USA > Iowa > Jasper County > Past and present of Jasper County, Iowa, Vol. II > Part 6
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JASPER COUNTY, IOWA.
CHARLES HENRY MORGAN.
Although the number of Welshmen in this country is small, yet they have made such a splendid record wherever they have settled as to give their little country an enviable renown ; indeed, we would be glad to welcome many more of the sterling sons of this rugged clime, for they have proven to be not only loyal, law-abiding citizens, but also men of courage and industry, willing to go through with any hardships or battle any obstacles if there was a hope of .gaining the prize sought ; so they have, almost without exception, succeeded in securing good homes and winning the high esteem of their acquaintances. One of this worthy band is Charles Henry Morgan, a progressive farmer and stock man of Poweshiek township, Jasper county, who, since taking up his residence among us some thirty years ago, has become the possessor of a val- uable landed estate and has won a host of warm personal friends.
Mr. Morgan was born in South Wales on January 18, 1850, and he is the son of John and Charlotte (Crook) Morgan, both natives of Wales, the father born in 1819 and the mother in 1825. They devoted their lives to farming in their native country and there they died, the father's death occurring on April 1, 1900, the mother having passed away in November, 1899. Charles H. Morgan was the second of five children to grow to maturity, namely : George lives in county Monmouth, England, where he is engaged in railroad- ing, being a manager on a line there; Edwin, who was a coal miner, is de- ceased : Mrs. Ellen Bryce and Mrs. Hannah Stephens.
The subject, having to work hard when a boy and there being no free schools in his country when he was growing up, received no educational ad- vantages, never having attended school but a week and a half. He remained with his parents until he was twenty years of age, assisting his father on the farm, also worked out for his neighbors. He then began working in the coal mines. Seeing little chance of bettering his condition in his home country. he sought larger opportunities in the western hemisphere, emigrating to the United States in 1882 on the steamship "Alaska," at that time the fastest ocean-going vessel afloat. Mr. Morgan located at Akron, Ohio, and for a time worked in a coal mine, but in December of that year he came on to Colfax, Jasper county, Iowa, and worked in the coal mines west of that town for some time. In 1887, having saved his earnings, he purchased forty acres in Powe- shiek township. Here he set to work with a will and prospering through good management, he has added to his original purchase until he is now the owner of a splendid farm of two hundred acres, which he has brought up to a high state of improvement and cultivation, and here he carries on general farming
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JASPER COUNTY, IOWA.
and stock raising on an extensive scale, being widely known as a hog raiser and feeder. He has a commodious home and a good set of outbuildings on his place. He is the owner of the Plimmer Grove coal mine, and his son, John Morgan, and his son-in-law, Frank Bloomquist, manage and run the mine, which is a source of a handsome revenue, producing a fine grade of soft coal. He has been very successful in a business way, all of which he is well deserving considering the fact that his early life was none too encouraging and that he has accumulated his property unaided. Politically, he is a Democrat and he has been school director of his township; also trustee. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Morgan was married on January 8, 1880, to Catherine Thomas, who was born in Wales on January 10, 1856, the daughter of John Thomas, a miner. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Morgan, named as follows: John, George, David R., Henry, Ernest and Mrs. Charlotte Bloom- quist. All the children, now living, were born in America.
JOHN W. SCHNELL.
The biographies of the representative men of a county bring to light many hidden treasures of mind, character and courage well calculated to arouse the pride of their family and of the community and it is a source of regret that the people are not more familiar with the personal history of such men, in the ranks of whom may be found tillers of the soil, mechanics, teachers, business and professional men of all walks of life. Among the leading citizens of Richland township, Jasper county, is John W. Schnell, and as such he has made his influence felt among his fellow men and earned a name for enterprise, integrity and honor, that entitles him to worthy notice in a work of the nature of this volume, he being a worthy representative of one of the sterling old pioneers of this section.
Mr. Schnell was born in Buena Vista township, this county, on February 4, 1871, and he is the son of John A. and Caroline (Schutts) Schnell, both natives of Germany, the father born in Schleswig-Holstein, in 1843. He was twelve years of age when he accompanied his father, John Schnell, Sr., and the rest of the family to America. They located in the state of New York where they remained two years, then moved to Illinois, in which state they also remained two years. In 1861 they came to Iowa and located in Rich- land township, Jasper county, the father buying forty acres. He was a hard working man and he prospered, in due course of time establishing a good
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JASPER COUNTY, IOWA.
home and adding to his original purchase until he owned a section of as fine land as Richland township afforded. This he farmed in a general way, paying considerable attention at the same time to stock raising until he accumulated a confortable competency and retired in 1905, moving to New- ton, where he has a beautiful home and where he and his wife still reside. The elder Schnell is a Democrat and a member of the Lutheran church. He is a man whom to know is to admire and he has a wide acquaintance and everybody is his friend.
Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. John A. Schnell, three sons and three daughters, named as follows: Henry, deceased; John W., of this review; Ada is deceased; Mrs. Ella Sharp; Louis C., of Richland township; Mrs. Emma McDonnough and Mrs. Mary Sparks.
John W. Schnell grew to maturity on the home farm in his native com- munity and was educated in the common schools of that vicinity. He assisted with the general work about the home place until he was twenty-four years of age, then rented of his father for a period of three years, then bought eighty acres. He is now the owner of one hundred and sixty-eight acres of valuable land in Buena Vista and Richland townships, and he is known as the most progressive of our young agriculturists. He has an attractive home and all the comforts of life.
Politically, Mr. Schnell is a Democrat and he and his family are members of the Lutheran church at Elk Creek. On December 4. 1894, he was united in marriage with Maggie M. Castorf, who was born in Elk Creek township, this county, the daughter of Fred Castorf, one of the early settlers of this county, having emigrated here from Germany in an early day. Three chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schnell, Eddie M., Leora and Enid.
H. W. AGAR.
Henry W. Agar was born September 26, 1854. in Livingston county, New York, the son of Thomas and Lucy A. (Alsop) Agar. both natives of England, their home being in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. The family came to the United States about sixty years ago and settled in Livingston county, New York, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits. In England he had followed the trade of cabinetmaker and general mechanic.
In 1864 the family removed to Muscatine county, Iowa, Mr. Agar, Sr .. buying at that time eighty acres of land, and from time to time he added to his real estate holdings until he owned two hundred and forty-acres of fine
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JASPER COUNTY, IOWA.
land, and here, in the year 1866, the mother died at the age of fifty-three, leaving beside her husband, four children to mourn her loss. They are as fol- lows: Libby, wife of C. F. Sauerman, a member of the board of county supervisors, lives in Newton ; Henry W., the subject of this sketch ; Annie E., wife of G. W. Van Camp, representative of Greenfield, Adair county, lives at Greenfield, Iowa; Lollie E., wife of Frederick Grim, stockbuyer and farmer, lives at Sibley, Iowa.
In 1867 Mr. Agar contracted a second marriage with Sarah Rowan, and to this marriage were born three children, as follows: Albert E., a farmer liv- ing near Sibley, Iowa: Eugenia, wife of Otto Bohnsack, living on the old home farm in Muscatine county. Iowa; Thomas, stock buyer and farmer, living at Montpelier, Muscatine county, Iowa.
About the year 1900 Mr. Agar, Sr., retired from active labor and moved to Montpelier, Iowa, where, in the year 1905, he departed this life at the age of ninety-one years. His widow still lives in Montpelier.
Henry W. Agar, the subject of this review, lived at home and helped his father on the farm until he was twenty-seven years of age, when he was united in marriage, in 1881, to Ada R. Fridley, the adopted daughter of Henry and Mary (Calhoun) Fridley. Mr. and Mrs. Fridley never had children of their own, and they gladly welcomed into their home the little child of two years, born October 15, 1861, whose parents had become estranged. She was brought up with all the loving care of an only child, and they early instilled into her those virtues and graces which have endeared her to her many friends. Mr. Fridley was a West Virginian by birth and Mrs. Fridley a native of North Carolina. They came to Muscatine county, Iowa, in the year 1846.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Agar lived in Muscatine county and engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1885, when they came to Jasper county, where Mr. Agar engaged in farming for a few years, after which he formed a partnership with W. L. Dennis in 1889, and the firm thus established bought out Johnson & Brother's lumber and grain business in Killduff, and this busi- ness they conducted until the year 1900, when they sold out to Messrs. Macy and Fleck, and Mr. Agar again engaged in agricultural pursuits and the buying and selling of live stock, which business he still continues to carry on.
To Mr. and Mrs. Agar have been born ten children, whose names are as follows : Ralph, born June 30, 1883, married Cora Earp, and lives in Colfax and is manager for the Denniston Partridge Lumber Company: May, born October 13, 1885, lives in Newton, is the wife of John P. Nelson ; Henry, born February 13, 1887, married Mattie De Bruyn, and lives in Jasper county ; Leroy, born December 9, 1889, bookkeeper for the Denniston Partridge Lum-
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JASPER COUNTY, IOW.A.
ber Company at Newton: Ray, born March 3, 1891. lives at home ; Iowa, born August 17, 1893, died at the age of fourteen years ; Ethel, born June 28, 1895, is attending high school in Newton : Earl, born May 10. 1901, died in infancy ; and two other little ones, a boy and a girl, who died at birth.
Mr. Agar is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Sully. He is not affiliated with any church, although he was christened in the Episcopal church when a child and brought up in that belief. In politics his sympathies are with the Democratic party.
Mrs. Agar is a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist Epis- copal church at Kilduff. Her adopted father, Mr. Fridley, died on June 21, 1889, in Muscatine county, Iowa, at the age of eighty-one, and her mother died the Ist day of October. 1911, at the age of ninety-one.
JOHN WHEATCRAFT.
Holding prestige among the successful agriculturists and stock men of Poweshiek township, Jasper county, and ever since his birth an honored resi- dent of this locality, John Wheatcraft, popular township trustee and one of the most energetic and public-spirited local citizens, is entitled to more than passing notice in the biographical history of this section of Iowa. As a tiller of the soil he has labored long and arduously, improving his fine farm until he has brought it to a high and successful state of cultivation.
Mr. Wheatcraft was born in Buena Vista township, this county, on August 24, 1865, and he represents one of the old and highly honored families of the same, being the son of D. H. and Margaret (Oberlier) Wheatcraft. the mother being a sister of John and George Oberlier, of Lincoln. Nebraska, leading wholesale coal and lumber dealers there, and leaders of the business, social and religious life of the Nebraska capital. Their father was Lewis Oberlier. D. H. Wheatcraft was born in Logan county, Ohio, and there he spent his boyhood days, coming to Jasper county, Iowa. in the forties. He located on a farm in Buena Vista township and started life as a pioneer. un- dergoing the usual deprivations and hardships always incident to the life of a first settler, but he was a hard worker and succeeded in developing a good farm and establishing a comfortable home and there he still resides, being one of the best known and highly respected men of Buena Vista township. He has reached an advanced age and can interest one immensely with his reminis- cences of early days and the subsequent development of the county. He is now living retired, enjoying the fruits of his earlier years of labor.
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JASPER COUNTY, IOWA.
John Wheatcraft, of this review, grew up on the home farm, which he worked during the summer months, and he attended the district schools in the winter time, remaining at home until he started in life for himself.
On May 22, 1887, Mr. Wheatcraft was married to Eliza Listen, daughter of Jonathan and Mary Jane (Pownell) Listen, one of the honored pioneer families of Buena Vista township. To the subject and wife two children have been born, Earl and Nora.
John Wheatcraft has devoted his life to farming and he is the owner of an excellent place in Poweshiek township, consisting of two hundred acres, which he has placed under a high state of improvement and cultivation and where he has a pleasant home and is very successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising on a large scale.
Mr. Wheatcraft has always taken an abiding interest in political affairs, and in 1908 he was elected trustee of Poweshiek township and he made such a splendid record in this office that he has been twice re-elected to the office.
HENRY L. KROH.
A few years ago whenever mention was made of the prominent farmers of Elk Creek township, Jasper county, Iowa, the name of Henry L. Kroh was one of the first which came to mind. Now, after a long life of usefulness and service, in the army of his country during the war, in the ranks of her toilers in peace, he has gone to that land beyond from which no one returns, to a re- ward proportionate to the character which he developed in this life.
Henry L. Kroh was born in Toledo, Ohio, on November 4, 1835, and lived in this city with his parents until he was twenty-seven years of age. Louis and Elizabeth Kroh, his parents, were among the early settlers of Ohio, and were of a very prominent family, the members of which took a leading part in the affairs of the time. When twenty-seven Henry L. Kroh came west to the comparatively new state of Iowa, seeking a better opportunity, and was in Elk Creek township, Jasper county, when the war broke out. He enlisted in the Tenth Iowa Infantry, Company I, commanded first by Captain Garrit, and later by Captain Pogue, and served for two and one-half years, at the close of which time he received an honorable discharge. He took part in the battle of Shiloh and many other battles of the Western Army, and established his record as an efficient and faithful soldier, who could be relied upon in any situation. When discharged from the army he returned to Iowa, and on Aug- ust 4, 1864, was married to Harriett Snodgrass, of Jasper county. She was born in 1846, at New Bethel, Indiana, the daughter of Garrett and Letitia Snodgrass, who in 1864 were residing on a Jasper county farm. This union
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HENRY L. KROH
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JASPER COUNTY, IOWA.
was blessed by the birth of the following children: Charles L., who is mar- ried and living in Adell, Iowa, and has two children, Evangeline and Lucile; Frank L., who is married and lives south of Galesburg, Iowa, and has one son, Allen ; Rolla G. is married and is residing with his mother at East South street in Newton; and Stella, who married L. B. Carpenter, of Galesburg, Iowa, and is the mother of three children, Lowell, Grace and Fay.
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After marriage Henry L. Kroh located on a farm of two hundred and sixty-six acres in Elk Creek township, Jasper county, and later bought it. He was a careful and capable farmer, raised excellent crops and the best of stock, and prospered in his affairs. At the time of his death, which occurred on the second day of December, 1905, he was living in Newton, Iowa, in the hand- some house where his widow now resides, having retired from active farming. In politics he as a stanch Republican. The Grand Army post at Newton claimed Mr. Kroh as one of its loyal and enthusiastic members. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian church at Newton, and he took a lead- ing part in all church activities, and was in deed and thought a true Christian, whose excellent character had won for him the love and esteem of those who knew him, and made his place in the community one hard to fill. To every man he was a friend, to the unfortunate and needy he was especially kind, in his family he was at all times tender and devoted to their welfare, and loved the members of his family as passionately as he was loved by them in return. Truly he was one of nature's noblemen in character.
WILLIAM WATT.
A history of Jasper county would indeed be incomplete if it did not contain a sketch of the life and labors of William Watt, who died in Newton September 20, 1910, at the age of sixty-five years. To say of a man that he was of sterling worth and flawless integrity is to say much, but to add to this that he was a good son, a kind and considerate husband and father, and a man beloved by his fellow men, is to pay him a very high compliment indeed. Yet this and more may truthfully be said of the subject of this review, for William Watt was a great soul. Upon his willing shoulders many burdens heaped themselves even early in boyhood, and the ensuing years added additional duties and responsibilities, but he met each with the same kindly smile which at once reflected his serenity of mind as well as the under- standing sympathy of his great heart.
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JASPER COUNTY, IOWA.
Reared in the wilderness, his boyhood was spent close to God's great primitive handiwork and here it was, from companionship with woods and stream, meadow and flower, that he drank in that sturdiness of character and beauty of mind which stamped his later life and made his character one of exceptional sweetness. Always a proud man, he was very modest and retiring, never courting publicity and the acclaim of his fellows, but he never failed or faltered in the right as he saw it and died beloved as few men have been.
Mr. Watt was born in Guelph, Canada, August 5, 1845, being the son of Charles Watt and Margaret (Hamilton) Watt, natives of Scotland, his par- ents having married in Canada. He was ten years old when he came to Jasper county with his parents, who had taken up land in the then new country, which land is still in the family. Of. the hardships of these pioneers much might be said did space permit. Their first home was a small, mud plastered, log hut wherein the first bitter winter was partly spent until the kindness of a neigh- bor relieved their condition. The next spring a better home was built and the family set to work with a will to establish a home in the new land. But, alas, new trouble was in store for them, for three years after coming to Iowa the father, Charles Watt, of sainted memory, was drowned in what has ever since been known as Watt lake. Thus left alone in the new country, the widow and children were in a pitiable plight but William, the subject of this review, al- though but thirteen years of age, set resolutely to work. In such a crucible was his character moulded and tried, until at last it came forth the finest of gold, for from his efforts the foothold already gained by the family was re- tained and foundation pillars of one of the county's best families firmly established.
On November 30, 1871, Mr. Watt was united in marriage with Amanda A. Pierce, daughter of Alfred Pierce and Elvira (Kelsey) Pierce, natives of Wisconsin, who was his loyal wife and helpmate until May 31, 1909, when she passed away, but a short time prior to the passing of him in whose honor and remembrance this review is written. To this union were born eight chil- dren, six of whom are living: Mrs. Nelson Hammerly ; Mrs. John Tiedje; Charles ; Arthur. of this vicinity ; Mrs. Herman McMurray, of Woodbine, Iowa; and Florence, who has kept the home for her father ever since the death of her mother.
Mr. Watt's mother died April 3. 1912, aged eighty-five years, and he is survived by three brothers and three sisters: Lawson and Charles Watt. of Sherman township: Jasper Watt, of Long Beach, California; Mrs. Jane De Wolf : Mrs. Mary Newhouse and Miss Elsie Watt.
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JASPER COUNTY, IOWA.
Mr. Watt was a member of the Congregational church, having been a member for many years and one of the best known men in the county. About five years prior to this writing, Mr. and Mrs. Watt left the old farm and came to town, hoping to find the rest and comfort in life's sunset which they so richly merited, and to enjoy the competence that they had won from the soil by years of labor and perseverance. They purchased the beautiful Engle flat on McDonald street, but the divine arbiter of all things decreed otherwise. In the passing of Mr. and Mrs. Watt, Jasper county has sustained a loss which is understood by all, but keenly appreciated by those who were fortunate enough to count them as friends and acquaintances. Thus is a good life hon- ored.
JEREMIAH KELLY.
Among the substantial citizens and representative agriculturists and stockmen of Jasper county is Jeremiah Kelly, who is the owner of a fine landed estate in Poweshiek township, and is carrying on the various departments of his enterprise with that discretion and energy which are sure to find their natural sequence in definite success, having always been a hard worker, a good manager and a man who would quickly grasp an opportunity when it arose, and being fortunately situated in a thriving farming community, it is no wonder that he stands today in the front rank of his vocation.
Mr. Kelly is one of that vast horde of worthy citizens who have come to us from the Emerald Isle and who have done so much in furthering the civiliza- tion of the United States during its three centuries of existence, his birth having occurred in Kilrush, county Clare, Ireland. He is the son of James and Mary (Sillon) Kelly. He emigrated to America, settling near Mount Forrest, Ontario, Canada, in 1844 and farmed there until 1877, when he came to Jasper county, Iowa, where he has since made his home. He has said that his only regret is that he did not make the move sooner, for in Canada he struggled against adverse circumstances, including a bad climate, trying to farm when. in some seasons, there was frost every month in the year. Here he has found a more genial climate in which various crops thrive and by his indomitable industry, unflagging courage and rare tact he has prospered, being now the owner of one of the valuable and model farms of the county, which consists of nine hundred and sixty acres, which he has brought up to a high state of improvement and cultivation and on which he has made a great success as a general farmer and stock raiser, deserving a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished, considering the fact that he started with nothing and has
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JASPER COUNTY, IOWA.
had no assistance save that of a faithful wife and children. He has a beautiful and well furnished home, substantial and convenient outbuildings and about his place excellent grades of live stock are to be seen throughout the year.
When he lived in Canada he was a Liberal or a reformer in politics and he was active in his section, as was also his brother, who was a member of the county council. He and his sons are Democrats, adhering strictly to the free- trade doctrine of the people of their former allegiance. The family are all members of the Valeria Roman Catholic church.
Before leaving Ireland, Mr. Kelly was married to Mary Finucan, who was born near Kilrush, county Clare, Ireland, the daughter of Michael and Mary (Malone) Finucan. To Mr. and Mrs. Kelly the following children have been born: James died in 1909, at the age of fifty-two years, in Poweshiek township, where his widow, who was a Miss Ring, and their children still reside; John is at home assisting in the management of the farm; Michael is married and has a fine farm, well improved, near his father's place; William A. is at home and assisting with the farm work; Edward died when twenty- two years of age; Mary is the wife of Michael Failor, of Polk county, Iowa; Maggie is the wife of T. J. Shaw and they, too, live in Polk county; Agnes married A. P. McManus and they live in Marshall county, Iowa ; Nora mar- ried George McNance, of Marshall county; Carrie is the wife of L. H. Lyon, of Colfax, Jasper county ; Lucy died when seventeen years old; Lizzie died at the age of twenty-eight.
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