USA > Iowa > Calhoun County > Past and present of Calhoun County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress, and achievement, Volume II > Part 32
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
John J. Coady acquired a common-school education in Ogle county, Illinois, and in Story county, Iowa, his parents removing to the latter eounty in the year 1871. When about sixteen years of age he began earning his living by working as a farm hand and was employed in that manner until he reached the age of twenty, when he became connected with the bridge building force of the North- western Railway as a day laborer. He applied himself diligently to the task assigned him and his efficiency and reliability won the favor- able attention of those under whom he served and promotion naturally followed, so that in five years' time, through his merit, he had been advaneed to the position of foreman, in which eapaeity he continued to serve for twelve years. For eleven years of that time he had charge of the work in his line on the railroad between Jewel Junetion and Wall Lake, and between Wall Lake and Maple River Junction. After resigning his position he devoted two years, to buying and shipping stock, and since that period has concentrated his efforts upon publie service. In 1899 he was elected county supervisor of Calhoun county from Lake City and has been the incumbent in the office for fifteen consecutive years, during which time he has closely studied conditions that have to do with the office and has worked untiringly and effectively to promote the best interests of the county to the extent of his official prerogatives.
On Christmas Day of 1888 Mr. Coady was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Dolan, and for almost twenty-five years they traveled life's journey happily together, but were separated by the death of the wife on the 27th of July, 1913, her demise being the oceasion of deep regret to many friends, to whom she had become endeared through many excellent traits of character. She was born in Wood- stock, Illinois, in 1866 and when twelve years of age became a resi- dent of Story county, lowa, where she remained until she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Coady. For three years thereafter they resided in Ames and subsequently spent five years in Dayton before coming, in 1897, to Lake City, Iowa. For four years prior to her death Mrs. Coady was in ill health, and although everything pos- sible was done, fate had decreed that she must pass on. She hore her suffering uncomplainingly through the long years of her illness and was most kind and patient. She was a communicant of St.
PAST AND PRESENT OF CALHOUN COUNTY 327
Mary's church and the funeral services were there conducted and her remains were then taken to her old home at Colo for burial. Many beautiful floral offerings expressed the respect and love in which she was held by all who knew her.
Mr. Coady's political belief is that of the democratic party, and it is upon that ticket that he has been elected again and again to the office which he has filled and is now so ably filling, his record being unexeelled by that of any other official of the county.
JOIIN LOTT.
A well developed and highly improved farm in Garfield town- ship is the property of John Lott, who has spent almost his entire life in Iowa. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1851, a son of Herman and Charlotte (Kenney) Lott. The son was a little lad of but eight years when he left home and went to live with an aunt in Fayette county, Iowa, remaining there about six years. He was trained to the duties of the farm but was not able to attend school. When still in his teens he worked by the month as a farm hand. being thus em- ployed for sixteen years. He then purchased forty acres of raw prairie in Twin Lake township, which he improved and cultivated for some time. He then disposed of that property and purchased his present farm, comprising one hundred and sixty acres on seetion 16, Garfield township, paying for the same thirty dollars per acre. This was school land and was still in a wild state, but Mr. Lott at once began to improve it and eventually brought the fields to a high state of cultivation so that the land is now very productive. He has tiled the fields and has erected substantial buildings on the place, so that his farm is today considered one of the most valuable in that seetion of Calhoun county.
Mr. Lott married Miss Whaley, who was born in Cedar county. Iowa, on the 8th of June, 1866, a daughter of Wallaee Whaley. After a married life eovering more than four decades, Mrs. Lott was called to the home beyond, her death occurring in 1909. She had become the mother of nine children: Wallace, who follows farming in Garfield township; Oley, who is at home: Ralph, who is engaged in farming in Oklahoma: and Alva, Addie, Myrtle, Fern. Hazel and Beryl, all under the parental roof.
328
PAST AND PRESENT OF CALHOUN COUNTY
In politics Mr. Lott is a republican. He may truly be called a self-made man. Starting out to make his own way in the world at an early age. he has worked persistently and energetically, and today he is classed among the honorable and substantial citizens of Garfield township and Calhoun county.
ROSS VONTREES.
Ross Vontrees is a farmer residing in Cedar township. He needs no introduction to the readers of this volume. for his activities have brought him before the public and he is recognized as one of the leaders in political circles in this part of the state. He was born in Boone county, Iowa. August 26, 1876. and after attending the district schools he became a student in the preparatory department of Drake University. When sixteen years of age he began serving an appren- ticeship at the printer's trade, spending three years in that way. He afterward divided his time between work at his trade and attendance at school. He was a young man of twenty-one years when. on the 16th of June. 1898. he enlisted for military service in the Spanish- American war. joining Company F. of the Fifty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, at Des Moines. With that command he went to the Philip- pines and served until November. 1899, when he was mustered out at San Francisco. He saw active service at San Fernandino and at Cahumpit, and made a creditable military record in his defense of American interests in the Philippine islands.
After his return from the war Mr. Vontrees became a resident of Calhoun county. Iowa, where he engaged in farm work and also taught in the district schools. In 1902 he was elected to the office of county clerk on the republican ticket. and was twice reelected and served for three terms, retiring from the office on the Ist of January. 1909. Even those of opposite political faith spoke of his record in the highest terms and at each election he received a strong vote, which indicated his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in hin. Resuming his farm work. he is now busily employed in the cultivation of an excellent traet of land of one hundred and sixty aeres in Cedar township.
In 1904 Mr. Vontrees was united in marriage to Miss Daisy Dixon, who was born at Monroe. Iowa. a daughter of Seth and Louisa ( Farley) Dixon, who were natives of Ohio and lowa respectively. The former came to this state and. establishing his home in Monroe.
320
PAST AND PRESENT OF CALHOUN COUNTY
there conducted a hardware store for a considerable period. About 1895 he removed to Rockwell City, where he again became engaged in the hardware trade, there conducting a profitable business until he retired from active life. He was a soldier in the Civil war. enlisting in 1861. He has always been quiet and unassuming, never seeking public favor or popularity, but his genuine worth is recognized by many friends whom he has made during the period of his residence in this county. His political allegiance has always been given the republican party.
To Mr. and Mrs. Vontrees have been born two children, Sara Yvonne and Daisy Caroline. Mr. Vontrees is a member of the Masonic lodge at Rockwell City. He now gives his political allegiance to the progressive party and has been very active as one of its supporters.
JAMES BRUCE.
Among the successful business men of Lake City, Iowa, is James Bruce, who has built up a large trade as a coal dealer. His birth occurred in Lockport, Illinois, on the 20th of March, 1846, and his parents were Hugh and Ann (Arthur) Bruce. The father, who was born near Aberdeen, Scotland, in August, 1818, was a son of Hugh Bruce. Sr., a descendant of the royal family of Bruce, of Scotland. His wife died in that country but in 1842 he emigrated to America with his family and settled at Lockport, Illinois, where he passed away in the early '50s at the remarkable age of one hundred and four years. His son Hugh learned the mason's, carpenter's and plasterer's trades and later conducted a brickyard. He also engaged in lumbering to some extent near Lockport. In 1856 he took up his abode on a farm in the southern part of Will county, Illinois, and the northern part of Kankakee county. Following the elose of the Civil war he went to Peoton, Illinois, and engaged in contracting there until 1886, when, having accumulated a competence, he retired. He passed away two years later. He was a republican in polities and was a member of the Presbyterian church. He married Miss Ann Arthur, who was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1816, and died in February, 1889.
James Bruee enjoyed only meager educational opportunities, as he attended school in all but four terms, and one of those after return- ing from the army. On the 18th of December, 1863, when seventeen years of age, he enlisted in Company G, Sixty-fourth Illinois Volun-
330
PAST AND PRESENT OF CALHOUN COUNTY
teer Infantry, at Joliet and served in the army for two years. He participated in forty-two battles and skirmishes, including that of Resaca, Georgia, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. During the battle of Kenesaw Mountain on the 27th of June, 1864, he was wounded by a minie ball which passed through his body, enter- ing his chest and passing out near the spinal column. When shot he was only about forty rods from the enemy. He was confined in a hospital at Rome, Georgia, for five months. After participating in the grand review at Washington, D. C., he was mustered out on the 22d of July, 1865, in Chicago. He returned to the farm in Will county, Illinois, where he remained until 1869, when he removed to Polk county, lowa. He continued to follow agricultural pursuits there for some time and for twelve years worked in the coal mines. In 1884 he removed to Carroll county, Iowa, where he remained for eleven years, and came to Calhoun county in 1895. He followed farming here until 1909, when he took up his residence in Lake City and engaged in the coal business, in which he has continued to the present time. He handles all grades of hard and soft coal, and as he gives full weight and is satisfied with reasonable prices his patronage has grown steadily.
Mr. Bruce was married on the 3d of July, 1870, to Miss Nancy Ellen Copper, a native of Pennsylvania, born March 30, 1846. To their union were born eleven children, ten of whom survive, as fol- lows: Maggie, the wife of Fred Sifford, who is farming in Jackson township; William A., a phimber of Des Moines; Anna, the wife of Cal Harriet, a farmer of Jackson township; Florence, the wife of W. L. Hobbs, who is carrying on agricultural pursuits in Jackson township: Arthur, who is a bookkeeper and resides in Des Moines; Charles, of Lake City, who is employed on the Chicago & North- western Railway; May, who gave her hand in marriage to Perry Williams, of Delhart, Texas; Fred A .. a resident of Lake City; Ed A., who is farming in Calhoun township; and Roy O., a farmer of Carroll county.
Mr. Bruce is a republican and while living in Carroll county served as constable for four years. During the entire period of his residence there he was also school director. For two years he served as alderman of Lake City and has always taken the interest of a good citizen in public affairs. His religious faith is that of the Pres- býterian church, and fraternally he is connected with the Yeomen, and with Lake City Lodge, No. 330, T. O. O. F., of which he is a past grand. He has been active in the work of the Grand Army of the Republic and is at present commander of Lander Post, No. 156.
331
PAST AND PRESENT OF CALHOUN COUNTY
He has been successful in business and has also found time to devote to other interests of life, being recognized as a valued citizen of Lake City.
H. W. BEACHAM.
Honored and respected by all, there is no citizen of Calhoun county who occupies a more enviable position in publie regard than H. W. Beacham, the president of the Bank of Farnhamville and one of the enterprising business men and citizens of this part of the state. He is notably prompt, energetie and reliable, and in his business affairs he has displayed marked ability in diseriminating between the essen- tial and the nonessential. Mr. Beacham was born in Clark county, Illinois, Angust 28, 1842, a son of Levi and Nancy J. (Dosier) Beacham, both natives of Tennessee. The father was a cabinetmaker by trade, and in early life removed to Illinois, easting in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Clark county, which at the time of his arrival there was practically an undeveloped wilderness. There were Indians still living in the neighborhood, wild animals hunted the forests and wild game of all kinds was to be had in abundance. The journey to Illinois was made with ox teams after the primitive manner of travel at that time, and in true pioneer style Levi Beacham began life in Clark county, but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, his death ocenrring there when his son, H. W. Beacham, was a small boy.
The latter pursued his education in one of the old-time log school- . houses. He continued at home until 1861, when at the age of nine- teen years he offered his services to the country in defense of the Union cause, enlisting in Company B, Seventh Illinois Infantry, with which he remained for four years and three months. He saw active service at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Shiloh, and after the war he returned to Illinois and began farming in Champaign county, where he owned land. His entire life has been one of unfaltering activity in which he has carefully formulated his plans and carried them forward to successful completion. On removing from Illinois to Iowa, he settled at Farnhamville, where he established the Bank of Farnham- ville in connection with his son Charles. This is a private banking institution of which he is the president, while his son, as its cashier, is the active manager of the business. Mr. Beacham is numbered among the most prominent and progressive agrieulturists of his part of the Vol. 17-21
.
332 PAST AND PRESENT OF CALHOUN COUNTY
state, owning today four hundred acres of rich and valuable land. The different traets are now splendidly improved and have been brought under a high state of cultivation, nearly all of the land being devoted to the raising of grain. He utilizes the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and everything about the farm indieates his careful supervision, his well defined plans and his progressive methods.
In 1868 Mr. Beacham was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia Hamilton, a native of Ohio and a daughter of James and Sarah (Burner) Hamilton. The father homesteaded a traet of land in Craw- ford county, Illinois, and there earried on general farming throughout the remainder of his life. He was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, taking an active and helpful interest in its work. Mr. and Mrs. Beacham are the parents of four children. as follows: Charles, who is eashier of the Bank of Farnhamville; May, who gave her hand in marriage to Charles Carlson, an agrieulturist of this county: Fannie, the wife of Herbert W. Wilson, who is engaged in general merchandising at Farnhamville; and Gem, who is the wife of Geo. J. Merriman, of Corpus Christi, Texas.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Beacham are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has long been a most earnest worker in that organization and his entire life has been guided by his religious belief. While in Illinois he assisted in organizing two churches in the eom- munity in which he lived and also was active in Sunday-school work. He has continued his helpfulness in both church and Sunday school work since coming to Iowa, and his influence and aid have been far- reaching and beneficial. His wife, too, is an earnest worker in the church and their influence has been a potent foree for good. Mr. Beacham's religious faith aetuates his entire life and permeates his every action. so that in all the relations of life he has proved himself a man of high honor and therefore enjoys the respect of all with whom he has been brought in eontaet.
JOSIAH CHAUNCEY MUNDIE.
Josiah Chauncey Mundie. a well known capitalist who has resided in Roekwell City during the past three or four years, has been one of the most extensive farmers and cattle feeders in Calhoun county, and is still prominently identified with business interests as a real-estate dealer and agriculturist. His birth oeeurred near Mendota, La Salle
333
PAST AND PRESENT OF CALHOUN COUNTY
county, Illinois, on the 4th of October, 1867. his parents being John and Elizabeth (Condell) Mundie. The father, born near Aberdeen, Scotland, was there reared to the age of about nineteen years, and in 1846 emigrated to the United States, locating in Chicago, Illinois, where he worked in an elevator for Armour & Company for a time. Subsequently he was employed in an elevator in southern Illinois. next conducted a butcher shop in Mendota, that state, and later purchased a farm near the town, becoming one of the leading stock feeders and deal- ers of La Salle county. He shipped train loads of stock at a time and continued actively engaged in that business until seventy years of age, when he retired and took up his abode in Mendota, where his demise occurred when he was eighty-seven years old. The prosperity which he enjoyed came as the direct reward of his own industry and persever- ance. and he was widely recognized as one of the substantial, enterpris- ing and representative citizens of his community. In politics he was a stanch republican, while his religious faith was that of the Baptist church. It was in Mendota, Illinois, that he wedded Miss Elizabeth Condell. a native of Montreal, Canada, and of Irish extraction. She came to the United States in 1848 and died in Mendota, Illinois, pass- ing away in the faith of the Baptist church. One of their nine children died at the age of eleven years, and our subject is the sixth in order of birth.
Josiah C. Mundie spent the period of his boyhood and youth on the home farm and received his education in the public schools. When about twenty-three years of age he rented a tract of land, being busily engaged in agricultural pursuits as a farmer and feeder of cattle in Illinois until 1901, when he came to Calhoun county, Iowa. Here he operated a rented farm of six hundred and forty acres in Greenfield township for four years and then leased eight hundred acres of land in Logan township which he cultivated for eight years. During this period he purchased four hundred and eighty acres in Logan town- ship and three hundred and twenty acres in Center township, improved the property and has leased it to tenants, the land being now worth one hundred and seventy-five dollars per aere. He also owns three hundred and twenty acres in Marshall county, Minnesota, and another half section in Blue Earth county, that state. so that his holdings are extensive and valuable. On the Ist of March, 1915, he discontinued the cultivation of rented land and is now farming his own property. As above stated, he has been one of the largest farmers and cattle feeders of the county and his undertakings in this connection and as a real-estate dealer have been highly profitable. He still owns con- siderable land in Calhoun county and in Minnesota, and during the
334
PAST AND PRESENT OF CALHOUN COUNTY
past three or four years has made his home in Rockwell City. He was one of the organizers of the Commercial Savings Bank of Lohrville, and is numbered among the leading and influential citizens of his community.
On the 22d of March, 1894, Mr. Mundie was united in marriage to Miss Anna Belle MeDowell, who was born in La Salle county, Illinois, October 24, 1875. her parents being William J. and Elizabeth ( Whit- ney) MeDowell, natives of Pennsylvania and New York respectively. Her father was formerly a successful agriculturist in Illinois, but dur- ing the past six years has lived retired in Calhoun county. To Mr. and Mrs. Mundie have been born seven children, as follows: John William, who is operating one of his father's farms; Paul H .. Hazel Adele, Gladys Ineile, George West, Myrle, and Evelyn Grace, all at home.
Mr. Mundie gives his political allegiance to the republican party, and fraternally is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Rockwell City. His religious faith is indieated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, to which his wife also belongs. His life is exemplary in all respects and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is de- serving of the utmost commendation.
THOMAS D. LONG.
Thomas D. Long, of Manson, is now giving his time to the super- vision of his property interests, which are quite extensive. He was born in Deanville, Dane county, Wisconsin, on the 4th of December, 1861. a son of Alonzo and Mary (Dean) Long. On the paternal side he is of Irish ancestry, the first representative of the family in America being John Long, who emigrated to the United States from the Emerald isle. He made his home near Boston for a number of years, but his son John removed to Shelburne, Massachusetts, where he en- gaged in farming and where he was living at the time of his demise. The old farm is now in the possession of the seventh generation of the Long family. The maternal grandfather of Thomas D. Long. Richard Dean, came to the new world in 1849 from England and made his way to Wisconsin, where he remained until 1864. In that year he removed to Marion county, Missouri. where he passed the remainder of his life. He was a designer of ceramies in England, but owing to labor
335
PAST AND PRESENT OF CALHOUN COUNTY
troubles was blacklisted in that country and decided to come to America.
Alonzo Long was born in Massachusetts in 1805, and in 1853 removed to Wiseonsin, where he took up his residence upon a farm and where he became widely known as "The Horseman," shipping many animals from New England. His demise occurred in Wisconsin in January, 1863. Ilis political belief was that of the republican party. He was married in Wisconsin to Miss Mary Dean, who was born in England in 1830 and died on the 28th of July, 1900. Follow- ing the demise of Mr. Long she was again married, becoming the wife of Nelson Bacon in 1865. by whom she had one son, Marlin. Her religious faith was that of the Protestant Episcopal church. Four children were born to the parents of our subject, but he is the only one living. The others were George. Irving, and Ada. George was the father of two children, Irving and Illiah.
Thomas D. Long received his edueation in the country scohols of Calhoun county, where he has lived sinee 1868. On beginning his inde- pendent eareer he turned his attention to farming, but in 1880 he removed to Manson and purchased the Journal, which he conducted successfully with his brother, George I. Long, until October, 1914. For thirty-four years they were the owners of the paper and made it a forceful factor in the direction of publie opinion in this county. It gained a wide eireulation and won recognition as a valuable advertising medium. Since disposing of his interest in the paper Mr. Long has devoted his time to looking after his extensive property interests. He owns a great deal of real estate and together with his brother's widow owns the Long Hotel. Some of the best business property in Manson belongs to him and he is a stockholder in both of the banks. In all that he has undertaken he has met with gratifying sueeess.
In June, 1883, Mr. Long married Miss Maggie Crilly, a daugh- ter of George Crilly, a native of Ireland, although her birth oeeurred in Webster county, Iowa. To this marriage have been born three daughters, Ada, who died in infancy in 1884: Beulah, the wife of Casper Schenk, an attorney of Des Moines: and Merian, who is attending Drake University.
Mr. Long is a republican and for thirteen years was postmaster of Manson. For a number of years he was a member of the town council and for one term he held the office of mayor, doing much to promote the advancement of Manson while serving the city in an official eapaeity. He was also a member of the school board for five years. The Methodist Episcopal church finds in him a loyal and active member, and its principles form the guiding rules of his life. He is
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.