USA > Iowa > Appanoose County > Past and present of Appanoose County, Iowa : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 30
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Mr. Shoultz is a stanch democrat on all national issues but casts an independent ballot on local questions. He is a member of Seymour Lodge. No. 352. I. O. O. F., and has served in all the chairs of that organiza- tion. being a past grand. He is recognized throughout Appanoose county as one of its representative agriculturists and progressive citizens, whose labors have proven beneficial and effective in the upbuilding and develop- ment of this section of the state.
FOSTER C. MORGAN.
Foster C. Morgan has for the past six years been successfully engaged in the drug business at Centerville, being associated with Everett O. Moss in the conduct of the Continental Drug Company. His birth occurred in Decatur county, Iowa, on the 23d of August, 1885. his parents being David and Nellie ( Mullinix) Morgan, who are of Welsh and English descent respectively. The father was born in New York in 1860. while
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the mother's birth occurred in Indiana in 1862. David Morgan came to lowa with his parents when but a child, the family home being estab- lished on a farm in Decatur county. It was there that he wedded Miss Nellie Mullinix, who had been brought to Decatur county when but five years of age. He followed general agricultural pursuits in that county until 1888, then leased his farm and removed to Leon, Decatur county, where he embarked in the hardware business. Subsequently he sold out and removed to Des Moines, Iowa, where he still resides, being employed as traveling salesman for the F. P. Light Hardware Company of that city.
Foster C. Morgan completed the high-school course at Leon in 1903 and two years later was graduated from Northwestern University with the degree of Ph. G. In 1906 he came to Centerville and, in partnership with Everett O. Moss, bought out the Continental Drug Company, which he has conducted to the present time with gratifying success, enjoying a liberal and well-merited patronage.
In 1911 Mr. Morgan was joined in wedlock to Miss Marion G. Phillips. Her father was a native of England, while the mother's birth occurred in Canton, Fulton county, Illinois, her maiden name being Eggleston. Mr. Phillips emigrated to the United States as a young man and located in Fulton county, Illinois, where he was married and spent the remainder of his life, acting as editor of a newspaper at Canton. His widow gave her hand in marriage to John Walling, of Illinois, and they still reside at Canton, that state.
In politics Mr. Morgan is a stand pat republican. loyally supporting the men and measures of that party. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church of Centerville, to which his wife also belongs. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and the Elks, acting as secretary of the Centerville lodge of the latter order. He is popular in both business and social circles of his community and has won a creditable measure of prosperity for one of his years.
BERNARD A. FULLER.
Bernard A. Fuller is a prominent and influential factor in industrial circles of Appanoose county as president and treasurer of the Hercules Manufacturing Company of Centerville, owning the largest stump-pulling and land-clearing machinery plant in the world. His birth occurred in Muscatinc, Iowa, on the 28th of February, 1869, his parents being Ber-
B. A. FILLER
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nard and Elizabeth (Mushoff) Fuller, who were born, reared and married in Germany. The father was a grocer by trade. In 1852 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he remained for eighteen months. Subsequently he spent two years in St. Louis, Missouri, and then took up his abode in Muscatine, lowa. where he passed away in 1894. His widow yet makes her home in that city.
In the acquirement of an education Bernard A. Fuller attended the St. Mathias parochial school of Muscatine. After putting aside his text- books he served an apprenticeship at the iron moulder's trade in Mus- catine and later began work at the trade in Kansas City. He afterward worked in Chicago for a year and then spent two years in the foundry at the government arsenal at Rock Island. In 1893 he came to Centerville, Iowa, and embarked in the foundry business in partnership with Miles Bateman, whose interest he purchased at the end of eightcen months. Subsequently he combined his foundry with the machine shop of the Smith Brothers and then organized the Centerville Foundry & Machine Com- pany, acting as president of the concern for three years. On the expira- tion of that period, in association with his former partner, Miles Bate- man. he organized the Hercules Manufacturing Company, which is today the largest stump-pulling and land-clearing machinery plant in the world. This concern, of which Mr. Fuller is the president and treasurer, was reorganized and reincorporated in 1912 and is now building a capacious new plant. Our subject has acted as manager of this important enter- prise since its organization and is well known as a prominent and lead- ing business man of the community. He is a stockholder in the Center- ville Gypsum Company and the Centerville Electric Railway Company.
On the 20th of June, 1901, Mr. Fuller was united in marriege to Miss Cora M. Jackson, a daughter of L. H. and May ( Perjue) Jackson, who reside on a farm southeast of Centerville and are well known throughout Appanoose county. Jackson Perjue, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Fuller, was the first sheriff of Appanoose county. Mrs. Fuller was a teacher in the public schools of Centerville at the time of her marriage and had taught in the local schools for six years. She is the mother of three children, namely: Bernard, who was born on the ist of January, 1904: Edmund Ece, whose birth occurred on the 25th of February, 1906: and Genevieve, whose natal day was October 31, 1911.
In politics Mr. Fuller is a stanch democrat, having supported the men and measures of that party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He joined the Centerville Boosters Club at the time of its organization and has since remained one of its valued members, doing
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everything in his power to promote the growth and development of the town. Both he and his wife are devout communicants of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Centerville. Mr. Fuller deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. By sheer force of character, strong purpose and laudable ambition he has forged ahead and commands the respect which is ever accorded those whose success has been honorably won.
CHARLES IRVIN HARRISON.
Charles Irvin Harrison is a well known business man of Unionville where he is operating a grist and sawmill, of which he is sole proprietor. He was born in Courtland county, New York, November 18, 1855, and is a son of David and Julia E. (Peck) Harrison, both of whom were natives of Courtland county, New York, the latter of Scotch-Irish and German lineage. The father was a farmer by occupation and in early life removed to Illinois where he remained for five or six years, after which he returned to New York. At the close of the Civil war he again went to Illinois and in 1869 came to Appanoose county. Two years later his parents, Orrin and Mary Harrison, also removed from Illinois to Appa- noose county, settling in Udell township, where they purchased land, spending their remaining days upon that farm. David Harrison also invested in property, buying eighty acres in Johns township, to which he afterward added another eighty-acre tract. He carefully and continuously carried on general agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1873. His widow afterward became the wife of James True, of Centerville, and after living upon the old home farm for a few years they removed to the county seat where they continued to reside until called to their final rest. Mrs. True passing away in 1896. Unto Mr. and Mrs. David Harrison were born five children, as follows: Adelbert, deceased; Charles Irvin, of this review : Orrin D., who has also passed away : Frank M., a railroad operator of Gridley, California: and Stella Belle, the widow of W. S. Douglass. now making her home in St. Louis, Missouri.
Charles 1. Harrison was a youth of about fourteen years when he came with his parents to Jowa and when fifteen years of age started out in the world on his own account, beginning work as a farm hand. His education had been acquired through previous attendance in the public schools. He has led a life of industry and usefulness. In 1878 he started west and worked his way through to the coast. After remaining for five years in that section of the country he returned to his grandfather's farin
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in Udell township and later came into possession of this property which was deeded to him. He remained upon the farm for five years, then rented the land and removed to Unionville, where he engaged in teaming for a year. In 1901 he formed a partnership with Jake Wilson and purchased the grist and sawmill belonging to the estate of Joshua Riggs. In the intervening period of eleven years he has been continuously connected with the conduct of the business and since 1908 has been sole proprietor, having in that year purchased the interests of his partner who had been injured in the mill. In the conduct of the business he displays character- istic enterprise combined with skill and energy which are bringing him success. He is a progressive, enterprising business man and is well known as a reliable and highly respected citizen of Appanoose county. In addi- tion to his milling interests he owns eighty acres of timber land on section 28. Udell township, and eighteen acres in Unionville.
In 1890 Mr. Harrison was united in marriage to Miss Adda Louise Brain, a daughter of George and Ellen (Cox) Brain, who were natives of Gloucestershire, England, where they were reared and married. In 1852 they crossed the Atlantic to the United States, settling at Yellow Springs. Ohio, and in that locality the father engaged in farming until 1858, when he removed to Knox county, Illinois. After twenty years there passed they came to Iowa in 1878, settling in Appanoose county. He purchased one hundred acres of land in Udell township and as he prospered in his farming operations extended the boundaries of his prop- erty by an additional purchase of one hundred and fifty acres. He devel- oped one of the excellent farms of the district and remained thereon until his death in 1899. His widow afterward rented the place and came to Unionville, now making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Jake Wilson. Mrs. Harrison was born in Knox county, Illinois, April 24, 1865, and for five terms was a teacher in the public schools of Appanoose county, hav- ing charge of the first school in Udell township. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children: Forest, born October 28, 1892. who assists his father in his business interests; Lois, who was born Jan- uary 28, 1896, and died November 13, 1899: Marguerite, who was born June 18, 1901, and is now attending school; and Frank, whose birth occurred December 3. 1907.
Mr. Harrison gives his political support to the democratic party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He served as township trustee for a number of years and as constable for one tern, discharging his duties in those connections with promptness and fidelity. His interests in, and support of the cause of, public education was seen in nine years' service as a member of the school board, during which period
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he did everything in his power to promote the interests of the schools and raise their standard of excellence. At one time he held membership with the Masonic lodge in Unionville but does not attend at the present time. His wife, however, is connected with the Eastern Star chapter of Union- ville. He and his family are members of the Methodist church, in the work of which he takes a most active and helpful part, serving now as secretary of the board of trustees and as superintendent of the Sunday school. His has been a well-spent life, honorable and upright in its varied relations, and his influence and labors have constituted a potent force for progress along material, political, social, intellectual and moral lines.
HENRY A. RUSSELL.
For many years Henry A. Russell has been a well known resident of Centerville, occupied at different times with important mercantile inter- ests and at other times with public affairs. He stands for progress and improvement along many lines and is accounted one of the representative citizens of Centerville. He was born near Jefferson, Greene county, Penn- sylvania, April 23, 1851, and is a son of James and Sarah (Wathen) Russell, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a farmer by occupation and cultivated a tract of land in Greene county for about fifty years. He then sold his property and removed westward to lowa. settling at West Grove, Davis county, where he bought and improved a farm, carrying on general agricultural pursuits there until his death, which occurred in January, 1881. His wife passed away in November. 1871. In their family were ten children.
Henry A. Russell was a lad of eight years when he accompanied his parents to lowa and in the schools of Davis county he largely acquired his education. Afterward, however, he entered college at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and when he had put aside his text-books went to Arkansas, living with a brother for six years. On the expiration of that period he came to Centerville and purchased a drug store from his brother, conducting it with capability and success from 1876 until 1888. At the same time he was agent for the United States Express Company in this city and though he has now sold his drug store, he remains as agent for the express company, having occupied the position continuously since 1876. In iSS1 he erected a modern, double, two-story brick building, now occupied by Latimer Brothers with a stock of dry goods. He conducted his drug
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business in that building for a number of years but finally sold the prop- erty. His place of business is now at No. 207 East State street.
On the 16th of January, 1883. Mr. Russell was married to Miss Theresa Rogers, a daughter of Dr. W. D. and Charlotte ( Black) Rogers. both natives of Pennsylvania. The father engaged in the practice of medicine in Greene county, that state, for many years, his life's labors being ended in death in 1893. His wife survived him until 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Russell became the parents of three children, of whom one died in infancy and Miles W. passed away in 1908 at the age of twelve years. The surviving daughter. Elizabeth, is the wife of Dr. H. J. Shulze, a practicing dentist of Eveleth, Minnesota.
Mr. Russell has served on the town council for four years and has been otherwise connected with public interests of importance. He was sec- retary of the Centerville Street Railway Company during its building and for some time when the cars were operated by horse power. He also was president and secretary of the County Fair Association for eight years and did much to stimulate an interest therein. He is now a stockholder in the Centerville & Mystic interurban line and he owns considerable town property, including an interest in a ten-acre tract called Highland Park. His home is at No. 203 West Washington street, where he has lived for thirty-six years. It is an attractive property and his residence has always been noted for its warm-hearted hospitality. Mr. Russell votes with the republican party, of which he has been an earnest and consistent advocate since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. His reli- gious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, in which he takes an active and helpful interest. serving as one of its elders since 1880. In its teach- ings have been found the motive springs of his conduct, guiding him in all of his relations with his fellowmen. His life has indeed been well spent and the sterling traits of his character have won him high regard wherever he is known.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SILKNITTER.
Benjamin Franklin Silknitter has made a creditable record as an offi- cial and business man. He is now engaged in handling live stock and is the owner of valuable farming property near Centerville. At different times he has put aside business cares to perform the duties of office and in other connections has proved faithful and loyal to the trust reposed in him. He was born in Indiana, March 15. 1845, and is a son of
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Solomon and Catherine (Carter) Silknitter, the former a native of Penn- sylvania and the latter of Maryland. In the year 1850 Solomon Silknitter came to Appanoose county which was still a frontier district in which the work of development and improvement had scarcely been begun. Much of the land was still in possession of the government and he entered one hun- dred and sixty acres to which he afterward added from time to time until his holdings embraced six hundred acres. After obtaining his original claim he at once began to clear and cultivate it and devoted his remain- ing days to his agricultural pursuits. He died in March, 1865. while his wife passed away in 1897.
Benjamin Franklin Silknitter was a lad of but five years when brought by his parents to Iowa, and was reared upon the home farm in Appanoose county, while the public schools afforded him his educational opportun- ities. After his text-books were put aside he devoted his entire time to the farm until elected to the office of sheriff in 1876. He filled that posi- tion for three terms, his reelection being incontrovertible proof of the confidence reposed in his ability and faithfulness. On his retirement from office he turned his attention to the coal trade and operated a mine at Brazil and another at Mystic for a number of years, or until 1894. when he was again elected sheriff, serving for one term. He has since been engaged in the live-stock business, handling a large number of cattle each year. His property holdings embrace a farm of four hundred and ten acres west of the town on which his son resides, while Mr. Silknitter makes his home in the city where he also owns considerable property. Whatever he has undertaken he has carried forward to successful com- pletion, for his energy and industry enable him to overcome all difficulties and obstacles and gradually advance him to the goal of prosperity.
In September, 1877, Mr. Silknitter was married to Miss Sallie Bell. a daughter of David and Nancy Bell. Her father was a carpenter by trade and followed that pursuit in Centerville for many years, and later retired, continuing, however, to make his home in this city to the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Silknitter became the parents of five chil- dren: Jennie, the wife of H. S. Phillips, of Texas; George F., who is employed by the Union Meat Company at Portland, Oregon : Robert M .. employed by Crane & Company, also of Portland, Oregon: Roscoe C .. residing on his father's farm; and Richard, also making his home in Port- land, Oregon. The wife and mother passed away in February. 1009. after a short illness, and her death was deeply regretted by many friends who entertained for her warm regard.
In the life record of Mr. Silknitter is a creditable military chapter. On the 5th of May. 1864. when he was but nineteen years of age. he
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offered his services to the country for one hundred days, enlisting as a member of Company B, Forty-seventh lowa Infantry. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and he has ever been loyal to his professions. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and in addition to serving as sheriff he has been chief of police of Centerville and a member of the town council. The Masonic fraternity finds in hini an exemplary member and a well-spent life has gained for him the warm regard of all with whom he has been associated. For more than six dec- ades he has lived in this county and has been an interested witness of its growth and development. He has cooperated in many movements relating to the general welfare and his influence has ever been on the side of right. justice and progress.
MOSES MARING.
Moses Maring, who lives just across the state line in Missouri, is the owner of a fine farm of three hundred acres in Putnam county and by his progressive methods and the success which has attended his efforts has made his influence felt upon the agricultural development of this section. He was born in Belmont county, Ohio, October 9, 1849, and is a son of Samuel and Alma ( Hall) Maring, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. They came to Iowa at an early date and settled on a rented farm in Van Buren county, removing after two years to Appanoose county.
Moses Maring acquired his education in the common schools of Appa- noose county and in the Central high school, which he attended until he was seventeen years of age. By close attention to his books and by outside reading and observation he fitted himself for teaching and followed this vocation for four years before engaging in the general merchandise busi- ness. He was successful in this line of work for five years but at the end of that time traded his store for a farm in Putnam county, just across the state line. Upon this property, which comprises three hundred acres, he has resided since that time, concentrating his attention upon its develop- ment. and meeting with a well merited and gratifying degree of pros- perity. His success is the result of his and his good wife's untiring industry and capable business management and the fact that it has been accomplished. in spite of his crippled condition, is a greater tribute to his determination, his courage and his high enthusiasm. and the cooperation of his life partner.
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In 1876 Mr. Maring was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Hutchi- son, a daughter of A. J. and Eliza A. (Hutchison) Hutchison, the former a pioneer in Appanoose county. Mr. and Mrs. Maring became the par- ents of thirteen children : Zetta, who married Archie Richardson ; Mary V., who is Mrs. Van Pugh; May, who became the wife of Clyde Ryals; Josephine. who married Sanford Pugh; Olive, who became the wife of Alex Hudson; Essie, who is Mrs. E. J. Beard; Milton B., who married Fern Hart; Alma, who became the wife of Sherman Conger; Moses, Charles and Katie, who live at home; one child, who died in infancy; and Clyde R.
Mr. Maring is one of the directors of the Exline Savings Bank in Exline and he and his wife are devout members of the United Brethren church. He is a stanch democrat and, although he has never held publie office, is interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of the community and gives loyal support to many measures for the publie good. His worth as a man of business is widely acknowledged and in his career he has proven that energy and diligence constitute a safe basis upon which to build success. Until June 1, 1912, Mr. Maring was one-third owner and president of the Prairie Block Coal Company, near Centerville, one of the best mines on the Rock Island Railroad. Starting out in life under a heavy handicap, he has faced the conditions he has met with confidence and courage, standing today among the substantial agriculturists and the men of wealth in his community.
STEPHEN HOPKINS.
During the latter years of his life Stephen Hopkins lived retired in Unionville, but for many years previously had been actively engaged in farming in this county and was a prominent representative of agricultural interests here. He was also on many different occasions in public office, his service covering a long period, and the record of no citizen of Appa- noose county has been more faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation. He was born in Claiborne county, Tennessee. October 15, 1822, his parents being Jaba and Rachel (Clouse ) Hopkins. who were also natives of that state and were of English descent. They eame to Towa in the spring of 1850, accompanied by their son Stephen Hopkins and his wife. They established their home three miles south and a mile east of Unionville, the father purchasing a half section of tarm land there, after which he carried on general agricultural pursuits until the death of his wife, subsequent to which time he left the old
MR AND MRS. STEPHEN HOPKINS
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homestead and removed to Decatur county, Iowa, where he spent his last years with his youngest son, Martin Hopkins.
In the schools of Tennessee Stephen Hopkins pursued his education and after putting aside his text-books worked upon the home farm and engaged in teaching school. He was married on the Sth of June, 1843, and lived in happy wedlock for a period of sixty-seven years, three months and seventeen days with Polly Ann Hopkins, who is a daughter of George W. and Polly ( McFarland) Hopkins. Her father, who was a native of Tennessee, came ot English and German ancestry. In early life he worked In a sawmill and after following that occupation for some time began farming. He was a soldier of the War of 1812 and was at all times a loyal and progressive citizen. In Kentucky he married Polly MeFarland, who was born in that state but was descended from a northern family. In 1850 they removed to lowa, settling in Davis county, and some years afterward they became residents of Worth county, Missouri, where they remained until called to the home beyond. The wife of Stephen Hopkins was a granddaughter of another Stephen Hopkins who with his father, Nehemiah Hopkins, became a resident of New York city when it was a comparatively small place and was one of the first tailors there. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Hopkins, of this review, celebrated their sixtieth wed- ding anniversary, and few, indeed, are the couples who travel life's journey together for so long a period. Their mutual love and confidence increased year by year and they were held in the highest esteem by all because their lives were well spent. They reared the following family: Annie, who became the wife of T. J. Harden, who is a section foreman of Noble, Oklahoma. and has three children, Ella, W. O. and Viola (Harden) Palmer : Mahala, the wife of Charles Buckmaster, a farmer of Sasakwa, Oklahoma, by whom she had nine children, five of whom are living. Sarah, Frank. Stephen, Andrew and Richard: Jasper Newton, who died at the age of three years; John N., who died in 1895 at the age of forty-seven years; Allen, a farmer living near Stillwater, Oklahoma, who married Rachel Buckmaster and has three children, William, Maude, and Blanche: William H., who died in 1884 at the age of twenty-nine years; Eli, who died in 1895 at the age of thirty-eight years, leaving a widow who was formerly Minnie Hunt and who is now living near Humboldt, Kan- sas, with her two children, Louella M. Foster and John W .; Mary R., who died January 29, 1883. at the age of twenty-three years; Sarah Jane, at home with her mother: George W., who died October 18. 1887, at the age of twenty-two years; and Margaret E., who passed away November 4. 1886, at the age of eighteen years.
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