USA > Iowa > Jasper County > Past and present of Jasper County, Iowa, Vol. I > Part 48
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KENNINGTON BROTHERS.
The record of a life well spent, of triumphs over obstacles, of persever- ance under difficulties and steady advancement from a modest beginning to a place of honor and distinction in the industrial world, when imprinted on the pages of a history, present to the youth of the rising generation an example worthy of emulation and may also be studied with profit by those of more mature years whose achievements have not kept pace with their expectations. The success of the well known and popular firm of Kennington Brothers, real estate dealers of Newton, Jasper county, has been well earned and is worthy of careful consideration by those hesitating at the parting of the ways. They are representatives of a prominent old pioneer family here.
L. S. Kennington was born in Jasper county. Iowa, June 13. 1858, and he is the son of Henry and Margaret ( Slaughter ) Kennington, the mother being a native of Ohio and the father of Ireland, from which country he emigrated to America in 1849, landing in New York where he began working as a locomotive machinist. Four years later he moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he was married. In 1855 he came to Jasper county alone and purchased eighty acres of land and in the spring of 1856 he returned, bringing his family,
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and began developing the land. By hard work and good management he soon had an excellent farm and a comfortable home and here he continued farm- ing until 1880 when he moved to his beautiful home in Newton where he has since led a retired life. He has always been a man of public spirit, his great- est interest being in the upbuilding of the schools and public roads, and during his active years he served as supervisor of roads and as school director many times. To the original tract he added eighty acres, making one hundred and sixty acres in all, which valuable farm is now owned by his son, John M., brother of L. S. Kennington. The elder Kennington is a man of sterling attributes and popular with a wide circle of friends.
At the age of sixteen years L. S. Kennington started in life for himself by canvassing for books. He then entered Hazel Dell Academy for the win- ter term and the following spring began teaching school. From then on till the fall of 1879 he either attended or taught school. He was a success as a teacher and his services were in great demand, but, believing that the law was his proper sphere, he began studying Blackstone and other standards, and entered the law department of the University of Iowa where he made a splendid record, and was graduated from the law department in 1880. Then he began the collegiate course from which he was graduated in 1884. receiv- ing the degree of Bachelor of Laws from the law department and the degree of Bachelor of Arts from the college: later he received the degree of Master of Arts.
In July, 1884, Mr. Kennington bought a half interest in the Iowa State Democrat at Newton, and he purchased the other half in 1887. This paper he published with singular success for a period of fourteen years, during which time he built up a large circulation and made his paper the equal of any its type in lowa and rendered the same a moulder of public opinion. In the spring of 1896 he was appointed postmaster of Newton and served two years in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the entire satis- faction of the department and the citizens of this community. After leaving the newspaper field he began the practice of law, which he has continued ever since in connection with a real estate business. As an attorney he takes high rank in the local bar and is a painstaking, energetic and straightforward advo- cate and counselor who has long since won the admiration and good will of all classes and he has built up an extensive and ever growing clientele, figuring prominently in all the local courts. He has kept well abreast of the times in all matters of jurisprudence and is a close student.
The domestic life of L. S. Kennington began on June 12, 1895, when he was united in marriage with Myra Davis, the daughter of J. S. Davis and
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wife, the former deceased. Mrs. Kennington is a lady of many estimable attributes.
At all times L. S. Kennington has taken an active interest in public affairs. In June. 1910, he completed a term of twenty-five years in some official capacity within the organization of the Democratic party. He served several times as county chairman of his party and also upon the congressional committee of his district, being chairman during one of the Weaver cam- paigns. He has served his party well and his counsels have done much for the success of the same. In all positions of public trust he has discharged his duties in an able and conscientious manner, to the satisfaction of all, irre- spective of party alignment.
Mr. Kennington is a charter member of the Newton Business Men's Association. He belongs to Central Lodge No. 73, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Newton: Newton Lodge No. 59, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons : Gebal Chapter No. 12; Royal Arch Masons : Oriental Commandery No. 22, Knights Templar, and the Za-Ga-Zig Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Des Moines. Mrs. Kennington belongs to the Episcopal church at Newton.
John M. Kennington, brother of L. S. Kennington, and a well known business man and politician of Jasper county, was born here on October 9, 1856, being the eldest of four living children. The other two, besides L. S., are Eldora May, who married Al Bischoff, advertising manager of a Chicago newspaper ; and Howard V., foreman of the linotype room for one of the large Chicago publishing houses. Those deceased are Sarah F., Charles H., Carrie and Margaret. The mother is also deceased.
John M. Kennington began life for himself at the age of seventeen years by teaching school in the winter months and working on farms in the sum- mer and he is a fine type of the truly self-made American. He was educated at the old Hazel Dell .Academy and when twenty-two years of age he went to Colorado, where he remained until the spring of 1897, working in different mining fields and becoming a successful mine operator. Upon his return to Jasper county, Iowa, he purchased the old home place of his father, which he still owns and which he has kept well improved and well cultivated. In 1898 he went to Chicago, where he was united in marriage with Albertine Smith, a lady of refinement, a native of Germany. Returning to Jasper county with his bride, Mr. Kennington settled on his farm and there he car- ried on general farming and stock raising very successfully until in February, 1908. when his wife was called to her rest, after which he rented his farm and moved to Newton, where he began a real estate business with his brother
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and in which he has been very successful. Together they own over one thousand acres of choice and valuable land in Jasper county at this writing. They also have considerable holdings in South Dakota. They carry on a general real estate business, purchasing most of their property outright and are well known all over the county as honest, straightforward. capable busi- ness men, their integrity and honor not being questioned.
John M. Kennington has always paid considerable attention to politics, having served his township in nearly every capacity and he recently made a strong race for county treasurer on the Democratic ticket. He is a member of Newton Lodge No. 56. AAncient Free and AAcepted Masons : Oriental Com- mandery No. 22. Knights Templar: Gebal Chapter No. 12. Royal AArch Masons : he also belongs to Central Lodge No. 73. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Newton, having been a member of the same since 1879 and he is a past grand of that order. Like his brother, L. S., he is popular throughout the county or wherever he is known, being an unassuming, genial and public spirited gentleman.
BERLAII BATTELS.
It would be hard to find, within the borders of the locality of which this history treats, a man better beloved by his neighbors and his community than Beriah Battels, a sterling and honored pioneer, who, now that he has reached the advanced mile-posts of the years "where cool and long the shadows grow" before the mellow evening twilight, is serenely passing his last days in re- tirement in his cozy home in the city of Newton. His life since boyhood has been an exemplary one, and he is now nearing his four score years. Kindly in his nature, gentle in his judgments, broad in his sympathies. he has long been known in truth to be "a friend in need and a friend indeed." Mthough the sunshine for him has been darkened during the past few years, owing to some affliction of the eyes, he bears his lot with rare fortitude and cheerful- ness. His optimism of character, his gentleness and kindliness have made him ever a welcome guest in the homes of his fellow men and have endeared him to all who know him.
Mr. Battels was born on April 9, 1833. in Trumbull county, Ohio, the son of Beriah and Elizabeth ( Fisher ) Battels, both natives of Pennsylvania. His father was a veteran of the war of 1812, and his grandfather, who was also named Beriah, was a soldier in the Revolution. When the subject of this sketch was but a small boy he moved with his parents to Hancock county.
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Ohio, and there, in the district schools, he received his education. His father first engaged in the foundry business in Pennsylvania, later took up farming in Ohio, and in 1855 moved with his family to Iowa, locating in Hamilton county, where, as a pioneer, he engaged in farming until his death, in 1863. at the age of sixty-five years. Upon coming to this state the subject came on to Jasper county, in 1855, selecting a farm in Poweshiek township, being among the early settlers there, with neighbors few and far between. Here he remained until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he proved his patriotism by enlisting, in September, 1861, in the state service, and on October 21st fol- lowing was sworn into the United States service at Camp McClellan, as a private in Company B, Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, under the com- mand of Capt. Thomas H. Miller and James Wilson, first lieutenant, the lat- ter finally becoming a general. E. E. Dungan was second lieutenant. They were quartered at Jefferson barracks, near St. Louis, and at Jefferson City, Missouri. for the winter, and in March following they were ordered down the river, otsensibly bound for Savannah, but they were turned aside at Pittsburg Landing and ordered into active service. During this engagement Mr. Bat- tels had a portion of his hand shot away, which incapacitated him for further duty. and he was discharged at St. Louis on August 12, 1862, and sent home. After his return from the army he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Malaka township and, with the exception of two years, 1881 and 1882, when he owned and conducted a general store at Mitchellville, he re- mained upon this farm until he retired in 1890, in which year he removed to Newton, where he has ever since resided, owning here a commodious and pleasant home, neatly furnished and well kept.
Mr. Battels was the second child in a family of eight children, namely : Hiram Newton was a member of a company recruited at Homer, and he served in the Second Iowa Cavalry during the Civil war ; he had a family of thirteen children, eight of whom were boys, who have now reached maturity and are successful business men. Mrs. Margaret E. Russell lives on a farmi near Webster City, Iowa; Jane, who married George Stover, died in Kansas ; Hiram, the second. died in Polk county, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Tucker lives in Pueblo, Colorado: Mrs. Amanda Bell, now a widow, lives at Brush Prairie. Washington ; Mrs. Rhoda Brandon lives in Des Moines : Mrs Ellen Abernathy lives in Arkansas City.
On February 22, 1853, Mr. Battels was united in marriage with Eliza J. Myers, daughter of John and Matilda (Groves) Myers. Not having any . children of their own, they took a child to raise when only two months old. Charles F., the son of Lucetta Roberts, now Mrs. Albert B. Kitchel. They
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educated him and reared him to manhood, and although never legally adopted by Mr. Battels or his wife, he has always borne their name.
Mr. Battels' first wife died in 1882. whereupon he retired from the mer- cantile business, turning the same over to the young man he had reared. On April 11. 1883, he was married again, his last wife being known in her maiden- hood as Mary E. Carper. Her father. a well known farmer in Poweshiek township, this county, died in 1864. when only thirty-four years old; his widow survived him many years, dying on her seventieth birthday in Seattle. Washington. There were five children in the family who grew to maturity. namely : Dr. P. D. Carper, a well known physician of Seattle, Washington. died six years ago; T. E. Carper, now engaged in the transfer business in the last named city, is married and has two children ; Mrs. Kathryn Hinton. now deceased, left one child. Mrs. Andrew Christensen, wife of one of Seat- tle's progressive business men : Mrs. Clara Kircher died at Columbus, Ohio: the two brothers, mentioned above, were the first two from this country to set foot into the Klondike. and they enjoyed the distinction of being the first to discover gold in paying quantities on Bonanza creek. Their mining venture was very successful, the two having mined out several hundred thousand dol- lars' worth of goldl, and they finally disposed of their claim for two hundred thousand dollars. At his death Dr. P. D. Carper was the owner of the Good- lope mine of Nevada, which he left as a legacy to his brothers and sisters and it is still in the family.
The first coal discovered in Jasper county north of the river was on the farm belonging to Mrs. Battels' mother, and there the little town of Oswald was builded.
Mr. and Mrs. Battels are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Newton, the former having been converted at the age of eighteen. and he has been a consistent member of that denomination ever since. He has been class leader in the church since he first moved to Newton : he has held most every office in the church, including that of steward, and as lay pastor he visits the homes of the afflicted and those who need his help and he is ever a welcome visitor, for he believes in scattering sunshine about him as he goes through life. Mrs. Battels has been a teacher in the church for a number of years and was a charter member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Colfax. When but fifteen years old she and her sister were baptized in the Skunk river at Colfax. being the first to receive baptism in the river there. and united with the Christian church, in which faith their mother had been baptized by Alexander Campbell at Massillon.
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Mr. and Mrs. Battels have no children. He is a member of the Ma- sonic order at Newton, also belongs to the Garret Post. Grand Army of the Republic, of which he has been past commander and chaplain. In 1862, after his return from the army, Mr. Battels was commissioned captain of the Home Guards by Governor Stone of Iowa. Politically, he is a Republican. Mrs. Battels is a member of the Eastern Star, also the Woman's Relief Corps, having been president of the latter for three years, also served as chaplain.
Personally, Mr. Battels is a very pleasant gentleman and he and his wife have long been prominent in local affairs, especially in a social way, and among the most influential in club and church matters.
J. R. ZOLLINGER.
In a necessarily brief sketch like this it is impossible to enter fully into detail. The course of most lives is largely determined by circumstances and environment, a man. as a rule, being only able to do the best he can in the place where he finds himself.
Jeremiah Rummel Zollinger was born December 7, 1829. near Hagers- town, Maryland, from which locality he removed in his early childhood with his parents to Pennsylvania, where he grew up. He learned the carpenter's trade, becoming a contractor and builder, and in that capacity came west at the age of twenty-five. At that time he invested somewhat in Iowa farm land. He was of a genial disposition, and had many friends. He was also possessed of sound common sense and good business ability, and, being thoroughly honest, he had the confidence of those with whom he dealt.
In August, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company K. of the Twenty- eighth Iowa, under Captain, afterward Colonel. John Meyer. There would seem to have been a warm friendship always between these two men. From private. J. R. Zollinger rose to be second lieutenant of his company, and was known for the thoroughness with which he performed all the duties falling to him, first as orderly sergeant, and later as second lieutenant. Like all of the Company K boys, he was a good soldier, always ready to fight, and never shrinking from any danger. He was in Hovey's division, and fought in thir- teen battles, besides skirmishes and other fights. In April, 1863. Hover's division started for Vicksburg. They did not reach it till the 20th of May. when the city was invested and its bombardment began. In the meanwhile were fought the battles of Port Gibson, May Ist, and Champion Hill, May
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16th, in both of which J. R. Zollinger fought, as well as later in the rifle pits of Vicksburg. Immediately after the surrender of Vicksburg the Twenty- eighth Iowa was marched off to take part in the siege of Jackson. Here, on the 7th of July, Lieutenant Zollinger received a wound in the head which did not at the time seem serious, but which gave him more or less suffering all through his later life. In December. 1863, he was sent home as a recruiting officer and remained until the 27th of March. 1864, when he rejoined his regiment in Louisiana and saw service in that state during the spring and summer. On the 22d of July. 1864, he was embarked at Algiers, Louisiana, on the steamship "Arage" and sent north to Virginia. Here, in the valley of the Shenandoah, he saw hard service, being engaged in the battles of Winches- ter, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek, besides several skirmishes. At various times in the absence of a captain he had the command of three different com- panies in the regiment besides his own, and led Company D in a charge in battle. In January, 1865, the Twenty-eighth was sent by sea to Savannah, Georgia. On the 12th of March they were sent to Newbern, North Caro- lina. Here the regiment by companies did guard duty on hospitals, prisons. and prisoners, and patrolled the town. In . August, Lieutenant Zollinger, hav- ing been mustered out, returned to his home.
In January, 1868, he was appointed deputy sheriff by William C. Hawk, the newly elected sheriff of Jasper county. In this position he served four years. He was then elected sheriff. and held that office for three successive terms. In 1879 he was made assignee of a bankrupt stock of goods in Col- fax, and disposed of it satisfactorily to all concerned. In 1880 he opened a grocery in Newton, and remained a grocer until he died. on February 24. 1895.
V. H. MORGAN.
V. H. Morgan was born March 31. 1872, in Rock Creek township, Jasper county, Iowa, and is the son of John and Mary ( Dubois) Morgan, the father being a native of Indiana and the mother of lowa. The father came with his parents to Scott county, Iowa, when seven years old, his parents locating on a farm near Davenport, where they remained until they died. Mr. Morgan's father came to Jasper county in 1870 and settled on land near Kellogg. In all. he purchased three hundred and fifteen acres and followed farming and stockraising. Here he remained until his death, on September 29, 1907, at the age of sixty-three years. He was a man of splendid public spirit. active in
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local politics and a stanch Democrat. He held a number of township offices, was justice of the peace, assessor and school director. He died having the respect and regard of the many who knew him.
The subject of this review began working for himself at the age of twenty years, working on the farm until he entered school at Hazel Dell Academy under Professor Wormley. After graduating from that institution he taught school for one year, after which he entered the law office of Judge Winslow, reading law. He continued there one year, after which he entered the law department of the Iowa State University, graduating from that school in 1898. Immediately after graduating, he located a law office in Newton and began the active practice of law. He was alone for six years. after which time he formed a partnership with Ralph T. Graham, which partnership, under the firm name of Graham & Morgan, continued until July, 1901, when Mr. Graham went to Whittier, California, where he is now rated as one of its leading attorneys.
Again Mr. Morgan was alone until December, 1902, when he formed a partnership with H. C. Korf. under the name of Morgan & Korf, which name is still continued. They do a general law business and represent some of the largest corporations in Newton. Besides the law, they deal quite ex- tensively in Jasper county land. During the first eight years of their partnership, they have owned six thousand five hundred acres of Jasper county land, aggregating a value of seven hundred thousand dollars. At this writing they are the owners of what is known as the Draper ranch, located in the county, some four and one-half miles from Prairie City, comprising one thousand two hundred and fifteen acres of fine land and said to be the best big farm in the county.
Mr. Morgan is one of nine children, of whom six are living, three dying in infancy: the living are: Mrs. Emma Robison, wife of W. J. Robison, a farmer of the county; W. R. Morgan, retired, who lives in Newton; next in order is the subject of this sketch ; F. V. Morgan, an attorney residing in Cam- bridge, Iowa : G. L. Morgan, proprietor of the original Morgan farm in the county of Jasper : H. L. Morgan, an attorney of Ames, Iowa.
The subject of this sketch was united in marriage October 30, 1901, with Bessie Hinsdale, daughter of Charles M. and Eva (Vaughn) Hinsdale, her mother being a sister of Hon. Charles N. Felton, former United States sena- tor from California. Her father was a traveling salesman for thirty-five vears and at the time of his death was chief deputy in the United States mar- shal's office at Des Moines. He died November 20. 1907. The mother of Mrs. Morgan makes her home with the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and
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Mrs. Morgan have been born three children, all of whom are living : Charles H., born December 20, 1902: John A., born August 31, 1904, and Elizabeth, born May 29, 1906, all at home.
Mrs. Morgan is a member of the Episcopal church of Newton. She is also president of the local chapter of the P. E. O., a social organization of state-wide importance, designed for social, charitable and educational work. Mr. Morgan is a member of the Knights of Pythias, also of Oriental Com- mandery No. 22, Knights Templar, of Newton. In politics he is a Republi- can. In 1900 he visited the Paris exposition as special commissioner from the state of Iowa, remaining in Europe for three months and visiting all the principal countries and points of interest.
E. B. RAMSEY.
Fifty years ago when the slaveholders' rebellion broke out with all its fury at Fort Sumter and when it looked as if the Union, which all love so much, would be dissolved. E. B. Ramsey, a venerable and esteemed citizen of Newton, Jasper county, enlisted to save the federation of states, being per- fectly willing, notwithstanding the grave dangers and certain hardships, to do what he could in this direction. It was a time when there could be no tem- porizing and no halting-no half-way position-for all who were not for the Union were against it, and both sides hated the man who claimed to be neutral because he had not the courage to go upon the field of battle and had no principles to sustain. Mr. Ramsey was alive to the gravity of the national conflict, realizing that the struggle impending was something more than a holiday undertaking and knew that it meant great sacrifices and the shedding of much precious blood before the flag could again wave from Maine to Florida and from the Atlantic to the Pacific seaboards ; but he did not hesitate, be it said to his everlasting credit. So for this and many other reasons the name of Mr. Ramsey should be included in this history, not the least of which is the fact that he has been a loyal booster to the city of Newton since taking up his residence here, forty-four years ago. having played no inconspicuous part in the general progress of the town, and led a life so free from aught that is paltry or ignoble that its parallel is not frequently met with, and now that the twilight shadows of life are enshrouding him he can look backward over a road well traversed and forward with no apprehension.
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