USA > Iowa > Jasper County > Past and present of Jasper County, Iowa, Vol. I > Part 40
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Four children have been born to the Colonel and wife. all of whom are living, namely : Earl B., born October 7. 1886, is at home and employed by the American Construction Company: Harold R., born June 1. 1891, is at- tending the State University at Ames: Robert E., born August 27, 1893, is employed as stenographer for the Bergman Manufacturing Company; Mar- jory B., born September 5. 1896, is at home, and, possessing a voice of ex- quisite melody and sweetness, which has been carefully educated, she is well known in musical circles.
Colonel Lambert's military record is one of which his relatives and friends should be justly proud. On July 15, 1888, he enlisted at Newton in Company B. Third lowa Volunteer Infantry, National Guard. On March 9, 1889, he was elected captain of his company, in which capacity he served until April 30, 1892, when he was transferred to the Second Regiment and elected major with the rank from that date. Later he was promoted to lieu- tenant-colonel, January 11, 1897, being mustered out May 18, 1898, and on
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that date he was mustered into the volunteer service with the rank of lieuten- ant-colonel of the Fiftieth Iowa Regiment, and for meritorious service he was promoted to colonel on August 29, 1898, being mustered out as colonel on November 30th following, at Des Moines. On February 5, 1900, he enlisted as a private in Company L, Fiftieth Regiment, Iowa National Guard, of which he was elected major on July 16, 1900. He was advanced to the rank of lieutenant-colonel of the Fifty-fourth ( same as the Fiftieth ) Regiment. May 2. 1904. He was appointed quartermaster on the staff of Brig-Gen. J. Rush Lincoln, commander of the First Brigade. lowa National Guard, July 20, 1909, which position he still holds. During the Spanish-American war he was quartered at Jacksonville, Florida, having been assigned to duty with the Second Division of the Seventh Army Corps, under command of Gen. Fitzhugh Lee. As a soldier he has acquitted himself most gallantly. and has won the admiration of his men and the praise of his superior officers.
Colonel Lambert is a member of Newton Lodge No. 59, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons : Gabal Chapter No. 12. Royal Arch Masons: Oriental Commandery No. 22, Knights Templar, and the Za-Ga-Zig Temple, Mystic Shrine, at Des Moines. He is past eminent in the commandery, and has passed all the chairs in the same. He is also a member of Central Lodge No.73. Independent Order of Odd Fellows: Newton Encampment No. 16, and Can- ton Chevalier Bayard No. 31. At the present writing he is department com- mander of Patriarchs Militant of Iowa, with rank of major-general. He is also grand senior warden in the grand encampment of the Independent Odd Fellows of Iowa.
Colonel Lambert has also been a member of Newton's volunteer fire de- partment for twenty-seven years, being foreman of the company and chief of the department a part of the time. At present he is vice-president of the Iowa State Firemen's Association and chairman of the pension committee of that association. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, White Pine Camp No. 22. of Newton, of which he was clerk for ten years. For some time he served as a member of the city council of Newton, being a member and chairman of the committee on streets and alleys. He has also been a member of the Newton Business Men's Association ever since its organization, and is its present secretary.
Mrs. Lambert is well known in church and social circles: she is a mem- ber of Newton Chapter No. 100. Order of the Eastern Star, of which the Colonel is past worthy patron. She is a member of Margaret Rebekah Lodge No. 237, of Newton. She was formerly president of the Twentieth Century Club of Newton. She is a steward in the Methodist church, of which all the family are members.
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GEORGE W. NEWTON.
Perhaps, for his age, no man in Jasper county has accomplished more for the city of Newton than George W. Newton, a man whose sterling char- acteristics would bring him success in any walk of life, for nature seems to have combined in him those attributes of head and heart which, when prop- erly controlled and directed, as they have evidently been done in his case. never fail of large results. Although young in years. Mr. Newton is widely known as the head of one of the best and most rapidly growing manufactur- ing institutions in the city of Newton.
Mr. Newton is the scion of a sterling ancestry, his birth having occurred on May 5, 1873. in Mt. Sterling, Illinois, and he is the son of Wallace and Laura J. ( Shealds ) Newton, both natives of Ohio and both now deceased. The father was by occupation a carpenter, coming from a long line of me- chanics and artisans.
George W. Newton is one of a family of three children, all living: AAm- brosia married Oliver Sparks, the present mayor of Galena, Kansas, and the owner of the largest and best zinc mine in the country : Julia married Everett Wilkins, a farmer living near Fairview, Illinois ; George W. is the eldest of the three.
Mr. Newton began working for himself soon after the death of his mother. Coming to Livermore, lowa, he took charge of a photograph gal- lery for a short time. Later, in response to an advertisement asking for a window trimmer, he came to Newton and entered the employment of the lowa Mercantile Company, with which he remained one year, at the end of which time he entered the manufacturing business in a small way, turning out advertising specialties. At first he formed a partnership and the firm name was the Newton Manufacturing Company. This concern began, with little capital, to manufacture a number of small wood, metal and card-board specialties, in a little back room, but, having a good line and the tact to handle it properly. they were successful almost from the very beginning, and from time to time they were compelled to move into larger quarters. On January 1. 1910, they incorporated for twenty-five thousand dollars and purchased their own building. Since then they have rented and now occupy another large building near their own building. They are manufacturing the largest and fastest selling advertising novelty in the United States, the Safety Maga- zine Match Safe, which little article is the direct outcome of the inventive genius of George W. Newton, of this review. He has also invented and
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designed a number of special machines for its accurate and rapid manufac- ture, in fact, it is to the pluck and energy of Mr. Newton that the company owes much of its phenomenal success and its widespread popularity, for he is by nature an organizer and promoter and is able to foresee with remarkable accuracy the future outcome of a present transaction, and he has made few . mistakes as a business man.
On June 20, 1902, Mr. Newton was married to Anna Grace Van Wine- garden, daughter of William and Jacob Winegarden, natives of Holland, from which country they came to America in early life, and here Mrs. New- ton was born. She received a good education and is a lady of many fine per- sonal qualities which makes her a favorite in the best social circles of her city. She is a member of a family of nine children, all of whom live within twenty miles of Newton; they are, Jennie married Scott Byers, a farmer near Sully; Anna Grace, wife of Mr. Newton; Mrs. Miller, wife of Fred Miller, a farmer of this county; John is farming near Galesburg: Eva lives with her parents near Sully ; Carry married Walter Blackwood, a farmer near Newton ; Walter, Emma and Rudolph are living at home.
To Mr. and Mrs. Newton two children have been born. George Maxwell and Jacoba Lorene.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Newton are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Newton, and, fraternally, he belongs to the Yeomen. Politically. he is a Republican. He is a man of the highest standing in the community. having the confidence and respect of all classes.
ALBERT S. CHAPMAN.
In the present review is recorded briefly the life history of one who was a few years since a familiar figure in the city of Colfax, where he was a prominent and respected business man, and took a full share of activity in the affairs of the community. As a business man he was strictly honest, and entirely capable, and his sagacity was admired by his associates and acquaint- ances. His success was marked and notable, and was the result of his own careful building.
Albert S. Chapman was born near Columbus, Franklin county, Ohio, the son of John O. Chapman. John O. Chapman was born near Cape May, New Jersey. Judge Stanberry, of the Ohio supreme court, was the grandfather of Albert Stanberry Chapman. His mother died near Maryville, Ohio, and
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Albert S. came to Mound Prairie precinct, Jasper county, lowa, in 1865, with his father, who bought a farm here and lived on it the rest of his days. Albert S. lived on the farm, and was very successful in agriculture until 1881. when he removed to Colfax and engaged in business, quickly winning for himself a reputation as a man of enterprise and spirit. He continued in busi- ness until his death, on November 27. 1894. at the age of fifty-three. He served as a member of the school board in Colfax, and was always interested in the improvement and development of the community.
Mr. Chapman was married in Mound Prairie precinct to Kate Van Gil- der, the daughter of Squire Abram and Sarah ( Anderson ) Van Gilder. Abram Van Gilder was born on July 9, 1813. in Hamilton county, Ohio, moved to Indiana, later to Knox county, Illinois, to a farm seven miles east of Gales- burg, and came to Mound Prairie precinct in 1864. where he and his wife, who was born in Adams county, Ohio, on June 16. 1821, spent the rest of their lives. Abram Van Gilder was influential in his community, and filled the offices of justice of the peace, town clerk, and secretary of the school board. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are the parents of the following children : Frank, of Bisbee, Arizona, a builder; Ed. of Colfax: George, of Colfax, a real estate agent : Harry, of Colfax : Mary Belle, who married Otis Wright, a banker of Colfax, and who died in 1897, at the age of twenty-seven, leaving one child.
The Chapman family is one of the most respected in Colfax, and all its members are filling positions of worth and usefulness. Thesons of Albert S. Chapman have ever present with them the memory of their father's ex- cellent life as an inspiration and example.
HUGH SCOTT.
Herein is recorded the life of one of the representative men of Jasper county, a capable and prominent farmer, who has a unique distinction in that he reared to manhood and to a sense of duty five stalwart sons, who offered their lives to their country and from each of whom she accepted the gift. Few men have been called upon for such a sacrifice as this.
Hugh Scott was born on November 15. 1799, in Fleming county, Ken- tucky, the son of Thomas and Hannah Reid Scott. Thomas Scott, who was born on June 1, 1766, was the son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Jackson) Scott, and married Hannah Reid, the daughter of Hugh and Jemima (Car- mon) Reid, on November 24, 1789. Jemima Carmon was the daughter of
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John and Hannah Carmon, and was born on May 20, 1745. Hugh Scott's brothers and sisters were: Robert Jackson Scott, who was a lieutenant in the war of 1812, lived later in Ohio, and then in Paris, Illinois; John Carmon Scott, who served in the Ohio militia in the war of 1812, and remained in Ohio: Joseph Scott: Matthew Reid Scott, of Paris, Illinois: Sarah Scott Fuller ; Mary Trewit Scott Means, Asenath Scott Pownall.
Hugh Scott came to Jasper county in 1856, and located in Washington township. He had resided for more than twenty years previously in Vigo county, Indiana, near Terre Haute. Mr. Scott bought a farm of raw prairie. and cultivated and improved it and made from it an excellent farm, becoming known as one of the best farmers in the county. His success was entirely de- served and was due to his ability and character. He died on September 16, 1882. aged eighty-three years lacking two months.
In 1827 Hugh Scott was married to Mary Lewis, who was born in Ken- tucky in 1811, and died on June 8. 1852, in Vigo county, Indiana. She bore to him nine children, whose records follow :
Charles T. Scott enlisted in the Union army in the Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry in 1862, and died in 1863 in the service of his country. Hannah Scott married George Linford, of Mound Prairie township, Jasper county. and died in 1863. Henry Scott enlisted in 1861 in Company B, Fifth Iowa Infantry, and died in the service in March. 1863. Albert Scott, of Vigo county, Indiana, enlisted in the Eighteenth Indiana Battery of Light Artillery. and died in Tennessee in 1863. Lewis Scott enlisted in 1861 in the Eighth Fowa Infantry, and died in the Keokuk ( lowa) hospital in 1862. Foster Scott enlisted in 1863 in the Ninth Iowa Cavalry, and met his death on the field at Duvall's Bluff. Arkansas. Thus of the sons of Hugh Scott five served in the armies of the Union, and all of these five gave their lives in the nation's cause.
Asenath Scott married first Thomas Malcomson, of Washington town- ship, who came to Jasper county in the fall of 1865. He served three years in the Second Wisconsin Infantry. To this marriage were born two children, Riley Malcomson. of Colfax, and Henry Malcomson, a builder, of Minot, North Dakota. Mrs. Malcomson married later G. O. Barnes, who came to Jasper county in the eighties, and died in 1896, at the age of fifty-two.
Harriet Scott married George Linford after the death of her sister. Hannah Scott. Harriet Scott died June 20, 1911. Jacob Scott, a farmer of Washington township, died on April 1, 1886, at the age of thirty-six.
Hugh Scott took an active and prominent part in the affairs of his com-
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munity. He was an old-time Whig, and later a Republican. He filled the offices of township assessor and trustee, was a justice of the peace, and at one time a member of the school board in Prairie City. His character was strong and his individuality impressive.
W. L. DENNIS.
Willmer L. Dennis was born in Wapello county, Iowa, on December 17. 1857, about five miles south of the city of Ottumwa. His father, Benjamin H. Dennis, was born in Ohio in 1830, and came west in 1852 and located first in Lee county, Iowa, but one year later he removed to Wapello county, and here, on August 23. 1854, he was united in marriage to Matilda Jackson, daughter of Richard and Isabella ( Baum) Jackson. Mrs. Jackson was born in Ohio in 1833. and removed with her parents to Wapello county, Iowa, when quite young. In 1864 Mr. Dennis traded forty acres of land which he had acquired in Wapello county for two hundred and forty acres in Jasper county, and in March of the following year brought his family to Jasper county and took possession of his farm, which was located in Buena Vista township, near Kilduff. Here he lived and prospered until the year 1878, when he built a. home in the city of Newton, lowa, and retired from active labor. He de- parted this life in January. 1900. He was a splendid man, public spirited and very active in church work, having united with the Methodist Episcopal church in 1859. The mother of the subject departed this life in January, 1872, while the family still lived on the farm. When the family first came to Jasper county all they owned in the way of stock was a team of horses, four head of cattle and a few sheep. Mr. Dennis was a good business man and a man of good judgment, and by energetic effort and good management he prospered and became a heavy stock feeder well known throughout the county. Of five children born to this couple only three survive : Willmer L., the subject of this review : C. Dean Dennis, whose sketch appears elsewhere in these pages ; and Minerva, wife of James Carey, of near Killduff, Iowa.
Willmer L. Dennis received his early educational training in the country schools of the township in which he lived, and at the age of twenty began working for himself upon his father's farm. In 1882 his father made over to him eighty acres of land. Having had experience with feeding cattle and buying and raising same for the market, while with his father, he began in
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this line for himself and became one of the county's heaviest stock producers. He also from time to time purchased land, until at this time he owns over five hundred acres, two hundred in Buena Vista township and three hundred in Richland township. He also owns a section of land in Deaf Smith county. Texas.
On May 20, 1880, Willmer L. Dennis was united in marriage to Anna M. Emmert, who was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, on September II, 1861. She was the daughter of J. V. and Dorothea Emmert, prosperous farmers in the southeast portion of Buena Vista township. Her parents were natives of Germany, her father coming with his parents to this country when only one year old, the family locating in Pennsylvania. Her mother, whose maiden name was Dorothea Schwappach. came alone to this country at the age of sixteen, and a few years later was joined by a sister, and these two were the only members of the family to cross the ocean. When Mrs. Dennis was a child three years old, her parents moved to Illinois, and five years later they moved to Jasper county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Buena Vista township, which is still the home of her mother, her father dying at this place on April 12. 1895, at the age of sixty-eight. Her mother is now seventy-three. Mrs. Dennis was one of ten children, she being the second in order of birth, the names of the others being as follows : George .A., born in 1860, owns eighty acres of land adjoining the old home place. and lives with his mother and sister; Andrew, born in 1863, lives on a farm near Kellogg, Iowa, married Lelia Drew; Sophia died in infancy; Ella, born in 1867, lives at home, unmarried; William V., born in 1868, was killed on his twenty-eighth birthday by being kicked by a horse : Caroline, born in 1870. married Ed. Helper, who is deceased: Emma died of croup in infancy : Philip and Frances, twins, born in 1875: Frances, who died in 1909, was the wife of Case Williamson : Philip lives on a farm in Palo Alto township.
To Mr. and Mrs. Willmer L. Dennis have been born seven children, namely : Benjamin, born August 9. 1881. died in 1882: Flora May. born August 30, 1883, died in 1910. She was the wife of Charles Earp, to whom she bore two children, Leslie Lamont, deceased, and Nadine L. Earp; Leroy, born November 19, 1888, near Killduff, married Regina Van Gilst, and to them has been born one child: Alvy, born February 20, 1891, married Jennie De Bruyn, and lives near Killduff : Wanda, born March 14, 1894. is still under the parental roof, attending the Newton high school: William V., born Sep- tember 29, 1896, lives at home with his parents ; Cleora, born August 22, 1891.
In March, 1910, Mr. Dennis and family left the farm and purchased a fine residence property in Newton, Iowa, where they now reside. Although
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living away from the farm, Mr. Dennis is not content to lead a life of ease and quiet, but is still engaged in the stock business and looks after his farming interests, going back and forth from his home to the farm in an automobile. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dennis are members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Newton. Politically, he votes with the Republican party.
W. E. DENNISTON.
The name of Denniston has been for many years an honored and respected one in Jasper county, and the gentleman of that name who is the immediate subject of this sketch is richly deserving of the universal respect and esteem which is accorded him by all with whom he is acquainted. For many years he has been one of the leading lumbermen of Newton: still in the fullness of years, he is to be found at the helm of a large and growing business.
W. E. Denniston, of the firm of Denniston & Partridge, was born in Jasper county, October 28, 1868, on the parental homestead in Buena Vista township. He is the son of Robert E. and Della ( Hotchkiss ) Denniston. the father a native of Ohio and the mother of Wisconsin. The elder Denni- ston came to Iowa in 1861 and settled in Buena Vista township, and he has resided in the county ever since. now living on a farm of sixty acres just on the edge of Newton. He has long been well known in this community and has lived to see and take part in the great development of the same. His family consisted of five children, two of whom are living. three having died in infancy : besides the subject. the other living child is Mrs. Charles Emery. who is living on a farm near Metz. this county.
W. E. Denniston spent his early life on the home farm where he assisted with the general work about the place when of proper age, and he attended the common schools during the winter months. his education in later years being supplemented by good business training and wide home reading. H remained under his parental rooftree until he was twenty-one years of age. He learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked two years in Newton after he had left the farm. He then worked in the lumber yards for Fred L. Maytag for two years, and twelve years for Maytag & Emerson, then he formed a partnership with Mr. Emerson under the firm name of Emerson & Denniston, which continued three years. Upon the death of Mr. Emerson, about two years ago, the firm became Denniston & Partridge. a corporation,
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of which Mr. Denniston is secretary and general manager. They have been very successful and have now a large and rapidly growing business which is wide in its scope, owning other yards besides the large one at Newton, including one at Altoona and Mitchellville, both in Polk county, Reasoner. Colfax and Baxter, in Jasper county. They handle a varied line of up-to- date building material, lumber and also grain. Their home shed is one hundred twenty by one hundred eighty feet, everything being conveniently and attractively arranged.
On February 24, 1892, Mr. Denniston was united in marriage with Lizzie Wilson, daughter of William and Mary Wilson, who came from Scott county, Iowa, to this county, Mr. Wilson having been born in the former. To Mr. and Mrs. Denniston two children have been born, Roy, whose birth occurred on February 20, 1892, and Homer, born August 5, 1895.
Mr. and Mrs. Denniston attend the United Presbyterian church. Politi- cally, he is a Republican and has taken an abiding interest in local affairs for some time. In 1906 he was elected to the city council from the first ward and has been on the board since then, making his influence felt for the good of his city and community whenever possible. He is a man of energy. rare business foresight and he is a good mixer, being always a gentleman and yet easily approached and unassuming, a man who has the confidence and good will of his fellowmen owing to his fair dealings and exemplary character.
PROF. E. J. H. BEARD.
The men most influential in promoting the advancement of society and in giving character to the times in which they live are two classes-the men of study and the men of action. Whether we are more indebted for the improve- ment of the age to the one class or the other is a question of honest difference of opinion ; neither can be spared and both should be encouraged to occupy their several spheres of labor and influence zealously and without mutual dis- trust. In the following paragraphs are briefly outlined the leading facts and characteristics in the career of a gentleman who combines in his makeup the elements of the scholar and the energy of the public-spirited man of affairs. Devoted to the noble and humane work of teaching, Prof. E. J. H. Beard, the efficient and popular superintendent of the Newton city schools, Jasper county, Iowa, has made his influence felt in a most potent manner in the locality of which this history treats, and he is not unknown to the wider educational
EstBeard
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTON, LENOX Tieban FOUNDATIONS
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circles of the state, occupying as he does a prominent place in his profession and standing high in the esteem of educators in other than his own particular field of endeavor. All who come within range of his influence are profuse in their praise of his admirable qualities and the high regard in which he is held, not only professionally but socially, and as a gallant veteran of the grand army that saved the national Union, indicates the possession of attri- butes and characteristics that fully entitle him to the respect and consideration of his fellow men.
Professor Beard, like many of our leading citizens, is a native of the great Empire state, his birth having occurred at Jefferson, Schoharie county, New York, February 23, 1842. He is the son of Ezra G. and Ruth G. (Gay- lord) Beard, both natives of New York, in which state they grew up, were educated and married and became well established and influential. The father devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and he lived and died in his native state. Professor Beard traces his genealogy back several centuries through a long line of distinguished ancestry. The family has been notably con- spicuous as soldiers, it being fully authenticated that members of the family participated in the early Indian wars, the Revolutionary war, the war of 1812, Civil and Spanish-American wars. In all the relations of life they have made their influence felt wherever they have dispersed, being leaders in the public and social life of their communities.
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