ephraim Cummins, one of the prominent political leaders and well known men in public life in southern Iowa. Dr. and Mrs. Gray have two children: Charles: and Samuel Francis, who received the second state health prize at the Iowa state fair in 1912 in his class of towns of under ten thousand, as the most perfect child in the state.
Dr. Gray is extensively interested in fraternal affairs and has many important affiliations. He belongs to Antiquity Lodge, No. 252, A. F. & A. M., and he and his wife belong to Moravia Chapter, O. E. S. Dr. Gray is identified also with Monroe Chapter, No. 125, R. A. M .. at Albia, Iowa, and holds membership in Moravia Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows: Moravia Camp, No. 4204, M. W. A. ; and Homestead No. 346, Brotherhood of American Yeomen. Mrs. Gray is a devout member of the United Brethren church. Dr. Gray has made an excellent professional rec- ord, as is evidenced by the lucrative practice now accorded him, and he is. moreover, known in Moravia as a progressive and public-spirited citizen.
ANDREW BURKLAND.
Andrew Burkland passed away at his home, 1013 South Main street, on the 5th of April. 1912, after a lingering illness induced by stomach trouble, aged seventy years, ten months and eight days.
Mr. Burkland came to this city more than a third of a century ago. and became one of its prominent and successful contractors as well as mine operators. His record is an excellent illustration of the power of industry and perseverance in the attainment of success. for his early life was one of hardship and privation and the obstacles which he encountered would have utterly discouraged many a man of less resolute spirit.
His birth occurred in Vestergotland. Sweden, on the 29th of May. 1841, his parents being Andrew and Breta Bjölund, who were likewise natives of that country. The father died when our subject was still a
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child. His parents were very poor, and as soon as old enough to work he was hired out to a farmer for three years, and therefore he had prac- tically no time to attend school and never learned to write, but in spite of this handicap won success in the business world, by reason of his native intelligence, keen discernment and indefatigable energy. As a young man he began working on a railroad section and a short time later was made foreman. In 1868, when twenty-seven years of age, he crossed the Atlan- tie to the United States with a contingent of men sent here to work on railroad construction in Michigan. Soon afterward, however, he engaged in lumbering in the Michigan woods and subsequently made his way to Chicago, where he again found employment with railroads. Leaving for St. Louis, Missouri, he worked there and became foreman of a steel gang. After the road was completed, the company wanted him to take charge of a construction train but he declined to take the offer on account of his inability to write. The superintendent tried in vain to change his view and accept, saying it would be very easy to find a timekeeper. but diffi- cult to get a man who understood how to run a construction train, paying him the compliment that he was the best man he had ever had in his employ. However, he persisted in his refusal and left for Chicago. where he stayed but a short time. then coming to Ladsdale, Iowa. where he worked as a coal miner, for three years. In 1877 he came to Centerville. łowa, which has since been his home. His first employment was as a coal miner, but subsequently he took up the stone mason's trade and later engaged in contracting in connection with mine operations, but for the last twenty-five years had been engaged more extensively in the coal busi- ness, being instrumental in organizing several local coal companies. He was one of the organizers of the Scandinavian Coal Company when it was founded and helped start the Anchor Mine, No. 1, and later with a part- ner, organized the Happy Coal Company. He sunk the White Oak mine. being sole owner for a number of years and then selling out. Subse- quently he sank another mine in the south part of the city and he and his son. Alfred, were operating this enterprise at the time of his death, under the firm style of A. Burkland & Son. He had also taken at various times a number of contracts for public improvements, having graded the public square and fair grounds, also the city street car line, and had constructed the water works reservoir, and built the foundation for the stand pipe. also grading the new cemetery. He further executed a number of con- tracts for the railroad, in and around Centerville. His success in all lines was most gratifying and came as the direct result of his enterprising and able management.
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In October, 1874, in Chicago, Mr. Burkland was united in marriage to Miss Louise Peterson, also a native of Sweden. To them were born six children: Alfred, Anna, Agnes, Albert. and Carl. who with their mother, are left to mourn his death ; and one son, Isaac, who died twelve years ago. The family reside in their comfortable home at 1013 South Main street. The children were all born and reared in Centerville and educated in the Centerville schools. In 1907, Alfred became associated with his father as coal operator, and since the latter's death, he with his two younger brothers. Albert and Carl, are conducting the business inter- ests of the family. Anna is bookkeeper and Agnes is employed as clerk in one of the large department stores of the city.
In politics Mr. Burkland was a stanch republican, loyally supporting the men and measures of that party at the polls. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Swedish Lutheran church, of which he was a life-long member, and he was a charter member of the Center- ville church, giving it his loyal support. His life was upright and honor- able and his large circle of friends and acquaintances who had anxiously concerned themselves about his illness, heard with sincere regret of his passing from the scene of action, as he was a good citizen, temperate in his habits. strong of character and kind of heart. He was influential and interested in matters looking to the improvement of the city and the better- ment of the community, and his demise was the occasion of deep and wide- spread sorrow.
PERRY WYCKOFF.
Perry Wyckoff is now living retired in Centerville but for many years was closely associated with agricultural interests and in the tilling of the fields gained the substantial competence which enabled him at length to put aside arduous labor and enjoy the fruits of his previous toil. He was born in Johnson county, Iowa, October 8, 1845, when this state was still a territory, his parents being John and Maria J. (Merrill) Wyckoff, who were natives of Ross county, Ohio. The father devoted his life to farming and became one of the pioneer residents of Illinois, settling within its borders when the Indians were still numerous there and when the northern part of the state was practically uninhabited. He continued to reside in Illinois until 1838. when he again established his home upon the frontier, settling in Johnson county. He afterward went to Iowa
PERRY WYCKOFF
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county, where he once more entered land from the government and also bought some property, adding to his original holdings until he had three hundred and twenty acres which he improved and cultivated until 1856. He then sold out and removed to Putnam county, Missouri, where he pur- chased land which he successfully farmed until his death, on the 30th of March, 1897. His widow afterward took up her abode in Unionville, Missouri, where she lived until called to the home beyond, on the 12th of August, 1905.
Perry Wyckoff spent his youthful days largely in Iowa county, this state, and in Putnam county, Missouri. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him until he was sixteen years of age, when he offered his services to the government in defense of the Union cause, enlisting as a member of Company G, Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry. He remained at the front until wounded in battle, after which he was honorably discharged and returned home, where he remained until he was once more able for active duty. He then reenlisted, this time becom- ing a member of Company C, Forty-second Missouri Infantry, with which he continued until after the close of hostilities. On the first day of Jan- uary. 1863, he was captured and was incarcerated in Libby and Ander- sonville prisons until the following June, undergoing all of the hardships and privations of southern prison life. He participated in the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, when only seventeen years of age, and although but a youth when he enlisted he manifested valor and loyalty equal to that of many veterans of twice his years. His father was a captain in the Union army and Mr. Wyckoff has now in his possession various souvenirs of his father's and his own service.
When the country no longer needed his service Mr. Wyckoff returned home and for two years engaged in farming for his father. While at the front he had saved his earnings as a soldier and sent the money home with which to purchase a farm. After two years he began the development of that property and continued to cultivate the tract of one hundred and twenty acres until his success enabled him to extend its boundaries. From time to time he purchased other land and is now the owner of a valuable farm of three hundred and seventy-nine acres which he continued to till until 1895. when he retired and took up his abode in Cincinnati, this county. There he lived for eight years, after which he came to Centerville where he has since made his home. He worked diligently and persistently while upon the farm, bringing his fields under a very high state of cultiva- tion and annually gathering good crops as a reward for the care and labor he bestowed upon his land. His methods were at once practical as well as progressive and his farm ever presented a neat and thrifty appearance. Vol. H-15
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On the 9th of May, 1867, Mr. Wyckoff was married to Miss Angeline Stewart, a daughter of Perry and Emma (Myers) Stewart, who were natives of Indiana. They came to Appanoose county in 1856 and the father carried on merchandising, conducting a store until 1858, when he sold out and went to the west. During his leisure time while engaged in business he studied for the ministry and became the first preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church of Centerville. On starting west across the country he had become ill with typhoid fever and died at Numa, this county, November 13, 1858. His wife survived him until August 15. 1867. Mrs. Wyckoff was born at Greencastle, Indiana, February 7, 1848, and by her marriage she became the mother of nine children: Charles S., who is engaged in the automobile business at Sioux City, Iowa; William M., a barber of Centerville, who is also a horse dealer: Elbert and Elza. twins, both of whom are engaged in farming, the former in Montana and the latter in Putnam county, Missouri ; Jesse M .. a contractor of Lovilia, Iowa; Josephine. who married Jay C. Colburn, who is engaged in the music business at Webster City, Iowa; Stewart A., a rural mail carrier residing in Cincinnati, Iowa; Edna, who is still at home; and Arthur, who died May 19. 1893. Mr. Wyckoff holds membership in John L. Bashore Post. No. 122, G. A. R., and his wife is a member of the Women's Relief Corps. They attend the Methodist church and Mr. Wyckoff votes with the republi- can party. His attention, however, has always been concentrated upon business affairs rather than upon public matters, his activity in citizenship being merely in support of the principles, in which he believes, by the exercise of his right of franchise at the polls. He now resides at No. 313 West Maple street where he has a pleasant home. Years of earnest. per- sistent labor, intelligently directed, brought him a substantial measure of success and he is now in possession of a comfortable competence. which supplies him with all of the necessities and many of the luxuries of life.
JACKSON LUSE.
Jackson Luse needs no introduction to the readers of this volume for he has spent his entire life in this county and his conduct has ever been actuated by high principles, with due regard for the rights of his fellow- men. He belongs to that class of substantial agriculturists who constitute the real strength and stability of any community and are the builders of its progress and prosperity. Born on the old homestead farm on the
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8th of April, 1855. Jackson Luse has therefore been a resident of Appa- noose county for more than fifty-seven years. He represents one of the old pioneer families here, being a son of Aaron Luse, a native of Trum- bull county, Ohio, who was born on the 12th of March, 1819. The grandfather, William Luse, was a native of Pennsylvania and on remov- ing from that state established his home in Ohio, where he continued to reside until called to his final rest. Aaron Luse was reared in Ohio to the age of nineteen years when he went to Missouri and afterward to Illinois. Subsequently he arrived in Van Buren county, Iowa, and there when a young man of twenty-two years was married to Miss Martha Smith, who was born near Cleveland, Ohio, October 26, 1821, and came to lowa with her parents when the state was still under territorial rule, the family home being established in Van Buren county. Ten years after their mar- riage, which was celebrated on the 24th of January, 1841, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Luse came to Appanoose which was still a frontier district, much of the land being then in possession of the government. Mr. Luse entered a claim which he transformed into one of the best farms of the township and in addition to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he successfully engaged in raising stock. He also planted an orchard which soon came into good bearing and throughout the years of his residence here took an active and helpful interest in the agricul- tural and horticultural development of this part of the state. He erected upon his place a commodious and attractive home, also barns and other necessary outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock and in all of his business dealings was found to be thoroughly reliable as well as enter- prising and progressive. His many sterling traits of character commanded for him the confidence and good-will of all who knew him. His death. which occurred August 25. 1881, when he was sixty-two years of age. was a cause of deep regret to all those who knew him. His wife sur- vived him for about seventeen years, dying August 3. 1898. when she was about seventy-seven years of age. They were for many years active and valued members of the Methodist Episcopal church, taking a help- ful part in its work and contributing generously to its support. Mr. Luse served as church steward and also as superintendent of the Sunday school for a number of years. The cause of education found in him a champion and he advanced the interests of the schools while serving on the board. He was likewise township assessor, township trustee and justice of the peace and discharged every duty devolving upon him. whether of a public or private nature, in the most capable and satisfactory manner. The family numbered eight children : Mrs. Rosetta Cline, whose husband
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died of disease contracted in the Civil war, while she passed away in Moravia, Iowa, April 13, 1911, at the age of sixty-nine years; Mrs. Sarah J. Skinner, who died at Main, Iowa, January 13, 1906, when sixty- one years of age; Mrs. Martha Foster, a widow living in Taylor town- ship; Laura E., the wife of Rev. George M. Andrews, of Kenesaw, Adams county, Nebraska; W. J., of Garden Grove, lowa; Jackson; Mary, the wife of T. J. Turner, of Moravia; and Douglas, who died at the age of eleven months.
The experiences which came to Jackson Luse in his boyhood and youth were those which usually fall to the farm lad who is trained in a home where energy, economy and industry are regarded as important factors in life. As opportunity offered he pursued his education in one of the old-time log schoolhouses and in the school of experience he has since learned many valuable lessons. He was married when twenty-one years of age to Miss Mina Kaster, who was born in Chariton township, Appanoose county, and was reared and educated here. Her father, Robert Kaster, was a native of Pennsylvania and lived for some time in Indiana before coming to Iowa. On his arrival in this state he cast in his lot with the early settlers of Appanoose county and became well known and prominent here. He had wedded Mary McDaniel, who was also a native of Pennsylvania. His death occurred October 6, 1895, when he was seventy-four years of age, while his wife died January 24, 1912, at the age of eighty-six. Mr. Kaster voted with the democratic party and his religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church of which his wife was also a consistent and loyal member. For a number of years he was a class leader in the Fairview church, taking an active part in its work and giving generously to its support. Mr. and Mrs. Kaster were the parents of ten children : Nancy, who died at the age of nine years: Mrs. Hulda J Worthington, of Hamilton county, Nebraska; Mrs. Mary E. Boyer. of Chariton township; Robert H., of Appanoose county; Mrs. Luse; James M., of Monroe county, Iowa: Mrs. Hannah E. Gladfelder. of Chariton township; William and Benjamin, both deceased; and Mrs. Australia Worthington, who passed away at York, Nebraska.
Throughout his entire life Jackson Luse has carried on general agri- cultural pursuits and the nursery business, save for two years which he spent in the village of Main and one year in Nebraska. The habits of industry and perseverance which he formed in his youth have remained salient features in his success. He is today the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of good land which includes the old homestead farm. His fields are carefully tilled and produce substantial crops and as the years have gone by he has won that prosperity which is the reward of
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earnest, persistent and honorable labor. In 1892 he established a nursery which he conducted successfully for almost ten years, after which he closed out the business in order to devote his attention more exclusively to the cultivation of grain. For two years he conducted a store in Main and also served as postmaster during that time. His attention, however, has been largely given to his farm which is a splendidly improved prop- erty. In addition to a new home upon the place he has three large and substantial barns. A fine orchard of ten acres is enclosed by a half-mile of evergreen trees which serve as a wind-break as well as add to the beauty of the place. The greater part of the land is under cultivation. producing excellent crops each year, and Mr. Luse is justly regarded as one of the most enterprising and progressive farmers of his locality. keeping in touch with the trend of modern progress. He utilizes the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields, has always practiced rotation of crops and employs other modern and scientific meth- ods the value of which has been proven by practical experience.
Mr. and Mrs. Luse have become parents of seven children : Effie V., the wife of JJ. W. McDaniel, of Chariton township: Elbert Aaron, Robert E., Lloyd E. and Gus E., all of whom are married and have homes of their own upon farms in Taylor township; and Cody Jackson and Coy E .. who are yet with their parents. The son Elbert A. was married February 26, 1902. to Miss Bertha Mae Stockwell and they became the parents of a son and two daughters: Doyle and Freda, at home : and Ruby, who died at the age of fifteen months. Robert E. was married May 30. 1903, to Miss Glennie Mae Hixon, and they had a daughter. Glennie Marie, who died in infancy. Lloyd E. was married April 3, 1912, to Erma H. Glick. Gus E. was married June 24, 1909, to Miss Edna A. Tisue, who departed this life July 22, 1909, and on the 15th of February, 1911, he was again married, his second union being with Miss Mar J. Jones, by whom he has one son, Thomas Jackson. To Mr. and Mrs. McDaniel have been born six children, four sons and two daughters, Wiffiam G., Ryman Jack- son. Lyndon Luse. Lloyd E., Bertha Gladys and Daphne Viola.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and their lives are guided by its teachings. For a quarter of a century Mr. Luse has served as one of the church trustees, has also been Sunday school superintendent and church steward. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is a prominent worker in its local ranks. He filled the office of township assessor for six consecutive years, was town- ship trustee for three terms, has been justice of the peace and a member of the school board. In every relation of life he has commanded the con- fidence and good-will of those who know him, for his life has been upright
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and honorable and he holds to high ideals. He has lived to witness remarkable changes in the county during the fifty-seven years of his resi- dence here, for its wild lands have been claimed and cultivated, towns and villages have sprung up, schools and churches have been built and all modern improvements have been introduced. As the years have gone by he has ever borne his share in the work of advancement, giving his sup- port and indorsement to all measures for the material, social, intellectual and moral benefit of the community.
JOHN HOUSE.
John House, engaged in blacksmithing in Centerville, was born in Missouri in March, 1858, his parents being John and Mary (Abbey) House, who were natives of Germany. The father was a farmer and on coming to the new world settled in Missouri, where he purchased and im- proved a tract of land, continuing to make his home thereon throughout the remainder of his life. He died in 1897 and the death of his wife occurred in 1899.
John House was reared and educated in Missouri, and thinking to find other pursuits more congenial than farming. he turned his attention to the trades. He learned blacksmithing and was employed in that way in Missouri for several years. He afterward removed to Montrose. Iowa, where he conducted a shop for some time but afterward returned to his native state and carried on blacksmithing at Unionville for a few years. In 1894 he came to Centerville, where he opened a shop in partnership with a Mr. Pixley, with whom he was associated for two years. On the expiration of that period Mr. House began working for the Centerville Coal Company as a blacksmith and continued with them until 1910. when he once more embarked in business on his own account and is now conducting a shop which is liberally patronized, for he does excellent work, is reasonable in his prices and straightforward in all his dealings.
In February, 1885, Mr. House was married to Miss Charlotte Hard- wick, a daughter of Hiram and Elizabeth (Beswick) Hardwick, who were natives of Indiana. The father was a farmer and at an early period in the settlement of Missouri removed to that state, where he purchased a farm and cultivated it continuously and successfully until 1892. He then retired from active life and he and his wife are now living in Frank- fort, Missouri. Unto Mr. House and his wife were born eight children. four of whom have passed away. Those living are Thurman, Boyce, Mil-
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lard and Madge. Mr. House holds membership with the Foresters of America. In the political campaign of 1912 he announced himself as a "Bull Moose." He had previously supported the republican party, but not liking the policy adopted, he became a follower of the progressive wing which is seeking strenuously to better conditions and release the country from the party rule, which seems to cater to class rather than to promote the welfare of the great American populace. He attends and supports the Presbyterian church, in which he and his wife hold member- ship, and their many good qualities have gained for them the friendly regard and good-will of the many who know them.
W. F. EVANS.
W. F. Evans, of St. Louis, general counsel for the Frisco lines and general attorney for the Rock Island railroad, is well known in Appanoose county. He was born in Monroe county, Iowa, October 11, 1859, as the only son of William and Margaret J. (Vestal) Evans, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. The boy was but five years of age when his parents removed to Appanoose county, where he acquired a good public-school education in Oconium and Centerville, the family home being established in the latter city when W. F. Evans was a lad of twelve years. He started out in the business world as a clerk in the general mer- cantile store owned by Major Staunton at Centerville and during the years 1877 and 1878 he served as deputy county treasurer under his father. In 1880 he took up the study of law in the office of Vermilion & Vermilion in Centerville, but did not enter upon active practice at once when ad- mitted to the bar. Instead, he accepted the position of assistant cashier in the First National Bank of Centerville and in 1884 he went to Milan, Missouri, as assistant cashier of the First National Bank of that city. In 1885, he returned to Centerville and became associated with his former preceptor, W. F. Vermilion, in active law practice. In March of the same year he was elected city solicitor and the capable manner in which he performed his duties led to his reelection in 1886. He has since prac- tically given undivided attention to his duties as a member of the legal profession, specializing in the field of railroad law. On his retirement from the office of city solicitor he went to Topeka. Kansas, where he became assistant to the general attorney of the Rock Island Railroad Com- pany and his experience in that connection well qualified him for the responsibilities which he assumed when in 1902. he removed to St. Louis
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