USA > Iowa > Jasper County > Past and present of Jasper County, Iowa, Vol. II > Part 55
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6, 1890; Christopher, born April 22, 1893; Ada, born October 29, 1895; George, born March 2, 1897. These children were reared at the home farm in Clear Creek township.
Politically, Mr. Swalwell is a Democrat, and while he takes an interest in local affairs he has not aspired to public leadership.
OSCAR O. CARPENTER, M. D.
Although not yet in the full zenith of his powers, Dr. Oscar O. Carpen- ter, of Sully, Jasper county, has won a wide reputation in the medical pro- fession and has shown what a man of careful mental training, honesty of purpose and an abundance of zeal and persistence can accomplish, although many obstacles beset his way. He is naturally endowed with the capacities of the successful practitioner of medicine, at least this would be inferred, judg- ing from the eminent success he has attained. Moreover, he possesses genuine love for his work and regards it as a privilege to carry comfort and aid to the sick and suffering.
Doctor Carpenter was born in Adams county, Illinois, February 4, 1867, the son of Louis C. and Sarah (Rudy) Carpenter, the father born in Ohio in 1837 and the mother in Illinois in 1845. The father was a physician and he practiced in Schuyler county, Illinois, from 1870 to 1878, then he moved to Galesburg, Jasper county, Iowa, where he continued to practice until 1908, when, after a most successful and useful career, he retired and moved to Pella, Iowa, where he still resides. He was a practitioner of the old school and was always greatly beloved by his patients and acquaintances. He was educated at the medical school at Keokuk, Iowa, and at St. Joseph.
Dr. Oscar O. Carpenter, of this review, is the youngest of a family of three sons, all doctors, his brothers being Frank, who is practicing medicine at Pella, Iowa, and Fred, a doctor at Reasnor, this county. The fact that the father and three sons are doctors would indicate that the Carpenter family has a natural bent in this line of endeavor.
The subject was educated in the public schools of Galesburg, Iowa, later went to school at Shenandoah, attending the Western Normal College to within a few months of graduation, then he began teaching, which he con- tinued several years and although he made a pronounced success in this line of endeavor he abandoned the school room and went to Des Moines, where he took a course in pharmacy in Drake University, and was graduated from
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the same in 1891 ; continuing in the medical department there, he was grad- uated from that in 1894. Thus well equipped for his life work, he began prac- ticing medicine in Des Moines, which he continued for four years, then came. to Reasnor, Jasper county, where he continued in the practice three years. Moving to Sully in 1902, he has continued to the present time, having ac- quired a very large practice, possibly as large as that of any physician in this or adjoining counties. He is kept almost constantly on the move, and main- tains two teams of horses and an automobile. He has had wonderful success as a general practitioner, and, notwithstanding the fact that he has been very busy with his numerous patients he has always kept well abreast of the times in all that pertains to his profession, never ceasing to be a student. He has a well equipped office, supplied with such modern surgical instruments and ap- pliances as his needs require.
Doctor Carpenter is a member of the Jasper County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Frater- nally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
On November 1, 1904, the Doctor was united in marriage with Arletta Howe, who was born in Grinnell, Iowa, the daughter of John Howe, who came to Iowa from England in 1870 and here spent the rest of his life, be- coming well established and well known, his death occurring on May II, 1900. One child, Mary Doris, was born to the Doctor and wife, whose birth oc- curred on March 1, 1908.
WARREN A. WILLIAMSON.
The gentleman whose life history is here taken under consideration is one of the strong, sturdy characters who has contributed largely to the ma- terial welfare of the community where he lives, being a business man of more than ordinary sagacity and foresight, and as a citizen, public-spirited and pro- gressive in all that the term implies, being ranked as one of the leaders in financial circles of Jasper county and one of the most representative citizens of Reasnor, and yet a plain, unassuming, straightforward gentleman whom to know is to admire and respect. But when we consider the excellent quality of his Buckeye blood, drawn from sterling pioneer ancestry, it is not surprising that he has developed into a man that does things.
Warren A. Williamson, cashier of the bank at Reasnor, was born in Thornburg, Iowa, February 6, 1878, and he is the son of Isaac F. and Mary A. (Dunn) Williamson, both natives of Ohio. When a young man the father
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left his home in the Buckeye state and went to Illinois, where he remained about two years, working as a farm hand. He then came to Keokuk county, Iowa, where he purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land and began farming, developing a good farm there in due course of time, still owning and residing on that place, where he has become very comfortably established and is one of the influential men of his community, being active in public life, and he has held many of the township offices and served as a member of the school board. He is connected with the Thornburg Savings Bank, having been its former vice-president, and he is a man of considerable means, which he has made singly and unaided. While he has never sought county or state offices, he has long taken an abiding interest in political affairs. His wife, who has been a faithful helpmeet in all that the term implies, is still living. Their family consisted of three sons : William D., born April 30, 1876, died in March, 1896; Clyde C., born May 29, 1882, resides in Sigourney, Iowa, being assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Sigourney ; Warren A., of this review, was next in order of birth.
After obtaining a good education, Warren A. Williamson began life for himself, in 1899, by entering the State Savings Bank of Monroe, Iowa, as assistant cashier. Six months later his employer sold out his interests there and organized the Reasnor Savings Bank, at Reasnor, Jasper county, which for five years thereafter ivas run as a private bank, after which it was made a state bank. Mr. Williamson has been connected with this bank since its organization, having entered it at the age of twenty-two years, and much of its popularity and prestige is due to his ability and his uniform courtesy to its patrons. He has served as cashier since becoming connected with it, and in a manner that has met with the hearty approval of all concerned.
Mr. Williamson was united in the marriage vow with Miss Gertrude M. Watson, daughter of J. R. and Margaret (Farrow) Watson, both natives of Iowa and both still living. Mrs. Williamson is the only child of her par- ents and she was born December 6, 1882, at Thornburg, Keokuk county, and has received a good education. This union has been graced by the birth of three children, one of whom, Paul E., born January 4, 1899, died October 4th following; Keith R., born October 14, 1900, is in school, as is also Dale R., who was born April 20, 1903.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Williamson are members of the Methodist church at Reasnor, he being one of the stewards and she a member of the Ladies Aid Society. They are active in church affairs. Mr. Williamson, in his fraternal relations, belongs to Monumental Lodge No. 311, Ancient Free and Accepted
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Masons, of Galesburg, of which he is also treasurer. He is treasurer of the Reasnor school district. In politics he is a faithful supporter of the Republican party.
FRED BAIN.
Another of the most progressive of Jasper county's young farmers and stock men who is worthy of specific mention in this work is Fred Bain, whose energy and good management has brought him a very desirable success. He comes of an honored old pioneer family, members of which have done much for the general good of this county, and here his birth occurred on February 5, 1876. He is the son of Hamilton D. and Margaret (Farmer) Bain, the father being a native of New York and the mother of Ohio. They grew to maturity in the East and came to Jasper county, Iowa, when young, here marrying. The paternal grandparents came to this county in the early days and here developed a farm. Hamilton Bain lived to see this locality trans- formed from wild prairies to its present high state of cultivation, and he did much to encourage the general upbuilding of the community, for he was a man of fine public spirit and true worth, and was one of the county's most highly esteemed citizens. His death occurred in 1904, while residing on the home farm in Fairview township. At the time of his death he owned one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in the county. He served his township in nearly every capacity for a great many years. He was not a soldier himself, but he had five brothers in the Civil war. His grandfather was a trainer of troops in his day and he organized a number of volunteer companies for military training.
There were three sons and three daughters in the family of Hamilton Bain, of whom three are deceased, namely: Emma is the wife of J. E. Sipe. a rural mail carrier who resides in Reasnor; Nettie is the wife of S. V. Wheeler and they live near Reasnor; Neil died when twenty-two years old; Mina died at the age of fifteen. and Orie's death occurred at the age of twenty-one.
By a former marriage of Hamilton Bain two children were born, Mrs. John Krouse, of Colorado, and Mrs. Maud Guthrie, who was the wife of George Guthrie, is deceased.
Fred Bain has always been a farmer. When a boy he worked on the home place and attended the neighboring schools in the winter. He began life by renting land for several years, working hard all the time. At the
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end of that period he purchased one hundred and sixty acres north of Newton, upon which he lived two years; he then sold it and purchased his present farm near Reasnor, upon which he now lives and which he has brought up to a high state of improvement and cultivation and where he is very suc- cessfully engaged in geenral farming and stock raising.
On October 5, 1897, Mr. Bain was married to Etta Bean, daughter of Charles and Ella (Oldfield) Bean, who now live on a farm in the state of Idaho, devoting his attention principally to fruit growing. His wife is de- ceased. Mrs. Bain is the child of a second marriage of the father. She has one sister, Mrs. Shipley of Menlo, Iowa. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bain, Harold, whose birth occurred July 4, 1898, and Mildred, born February 8, 1902.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Bain take an active interest in church work at Reasnor, being members of the Methodist Episcopal church there, of which he is one of the trustees. In politics he is a Republican. He is a whole- souled, genial young man of excellent character.
OLEY A. KINTZ.
It is in such communities as that of which this historical and biographi- cal work deals that full swing can be given to the energies of the individual. A man may choose any business or profession he desires, and he is limited only by competition. He must meet the skill of others and give as good service as they or he will not get the positions. Such adaptation to any work or business is well shown in the career of Oley A. Kintz, one of the best known and universally esteemed young men of Jasper county.
Mr. Kintz was born in Clear Creek township, this county, July 27, 1885. When two years old he removed with his parents to the town of Collins. The family later moved to the village of Rhodes and in these two places the subject grew to manhood and attended the public schools, having grad- uated from the Collins high school. In 1901 he entered the Capital City Commercial College, completing the course there in 1902. He then entered Drake University, completing the course in pharmacy, taking additional work of two years in medicine and one in law. He made an excellent record in all these, and became exceptionally well equipped for the battle of life. Having taken considerable interest in athletics, he became coach, both foot- ball and track, for the West Des Moines high school team, and the follow-
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. ing year he was coach for the Leander Clark College, and at the same time performed the duties of principal of the commercial department. The fol- lowing year he entered the employ of the Modern Woodmen of America, as field man, and is continuing in the same at present, having given eminent satisfaction to all concerned in this important position and acquitting him- self in a manner that indicates him to be the possessor of splendid attributes of head and heart. He is considered one of the most capable, trustworthy and valuable field men of that organization. During the four years he was in college he made the football team each year. He was a member of the All-Iowa team for three of those years, and he enjoys the credit and dis- tinction of being the best full-back that the state of Iowa has produced. The sporting editor of the Register and Leader, of Des Moines, stated in its Thanksgiving number that he possessed more natural ability than any member of a college team in this state. Mr. Kintz won seven gold medals in Iowa inter-collegiate meets. For two years he held the state record for hammer throwing, and in addition he was one of the best utility baseball players on any of the college teams.
Oley A. Kintz is the son of Commodore P. Kintz and wife, well known pioneer citizens of this county, a complete sketch of whom is to be found on another page of this work.
The subject of this sketch was married on June 6, 1906, to Dorothy Margaret Pringey, who was born in Atalissa, Muscatine county, Iowa, Feb- ruary 14, 1886. She moved to Des Moines with her parents when a small child and there she grew to womanhood and attended the public schools, later graduating from Capital Park school with the class of 1903. She after- wards attended the musical conservatory of Drake University, and made a splendid record there; she is a talented and accomplished pianist, and a young lady of culture and refinement. Her father, Charles Pringey, is engaged in the insurance business in Des Moines. Her grandfather Pringcy. now advanced in years, is still hale and hearty and living at West Liberty, Iowa. The mother of Mrs. Kintz, who was known in her maidenhood as Margaret Hampton, is living at home in Des Moines. The maternal grandfather, Seth Hampton, resides at Atalissa, Iowa. Mrs. Kintz is the only child of her parents.
To Mr. and Mrs. Oley A. Kintz two sons have been born, namely: Elwood Pringey, born December 4, 1907, and Oley A., Jr., born July 24, 19II, both born in Des Moines.
Politically, Mr. Kintz is an independent voter, preferring to cast his · ballot for the candidates whom he deems most worthy of the positions sought,
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rather than for the party. He is prominent and active in fraternal circles, holding membership in Amity Lodge No. 361, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Collins; Capital Lodge No. 110, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Des Moines ; Corinthian Chapter No. 14, of Des Moines ; Temple Commandery No. 4; Tabernacle Perfection; Emanuel Chapter, Rose Croix; Knights of Kodosh, No. 3; Des Moines Consistory; Za-ga-zig Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, all of Des Moines. He is also a member of the U. S. Grant Camp No. 298, Modern Woodmen of America, of Des Moines, also the Yeoman, and the United Commercial Travelers No. 115, of Des Moines.
While Mr. Kintz is a native of Jasper county and spends considerable time here, he maintains his home at Twelfth and High streets in Des Moines. Personally, he is a genial, companionable gentleman whom to know is to trust and admire.
B. F. BAKER.
The gentleman to whom the biographer now calls the reader's attention, one of the best known farmers of Clear Creek township and one of Jasper county's most representative citizens,-B. F. Baker,-was not favored by inherited wealth or the assistance of influential friends, but in spite of this, by perseverance, industry and a wise economy, he has attained a comfortable sta- tion in life. His career is one that should encourage others to press on to greater achievements. When he came to Jasper county, without money or influence, he set to work to overcome all difficulties that might lay in his path to success, and the comfortable competency and the high standing which he now enjoys is the result. Earnest perseverance, careful management and a willingness to work even in the face of obstacles-these are the elements which brought him prosperity, and while he has labored for his own advancement he has at the same time ever been vigilant in his efforts to forward the general interests of the community.
Mr. Baker was born of a sterling old family in Muscatine county, Iowa; November 1, 1846, and there he grew to maturity and received his education. He came to Jasper county in 1869 and settled in Clear Creek township and here lie has resided continuously to the present day. . He is the son of Harvey and Harriet (Freeman) Baker, both born in Ohio, the father in Clermont county, and they grew to maturity there, married and spent their early years, coming to Muscatine county, Iowa, later in life, where they both died. Their family consisted of three sons and two daughters, namely: George, of Musca-
B. F. BAKER
,
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tin ., Iowa ; B. F., of this sketch ; Marietta Gatton, of Bozeman, Montana ; C. J., who lives on the old home farm in Muscatine county ; Laura A. Mallicoat, who lives east of Newton, Iowa. The older brother was born in Marion county, Indiana, where the family lived a number of years, before coming west, and the younger ones were born in Muscatine county Iowa.
B. F. Baker was married on September 2, 1873, to Jane E. Crawford, who was born in Ohio, September 8, 1853, and whose death occurred in Jasper county, Iowa, March 20, 1896. She was one of a family of two sons and four daughters, namely : Mrs. Hannah Tramel of Ira, this county; Jane E., who married Mr. Baker, of this sketch; H. W. Crawford of Lake City, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Campbell, of Audubon county, Iowa; Mrs. Nellie Planalp and J. H. Crawford, both living at the town of Ira.
To Mr. and Mrs. Baker a son and a daughter were born: Walter C., whose birth occurred on March 26, 1876, died March 31, 1900; Mrs. Coral H. Southern, born December 5, 1877, married E. E. Southern December 23, 1902, lives on the home farm with her father and she has these children : Lois Eva, born October 3, 1904; Thelma Leota, born November 6, 1906; Orlo Mansfield, born October 14, 1910; these children were born ön the old home- stead in Clear Creek township.
Mr. Baker has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and he has met with much larger success than the average person in this line of endeavor. He is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of choice land in Clear Creek township, which he has brought up to a high state of improvement and cultiva- tion, on which stand a modern and cozy dwelling and substantial outbuildings. Mr. Baker and E. E. Southern operate both his farm and a farm owned by Mr. Southern, and also rents one hundred and twenty acres in Sherman town- ship which he owns.
Mr. Baker is a Republican in politics, and he has been a member of the school board of his district. Mr. Baker is a man who believes in keeping well abreast of the times, is progressive, broad-minded, industrious and of unquestioned integrity.
ARTHUR HORACE BENSON.
In compiling this volume of representative citizens of Jasper county occasion has been afforded to give the records of men in many walks of life; here will be found appropriate mention of worthy citizens of all vocations. and at this juncture we are permitted to offer a resume of the career of one (82)
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of the enterprising young agriculturists of Kellogg township where he has spent his entire life and where he has attained a high degree of success in his chosen field of labor and enterprise.
Arthur Horace Benson was born in Jasper county, Iowa, February 3, 1871. He is the son of Horace Itheal Benson, who was born in New York and who came west later in life and devoted his attention to farming. He married Jane Elizabeth Irish, who was born in Connecticut.
The subject grew to maturity on the home farm and assisted in the gen- eral work about the place, attending the public schools, receiving a good edu- cation at Glendale school No. 7. Early in life he began farming for himself and he has continued to make this his life work, now owning an excellent place of one hundred and sixty acres which he devotes to general farming and stock raising in a manner that brings very definite results and he has a good home and convenient outbuildings. He located on his present farm in 1907.
Mr. Benson was married on March 13, 1891, to Ida May Faircloth, who was born in Poweshiek county, Iowa, February 24, 1871; she is the daughter of Martin Van Buren Faircloth, who was born in South Carolina. He married Truzziller Jenkins, who was born in Indiana October 6, 1837. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Benson: Two daughters and one son, namely : Ruth, Mabel Irene and Arthur H.
Politically, Mr. Benson is a Democrat and he is a worthy member of the Congregational church.
CHARLES PASHAN.
Any person who will investigate the facts in the case will be surprised to learn of the great number of people of Germanic descent now living in the United States. Unquestionably the greatest number of emigrants reach- ing the shores of the new world comes from that nation and statistics show that there is more Germanic blood in the United States than any other. This being the fact, it is easy to account for the prosperity and morality of this country. Not only that, but it will afford an explanation for the love of learn- ing, scientific research and investigation shown by the people of this vast country.
One of this worthy number is Charles Pashan, who, however, might more properly be called an Austrian, but whose characteristics are identically those of the German citizen, for his birth occurred in German Austria, No- vember 15. 1862. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Pashan, were both
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natives of the same country ; the father, who was born in 1823, was a foreman in a brewery in his native country, and he is still living there, never having come to America.
Charles Pashan was educated in the schools of his native country where he grew to maturity, but he also attended school in Clinton county, Iowa, having emigrated to the United States in 1876. He worked hard and saved his money and therefore soon got a start, and in 1904 he purchased the ex- cellent farm of one hundred and fifty-eight acres on which he now lives and which he has placed under excellent improvements. He has a good home and good outbuildings, and he raises considerable stock in connection with general farming. His farm is located in section 13, Kellogg township.
Mr. Pashan was married in 1892 to Emma Plashne, who was born in Plymouth county, Iowa, in 1872, and she is the daughter of John and Cath- erine Plashne, natives of Germany, who emigrated to Iowa in an early day and settled in Plymouth county. To Mr. and Mrs. Pashan five children have been born, three sons and two daughters, namely: Fred, Lydia, Nellie, Pearl and Archie.
Politically, Mr. Pashan is a Democrat and he belongs to the Modern Brotherhood of America and the German Lutheran church.
MERIT WINFIELD ADKAINS.
In the daily laborious struggle for an honorable competence and a solid career of most individuals there is little to attract the casual reader in search of a sensational chapter; but to a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence there are noble and imperishable lessons in the career of one who, without other means than a clear head, strong arm and true heart, directed and controlled by correct principles and unerring judg- ment. conquers adversity and, toiling on, finally wins.
The above paragraph briefly describes the life record of Merit Winfield Adkains, farmer of Kellogg township, of which he is a native, having been born here on April 19, 1871, and he has continued to make his home in Tasper county. He is the son of Lewis B. and Arlimeck Adkains, the father born in Kentucky, April 17, 1848, and the mother in Kellogg, Iowa, January 28, 1850. They came to this county in its early history and became well established on a farm here. Merit W. Adkains, of this review, was their only child. He grew up in Kellogg and attended the local schools. Upon reach-
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