USA > Iowa > Fayette County > Past and present of Fayette County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 78
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farming that he deserves to rank with the leading agriculturists of the town- ship. He handles a good grade of stock and makes farming and stock rais- ing pay, no matter what the times may bring forth. He has a substantial, pleasantly located and nicely furnished home and everything about the place shows thrift and prosperity and that a gentleman of good judgment and taste has its management in hand. The mother of Herman Neumann died after coming to Fayette county, and many of the changes in location were made after the subject's marriage.
Mr. Neumann was married in 1876 to Margaret Reisner, who was born in Wisconsin, the daughter of Henry and Mary (Hawe) Reisner, both born in Germany, from which country they came to America and located in Wis- consin. When Mrs. Neumann was three years of age they moved to Cler- mont township, Fayette county, Iowa, and engaged in farming. Mrs. Reis- ner is still living on a farm one mile west of West Union.
To Mr. and Mrs. Herman Neumann the following children have been born : Martha is living in Kansas; Louisa, Emma, Bertha, Edward, Lewis, Tilla, Walter and Ella, all live in Fayette county, Iowa. Particular atten- tion has been given to the education and general training of these children.
Mr. and Mrs. Neumann are members of the German Lutheran church. They are highly respected people of this township, or wherever they have lived, being hospitable, kind, friendly and honorable in all their relations with their neighbors.
JAMES SUMMER SHERMAN.
The subject of this sketch is a prosperous farmer of Scott township and a well known gentleman, who has made a success of his calling and who holds a large place in the esteem and confidence of the people of his neighbor- hood. He is a native of Chautauqua county, New York, where his birth occurred on the 3d day of September, 1844, being the second of two children born to Richard D. and Phoebe (Summer) Sherman, both of that county and state, the father a tanner and shoemaker by occupation. These parents grew up and married in the above county and some time after the birth of their children they moved to Geneva, Ohio, but, not being satisfied there, returned to New York at the end of two years, and spent the remainder of their lives near their native place, Mrs. Sherman dying in 1856. Subsequently Mr. Sherman married Jane Barney, of Chautauqua county, who is still living. his death having occurred in the year 1889. Mrs. Lucy Reed, the older of the
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two children born of the first marriage, is deceased, James S. of this review being the second in order of birth. Richard D. Sherman was a skillful work- man, reputable citizen and had a large number of friends where he was born and grew to maturity. Originally a Whig, he afterwards became a Repub- lican and so continued to the end of his days, though never figuring very actively as a politician nor aspiring to official position or leadership. He was a worthy communicant of the Baptist church and manifested his religious faith in his daily life as he mingled with his fellow men.
James S. Sherman spent his childhood and youth in his native county, and enjoyed such educational advantages as the public schools afforded. He remained with his father until about thirteen years old, when he left the parental roof and for several years thereafter lived with William Reed. In 1869 he was united in marriage with Harriett J. Chase, daughter of John Chase, of Fulton county, New York, and the same year came to Fayette county, Iowa, locating in Scott township, where he purchased eighty acres of wild land which he at once proceeded to improve and which in due time he brought to a high state of cultivation and converted into one of the best farms of its size in that part of the country.
Mr. Sherman's first residence was a small affair of the most primitive pattern, but as prosperity attended him he subsequently added to the acreage of his farm and erected the fine, modern dwelling which the family now oc- cupy, also a commodious barn and other outbuildings, his place at this time being well improved, and, to all appearances, one of the most beautiful and desirable homes in this township. As a farmer Mr. Sherman easily ranks among the enterprising and successful men of his calling in Fayette county, being progressive in his methods and fully abreast of the times on all matters pertaining to agricultural science. He raises considerable livestock, devoting special attention to the finer breeds of cattle, horses and hogs and seldom fails to realize handsome returns from both branches of his vocation. In politics he is pronounced in his allegiance to the Republican party, and is proud of having cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln, and is firm in the belief that the principles which he advocates are for the best interests of the American people. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and, though by no means an office seeker, he served his township several years as trustee and made an honorable record as a public servant. Religious- ly, he belongs to the Union church at Stanley, with which body of worshipers his wife was also identified.
Mrs. Sherman departed this life on March II, 1903, leaving besides her husband four children to mourn her loss. Lola, the oldest of the number,
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was born March 8, 1882, married Wilbur H. Clark, and is the mother of four offspring, namely : Carrie, Harriett, Annie and Dorris; James, the second of the subject's children, is single and lives at home. Ray R., the third in order of birth, married Annie Irvin and is the father of two daughters, who answer to the names of Dorothy and Ruth. He is cashier of the Stanley Exchange Bank and a young man of fine business ability. Grace, the youngest of the family, is the wife of Edward Stinson and the mother of one son, to whom has been given the name of Gerald.
JAMES W. JOHNSON.
The subject of this sketch, who now occupies the responsible position of general round-house foreman at Oelwein for the Chicago Great Western rail- road, has during his comparatively brief residence here won a host of friends. who admire him for his sterling personal qualities and his genial disposition. Mr. Johnson was born at Marshalltown, Iowa, on January 17, 1865, and is a son of Wallace and Jane (Thorpe) Johnson, who were people of respectabil- ity and prominence in their community. The subject was reared under the parental roof and secured his education in the public schools of Marshalltown, his attendance in school ceasing with the completion of the eighth grade. Being ambitious to start out in life on his own account, he then became an apprentice to learn the machinist's trade, and in order that he might make as rapid progress as possible in an accurate knowledge of his trade he also took a full course in the International Correspondence School of Scranton, Penn- sylvania. He was compelled, of course, to do all his studying at night, after the hard work of the day, but he was dauntless in his determination and in due time was graduated in the mechanical course and received his diploma. He continued to be employed in the shops of the Iowa Central railroad at Mar- shalltown more than eleven years, developing into an expert and proficient workman. On February 1, 1897, Mr. Johnson left the Iowa Central and entered the employ of the Chicago Great Western railroad at Des Moines, where he accepted the position of round-house foreman. He performed the duties of this position in an eminently satisfactory manner until February 7. 1907. when he was transferred to Oelwein and promoted to the responsible position of general round-house foreman. In this capacity Mr. Johnson has charge of several co-ordinate departments, each of which is in personal charge of a foreman, and Mr. Johnson's position is one of great responsibility and
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importance to the service of the road. He long ago demonstrated mechanical ability of a high order and he has proven equally strong in an executive capac- ity, everything under his charge moving smoothly, without friction and in such a way as to best facilitate the purpose in view.
On December 24, 1889, Mr. Johnson was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Margaret Shea, who is a native of the state of Michigan. She is the daughter of and Mary (Sullivan) Shea and at the age of about five years she accompanied her parents on their removal from Michigan to Oelwein, where they now reside. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson has been a most happy and congenial one and has been blessed in the birth of two children, Helen and Lyle.
Fraternally Mr. Johnson is a member of the time-honored order of Freemasonry, having taken the Entered Apprentice degree at Des Moines. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Knights of the Maccabees, having been a member of the last-named order for the past thirteen years. Though unostentatious in personal demeanor, Mr. Johnson is sociably inclined and enjoys the companionship of his friends, whom he numbers by the score. A gentleman in the truest sense of the word, he has so ordered his life as to earn and retain the sincere respect of all who know him.
WILLIAM JAMES MAHONEY.
Many of the best citizens of the prosperous and attractive city of Oel- wein, Fayette county, are numbered among the employes of the Chicago Great Western railroad, and among these is he whose name appears at the head of this brief record. Holding a busy and responsible position, he has so served his employing interests as to receive the highest of commendations at various times, being promoted on a number of occasions.
Mr. Mahoney is a native of the state of Minnesota, having first seen the light of day at Austin, that state, on the 27th day of November, 1879. He is a son of Patrick and Margaret Ellen (Clifford) Mahoney, the former of whom was a railroad conductor by profession and a highly esteemed man in his community. The subject spent his early boyhood days at Austin and at- tended the public and parochial schools. In 1890 the family moved to Oel- wein and here the subject continued his educational studies in the public schools. On leaving school, he went to work as call-boy for the Chicago Great Western railroad, and at the age of eighteen years he went to work as a
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freight handler in the freight house. He was so occupied about a year, at the end of which time he became night yard clerk and for about two years also served as night ticket agent. He was then promoted to the position of day yard clerk, holding this position about a year and a half. About the first of the year 1903 he was appointed assistant day yard master of the yards at Oelwein, but six months later he relinquished that position and during the following two months he was engaged in switching. At the end of that time he was made night yard master, and in September, 1903, he was appointed general yard master, which position he new holds. He is prompt and effi- cient in the performance of the duties of this position, which is one of con- siderable responsibility, and is considered one of the best employes of the Chicago Great Western at this point.
On July 6, 1904, William J. Mahoney was united in marriage to Ger- trude McGuire, who was a native of Fairbank, this state, but was at that time living in Oelwein, having moved there in childhood with her parents, Bernard and Susan (Smith) McGuire. To the subject and his wife have been born two children, William Leo and Paul Joseph. Religiously the family are mem- bers of the Catholic church, to which they render an earnest and liberal sup- port. Mr. Mahoney is a member of the religious-fraternal order, Knights of Columbus. Personally, Mr. Mahoney enjoys an enviable standing among those who best know him, his personal qualities being of the highest order. Genial in disposition and courteous in manner, he easily makes friends and is popular in the social circles in which he moves.
JOHN F. WILKINSON.
Few residents of Fayette county are as widely known and favorably re- garded as John F. Wilkinson, proprietor of "Sunny Side Farm." Scott town- ship, and one of the most successful stock men of northeastern Iowa. His father, John Wilkinson, was born April 13, 1842, grew to maturity in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, and came to Iowa a number of years ago, as the representative of a manufacturer of pumps and wind-mills, in connection wit !! which business he also carried on farming. When a young man he married Adella Cowles, who bore him three children, the oldest of whom. George J .. was born September, 1865, and died in the year 1903. Esther died at the age of one year, the subject of this sketch being the youngest of the family. George J. Wilkinson was a traveling salesman for some years and at one
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time run a meat market in Oelwein. He married Mary Badger, by whom he had two daughters, Lulu and Fern. John Wilkinson departed this life in February, 1872, and his widow subsequently became the wife of Charles E. Wilkinson, of Smithfield township, to whom she bore three children. Alma, now Mrs. Arthur Loomis, Carl E., a farmer of Smithfield township, and a son that died in infancy. Mrs. Wilkinson died in the month of September, 1902, leaving a husband and the two children mentioned alone, the farmer being a resident of Smithfield township and a most worthy citizen.
John F. Wilkinson is a native of Iowa, born in Fayette county on the 12th day of January, 1871. He was reared amid the bracing airs and whole- some influences of the country, early became familiar with the varied labors of the farm, and in the public schools laid the foundation of an educational discipline, which, supplemented by practical knowledge obtained by mingling with his fellow men, has enabled him thus far to discharge the duties of a very active and successful business life. He remained with his parents until 1894, on March 8th of which year he was happily married to Jennie May Doughty, of Smithfield township, and immediately thereafter rented a farm and engaged in the pursuit of agriculture for himself.
After cultivating the soil as a renter for a period of six years, Mr. Wilkin- son purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Scott township where he has since lived and prospered, making a rapid advancement in the meantime and bringing his place to a high state of tillage. His improvements, including residence, barn, outbuildings, fencing, etc., are up-to-date and in first-class condition and it is not too much to say that there is not a finer or more desir- able home in the township than the one he owns and few farms in the county present as many evidences of prosperity. While successful as a tiller of the soil, Mr. Wilkinson is better known as a stock raiser, which branch of farm- ing he has found much more satisfactory and remunerative than the raising of grain. He is an expert in all kinds of live stock, his thoroughbred Holstein cattle and Poland-China hogs being among the finest and most valuable in the northeastern part of the state, and he also gives considerable attention to the breeding and raising of draft horses, for which there is always a wide de- mand at liberal prices. Like a number of other enterprising farmers, he is interested in dairying, keeping from fifteen to twenty excellent milkers, which add very materially to his income, and in the matter of poultry he is also abreast of the times, making a specialty of the Plymouth Rock breed which he markets every year in large numbers, to say nothing of their value as lay- ers.
Mr. Wilkinson stands for modern improvements and advancements and
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endeavors to realize within himself his high ideal of progressive American citizenship. He manifests an abiding interest in all public enterprises, takes an active part in promoting measures having for their object the material, social and moral good of the community and is a firm supporter of law and order in all the terms imply. In politics he votes with the Republican party and in religion holds to the Methodist Episcopal creed.
EMERY FROST.
In studying the life history of the late Emery Frost, long a well known resident and popular citizen of Maynard, Fayette county, Iowa, we find many qualities in his makeup that always gain definite success in any career if properly directed, as his was evidently done, which resulted in a life of good to others as well as in a very comfortable competence to himself and family. And fealty to facts in the analyzation of the character of a citizen of the type of Mr. Frost is all that is required to make a biographical sketch interesting to those who have at heart the good name of the community, because it is the honorable reputation of the man of standing and affairs, more than any other consideration that gives stability and character to the body politic and makes the true worth of a locality revered at home and honored abroad. That Mr. Frost was a very potent factor in the material development of the vicinity honored so long by his citizenship, cannot be denied by those at all acquainted with the situation here, for he was ever ready to do his full share in the work of progress and his support could always be depended upon in any move- ment looking to the good of his town and county. In social and fraternal circles he was highly esteemed, contributing to the advancement of various interests for the intellectual improvement and moral good of his friends and associates.
Emery Frost was born of sterling New England stock that figured more or less conspicuously in various walks of life in the old Pine Tree state for many generations, he himself having first seen the light of day in Lisbon Falls, Maine, on April 7, 1850. He was the son of George Denis and Deborah (Davis) Frost, the father born at Danville, Maine, January 21, 1801, and the mother at Lewiston, that state, August 24, 1808. The latter was a cousin of the mother of Senator Frye, also a cousin of the mother of ex-Governor Garcelon, both of Maine. Mr. Frost's ancestors were Quakers and of English descent. His parents were excellent people and reared their son in a whole-
EMERY FROST.
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some home atmosphere, their family consisting of twelve children, Emery being the youngest; all are now deceased with the exception of one son who 'is still living on the old farm on the Androscoggin river, in Maine. Emery was but five years of age when his father died. At the age of nineteen he started for the West to begin life for himself, his destination being Chicago, where he remained three years with his brother, W. E. Frost. From there he came to West Union, Fayette county, Iowa, and later, in the fall of 1873, he came to Maynard, this county. Here he opened a lumber-yard in partnership with Charles Woodard, his cousin. To this business hardware was added and they enjoyed a very satisfactory trade in both lines, later organizing the Maynard Bank, which was a most successful venture and continued to grow in importance and prestige under the wise and judicious management of Mr. Frost, who, by his straightforward dealings and exemplary character had the confidence and good will of his friends and patrons. He developed marked business ability in his early life as well as in more recent years, and acquired a handsome competency, a beautiful home and in due course of time was one of the most substantial and leading citizens of Maynard and vicinity.
On April 22, 1876, was solemnized the marriage of Emery Frost and Fannie M. Maynard, daughter of Henry. Travis Maynard, long an influ- ential and progressive citizen of this county. The mother of Mrs. Frost was known in her maidenhood as Amelia H. Greene, whose grandfather served in the Revolutionary war as a home guard. They were among the representa- tive citizens of Maynard and highly respected by all. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Frost was graced by the birth of two children, Mrs. Orah M. Baker, of Silver City, New Mexico, and Robert Emery Frost, who resides at Fort Shaw, Montana.
Mr. Frost was, in 1877, made a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and was the worshipful master of Sunnyside Lodge at Maynard for a number of years. He was also a member of Langridge Commandery, Knights Templar, of West Union, Iowa. Politically he was a Democrat and he took an active part in local political affairs and held many offices of trust in his home town to his own credit and to the entire satisfaction of the public.
This excellent citizen, kind husband and father and generous neighbor and loyal friend was called to his reward on Thursday, May 20, 1909, when a little over fifty-nine years of age.
Mr. Frost was a man of strictest business integrity, public spirited and always honorable, consequently his loss will long be felt by his community, but the good he did will long continue to influence and bless the lives of those with whom he came into contact.
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JACOB ELLSWORTH PALMER.
For some years a resident of California, but a native of Clinton county, Iowa, the subject of this review was born December 23, 1868, and is descended paternally from English ancestry and maternally from sterling old Quaker and Dutch stock that figured in the early history of Pennsylvania. His father. William W. Palmer, the son of an English immigrant and a shoemaker by trade, was a native of Guernsey county, Ohio, and his mother, Susan A. Palmer, whose father served as a drummer in the war of 1812, was born and reared in Virginia.
Jacob Ellsworth Palmer received preliminary education in the public schools of the city and at the age of eighteen went to Hawkeye, where an elder brother was engaged in general merchandising. He learned the busi- ness in due time and later succeeded to the management of the same during the six years his brother served as county clerk. At the expiration of that period he was appointed postmaster of Hawkeye, which position he held eight years, when he voluntarily resigned and removed to Columbia Heights, Minnesota, where he engaged in the grocery trade. Selling out after a year's experience, he embarked in the lumber business at Mondola, Illinois, finally disposing of his interests in that place and moving to San Jose, California. where after six months sojourn he was made manager of a stock company store, at Campbell, a suburb of the city, which position he still holds.
Mr. Palmer is a progressive, wide-awake business man and has proven eminently capable and trustworthy in the various positions with which from time to time he has been honored. The place he now fills is one of great responsibility, but he has discharged the duties of the trust in an able and satisfactory manner, greatly extending the business and adding continuously to the publicity and popularity of the establishment. At his various places of residence he was keenly alive to the interests of the public, took an active part in every laudable measure for the advancement of the community and exer- cised an influence for good upon all with whom he came in contact. While at Hawkeye he served two years as secretary of the free library of that city and since his twenty-first year he has been identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed all the chairs besides holding for seven years the position of secretary of Camp No. 3882, Modern Woodmen of America of which he is a charter member. In 1905 he was initiated into the Masonic brotherhood and since that time has made commendable progress in the work of the order, manifesting an ardent interest in all that concerns the welfare of the lodge with which he holds membership, at intervals being hon- ored with important official trusts.
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On October 29, 1891, Mr. Palmer contracted a matrimonial alliance with Myrtle E. Fitch, of West Union, Iowa, eldest living daughter of G. W. and R. A. Fitch, a lady of intelligence and varied culture, whose friends are as the number of her acquaintances. Mrs. Palmer was born in Fayette county and after being graduated from the high school of her native town engaged in teaching, which she followed for several years, and earned an honorable- reputation for the thoroughness of her work, also for her popularity with pupils and patrons. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer are the parents of four children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Muriel M., November 7, 1893; Redmond Vane, January 13, 1895; George Fitch, April 13, 1897, and Malcolm William, who first saw the light of day on March II, 1903.
In his religious faith Mr. Palmer is a Methodist and an earnest and zeal- ous worker in the church to which he belongs. His wife and daughter, also members of the same body, are likewise interested in religious and charitable movements and are highly prized in the local congregation with which identi- fied and do all within their power to promote the varied interests of the same, being especially valuable in the choir work where their musical talents have long been recognized and appreciated.
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