USA > Iowa > Lucas County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 15
USA > Iowa > Wayne County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 15
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39
John Stirling, the father of our subject, married Miss Harriet Thomas in Bonaparte, Iowa, and after this event they removed to Keokuk, where they made their home for some time. He was a printer by trade and on his removal to Bonaparte in 1880 bought the Bonaparte Journal, which he conducted she- cessfully as publisher and editor until 1885. He emme to Corydon in 1886 and here bought the Wayne County Democrat, the policy of which paper he directed for nearly a quarter of a century-until May 20, 1910-when he sold the publica- tion to his son, our subject. The father was always a stanch adherent of the democratic party and during the administration of Cleveland served with efficiency as postmaster of Corydon. There were seven children born to the parents of our subject : Alexander, who is a printer and resides in Denver, Colorado; John 1 .. our subject : Hattie, who resides in Canon City, Colorado, and was the wife of Albert McClanahan, deceased: George T., who conducts a printing office in Spokane. Washington: Maude, who runs a ranch in Idaho; David M .. who is engaged in the publishing business with our subject; and Roy, who died in infancy.
John J. Stirling was reared at home and received his education in newspaper offices. He early in life became acquainted with newspaper work, learning the different details of the business. He is well acquainted with all the different branches of running a printing plant and became an expert linotype operator and machinist, working in all the big printing plants of the west. In 1910 he bought the Wayne County Democrat. Under his management the circulation of the paper has considerably increased and its reputation is of a high order on account of the firm stand which Mr. Stirling takes in regard to publie questions and in promotion of all measures which might benefit the city of Corydon and
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the surrounding territory. Its news columns are spicy and full of interest and record not only all local happenings of interest but give a complete and intelligent review of the political situation as it prevails in the state and nation and a readable record of the general happenings in the world. Under the direction of Mr. Stirling the advertising columns have increased in space and the paper is considered as the best medium to appeal to the local trade.
Mr. Stirling was married in 1904 to Miss Olive S. Gaboury, of Colorado. In his political views Mr. Stirling is a democrat and necessarily he has become prominent in the local ranks of the party and has been honored with election to the chairmanship of the county central committee twice. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias and the Yeomen. Early in life he identified himself with the Typographical Union and has remained active in its work. serving as vice president of the Denver Typographical Union, No. 49. in 1905. Mr. Stirling has made a creditable record in the newspaper field in lowa. Ile is a man marked by strength of character. He is president of the lowa Demo- cratie Editorial Association, composed of all the daily and weekly democratic papers of the state, and his opinions upon matters of public welfare find ready expression in his paper.
WILLIAM KENT.
William Kent, a native of England, was brought by his parents to the United States when but six years of age and came to Lucas county in 1869. where he settled in Jackson township. devoting the remainder of his life to agricultural pursuits. He was born in the mother country on June 5. 1826. and his death occurred in Jackson township, this county. April 24, 1906, but a few months before his eightieth birthday. He came with his parents to America in 1832. their first location being Cleveland, Ohio, where he was reared and grew to manhood. Removal to Maywood, Ilinois, was made in 1865, and 1869 marks the arrival of the family in Lucas county, where a farm in blackson township was acquired. The property comprised three hundred and twenty acres and to the cultivation of this Mr. Kent devoted his remain- ing days, attaining remarkable snecess along agricultural lines. The greater portion of the original home farm is still in possession of the family at this day. Both of his parents were natives of England and the father served at one time in the British army and under the command of General Pakenham par- tiripated in the battle of New Orleans. The father's name was Daniel and the mother before her marriage was Miss Ann Cowley. Both passed away in Cleveland, Ohio. In their family were six children, of whom four reached maturity: . lol, deceased: Mrs. Susan Steele, deceased: William; and Ann and Emma, deceased.
In 1860 Mr. Kent was mited in marriage to Miss Anna Wherrett. also a native of England, born in Gloucestershire on January 1. 1842. In 1552. when ten years of age, she came with her parents to America and is still living, residing in a commodions home in Lucas. Her parents were William Trot- man and Ann (Carefield) Wherrett, natives of England. the former born
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WILLIAM KENT
MRS. WILLIAM KENT
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in 1801 and the latter in 1804. The father died in Berea, Ohio, in 1871, hav- ing long survived his wife, whose death occurred while yet in the mother coun- try, in 1844, at the age of forty years. Their family consisted of eight ehil- dren: William, born August 18, 1829, who died at Kankakee, Illinois, Deeem- ber 11. 1855: Mrs. Ann Parslow, born July 20, 1831, who died at Strongville, Ohio, January 18. 1865; Eliza, born December 12, 1833, who died April 14, 1834: John. born November 29. 1834, making his home in the state of Wash- ington; Mrs. Ellen Cowell, born November 19, 1836, who died February 23, 1869; George, born May 11, 1838, who passed away at Chattanooga, Tennes- see, May 20, 1865, having served as a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war; Charles, also a Union soldier, born February 6, 1840, who died at Fort Collins. Colorado, February 8, 1910; and Mrs. Kent, the wife of our sub- jeet and the youngest member of the family. All of their children were born in Stonehouse. England. Mr. and Mrs. Kent had two sons: Charles Ells- worth, born at Salem, Columbiana county, Ohio. on September 7, 1861. and now a resident of Jackson township; and John Warren, born March 9, 1867, a resi- dent of the same township. The grandehildren of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Kent are as follows: Ruth, born JJanuary 22, 1906: Melville, born November 3. 1907: Irene, born November 9, 1909: and Zelia, born November 24. 1911, the above all being children of Albert Kent: Cleo, born November 28, 1911; and Cecil, born February 2. 1913. both children of William Kent.
Politically Mr. Kent was a republican and always kept well informed upon all government issues. Originally his trade was that of a carpenter and joiner and he was an accomplished ship carpenter, although after locating in Lucas county he followed agricultural pursuits entirely. Ilis fraternal relations extended to the Independent Order of Good Templars, having been a member of the Cleveland (Ohio) lodge. Mrs. Kent, who survives, is a member of the Reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints of Lucas, to which she gives her moral and material support. Mr. Kent was greatly beloved and highly esteemed by all who knew him and his memory remains with many who esteemed in him a man of high character. Publie-spirited and progressive, he interested him- self in all matters concerning the publie welfare and although born on the other side of the Atlantic, gave in his life an excellent example of true Ameri- can citizenship. ITis widow remains to perpetuate his record and is treated ou all sides with respect and veneration for her many womanly qualities, her charitable character and kindliness, which lead her to take an interest in all matters undertaken in the interests of mankind.
ALBERT L. BARKER.
Albert L. Barker is the able and expert chief engineer of the Oldl Colony Creamery and in addition is closely connected with business interests of Hunmes- ton as manager of the Princess Opera House. He was born in Union town- ship, August 14, 1871, a son of O. JJ. and Eliza ( Almon) Barker, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of lowa. Both passed away in Wayne eounty. the father dying in Humeston in 1906, at the age of sixty-nine, and
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the mother in Union township in May, 1872. They were numbered among the earliest settlers in Wayne county.
Albert L. Barker has remained continuously a resident of this section since his birth. He acquired his education in the local public schools and after laying aside his books learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until he was twenty-two years of age. For the past nine years he has been at intervals chief engineer of the Old Colony Creamery Company of Humeston and is so engaged at the present time. Ile is an expert in this line of work and has had broad practical experience in it. In addition to this Mr. Barker has since 1907 been manager of the Princess Opera House and has done able and businesslike work in this connection. securing always high class attrac- tions. The building is owned by the Home Bank of Humeston and is one of the finest of its kind in the county, thoroughly equipped in every particular, lighted by electricity and supplied with a large modern stage upon which may be seen all of the modern metropolitan attractions. The people of Humes- ton greatly appreciate the exceptional opportunities which this theater offers and reward Mr. Barker's efforts by according him a liberal patronage.
In 1894 Mr. Barker was united in marriage to Miss Ollie Stone, a native of Iowa and a daughter of A. HI. and Asilee (Taylor) Stone, both of whom are residing in Arkansas at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Barker are the par- ents of a daughter, Wilma S., born in 1896, who attended the Humeston high school. Mr. Barker has no political affiliations, preferring to cast his vote according to his personal convictions without regard to party lines. Both he and his wife are members of the Congregational church. A man of high worth and sterling integrity. he is highly respected and honored in the community where his entire life has been spent.
ABRAM ELMORE RICHMAN.
Abram Elmore Richman is the owner of one of the choice and well improved farms of section 5. Richman township, which was named in honor of his father, who was the second settler in this county and who has seen the entire development of this part of the county and state from primitive conditions to its present prosperity.
Mr. Richman was born on his father's farm in Richman township, Wayne county, lowa. April 5. 1858, and grew to manhood in this locality where he has always followed farming and stock-raising, having become one of the substantial men of this section in those pursuits. His parents were Marshall HI. and Mary Jane (Guinn) Richman, the former a native of Greenbrier county, Virginia, now Summers county, West Virginia, born September 11. 1820, and the latter in the same county, born February 20, 1823. Both passed away in Richman town- ship, this county, the father on April 9, 1899, and the mother on January 31, 1906. They were the second settlers in this township, which was named in their honor, and to which they came from their native county in 1850 by way of the Ohio river to St. Louis and thence by the Mississippi to Keokuk and by ox team to Chillicothe, near the present site of Ottumwa, where they planted and
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harvested a crop. After gathering it they came to Richman township and settled there and this has been the family home ever since. At the time of their arrival it was a broad stretch of prairie and the nearest trading posts were Eddyville and Ottumwa. This was the time when the Mormons were driven from Nauvoo, Illinois, and went on their way seeking a new home in the far west. One band of them would plant a erop, the next would care for it and the third would harvest it. The Richman home was the only one on the prairie at that time and became headquarters for the prospective settlers besides being a place for the feeding and caring for the stage horses, and a house where the stage drivers and passengers also eould receive a hospitable welcome. Mr. and Mrs. Riehman were the parents of fourteen children, namely: Margaret, born in Virginia. October 29, 1842, who died March 4, 1849; James II., born April 1, 1844, of whom more extended mention is made on another page of this work ; Samuel M., born July 20, 1845, who resides in Richman township; Oliver, who was born March 18. 1847, and died April 11, 1854: Ephraim, born November 18, 1848. whose death occurred February 20, 1854: William, who was born August 18, 1850, and died February 23, 1854; Enos, born Angust 23, 1852, the first white child born in Richman township, who now resides at Huntley, Nebraska; Charles, who was born December 23, 1854, and who passed away two days later; John M., born Jannary 23, 1856, who makes his home in Richman township; Abram E., of this review; Mrs. Sarah E. Kyner, born November 2, 1859, who resides in Kansas : Thomas A., who was born November 23, 1861, and now lives in Harlan county, Nebraska : Mrs. Mary Finley, born September 15, 1863, whose home is in Kansas: and Mrs. Cynthia J. Barry, who was born September 19, 1865, and resides near Humeston, Iowa.
Abram Elmore Richman, who has given all of his life to agricultural pursuits, owns two hundred and ninety acres of fertile land upon which he has placed a number of improvements which have greatly enhanced its value. He has intro- dneed every convenience upon the farm that money can secure and besides general farming gives special attention to stock-raising, specializing in Jersey hogs, while Mrs. Richman is greatly interested in poultry raising, having a choice flock of Barred Plymouth Rock chickens. By his industry and energy Mr. Richman has attained a degree of prosperity which places him among the most substantial men of this locality and the success which has come to him has not only resulted in his own profit but has been the means of contributing to the general development. of this seetion.
On February 14, 1893, Mr. Richman was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Sullivan, who was born July 24, 1868. She is a native of Ireland and came with her parents to America in 1872. when only four years of age, the family settling in Pennsylvania, where the father. Dennis S. Sullivan, followed railroading for three years, after which he removed to Corydon. lowa, and thence to LeRoy. where he subsequently passed away at the age of seventy-two years. The mother, Nora (Foley) Sullivan, was also a native of the land of Erin and is at present making her home with her children in this locality. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan were the parents of eleven children: Mrs. Ella Wade, who lives in Pennsylvania: John, residing in LeRoy, Iowa ; Dennis, who makes his home in that place: Mary, deceased ; Mrs. Kate Smith, of Boise, Idaho; Mrs. Nora Young, also of that. city ; Mrs. Richman ; Michael, residing near LeRoy : Manrice, who died in Ireland;
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James, of Los Angeles, California : and David, who passed away in Pennsylvania. All but the two younger members of the family were born in Ireland, the others having been born in Waterford, Erie county. Pennsylvania. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Richman is one of refinement and culture for both are fond of good literature, and while they did not enjoy all of the advantages of education in childhood they acquired wide and valuable experience in the school of life and as they are both studions of mind and fond of reading they are well informed upon all subjects of the present day. Broad-minded. liberal and public-spirited. they are among the most popular people of the community. Both have traveled extensively and have broadened their views upon life by this means. While Mr. Richman has attained to well merited prosperity he has also been a force in gen- eral development and any public enterprise worthy of support finds in him an ardent champion.
GEORGE K. COMBS.
Despite the fact that he has far outlived the Psalmist's alloted span of three score and ten. George K. Combs is still engaged in business in Allerton, where he has long conducted a real-estate, loan and collection office. His birth occurred in Lawrence county, Ohio, on the 18th of November, 1831, and he is a son of Jonas and Margaret ( Koontz) Combs, natives respectively of Virginia and Ohio. They were united in marriage in Lawrence county. Ohio, and there passed the entire period of their married life. To them were born nine children, our subject being the second in order of birth.
The boyhood and youth of George K. Comhs were passed in very much the same manner as those of other lads who were reared in the rural sections of the middle west during the pioneer period. He remained at home with his parents until he had attained his majority, and then started out for himself. In common with the majority of farmer lads he had been trained to agricultural pursuits from his boyhood, and continued to follow that vocation for many years. He first rented one of his father's farms, which he cultivated for a year. At the expiration of that time his father sold the property and he removed to Logan county, Ohio, where he operated his father-in-law's farm. le resided there until the spring of 1857, when he bought eighty acres of land in De Witt county, Illinois, and there continued his agricultural career until 1863. In the year last named he sold his place and returned to Ohio, devoting his energies to varions occupations until the spring of 1865, when he came to lowa, settling near Mechanicsville, Cedar county. Three years later, in 1865. he removed to Wayne county, purchasing eighty acres of raw land in Warren township. He applied himself to the cultivation and improvement of this property with marked capability and intelligence, directing his undertakings with the foresight and discernment that invariably bring good returns. As time passed he enhanced the value of his place by the erection of substantial buildings and the introdue- tion about the premises of various improvements, consistent with the spirit of progress be exercised in the direction of his business. In 1880. Mr. Combs bold this place and bought seventy-six and a half acres of land just south of
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Allerton, on which he resided for six years. At the end of that time he like- wise disposed of that farm and came to Allerton, where he has ever since made his home. Ilere he subsequently became associated with E. L. Hart in estab- lishing the first real-estate office opened in the town, which they conducted on a partnership basis for six and a half years. l'pon the dissolution of the firm Mr. Combs established a real-estate, Joan and collection business which he is still conducting.
In 1853. Mr. Combs was married to Miss Sarah Byers, a native of Ohio, who passed away on the Ist of May, 1909. at the age of seventy-nine years, and was buried in the Allerton cemetery. Of this marriage there were born six children, as follows: Anna M., the widow of H. B. Vance, who passed away in 1906, and the mother of two children, who is living on a farm in South Dakota; Mary A., the wife of William Graham, of North Dakota, who has four children ; Edgar L., a resident of Cherryvale. Kansas, who is married and has four children ; John B., who passed away in Allerton in 1895: Clara E., the deceased wife of B. F. Puckett of Scotland, South Dakota, who with two of her children was burned to death in their residence at Eureka, South Dakota. in February, 1896; and Luella, who married James Howell of Allerton and has four children.
Mr. Combs is a United Presbyterian, as was also his wife. and served as treasurer of the local church for several years. His allegiance in matters politie he accords to the democratic party and served for three years as mayor of Aller- ton, while for ten he was a member of the school board, having discharged his duties in both connections in a capable and efficient manner. Mr. Combs owns his residence in Allerton and enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance among the people of this community, where he is accorded the respect ever extended to those who have led useful and honorable lives.
LUTHER H. BUSSELLE.
Luther H. Busselle, prominently connected with financial interests of Chari- ton as eashier of the Lucas County National Bank and of the Lucas County Trust & Savings Bank. was born in Otter Creek township, this county, on the 8th of February, 1865. He is a son of William W. and Tansen Am (Reece) Busselle, the former a native of Indiana, born in 1831. and the lat- ter of Illinois. Their marriage ocenrred in Clarke county, lowa, and from there they came to Otter Creek township, Lucas county. and located on a farm. The father engaged in agricultural pursuits in that locality for many years but is now living retired at Marengo. He survives his wife who passed away in Chariton in July, 1901. In their family were the following children : Mrs. Flora B. Thompson, who resides in Washington, D. C .. where her hus- band has served as solicitor of the United States Treasury since he was ap- pointed to that position by President Taft: P. O., who resides in Wichita, Kansas, as general manager of the International Harvester Company, a posi- tion which he has ocenpied for the past twenty-eight years, beginning with the old McCormick Harvester Company; buther H., of this review: A. S .. engaged in the real-estate and loan business in Tacoma, Washington; Charles,
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who has passed away; and Mrs. Effie B. Henderson, the wife of Dr. E. B. Ilenderson of Marengo. All of these children were born in Otter Creek town- ship and all supplemented a publie-school education by a course in Simpson College at Indianola.
Luther II. Busselle spent his boyhood upon his father's farm and his early experiences were those which generally fall to the lot of the farm lad. After attending Simpson College he settled in Chariton and in 1894 turned his attention to the hardware business, forming a partnership with N. B. Hol- linger, with whom he continued for two years. At the end of that time the firm became L. H. Busselle & Company, and the business was afterwards conducted by Mr. Busselle alone. He seenred a large patronage and con- tinned active in its conduet until 1907 when he became interested in the organ- ization of the Lucas County National Bank of which he was elected cashier. This responsible position he still holds and his work has been a helpful factor in making the bank the sound and conservative institution which it is today. Mr. Busselle also aided in the organization of the Lucas County Trust & Savings Bank, which opened its doors on the 11th of August. 1913, and he is cashier of this institution also. He is a director in both the banks and recognized as one of the leaders in the financial life of the counmunity.
On the 22nd of February, 1911, Mr. Busselle married Miss Eloise Cope- land. who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. a daughter of Elijah and Amanda (Baker) Copeland, residents of Chariton. Mr. Busselle is connected fraternally with Chariton Lodge, No. 64. A. F. & A. M .. and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is interested in public affairs although not active as an office seeker. In addition to his connection with the two banks above mentioned, he is also identified with various other important corporate interests of the city and he is an extensive land owner. holding in partnership with Mr. Eikenberry, eight hun- dred and fifty-seven aeres of the old Mallory estate in Lincoln. This is the location of the famous Hion. the former residence of the Mallorys. Mr. and Mrs. Busselle live in Chariton and are numbered among the most highly re- spected and esteemed residents of the city.
LLOYD E. WARDER, D. D. S.
Since 1903 Dr. Loyd E. Warder has been practicing dentistry in Corydon and along the line of his chosen profession has attained that success which comes only as the result of ability and efficiency. He was born in Webster, West Virginia. November 7, 1879, and is a son of M. C. and Jane (Maxwell) Warder, natives of the same state. The father of our subject brought his fam- ily to Ilinois in 1885 and located at Evanston, where he followed farming for a number of years. He is now living retired in Hamilton. Ilinois.
Dr. Warder is the sixth in a family of nine children. He acquired his early education in the country schools of Illinois and supplemented this by a course in dentistry at Keokuk, Iowa, receiving his degree in 1903. He located imme- diately for practice in Corydon, where he has since remained. By reading and
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investigation he keeps in touch with the most advanced thought of the profes- sion and his labors have been attended with excellent results, viewed from both a financial and professional standpoint. He is a member of the Iowa State Dental Society and has a high standing among his fellow practitioners.
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