USA > Iowa > Appanoose County > Past and present of Appanoose County, Iowa : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 38
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three years; E. Burton, who passed away when he was forty-six: and Emma (Pulliam) Hickman, of Moulton, lowa.
In the acquirement of his education George T. Pulliam attended the public schools of Iowa. completing his course of study in Moulton. After the death of his father, which occurred when he was twenty years of age, he started out to make his own way in the world. first engaging in the buying and shipping of live stock. About the same time he went into the clothing business in Moulton, subsequently devoting his entire energies to this enterprise. He continued to be identified with this activity until 1898. during a portion of which time he had as his partner J. F. Wool- dridge, his brother-in-law, whose interest he purchased in 1894. Mr. Pulliam conducted the business alone thereafter until 1898, when he dis- posed of it and has since lived retired.
On the 21st of June, 1885. Mr. Pulliam was married to Miss Ollie M. Gates, who was born in Minerva, Essex county. New York, her parents being David L. and Rosetta (Hough) Gates. The father was of Scotch- Irish extraction and the mother of English and German lineage. The family removed from Essex county, New York. to fowa in 1856, locat- ing in Jefferson county in the vicinity of Fairfield, where the father bought some land which he cultivated for many years. By profession Mr. Gates was an architect and when he first located in this state was employed by the Rock Island Railroad Company to construct the bridges on their line between Washington and Centerville. Mr. and Mrs. Gates were the parents of eight children, two of whom died in infancy. Those who reached maturity were as follows: Addie, the deceased wife of George Metzler, of Fairfield: Jennie, the deceased wife of George W. Cullison, of Harlan, lowa: Mrs. Pulliam; Ellen V., the deceased wife of James A. Dunshee, of Troy, lowa; David M., a resident of Jordan. Missouri : and Mary I., who married George W. Cullison, an attorney of Harlan. lowa. Mr. and Mrs. Pulliam have no children of their own but reared and educated her nephew, Jay D. Dunshee, who is a physician at Keyston, Jowa.
Their religious faith they manifest through their connection with the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they take an active interest. Fraternally Mr. Pulliam is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Pulliam was one of the organizers of the P. E. O. of Iowa, and the local chapter of this order was organized in her home. She is a woman of marked culture and refinement and for fifteen years was a teacher, the last four years of that period having been spent in the schools of Moulton just prior to her marriage. Mr. Pulliam has never
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actively participated in local politics. although he is not at all remiss in matters of citizenship, and has always been interested in educational matters. For forty-two years he served as secretary of the local school board, in which capacity he gave most efficient service, establishing a record as a public official that is seldom equaled. A desire to withdraw from all public duties and responsibilities prompted him to offer his resignation, which was most reluctantly accepted, in 1912. Mr. Pulliam has led a life of intelligently organized and capably directed activity, and is now able to spend his latter years in well earned ease and comfort.
GEORGE D. LYNCH, M. D.
Dr. George D. Lynch, who since 1901 has engaged in the practice of medicine, opening an office in Moravia in 1905, is one of lowa's native sons, his birth having occurred in Monterey, Davis county, February 21, 1872. His parents are William and Catherine (Moyer) Lynch. The father was born in Kentucky, January 8. 1840, and the mother's birth occurred in the same state in 1841. They came to lowa with their re- spective parents at an early age and were married in Davis county. The father resided at Hilltown until the time of his marriage and engaged in the operation of a mill at that place, but for many years has carried on farming and now owns and occupies a good tract of land in this county. In their family are the following children: Amarilla, the wife of J. S. Horn, of Moulton, Iowa: John S., also of that place; George D .: Etta. the wife of Ambrose Horn, of Moulton; and Mayme, the wife of Bud Henson.
Dr. Lynch resided at the place of his birth until 1899, spending his youthful days in the usual manner of farm lads whose time is occupied with the work of the fields and the duties of the schoolroom. He was liberally educated, supplementing his early advantages by a course of study in the Southern Iowa Normal School at Bloomfield, in which he completed the teacher's course by graduation with the class of 1890. He then taught for sixteen terms, between 1890 and 1898. after which he entered the Keokuk Medical College, in which he studied for two years. He next became a student in Barnes University at St. Louis, where he completed his medical course in 1901. Dr. Lynch located for practice at Tindall, Missouri, where he remained until 1905, when he came to Moravia, where he has since engaged in general practice. He is capable. earnest and conscientious in the performance of his professional duties
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and is accorded a liberal patronage, for he has demonstrated his ability to successfully cope with the intricate problems that continuously confront the physician. He has some business interests outside of his profession, being a stockholder in the Farmers State Bank at Trenton, Missouri, and is also the owner of excellent farm land between Moravia and Center- ville.
In 1891 Dr. Lynch was united in marriage to Miss Mattie A. Davis, a native of Wayne county and a daughter of W. M. and Emma Davis. They have one child, Fanchen Pauline. Dr. Lynch gives his political allegiance to the republican party and at one time was candidate for nomination for state senator from the district comprising Appanoose and Davis counties. He is loyal in his service of the party and through political activity seeks to further the best interests of good government. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but after all it is his professional duties which claim the greater part of his time and attention and to the end of promoting his knowledge and efficiency in the line of his chosen profession he is a member of the county and state medical societies.
JOHN H. MAY.
John H. May, prominently identified with newspaper publication in Appanoose county as editor and owner of the Cincinnati Review and as owner and publisher of the Exline Messenger, was born in Adair county, December 26, 1859, his parents being James Washington and Mary Ann ( Forrest) May. The father was born in the eastern part of Tennessee. August 8, 1805, and was a grandson of John Sevier, the first governor of that state and also its first member of congress. He served ils governor for fourteen years and aided largely in shaping the policy of the commonwealth. He was equally distinguished as an Indian fighter and as an officer of the Revolutionary war. being one of the American officers in command at the battle of Kings Mountain. In the maternal line John H. May is a representative of an old Missouri family. His mother was born in Pike county, near the birthplace of Mark Twain, in 1817, before the admission of the state to the Union.
In the public schools of Cincinnati, Iowa, John H. May pursued his education, the family removing to Appanoose county in his boyhood days. He completed his course in 1881 and for about twelve years there- after devoted his time to farming and teaching. He proved capable and
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efficient in each line but in July, 1893, turned his attention to news- paper publication, becoming editor and owner of the Cincinnati Review. He made this a popular journal with a large local patronage and in May, 1910, he extended the scope of his activities to include the publication of the Messenger of Exline, Iowa. Capable management and under- standing of the public desire in connection with newspaper publication and unfaltering energy and perseverance have brought to Mr. May a sub- stantial measure of success.
On the ist of February, 1894, at Council Grove. Kansas, was cele- brated the marriage of John H. May and Miss Anna B. Fox. a daughter of John and Sarah J. Fox. Mrs. May was born in Cincinnati, lowa, September 4, 1862, but for a number of years resided in Morris county, Kansas. By her marriage she has become the mother of three chil- dren : Elbridge F., Jennie Pauline and Erma Josephine. The family attend the Christian church, of which Mr. May became a charter mem- ber on its organization. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Rebekah degree, is a past noble grand and has filled all of the chairs in the local organization. In polities he is a republican with tendency toward the progressive wing rather than the stand-pat branch of the organization. He is an admirer of, and supported, Senator A. B. Cummins and also Colonel Theodore Roosevelt. He has held some local offices including that of assessor, member of the city council and trustee, and for ten years has been a member of the Cincinnati school board of which he is now serving as president. He is.at all times deeply and actively interested in affairs relating to the material. intellectual, political and moral progress of the community and his influence and efforts have been a potent force in advancing the general good.
CHARLES A. MONTGOMERY.
For thirty-seven years Charles A. Montgomery. of the firm of Mont- gomery Sons, has been actively connected with the commercial circles of Moulton, of which city he has been a resident since 1872. He was born in New Lexington, Perry county, Ohio. on the 2d of March. 1850. and is descended from one of the pioneer families of the Buckeye state. His father, John C. Montgomery, who was born in the early '2os, removed to Iowa about 1852, locating in Henry county, where he bought a farm. Three years later he removed to Agency. Wapello county, this state, and established a general mercantile store, which he conducted until 1869.
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In the year last named he removed to Adair county, Missouri. where he continued to engage in the mercantile business until the spring of 1872. His next removal was to Moulton and here he founded the grocery store now owned and operated by his son and grandsons. Mr. Montgomery passed away in July, 1875, at the age of about fifty-eight years. He was married in New Lexington, Ohio, in 1847, to Miss Susan Turner, who was born on the ist of June, 1826, and was a daughter of Hiram Turner. The father, who was a farmer and lay preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church removed from Ohio to lowa in the early days, and was residing about two miles from Burlington at the time of his death. To Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery were born six children, as follows: Mary F., who is deceased: Charles A., our subject: Margaret J., the wife of R. M. Brashear, of Kirksville, Missouri; Victor E., of Moulton, Iowa, deceased; and Timothy and John, who died in infancy. Mrs. Mont- gomery passed away on April 16, 1910, at the age of eighty-three years.
The boyhood and youth of Charles A. Montgomery were passed in the parental home. his education being obtained in the public schools of Agency, lowa. He came to Moulton in 1872 and entered the employ of the Moulton Bank, remaining there until the death of his father. fol- lowing which he and his brother, Victor E., took over the management of the store. They conducted this enterprise on a partnership basis until the latter's death in 1903, when the sons of Charles A. Montgomery were admitted to the firm, which has since been conducted under the name of Montgomery Sons. It is one of the oldest and largest groceries in the city and as it is the policy of the company to conduct their business in a manner which commends them to the confidence of the community they enjoy a large patronage.
On August 6. 1876. Mr. Montgomery was married to Miss Josephine T. Dome, who was born in Harrison county. Indiana, July 9. 1855. and is a daughter of Hiram and Sarah ( Parker) Dome. The parents were both natives of Indiana, where they passed their entire lives. Of this marriage have been born four children, as follows: C. Ward, of the firm of Montgomery Son, who married Olive May Reisner and has one child, Panline: Arthur E., who is also a member of the firm of Montgomery Sons; John C .; and LaFayette D., who is likewise engaged in business with his father and brothers.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church in which the par- - ents hold membership. In matters of citizenship Mr. Montgomery is public-spirited and takes an active interest in all local affairs, particularly of a political nature. He has served for several terms as township clerk and he has also been school director and a member of town council. Ilis
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commercial career has been characterized by the honesty of purpose and reliable methods, which invariably win permanent advancement and an honorable name, and both as a business man and private citizen he enjoys the esteem and respect of a large circle of acquaintances among whom he has won many stanch friends during the forty-one years of his residence in the community.
EDWIN L. STICKNEY.
Edwin L. Stickney, who for eight years has been cashier of the First National Bank of Moulton, is a native of Aplington, Butler county, Iowa, his birth having occurred on the 22d of August, 1871. In the parental line he is descended from an old New England colonial family, and is a son of William C. Stickney, who was born in Prince Edward county, Ontario, June 8, 1842. The American branch of the Stickney family is descended from one William Stickney, who was born in England in 1592. He emigrated to America during the early colonial days and located in Massachusetts, where he passed away in 1665. He was the father of Samuel Stickney, who was born in 1633, and who in 1663 became the father of another Samuel Stickney. The next in line of descent was Richard Stickney, who was born in 1709, and in 1844 became the father of John Stickney. The last named was a veteran of the Revolutionary war, having enlisted on the 15th of January, 1777, in Captain Moses Greenleaf's Company of the Fifteenth Massachusetts Regiment, in which he served until discharged on January 15, 1780. His son, John Stick- ney, Jr., who was born in 1772, in his early manhood removed to the province of Ontario, Canada, and there was born, in 1805. Walter H. Stickney, our subject's grandfather. He married Phoebe Christy and they became the parents of William C. Stickney, who was born on the old family homestead in Ontario, in the same house where his father's birth and death occurred. The family were Quakers in religious belief and largely followed agricultural pursuits. William C. Stickney was reared in his native province and educated in the public schools. When he was twenty-four years of age he crossed the border into the state of New York, where he resided for about a year. About 1867 he removed to Illinois. settling in Nora, Jo Daviess county, where he remained until he came to Iowa in 1870. He first settled at Aplington. Butler county. where he bought some land, but the following year he disposed of his inter- ests at that point and returned to Canada. He remained in his native
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country five years and then came back to lowa, locating in Hempton, Franklin county, where he engaged in the implement business. In 1885. he removed to Sheffield, Iowa, and identified himself with the banking business. Two years later he came to Moulton and established the Moulton Bank, which he conducted for three years. In 1891 he soll this enterprise to William Bradley and it was known as Bradley's Bank until it was incorporated as the First National Bank of Moulton. Mr. Stickney went to Denver, Colorado, in 1904. and engaged in the box manufacturing business, but he later removed to Spokane, Washington. where he is now living retired. On the 13th of October, 1870, he was married to Miss Nancy E. Coble, who was born in Janesville, Wiscon- sin, on the 15th of January, 1845, and is a daughter of William Coble. The family removed from Wisconsin to Iowa in 1869, settling in Butler county, where the father engaged in farming until his retirement. To Mr. and Mrs. Stickney there were born four children, as follows: Edwin L., our subject : Arthur R., who is engaged in the oil business at Fuller- ton, California: Walter C., a graduate of the University of Colorado, now engaged in the practice of law in Spokane and residing with his par- ents, and Edna L., the wife of Edwin R. Post, of Spokane, Washington.
Edwin L. Stickney was reared at home and educated in the public schools of Moulton and the Swarthmore College. of Philadelphia. Penn- sylvania. He began his business career in the Moulton Bank, where he was employed from the time he left school until January, 1897, when he went to East St. Louis, Illinois, where he engaged in the live-stock com- mission business for a time. In 1900, he returned to Moulton, and upon the organization of the First National Bank was made assistant cashier. He retained this position until 1904, when he was made cashier, in which capacity he has ever since served. and he is also a member of the board of directors.
On the 4th of June, 1895. Mr. Stickney was married to Miss Kath- arine Guinn, who was born on the 20th of March, 1874. and is a daugh- ter of James T. and Nancy C. ( Dameron ) Guinn. The father's family came from Kentucky to lowa in the carly pioncer days and were among the first settlers in Appanoose county. To Mr. and Mrs. Guinn were born two children, the elder of whom is a son, George, who is a resident of Muskogee, Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. Stickney have two sons. H. Guinn, who is attending the Interlaken School near La Porte. Indiana: and Alan C., who is at home.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church of which the par- ents are members, and fraternally Mr. Stickney is affiliated with the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Felows. He is also
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a member of the lowa Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association. He takes an active interest in local polities and served for six years as treasurer of Moulton. Mr. Stickney is a man of many com- mendable qualities and in his business transactions has manifested those principles which well entitle him to the confidence of the people with whom he is associated. In matters of citizenship he is progressive and public-spirited, extending his support to every worthy enterprise and indorsing such movements as he considers designed to promote the wel- fare of the community and the interests of the people at large.
GEORGE A. SINGLEY.
George A. Singley, cashier of the Moulton State Savings Bank and vice president of the Exline Savings Bank, is a native of Appanoose county, his birth having occurred on his father's farm in Washington township, on the ist of January, 1860.
The family is of German extraction, the paternal great-grandfather having been born and reared in the old country, whence he emigrated to America in colonial days. He located in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and there passed the remainder of his life. He was a strong advocate of the rights of the colonists and valiantly served in the ranks during the Rev- olution. His son, George, was born March 28, 1772, in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, where he resided until 1829, when he removed to Johns- town, in the same state, at which place he owned and operated a canal boat until 1840, when he removed to Nauvoo, Illinois. He came to Appa- noose county in 1854 and took up a tract of government land in Washing- ton township, where he engaged in farming and also followed the trade of a gunsmith until age compelled his retirement. He died at the age of one hundred and nine while his father lived to the advanced age of one hundred and ten and his mother was one hundred and five years of age at the time of her death.
His son, George W. Singley, whose natal year was in 1818. was the father of our subject. He was born and reared in Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania, where he learned the machinist's trade and was for some years em- ployed in the Baldwin Locomotive Works of that city. In 1858 he came to Iowa and, purchasing a tract of government land in Washington town- ship, turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. In connection with farming he worked at the machinist's and gunsmith's trades and installed engines.
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He was married September, 1843, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to Miss Mary A. Treftz, whose natal day was the Sth of March, 1824. She is also of German extraction, her father, Adam Treftz having been born and reared in the old country where he served as a member of the king's body guard.
To Mr. and Mrs. Singley were born nine children, our subject being the sixth in order of birth, the first, Sophia, having died at the age of two years. The other members of the family are as folows: William H., who resides in Bloomdale, Ohio; Lowman and Jennie, who are deceased; Alice, who married Robert R. Wilson and now resides at Moulton; Ella, the wife of W. C. Kapp of Warrensburg, Missouri; Mary FF., who is at home with the mother; and Matilda, the wife of A. H. Corey, of Des Moines. The father passed away in September, 1892, but the mother is still living and will celebrate the eighty-ninth anniversary of her birth, March 8, 1913.
George A. Singley was reared at home and at the usual age began his education in the public schools. He subsequently attended the Lean- der Clark College at Toledo, Iowa, then known as Western College, at which institution he completed a four-year course. During his student days he became quite well known in college circles by reason of holding the office of president of the Iowa State Oratorical Association. U'pon completing his education he returned to Moulton and for twenty-three years thereafter was in the employ of R. B. Carson. He established the reputation of being a trustworthy and reliable man of business and in 1908 was called to the position of cashier of the Moulton State Savings Bank, of which he is one of the directors. He is likewise a stockholder and vice president of the Exline Savings Bank.
On the 30th of January, 1898. Mr. Singley was married to Miss Eva Barnes, a daughter of J. T. and Cynthia ( Wood ) Barnes, who resided in Parke county, Indiana, at the time of her birth, November 15. 1869. and later removed to Appanoose county. The father and mother are now living in Moulton.
To Mr. and Mrs. Singley have been born seven children, as follows: George C., Thomas E. who died in infancy : William Clifford: Albert H .: Helen Roberta; and Maude Etta and Mary Eva, who are twins.
The family attend the Presbyterian church and faternally Mr. Singley is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. He is a member of the lowa Bankers Association, through the medium of which he keeps in touch with those who are actively connected with the banking interests of the state. Mr. Singley has for twenty-eight years been secretary of the school board of Washington township. He has never sought public honors or
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political preferment. He is a man of good principles, commendable busi- ness methods and high standards of citizenship, all of which have united in winning him the respect and esteem of his fellow townsmen, many of whom were friends and comrades of his boyhood. He now resides on the old homestead north of Moulton, where he was born.
JAMES MADISON LEPPER.
In every line of activity hard work, determination and ambition are the foundation of success and upon them James M. Lepper has built up lis prosperity in the general contracting and building business in Center- ville. He has been engaged in this line of occupation during all of his active life and has gained a proficiency in it which, combined with his straightforward and honorable principles, makes him one of the leading business men of his community. He is a native son of Appanoose county, born February 23, 1861, his parents being James and Mary Ann (Clark) Lepper. The father was born in New York state, May 31, 1821, and at an early age became acquainted with the. hardships and responsibilities of life, being burdened when he was still a child with the support of his parents. He faced the obstacles in his path with confidence and courage and at the age of sixteen was able to bring his father and mother west to Waverly, Pike county, Ohio, where he rented a home and secured employment as a farm hand. Being ambitious, energetic and economical, he saved his money and was eventually able to rent land which he devel- oped and improved successfully for a number of years. He married in Ohio in 1855, his wife being a native of Jackson county, that state, born December 15, 1827. Later the father of our subject came to Appanoose county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Walnut township, whereon he resided until his death, which occurred in 1895. After his demise his widow remained upon the farm, making her home with her son Barton. She passed away in September. 1912. James Lepper's career offers many splendid examples of the value of determina- tion and resolute purpose in the accomplishment of success, for he started out without money and destitute of outside help or influence and grad- ually worked his way upward until he became known as one of the most prominent breeders of Durham cattle in Appanoose county. In official circles, too, he made his name honored and respected and held various township offices, representing always republican doctrines and principles. He was a man of upright character and exemplified in his life the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal church. in which he believed.
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