USA > Iowa > Calhoun County > Past and present of Calhoun County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress, and achievement, Volume II > Part 20
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after the birth of eight of their children. the ninth and youngest of the family having been born in Iowa subsequent to the removal of the parents to this state in 1854. In that year they became residents of Warren county, where the father secured a tract of raw prairie land which he developed into a good farm, making it his home through- out the residue of his days. Success attended his efforts in large measure and he made judicious investments in property, becoming one of the largest landowners of his locality, his holdings embracing eleven hundred aeres. He died while visiting a son in St. Louis in 1863. while his wife passed away in 1869.
Their son, Joseph C. Sandy, was born in Owen county. Indiana, September 5, 1835, and was therefore about nineteen years of age when the family came to lowa. His preliminary education was acquired in the publie schools of his native state and for one term he was a student in the Iowa State University. He assisted his father in developing a new farm, taking part in the work of splitting rails and fencing the home place in Warren county, while he also followed the breaking plow for many days in turning the first furrows in the fields. He was married February 21, 1856, in Warren county, Iowa, to Miss Atha Linda Goss, a native of Morgan county, Indiana, who came to Iowa in 1851, her father, John Goss, being a pioneer settler of Warren county. After renting land for a few years J. C. Sandy purchased a place in Marion county but in 1876 sold that property and came to Calhoun county, investing in one hundred and sixty aeres on seetion 35, Calhoun township. It was still unbroken and unfenced but his characteristic energy and untiring efforts converted it into a valuable farm property on which he placed many modern improvements, ineluding a good barn and substantial outbuildings. IIe always gave his politieal support to the republican party sinee casting his first ballot for John C. Fremont in 1856. As a pioneer of Iowa he witnessed almost the entire growth and development of the state. In the period of his early residence there were large herds of deer and buffalo to be seen, together with all kinds of feathered game, but where they once fed upon the open prairie, farm animals now graze in well feneed fields and every condition of pioneer life has been replaced by the conditions of modern civilization.
James Homer Sandy was one of a family of seven sons and three daughters born to Joseph C. and Atha Sandy. The country schools afforded him his early educational privileges and he also continued his studies at Glidden and for a year was a student in Drake Uni- versity at Des Moines. He afterward engaged in teaching school for two years in Calhoun county and for one year carried on farming
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but for the past fifteen years has devoted his energies to the real- estate business, maintaining an office in Lake City. He still owns valuable property, including one hundred and sixty acres east of Lake City, two hundred aeres in Calhoun township and three hun- dred and twenty acres in the Smith river valley of Montana. He is thoroughly conversant concerning realty values and has secured a good clientele by reason of his straightforward and honorable busi- ness methods.
On the 26th of June, 1900, Mr. Sandy was married to Miss Daisy M. Elliott. a native of Carroll county, Iowa, by whom he has two children, Marvel Lucile and Samuel Paul, both now attending school. Ile is a republican in politics and is identified fraternally with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is that of the Christian church. Throughout his life he has manifested qualities which have won for him high regard, which have gained for him success in business and which have estab- lished him as one of the representative and leading residents of his community.
JERRY L. SMITH.
Jerry L. Smith is now living retired at Lake City, but for many years was actively identified with farming interests and is still the owner of a valuable tract of land of three hundred and twenty acres situated on sections 2, 3 and 11, Jackson township. He is a son of John and Maria J. ( Brugger) Smith, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father crossed the Atlantic to America in the early '50s and settled in Wisconsin, where he was married. In the year 1859 he brought his family to Iowa, taking up his abode in Fayette county, where he secured a claim. That land could be obtained from the government is an indication of the conditions that existed at that time. for the county was sparsely settled and much of the land was still unclaimed and unbroken prairie. The family were making prep- arations to remove to Calhoun county in 1869 when the father passed away. his death occurring on the 1st of May. of that year. Some weeks later the mother and children came to Lake City, the father having previously purchased land on section 11. El Grove township.
It was upon that farm that Jerry L. Smith was born on the Ist of January, 1870, some months following his father's death. He was the first white child born in the township and was the youngest of a
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family of eight children. He attended the common schools, pursuing his studies through the fall and winter months, while the spring and summer seasons were devoted to farm work which was allotted to him according to his strength. He began farming on his own account in 1893, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land at thirty-five dollars per acre. Later he added to his original holdings and is now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres, constituting a valuable and productive property. Year after year he carefully tilled the soil and year after year he gathered good harvests until he was able to save from his earnings a handsome competence. Ile then retired from active business life in 1908 and removed to Lake City, where he is now enjoying a well earned and riehly deserved rest.
On the 23d of March, 1898, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Lonisa Binkert, a daughter of Peter Binkert, and they have become the parents of two children. Eula and August. In his polit- ical views Mr. Smith is a republican and his fellow townsmen, appre- ciative of his worth and ability, have called him to public office. He has served as alderman of Lake City for one term and as a trustee of Jackson township for two terms. He is ever interested in those things which have to do with the progress and welfare of his com- mmity and he cooperates heartily in plans for the public good. He has worked along the lines of honorable business activity and his success is the merited reward of his industry.
ALFRED H. WYATT.
Alfred H. Wyatt resides on seetion 2, Cedar township, where he has five acres of land. He has occupied this place since 1912 and previously he was extensively and successfully engaged in farming but has now practically put aside the work of the fields and is enjoying well earned rest. He was born in Malmesbury, Wiltshire county. England, on the 10th of February. 1859. and his youthful days were spent in that country to the age of seventeen years, when. attracted by the opportunities of the new world, he crossed the Atlantic and made his way to Tama county, Iowa. He there learned the carpen- ter's trade, which he followed for a number of years. He afterward removed to Webster county with a brother and in his employ engaged in farming for about two years.
On the expiration of that period Mr. Wyatt came to Calhoun county and settled where the town of Somers now stands. There
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he worked for another brother for about a year, after which he rented his brother's land and operated it for two years. Having carefully saved his earnings, he felt that he was then justified in purchasing property and invested in one hundred and sixty acres of land, for which he paid twelve dollars per aere. It was raw prairie, which he broke and improved, turning the first furrows in his fields and con- verting the place into a productive tract. He energetically and successfully carried on farming for many years but in 1912 put aside the more active cares of farm life, sold his land and purchased five acres on seetion 2, Cedar township, where he now resides.
On the 7th of November, 1881, Mr. Wyatt was joined in wedlock to Miss Esther E. Burns, a daughter of James E. and Margaret Burns. Her parents were early settlers of this county and are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt have been born five children, as follows: Sella Carrie, who is the wife of R. C. Felton, of Sae county; Myrel Annice, who gave her hand in marriage to Alva Kellum. of Webster county; Harry Alfred, living in Calhoun county; Clara Margaret, who is the wife of Ray Marshall and resides near Somers, Iowa; and Burton, who has passed away.
Mr. Wyatt has long voted with the republican party, giving unfal- tering allegiance thereto because of his firm belief in its principles. Fraternally he is connected with Cedar Lodge, No. 640, I. O. O. F., and with the Woodmen of the World, while the religious faith of himself and family is that of the Methodist church. He has endeav- ored to shape his life in accordance with its teachings and he has ever been found honorable in business, reliable in citizenship, faithful in friendship and loyal to family ties. Possessing many excellent traits of character, he has thus gained the goodwill and friendship of those with whom he has been associated.
JUDGE MARION E. HUTCHISON.
Since 1910 Judge Marion E. Hutchison has served on the bench of the sixteenth judicial district of Iowa, his excellent record during his first term having won him re-election. He is a jurist of high standing and unquestioned probity and holds the respect of the bar and of the general public. He was born in Lake City, Iowa, Jan- uary 31, 1871, a son of the Hon. Samuel T. and Elizabeth S. (HIold) Hutchison, further mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
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After completing the course offered by the public schools Judge Hutchison matriculated in Drake University, where he remained for two years, after which he entered the College of Law of the State University of Iowa at Iowa City, and was graduated with the degree of LL. B. in 1893. In June of that year he began the practice of his profession in Lake City, being alone until November, 1896, when he became a partner of John Jacobs. They continued to practice together for fourteen years and they gained a large and representa- tive clientage, as both won recognition as able and upright attorneys. In 1910 Mr. Hutchison was honored by election as judge of the court of the sixteenth judicial district and his record in that office has proven that the confidence which the people placed in him was not mistaken. In 1914 he was re-elected and is still serving upon the bench .. He possesses in a high degree that poise and impartiality which are so essential in a judge and has also a large grasp on human affairs and an understanding of human nature, as well as of statute and precedent.
Judge Hutchison was married on the 21st of October, 1894, to Miss Ida E. Townsend, of Lake City, who was born on the 25th of October, 1874. They are the parents of three children: Hildred D., who is now attending the State University; Samuel T., a student in the local high school; and Helen, who is attending school.
Judge Hutchison is a republican and consistently supports the candidates and measures of that party at the polls. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, belonging to Zerrubbabel Lodge, No. 240. A. F. & A. M .: and Cypress Chapter, R. A. M. His unquestioned integrity and his moral courage are important factors in his success as a lawyer and jurist, and these qualities give the people confidence that in his court justice is executed without fear or favor. Ile is rightly regarded as one of the leading citizens of Lake City.
MARCUS ANDREW CHAPMAN.
During the later years of his life Mareus Andrew Chapman lived retired in Lake City but had previously long been connected with the grocery trade there and as a business man and citizen he maintained an umassailable reputation. He was born in Miami county, Ohio. on the 4th of February, 1851, and was therefore sixty-four years of age when death ealled him on the 25th of June. 1915. His birth occurred upon the farm of his parents, Riley and Harrict (Holcomb)
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Chapman, who about 1860 came to Iowa, settling at Big Roek. Upon the home farm there M. A. Chapman was reared with the usual experi- ences that fall to the lot of the farm lad. His educational opportuni- ties were those afforded by the public schools and when his textbooks were put aside he concentrated his efforts upon farm work, to which he devoted his attention until 1889. It was in that year that he became connected with the business interests of Lake City, where he formed a partnership with Tom La Salle, a connection that was continued until October, 1893, when his partner sold out to James R. Chapman, a brother of our subject. They conducted a well appointed groeery store, carrying a large and carefully selected line of staple and fancy groeeries, and their enterprising, reliable methods led to a constant inerease in their trade. The business was conducted by the two broth- ers until 1900, when M. A. Chapman withdrew and retired to private life, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He was the possessor of a handsome competence which had come to him through earnest, persistent labor and che utilization of correet business principles.
In 1872 Mr. Chapman was united in marriage to Miss Ida Pieree and unto them was born a daughter, who died in infancy. Following the death of his wife Mr. Chapman removed to Lake City and on the 4th of February, 1894. he was joined in wedloek to Miss Maria Gabriel, who still survives him. She was born February 14, 1860, in Green county, Wiseonsin, a daughter of Joseph and Eliza Jane (Cunningham) Gabriel, who were natives of Ohio, born in Union and Darke counties respectively. On leaving the Buckeye state they went to Wisconsin and in 1889 beeame residents of Lake City, Iowa, where the father lived retired until his death, which oceurred in 1900, while his wife passed away in 1904.
Mr. Chapman was a prominent Mason, holding membership in Zerubbabel Lodge, No. 240, F. & A. M., in which he was raised to the degree of Master Mason September 15, 1888, He was also a member of Cyprus Chapter, No. 99, R. A. M., having taken the de- grees of Royal Areh Masonry in 1891. He was also knighted in Rose Croix Commandery, No. 38, at Sac City in February, 1911, and was regarded as one of the prominent representatives of the order in Calhoun county, exemplifying in his life its benefieent teachings eon- cerning mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. Again and again he extended a helping hand to those who needed assistance and his generous spirit endeared him to many. When death ealled Mr. Chap- man, one hundred of his fellow Masons attended the funeral service in a body and condueted the obsequies, thus paying their last tribute
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of friendship and respect to one whom they had long known and hon- ored. Mr. Chapman enjoyed in marked measure the confidence and goodwill of all who knew him, for he lived an upright life, was loyal in citizenship and held friendship inviolable. His best traits of character, however, were reserved for his own fireside and there his loss eomes with deepest force.
PETER BINKERT.
Peter Binkert, a well known farmer of Jackson township, was born in Switzerland, May 18, 1838, a son of Joseph and Regina (Miller) Binkert. In 1852 the family emigrated to the United States and settled in Jefferson county, Wiseonsin, where the father followed farming, but by trade he was a carpenter. In 1870 a removal was made to Calhoun county, Iowa, and the father gave his attention to cultivating land on seetion 10, Jackson township. He passed away in 1871. His wife died in Switzerland in 1859. Our subjeet has one sister living-Mrs. Lucille Gray.
Peter Binkert purchased forty acres of land on seetion 10, Jaek- son township, when he first arrived in this county and continued to reside upon his farm for six years. At the end of that time he removed to Wisconsin, but six years later returned to this county. Since that time, or for thirty-three years, he has resided here eontin- ously and has devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits, which he has found both profitable and eongenial.
Mr. Binkert has a military record of which he has every reason to be proud. In 1862 he enlisted at Summer, Wisconsin, in Company D, Twenty-third Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in at Madison, that state. ITis command was sent to Cineinnati, Ohio, and thenee marched to Louisville, Kentucky, where it took boat for Memphis, Tennessee. The first battle in which Mr. Binkert participated was that of Arkansas Post, after which he continued down the river to Milliken Bend. remaining there for a time. Later he was in the fighting around Vieksburg and also fought in the bat- tles of Jackson and Port Hudson. He next went to New Orleans and after crossing the river to Algiers participated in two eight-day engagements. He then returned to New Orleans and took part in the Great River campaign. In 1864 he was taken ill at New Orleans and was confined in the hospital for three weeks, after which he was honorably discharged and returned to his home in Wisconsin.
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Mr. Binkert was married May 2, 1865, in Jefferson county, Wis- consin, to Miss Wilhelmina Charlotte Volkmann, a daughter of Peter Volkmann, a native of Prussia, who died in Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Binkert have been born eleven children, namely: Ennna, the wife of Richard Brugger, of Elm Grove township; Eliza, who married Frank Packard, who is farming in Washington: Augusta, the wife of Mel- vin Peebles, a farmer of Jackson township, further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work: Minnie, Ida and Nettie, all residing in Lake City; Albert, a farmer of Jackson township who married Miss Minnie Moulds: Louisa, the wife of Jerry L. Smith, of Lake City: Charles, who is living in Idaho and who married Miss Nora Booth: Lilly, at home: and Edwin, who is operating the homestead.
Mr. Binkert is a republican and for several terms has served efficiently as school director. He holds membership in the Lutheran church and its teachings form the guiding principles of his life. He belongs to Landon Post, No. 139, G. A. R., at Lake City, and finds mueh pleasure in association with others who fought to save the Union. He has the goodwill and warm regard of those who have come in contact with him, for his dominant characteristics are such as invariably win esteem.
JOHN STAAK.
In the period of pioneer development in Calhoun county John Staak became a farmer in this part of the state and he still makes his home in Greenfield township, his place of residence being on see- tion 21. Although he has now passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey, he is still very active for one of his years and is a respected eitizen whose success is attributable entirely to his hard work and capable management. Ile was born in Meeklenberg, Ger- many, on the 21st of October, 1834, and there spent his boyhood and youth upon a farm, working most of the time from the days of early spring planting until erops were harvested in the late autumn. He was thirty-two years of age when he determined to try his fortune in America and seeured passage on a sailing vessel, which, after a voyage of three months, reached New York harbor on the 28th of January, 1867. He made his way at onee to Chicago, where he remained for eleven years, during which time he was employed at various kinds of labor. Having no money at the time of his arrival here, he sold his wateh for a dollar in order to get something to eat.
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He was not afraid of work, however, and was willing to accept any employment that would yield him an honest living.
As the years passed on Mr. Staak was able to save from his earn- ings and in 1878 he came to Calhoun eounty and purchased his pres- ent home farm, investing in one hundred and sixty aeres of partly improved land. The purchase price was ten dollars per acre and after making partial payment he still owed twelve hundred dollars upon the place. He at once went to work to develop and improve the farm. There were no ditches, affording drainage, and no roads in the district. It was an arduous task to convert this place into a productive property, but he did not hesitate to perform strennous labor and in the course of time his farm was brought under a high state of eultivation and improvement. In 1895 he purchased three hundred and twenty aeres of land in Greenfield township and operated both farms until 1910, when he rented his land to his stepsons, and has sinee lived retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and riehly deserves.
Mr. Staak was married in Germany to Miss Marie Mass, who died upon the home farm in this county in 1881. For his second wife he ehose Mrs. Annie Leverings, a native of Germany, where she was married. Her first husband died in Chieago and she afterward eame to Calhoun eounty with her three sons, who are now renting Mr. Staak's farm.
In his political views Mr. Staak is a republican but has never wished for nor sought office. While in Germany he served for three years in the army as a member of the cavalry forces. He belongs to the Lutheran church and has lived an upright, honorable life, in which he has won his success honorably and has therefore gained the respeet and good will of his fellowmen.
ANDREW CLARK.
Andrew Clark, a retired farmer, who is now one of the valued citi- zens of Lake City, was born in Delaware county, Iowa, upon a farm. on the 27th of November, 1842, of the marriage of John and Olive (Rexford) Clark. The father was born in Virginia in 1815 and was a son of George Clark, also a native of that state, the family having been established there in early days. In 1825 George Clark removed to Indiana, whenee he went to Illinois. On leaving the Prairie state
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he made his way to Delaware county, Iowa, where he settled in 1835. His son John became one of the extensive landowners of the county, taking up seven hundred acres of land from the government. Ile was very successful as a farmer and was highly respected in his com- munity. He married Miss Olive Rexford, a native of Erie county, New York, and a daughter of Leverett Rexford, an early settler of Delaware county, Iowa. Mr. Clark died when about ninety-two years old and his wife reached a still more venerable age, passing away at the age of ninety-six years. Three sons and three daughters grew to mature years, namely : Andrew ; Jasper, a farmer of Elm Grove town- ship, Calhoun county: George, who is living in Greene county, Iowa; Cornelia, the wife of Richard Maxwell, of Spokane Falls, Washing- ton; Lucy, a resident of Delaware county, this state; and Sarah, who died in early womanhood.
Andrew Clark obtained the limited education afforded by the pio- neer schools of the state but he also received much other training as he began assisting his father with the work of the homestead as soon as he was strong enough. In so doing he not only learned practical methods of agriculture but formed habits of industry and persever- ance that have been important factors in his later success. He spent the year 1864 in Idaho, working in the mines in the town of Virginia. On returning from the far west he began farming the homestead in Delaware county, Iowa, devoting his time to agricultural pursuits in that county until June, 1871, when he came to Calhoun county. He resided in Lake City for a short time and then purchased forty acres of raw prairie land, paying therefor six dollars per acre. He at once broke his land and put in a crop of corn but it was about three years before the land was thoroughly under cultivation. He was a practical and efficient agriculturist and also managed his financial affairs well and he gradually added to his holdings, believing in the value of farm land as an investment. He accumulated three hundred and twenty acres, which he still owns and which is all feneed and under a high state of cultivation. He not only raised the usual crops but also en- gaged in stock-raising and both branches of his business proved profit- able. In 1912, feeling that he had gained financial independence, he retired from active work and removed to Lake City, where he is now enjoying well earned leisure.
In November, 1865, Mr. Clark married Miss Mary E. Trubey, a native of New York. To their union have been born six children : Perry and Frank, who are farming; Athelbert, who is a minister of the Congregational church; Rolla and Jessie, both of whom are deceased; and Amy, at home.
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