USA > Iowa > Appanoose County > Past and present of Appanoose County, Iowa : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39
58
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
more widely and favorably known than Mr. Salinger, for his business enterprise has carried him into important commercial and financial rela- tions, while his genial manner and unfailing courtesy have gained him the warm and lasting regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
WILFORD FRANCIS BERRY.
The life record of Wilford Francis Berry is that of a man of stalwart purpose and untiring activity, who in the pursuit of his career has won the advancement which invariably rewards well organized methods when intel- ligently and persistently pursued. For practically twenty-five years he has been identified with the business interests of Moulton, where he has met with constantly increasing success and is now numbered among the foremost representatives of the commercial fraternity of Appanoose county. Mr. Berry is a native of Iowa, his birth having occurred in Wapello county on the 21st of April, 1863. In the paternal line he is descended from one of Kentucky's pioneer families, his father, Austin Perry Berry, having been born in Bourbon county, that state, November 11. 1824. There the grandfather, Joseph Berry, was born, reared and married. but in 1825 he removed with his family to Zanesville, Ohio, where he made his home for about twenty-four years. In 1849, he continued his journey west- ward to Wapello county, Iowa, and there passed the remainder of his life. Upon his arrival in that county he took up a tract of government land in Adams township and thereafter engaged in agricultural pursuits, although he was a mechanic by trade. To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Berry were born seven children, the three eldest being natives of Kentucky. In order of birth they are as follows: Nye, the deceased wife of Henry Van Ness, of Wapello county ; Isaac, who is a resident of California; Austin Perry, the father of our subject ; Lydia Ann, the widow of Joseph Ralston, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; George, who is residing in Montana: Eliza, the widow of Page White, of Wapello county; and Loraine, the widow of John Biven. of Wapello, Iowa.
Austin Perry Berry was only an infant when his parents removed to Ohio in which state he was reared. His education was obtained in the public schools of Zanesville, following which he learned the carpenter's trade and cabinet-making, following these occupations during the greater part of his active life. He accompanied his people on their removal to Wapello county, where he subsequently acquired forty acres of land, which he improved and cultivated while following his trade. In 1870. he came
59
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
to Moulton and established a furniture factory, which he operated with a fair measure of success for many years. He also followed his trade and engaged in contracting and building, many of the residences and business buildings of that period having been erected by him. He was an earnest Christian and zealous worker in the Baptist church, and in addition to his many other duties often filled the pulpit of some church of that denomina- tion on Sunday. Not only was he largely instrumental in founding the Baptist church of Moulton, but he assisted in the erection of the church edifice, and always took an active interest in the work of its various organ- izations toward the support of which he liberally contributed. Mr. Berry was a man of more than average versatility and possessed many admirable qualities, his sterling worth and integrity making him a desirable acquisi- tion to the community, where he was held in high esteem and had hosts of friends. He went to the front with an Ohio regiment during the Mexican war, and served until the close of hostilities. During the Civil war he again offered his services to the country, serving as a private in the Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He always took an active and helpful interest in all movements affecting the intellectual, moral or ma- terial welfare of the town, and accorded his support to every worthy enterprise. Mr. Berry was married at Zanesville, Ohio, on the 9th of February, 1849. to Miss Harriet Euphemia Dickinson, who was born and reared in Ohio. The Dickinsons located in that state during the pioneer days, and were among the early settlers of Zanesville, where the maternal grandfather followed the silversmith's trade. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Austin P. Berry numbered eleven, eight of whom lived to attain maturity, as follows: Anna, the wife of Samuel Jennings, of Center- ville, Iowa: Mary, the widow of A. R. Price, of London Mills, Illinois: James Perry, who was drowned in 1877 in Des Moines, where he was employed on the Daily Register; George L., national president of the National American, a fraternal organization, who resides in Kansas City; Wilford Francis, our subject; Abel Sherman, who makes his home in California; Luretta, the wife of J. W. Halden, postmaster at Moravia, Iowa; and Lydia B., the wife of O. E. Soule. of Tacoma, Washington. The parents are both deceased.
As he was only a lad of seven years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Moulton, Wilford Francis Berry has passed the greater part of his life in this city. He pursued his education in the public schools and upon completing his high-school course obtained employment in a drug store at Moulton, where he diligently applied himself to the study of pharmacy, being awarded his certificate by the state board of pharmacy on the 22d of May, 1882. He continued in the employ of others for
60
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
about six years thereafter and in 1888 entered in business for himself at Moulton, where he established the store he is now conducting. Owing to his limited means he had to begin in a very small way, but as the years have passed he has prospercd and has enlarged his establishment until he is now the proprietor of one of Moulton's most thriving enterprises. About 1900 he began the manufacture of a preparation known as Berry's Barb Beater, to be used for wire cuts. As it is a remedy of unquestionable merit the demand for it has steadily increased until he now makes con- signments to twenty-five states. He has the largest mailing list of any manufacturer in the county, his postage frequently amounting to five hundred dollars per month. He not only does a large business with the wholesale drug houses of the middle west, but he carries the names of over ten thousand retail dealers on his ledger. Mr. Berry possesses the initiative and resourcefulness essential to success in any field of endeavor, and to the support of these qualities he brings the determination of pur- pose and tireless energy which win achievement. Having unlimited con- fidence in the future of Moulton, as opportunity has afforded, he has acquired extensive property interests here, in both the residence and busi- ness sections. He also owns and operates two farms in Appanoose county.
In Moulton on the 26th of June, 1886, Mr. Berry was married to Miss Lillian Moore, who was born in Hollidayburg, Pennsylvania, on the 16th of December, 1862, and is a daughter of Ithimer and Katharine (Malloy) Moore. The father, who was of Irish lineage, removed with his family to lowa about 1869, first locating in Fairfield. In 1870, they removed to Moulton, where Mr. Moore conducted a hotel until a few years prior to his death. Mrs. Berry, who is the second in order of birth in a family of seven, is the mother of five children, as follows: Alfred Keene, who is engaged in the drug business in Kansas City, Missouri; Herbert Trevor, who is in business with his father; Marguerite, who is at home; and Bertram Bernard and Wilfred Gerald, who are attending school.
The family are members of the Presbyterian church of which Mr. Berry is one of the trustees. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic order, belonging to the blue lodge of Moulton, chapter and commandery of Centerville, and the shrine at Davenport. He is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, of which he was elected associate grand patron for Iowa, and of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a trustee of the last named order and also of the Masonic lodge. Although he takes an active and helpful interest in all local matters Mr. Berry has never figured prominently in political affairs, the extent of his private interests precluding the possibility of his meeting the requirements of an official position. He
61
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
is public-spirited and progressive in matters of citizenship, however, and is always ready to cooperate in promoting the development of any worthy enterprise, extending his indorsement to all movements that will advance the general welfare of the community.
BRYANT BROTHERS.
Bryant Brothers, engaged in the automobile business, are well known, enterprising young men who are proving that energy and industry consti- tute a substantial foundation on which to build success. They are natives of Davis county, Iowa, Thomas J. Bryant having been born in October, 18So, while Charles W. Bryant was born in March, 1882. They are sons of Alfred and Elizabeth (Peninger ) Bryant, also natives of Iowa. The father, who was born in Davis county, owned and operated a farm there until 1891, when he came to Centerville, where he engaged in teaming until 1903. He then turned his attention to the butchering business and is still conducting a meat market on South Eighteenth street, near the Burlington depot.
Thomas J. and Charles W. Bryant attended the public schools of Davis county and of Centerville, and in his youthful days the latter served a four years' apprenticeship to the machinist's trade in the Keokuk & Western Railroad shops here. He afterward spent four years in the employ of the government as a machinist in the Rock Island arsenal. Thomas J. Bryant also turned his attention to industrial pursuits, learning the black- smith's trade in the same railroad shops as his brother, after which he fol- lowed his trade in the shops and in the mines of this locality for about six years. He afterward spent one year at his trade at a power plant in Canon City, Colorado, and in 1907 joined his brother in the automobile business in Centerville. They have since conducted a garage and also are sales agents for some cars. They have secured a gratifying patronage in this connection and their interests are continually increasing. The firm are today the oldest dealers in their line in the town. They operate a garage ninety-five by forty feet and they handle the Studebaker cars exclusively, in which connection they have developed a very large and gratifying business.
Thomas J. Bryant was married May 18, 1902, to Miss Mayme Van Nuter, a daughter of A. D. and Kate (Replogh) Van Nuter, who are natives of Iowa. The father was a carpenter by trade and at an carly day came to Centerville, where he followed his trade for some time. He
62
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
afterward turned his attention to farming, owning and cultivating a tract of land until 1900. He subsequently lived in the town for five years and then went to Clarksville. Iowa, where he and his wife still reside. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Bryant: Hugh R., nine years of age ; Robert M., aged seven ; and Mary C., aged one.
In May, 1904, Charles W. Bryant married Miss Grace Ryals, a daugh- ter of Mrs. Anna Ryals Barger. The father had died when Mrs. Bryant was but two years of age and the mother had afterward married again. There is one child of this union, Luella, seven years of age.
Thomas J. Bryant owns a nice home at No. 1602 South Twenty- first street and Charles W. Bryant is pleasantly located at No. 310 East Terry street. Their religious faith is that of the Methodist church. Polit- ically they are identified with the progressive party, being warm admir- ers of Theodore Roosevelt and stanch adherents of the platform formu- lated by the party, which movement many regard as one of the most hope- ful political signs of the times. It shows conclusively that the American citizen is alive to the issues of the day and that many will not blindly follow a party leadership but are thinking out along lines relative to the best welfare of the country at large. The Bryant Brothers are also pro- gressive men in other connections, especially in business life, and what they have accomplished represents the fit utilization of their time and talents. They recognize the fact that success has its root in unfaltering industry and it is through close application and careful management that they are working their way upward to prosperity in their present business connection.
DAVID W. PROBASCO.
Among the successful and representative farmers whose work along agri- cultural lines may be regarded as a force in the development and upbuild- ing of Appanoose county is numbered David W. Probasco, who has resided in this part of Iowa since 1868 and who since reaching manhood has devoted his attention to general farming and stock-raising. He owns one hundred and seventy-seven and one-third acres of land and has been very successful in its management and development. He was born in Putnam county, Missouri, July 11. 1855, and is a son of Noah C. Probasco, who later moved to Macon county in the same state. There the father of our subject purchased the Green Top flour and sawmill, which he operated for five years, later selling the enterprise and return-
63
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
ing to Putnam county, where he made his home until 1868. In that year he came to Appanoose county and purchased the farm upon which his son now resides. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having served for four years in the Second Missouri Cavalry. After coming to Appa- noose county he resided for some time in Wells township but later moved to Caldwell township, where he purchased land. This he operated and improved for a number of years but spent the later years of his life in retirement in Exline, where his death occurred in 1910. His wife sur- vives him and resides in Exline.
David W. Probasco inherited his father's sterling integrity and his capacity for hard and effective work and the prosperity which he today enjoys was won in former years by the labor of his hands and has come as the reward of his perseverance and determination. He was a lad of twelve years when he came to Appanoose county with his parents and here he was reared to manhood. When he was still a boy he was earn- ing his own livelihood by working as a monthly farm laborer and he continued in this occupation until after his marriage, when he rented a farm which he developed for two years. He then purchased forty acres in Wells township and to this his father-in-law added forty acres, the nucleus of Mr. Probasco's present fine tract. Since that time he has given a great deal of his attention to his farming operations and has carried forward steadily the work of improvement, adding to his holdings from time to time until he is now the owner of one hundred and seventy-seven and one-third acres of productive and fertile land. Upon this he has erected a fine residence and good barns and has fenced and cross-fenced his property into fields of convenient size. He has erected the necessary outbuildings and in addition has planted a fine orchard and made other substantial improvements. He is extensively interested in stock-raising, buying young animals and feeding and fat- tening them for the market. He has large herds of cattle, hogs and horses and at present has fifteen high-grade colts.
In Appanoose county, on October 29, 1876, Mr. Probasco was united in marriage to Miss Alta Rochford, a native of Wells township and a daughter of Alexander Rochford, one of the first men to enter land in that section. where he later became well known as a prosperous farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Probasco are the parents of nine sons and three daughters. namely: Fred, a farmer and mechanic, of Colorado: Alexander and Noah, both of whom are operating farms in Wells township; Thomas R., who lives at home and assists his father with the work of the fields: Roy O .. a farmer and mechanic of Colorado: David E., who is engaged in the plumbing business in Lubbock, Texas: Lloyd, Esco and John, all
64
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
of whom reside at home; Florence, the wife of William Elliott, of Moul- ton, Iowa; Flossie, the wife of Andy Gwinn, Jr., a farmer in Appanoose county ; and Verna, at home.
Since casting his first vote Mr. Probasco has affiliated with the repub- lican party, voting this ticket always on national questions, although in local affairs he casts an independent ballot. He has become promi- nent in official circles, having served for some time as road supervisor. In 1910 he was elected to the township board as a trustee and is still serving in this capacity. He has been a resident of Appanoose county from his youth and has seen many changes during the period. his activity being a powerful element in the general advancement. He has won by his own labor and a life of toil and industry an enviable degree of prosperity and a position among the successful, influential and public- spirited men of his community.
JOSEPH TURNER.
Industrial activity in Appanoose county finds a prominent and worthy representative in Joseph Turner, proprietor of the Centerville Granite & Marble Works. Moreover, his life record is proof of the opportunities that America offers to ambitious young men, enabling them through indus- try and determination to work their way upward. Mr. Turner was born in Staffordshire, England, November 12, 1845, a son of Joseph and Honour (Turner) Turner, who were also natives of that country. The father was throughout his life a mine superintendent and in 1898 he passed away at the venerable age of eighty-six years. His wife survived him until 1909, dying at the ripe old age of ninety years.
Joseph Turner was reared and educated in England and when a young man went to work in the coal mines, being thus employed until May, 1869. Thinking to find better and broader business opportunities in the new world he then crossed the Atlantic and again sought employment in mines, working in Pennsylvania until 1875. That year witnessed his arrival in Centerville, where he was a mine worker until 1876, after which he was similarly employed in Missouri until October. 1SS2. Then return- ing to Appanoose county, in partnership with two others he purchased forty acres of coal land at Brazil, while later additional purchases were made. The business was at length reorganized under the name of the Phoenix Coal Company, with Messrs. Turner and Freese as proprietors. They continued together for fourteen years, on the expiration of which
65
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
period Mr. Freese sold out to Mr. Campbell, who remained a partner of Mr. Turner in the coal mine business for thirteen years. when they sold out and established a granite and marble business. A few months later, how- ever, Mr. Turner bought his partner's interests and since has remained alone, being sole owner of the Centerville Granite & Marble Works. He has a large plant and enjoys an extensive business which is represented on the road by a traveling salesman. Energy and determination are salient features in the success which has attended his labors. He came to the new world practically empty-handed but he possessed courage and willingness to work and those qualities often conquer when others fail. Year by year he has slowly but steadily advanced and is now at the head of a large, growing and well managed business which is bringing to him a substantial financial return. He is likewise a stockholder in the Centerville & Mystic Interurban line and is owner of a nice residence property at No. 410 West State street.
On the 19th of November, 1870, Mr. Turner was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Martin, a daughter of John A. Martin, a native of England, who became a coal miner in Pennsylvania and always resided there until his death in 1880. His wife passed away when her daughter Ruth was but four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Turner became the parents of two children, of whom John A., born in October, 1871, died in 1877. The daughter, Lottie, born in August, 1875, is the wife of Arthur Draper, who is agent for the Burlington Railroad Company at Stanford, Nebraska. Mrs. Turner passed away in March, 1877, after a two weeks' illness. In July, 1879. Mr. Turner married Rosa L. (Root) Moore, a daughter of Levi and Mary (Stewart) Root, who were natives of Athens county. Ohio. Her father was a farmer and for a number of years owned and cultivated a tract of land in Ohio. In 1872 he removed to Missouri where he again engaged in general farming. He has now passed away but his wife resides in Galt, Missouri. To the second marriage of Mr. Turner were born four children: Joseph L., a traveling salesman residing in Centerville; Frank E., a miner; Robert L., who is employed in a grocery store in Brazil: and Pearl, who died in July, 1881, and was a twin sister of Frank. By her former marriage Mrs. Turner had two children, Minnie Mac and James H. Moore, the latter a traveling salesman.
Mr. Turner votes with the republican party and is a stanch advocate of its principles but does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concen- trate his energies upon his business affairs, in which he has made a signal success. He is loyal to the teachings and tenets of the Masonic fraternity with which he affiliates and he is also a consistent member of the Methodist church. There have been no spectacular phases in his life record but his
66
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
history is one which may well inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished when energy and ambition lead the way. Moreover, his record proves that success and an honored name may be won simul- taneously.
HENRY W. BLACHLEY.
For forty-two years Dr. Henry W. Blachley has been a practitioner of dentistry in Centerville and throughout the entire period has kept in touch with the improvements in dental methods made by the representa- tives of the profession. He was born in Independence, Washington county, Pennsylvania, October 19, 1849, a son of Oliver B. and Eleanor J. (Creacraft) Blachley, who were natives of the same county. The father was a capitalist of Independence but in 1872 left the east to become a resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1889. His wife had passed away ten years before.
Dr. Blachley spent his boyhood and youth in Pennsylvania and Ohio, pursuing his preliminary education in the public schools of the two states and afterward entering Mount Union College, a Methodist school at Mount Union, Ohio. In 1867, in Fredericktown, Ohio, he took up the study of dentistry under the direction of the firm of Swingley & Bonar, capable dentists of that place, and in 1870 he came to Centerville, where he entered upon active practice in connection with Dr. R. S. Glenn, with whom he remained for a year. The partnership was then dissolved, after which Dr. Blachley practiced alone until his son Carl joined him, having prepared for the profession. Theirs is a well-equipped office, supplied with modern appliances and the most improved instruments, and the work being done by father and son is according to the most advanced scientific methods. Their patronage is extensive and is well merited, Dr. H. W. Blachley having throughout the forty-two years of his residence here conducted a large practice which has brought to him a gratifying financial return.
On the 5th of March. 1873, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Blach- ley and Miss Lillian E. Wentworth, a daughter of Caleb and Eliza ( Baldridge) Wentworth, the former a native of Maine and the latter of Tennessee. The year 1860 witnessed the arrival of the father in Center- ville, where he engaged in merchandising, conducting the business until 1865. He had previously been justice of the peace, serving in that capacity in all for a quarter of a century. His death occurred in this city
67
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
in 1877 and his wife passed away in the '6os. The four children of Dr. and Mrs. Blachley are: Owen D., who died in 1875; Olive B., who was born June 21, 1876, and is the wife of Dr. J. R. Pennington, of Chicago, Illinois; Carl W., who was born July 2, 1878; and Tracy W., who was born July 23, 1884, and is a physician and surgeon of Centerville. The daughter, Mrs. Pennington, has been highly educated in music, being a graduate of the Goldbeck Musical College of St. Louis, Missouri, and the Chicago Musical College. The elder son, Carl W., is a graduate of the dental department of Drake University at Des Moines of the class of 1902 and is now actively engaged in practice with his father in the conduct of a business that is constantly growing in extent and importance. He was married June 28, 1905, to Miss Edna Stanton, a daughter of Colonel C. A. and Emma (Houston ) Stanton, both of whom are natives of Appanoose county and now residents of California. Her father enlisted from this county and served throughout the Civil war. He engaged in merchandising here for a number of years and subse- quently removed to Vicksburg. Mississippi, where he conducted a lum- ber business for several years. He then retired and, as previously stated, is now located on the Pacific coast.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.