USA > Iowa > Lucas County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 16
USA > Iowa > Wayne County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 16
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On the 25th of December, 1905, Dr. Warder was united in marriage to Miss R. G. Lovitt, a daughter of O. P. and Amelia (Givens) Lovitt, pioneers in Wayne county, who came to this section from Terre Haute, Illinois. Dr. and Mrs. Warder have a daughter, Lorine Elizabeth. Dr. Warder is affiliated with the Masonie order and is one of the leading figures in the local lodge and chapter. For many years he gave his allegiance to the republican party but is now an enthusiastic "Bull Moose." He is a student of the signs of the times, keeping in touch with the trend of modern thought concerning matters of general interest as well as of professional advancement. He has made a gratifying record as a member of the dental fraternity and has met with grati- fying success in his practice.
HORACE G. LARIMER.
ITorace G. Larimer is prominently connected with business interests of Chariton as a member of the firm of Hollinger & Larimer. dealers in men's cloth- ing and furnishings. He is a man who has risen rapidly by the force of his ability, enterprise and initiative, his interests touching closely the political and business development of his eity. He was born in Chariton township. this county, November 27, 1875, and is a son of Wilson King and Margaret (Young) Larimer, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work.
Horace G. Larimer grew to manhood in his native township and acquired his education in the public schools. Ile moved with his parents to Chariton when his father was elected county clerk and in August, 1900, turned his atten- tion to business in the city. He formed a partnership with Mr. Hollinger under the firm name of Hollinger & Larimer, dealers in men's clothing and furnishings. They carry a large and well selected stock of goods and enjoy a liberal patronage, for their business methods are at all times straightforward and their business integrity beyond question. Mr. Larimer was for three years president of the State Federation of Mercantile Associations of Iowa and for two years held the same office in the Towa Retail Clothiers' Association. He has made a close study of trade conditions and keeps in touch with everything pertaining to the line of work in which he is engaged. He has other important business connee- tions in Chariton and has valable real-estate interests, owning besides a modern home a number of pieces of land.
On the 19th of December, 1900. Mr. Larimer married Miss Willie Blanche Hollinger, who was born in Chariton, October 1. 1877, a danghter of Napoleon Bonaparte and Ellen Frances (Blanchard) Hollinger, the former born in Seneca county, Ohio, November 21. 1834, and the latter in Charlestown, Massachusetts. September 17, 1842. The parents went to Wright county, lowa, in 1855 and moved from there to Chariton in 1872. ITere the father engaged in the hardware and implement business for a number of years, later joining his son-in-law in
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the firm of Hollinger & Larimer. He is numbered among the best known busi- ness men of Chariton and has secured a comfortable fortune. He and his wife became the parents of the following children: Mrs. Clara Culberson, who was born January 3. 1859, and who is now residing in Chariton: Mrs. Lydia Welch, born November 9. 1863, a resident of Des Moines: Nellie, whose birth oe- enrred April 1. 1865: Etta, who was born January 9, 1869, and who died December 21, 1886; and Mrs. Larimer, wife of the subject of this review. Mr. and Mrs. Larimer have become the parents of three children: Mildred, born May 29. 1902: Hugh, whose birth occurred October 28. 1907: and Margaret, born August 30. 1909. The family reside in the well known Crocker honse, one of the finest and most modern in the city, and the parents are well known in social circles.
Although Mr. Larimer is one of the most able business men of C'hariton his interests have not been confined to this line but have extended to other fields also. He is active in republican polities and has always been vitally interested in the welfare of the party, having attended every state convention since he was of age. He was mayor of Chariton for one term and during that time accomplished a great deal of constructive and progressive work, it being largely due to his efforts that the subways were constructed under the Rock Island Railroad. He has for the past eight years been a member of the Grand Tribunal of the Knights of Pythias of the state of lowa, is connected with Chariton Lodge, No. 64. A. F. & A. M., the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America. the Woodmen of the World, the Homesteaders and the Yeomen. He is a vestry- man in the Episcopal church, of which his wife is also a member. Mr. Larimer is a liberal, broad-minded and public-spirited man, active in community affairs and giving largely of his time and means to the promotion of progressive public projects. A representative of the best type of modern business man, he holds the esteem and respect of his associates, standing among the men of marked ability and substantial worth in the community.
JUDGE BIRAM K. EVANS.
Since 1904 Hiram K. Evans has filled the high office of judge of the dis- triet court of the third judicial district, comprising Wayne and six other counties and by his strictly fair and impartial decisions has proven himself to he a most capable and fair officer of the law. He has occupied during his long publie career numerous other important positions and proven himself able in all relations and positions which he has ever been called upon to fill by the people.
Hiram K. Evans was born in Wayne county, lowa, on the 17th of March. 1863, and is a son of Hiram and Sarah Jane ( Robison) Evans. The father was born in Clearville, Pennsylvania, and the mother in Morgantown. West Virginia. The grandfather of our subject was James Evans, a son of Evan Evans, whose father, Evan, came From Wales to America prior to 1753 and settled at what is now Geigertown, Pennsylvania, where he died. He was one of the loyal soldiers of the Revolutionary war, a member of Captain John Robe- son's company of the Pennsylvania State Militia, and also served valiantly in
JUDGE HIRAM K. EVANS
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several Indian campaigns. James Evans, the grandfather, was married to Rachel Blankley, whose father, George Blankley, served during the War of 1812 as sergeant in Captain Jacob Ihuffman's company of the First Pennsyl- vania Regiment of Rifleman.
The distinguished military record of the family was made more Istrous by the son. Hiram Evans. the father of our subject, who enlisted in the Mexican war but was not mustered in, as the elose of the war came before he could be sent to the front. In 1862. however, he enlisted in Company D. Twenty-third Iowa Infantry. and was commissioner as lieutenant. For valiant services he was soon promoted to the rank of captain of the same company and served with distinction for two years, resigning at that time on account of disability. Ile had come to Lee county, lowa, as early as 1845 but later removed to Davis county, where he purchased government land and from there came to Wayne county in 1856, where he took up a government claim of four hundred and eighty acres, on which he lived until his demise. Ile was a public-spirited man and enjoyed great esteem and respect in the locality and twice was slated as a candidate for the state legislature. For six years he served as a member of the board of county supervisors and his work in this relation was of great benefit to his county and township. He was a prominent Mason, being a member of the blue lodge, a Knight Templar and a Shriner, and also belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His death occurred on the 21st of March, 1903. Mrs. Hiram Evans, the mother of our subject, was a daughter of James and Rachel (MeKelvey) Robison, both of Morgantown, West Virginia. IIer father was a son of James Robison, a native of West Virginia, whose wife's name was Agnes McCray. James Robison. the grandfather, was a son of James Robison, a native of Scotland, who early in life crossed to Ire- land, where he married and came to Virginia prior to 1800. The mother of our subject passed away April 7, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Evans were the par- ents of nine children, of whom six are still living and our subject is the young- est.
Hiram K. Evans received a country-school education, which later was sup- plemented by a course in the Allerton high school. Ile graduated from the law department of the State University in 1886 and shortly thereafter was admit- ted to the bar. Ile began active practice of his profession in Seymour, Iowa, where he remained two and a half years before coming to Corydon, where he has sinee been engaged in active practice with the exception of those periods during which he has served in public office of one kind or another. He has won for himself favorable criticism for the careful and systematic methods which he has followed and has remarkable powers of concentration and a won- derful memory which have often excited the wonder of his colleagues. He stands high in the discussion of legal matters and by his application of legal princi- ples demonstrates the wide range of his professional acquirements.
The ability of our subjeet along professional lines l'ound early recognition when in 1890 he was elected to the important position of county attorney. in which capacity he served for four years to the full satisfaction of his constitu- eney. Vigorous in prosecuting his cases, he yet maintained absolute impar- tiality to serve the ends of justice. Only one year after his term of county attorney had expired he was honored with election to the lower house of the
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state legislature and was active on the floor of the house in forwarding a num- ber of measures beneficial to the state and particularly his district, and was connected with much important constructive legislation. In 1897 he was rec- ognized by the chief executive of the state in an appointment as regent of the State University and served in this capacity for seven years, being actively connected during that time with a number of measures which resulted greatly to the benefit of this great educational institution. In 1902 his fellow citizens of Corydon elected him to the office of mayor, which he filled with circumspee- tion for two years, promoting improvements which have since helped to make his city better and more modern in many ways. In 1904 yet higher honors awaited him when he was elected to the distinguished office of judge of the district court, a position which he has since hell. His decisions are based strictly upon the equity of the law, yet they are tempered by the human kind- ness which is part of the nature of Judge Evans. He is one of the most cap- alde judges in lowa and few of his decisions have ever been reversed in higher courts. From September, 1891, until December, 1904, Judge Evans was a law partner of the Hon. JJ. W. Freeland, who is now deceased, and this partnership while it existed was productive of many excellent results. In every relation, be it along the line of law practice or in the various publie positions which he has held and holds, it may be said of Judge Evans that everything he finds to do he does well.
On the Ist of January, 1891. Hiram K. Evans was married to Miss Har- riett Belvel, a daughter of Henry M. and Margaret J. (MeCune) Belvel. The father was a native of Ohio and the mother of Indiana and they were early pioneers of lowa. coming to this state about 1856, where they were subse- quently married. Mr. Belvel was a newspaper editor, conducting a journal in various places in the state and attaining prominence and importance in mold- ing and guiding public opinion. He was a veteran of the Civil war, during which time he served in Company F of the Thirty-fourth lowa Infantry. For the last twenty years of his life he owned a paper which closely connected him with his oll army comrades, the Grand Army Advocate of, Des Moines, lowa. which he edited and published up to the time of his death. His demise occurred on the 29th of January, 1910. his widow surviving. Indge and Mrs. Evans are the parents of two children: Portia B., who is attending Rockford (1.) Col- lego ; and Genevieve V .. who is attending high school. still at home. Mrs. Evans has attained prominener in the advocacy of equal suffrage and in 1911 served as president of the lowa Equal Suffrage Association, occupying the office of vice president in 1912. On her mother's side Mrs. Evans is a descendant of Revolutionary stock. Her mother, Margaret MeCune, was a daughter of Mar- garet Brecount, a daughter of Gideon Brecount, whose mother was Lydia DeCamp. a daughter of James DeCamp, who served as a private in the Second Battalion of the Second Regiment of the New Jersey Continental Army of the Revolutionary war.
There have been no spectacular phases in the life record of Judge Evans. but his history is one which may well inspire others, showing what may be accomplished when energy and ambition lead the way. Free from ostentation and display, he has by the simple weight of his character and ability attained important public positions and won the esteem and respect of every man, woman
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and child in the county. As county attorney he was a foe to the evil doer and law breaker; as legislator a constructive force in formulating beneficent meas- ures; as mayor a powerful influenee in promoting civic righteousness; and as judge on the bench a man who at whatever cost upholdls justice in fairness and impartiality. There is little dissension of opinion about the powerful influence he has had upon the development and growth of this locality, not only in his publie relations but also in his private life.
JAMES H. RICHMAN.
James H. Richman, who is one of the foremost agriculturists of the town- ship which was named in honor of his father, who was the second oldest settler in these parts, is owner of three hundred and eighty-eight acres of valuable land all under cultivation and highly improved, located on sections 7 and 8, Riehman township. He was born in Greenbrier county, Virginia, now Sum- mers county, West Virginia, April 1, 1844, and in 1850 came with his parents to Riehman township, Wayne county, becoming one of the early pioneers of this seetion in which he has followed agricultural pursuits for over sixty years. He is a son of Marshall H. and Mary Jane (Guinn) Richman, natives of West Virginia, both of whom passed away in this township. More extended mention of them is made in connection with the sketch of Abram Elmore Richman. In their family were fourteen children of whom our subject was the second in order of birth.
When six years old James 11. Richman came with his parents to Wayne county and here he spent his boyhood amid the primitive pioneer conditions of the day, early helping his father in the cultivation of his farm and learning valuable lessons in the school of actual experience. In the aequirement of an edueation he attended such schools as existed in the neighborhood but his ad- vantages in this direction were naturally of a limited order. Remaining at home, he was married in 1869 in Wayne county, Iowa, to Miss Anna Newell, a native of England, who was born February 12, 1844, and crossed the ocean accompanied by her grandparents. Her parents followed her some time later to this eonntry. The father, Thomas Newell, was a native of England and passed away in Illinois, and her mother, Mary (Barber) Newell, was also born in the former country and died in northern Iowa. In their family were three children : Mrs. James IT. Richman : Augusta, who died at the age of twenty- four years ; and William D., who resides in Linn county, lowa. All of them were born in England but were reared and educated in America. Mr. and Mrs. Richman are the parents of seven children: Mrs. Augusta Baker, who was born May 18, 1870, and is the wife of the postmaster of LeRoy, Iowa; Mrs. Elsie Sullivan, who was born March 7, 1872, and is residing near that city ; Florenee, who died at the age of five months: Mrs. Ella Barnett, who was born February 3. 1876, and lives in LeRoy; W. A., whose birth occurred on the 29th of March, 1879, and who is assisting his father in the care of his large farm in Rielman township; James E., born April 22, 1881, who resides in this town- ship ; and Mrs. Jennie Tresler, born April 13, 1884, whose home is in Richman
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township. All of these children were born on the home farm where the par- ents now reside and there were reared and educated.
Mr. Richman owns three hundred and eighty-eight acres of the best land in this section and in the course of a long career has placed thereupon a mm- ber of modern improvements which have greatly enhanced its value. He fol- lows general farming and employs modern and up-to-date methods and ideas in the pursuance of his labors, gaining highly gratifying results by his cir- «umspection, industry and energy. The residence which he has erected is comfortably and well furnished and there Mr. and Mrs. Richman extend a hospitable welcome to their many friends. The political affiliation of Mr. Richman is with the democratic party, the principles of which he believes are most conducive to good government. and although he has never aspired to pub- lic office he is serving as school director of his district. being induced to accept that office on account of the warm interest which he feels in the subject of education. A member of one of the oldest pioneer families, he has attained remarkable success along agricultural lines and while his labors have resulted in individual prosperity they have been a vital force in general advancement and in making this section one of the richest agricultural districts of the mid- dle west of the United States. Mr. Richman, although nearing his seventieth birthday, is still active in the management of his extensive interests and con- tinues to lead a busy and useful life. His industry and energy have found substantial reward and he receives the confidence and high esteem of all who know him.
GEORGE M. RUBY.
George M. Ruby is conducting the only furniture and undertaking concern in Seymour and in the conduet of his buisiness affairs has displayed such excel- lent judgment and ability that he is now ranked among the representative and substantial men of the community. A native of lowa, he was born in Van Buren county on December 12, 1858, and is a son of H. T. and Melissa (Fender) Ruby, natives of Indiana. On the maternal side Mr. Ruby is a de- seendant of the Harlan family, representatives of which came to America from Scotland in 1687 and established a family line which has been unbroken since that time. Among the most honored men who bore the name were Chief Justice Harlan and E. R. Harlan, curator of the State University of lowa. In all there are about twenty-five hundred representatives of this family in America at the present time.
The grandfather of the subject of this review on the paternal side was Til- ford Ruby, who was born in Kentucky and went to Indiana at an early date. farming in that state until his death. The father of our subjeet was married in Indiana, September 23, 1855, and in the same year be settled in Van Buren county, whence he moved to Wayne county in 1875. His death occurred in this section in 1992 but his wife survives, making her home in Seymour. Adherence to the principles of the republican party has long been a tradition in the Ruby family and the father of our subject was stanch in his support of
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the men and measures of that organization. Moreover, he took an active and helpful part in the publie life of Wayne county and for two terms served as mayor of Seymour. Ile was a member of the Christian church and a man of high moral character, exemplifying in all the relations of his life the doctrines and principles in which he believed. He was the father of three children : J. F., a farmer who resides in Seymour; George M .. of this review; and Wil- lis, who was born in January, 1862, and who is now engaged in farming in Oklahoma.
George M. Ruby acquired a common-school education and spent his child- hood upon his father's farm. He aided in the work of the fields until 1896 and then abandoned farming in favor of commercial pursuits, becoming iden- tified with the furniture and undertaking business in Seymour. Since that time he has conducted a profitable enterprise, showing himself at all times forceful and reliable in business affairs, and these qualities have brought him rapid and well deserved prosperity.
On September 23, 1888, Mr. Ruby married Miss Martha Keller, a dangh- ter of Henry and Belle ( Hedrich) Keller, natives of Virginia, who came to lowa in 1861 and located in Appanoose county, where the father followed farming. Mr. and Mrs. Ruby had three children: Glenn, who was born in 1889 and who is now a mining engineer residing in Nebraska: Elsie, whose birth occurred on the 5th of August. 1891, and who died April 13, 1892; and Lawrence, who was born in June. 1893, and who was for some time a book- keeper in the Peoples Savings Bank at Seymour and now is associated with his father in business. Mr. and Mrs. Ruby are members of the Christian church.
Mr. Ruby is prominent in the Masonic order. holding membership in the lodge and chapter. and he is also affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. llis politieal allegiance is given to the republican party and for eight years he served with ability and conscientiousness as a member of the school board. He is an active and willing worker for the upbuilding and advancement of Wayne county and stands high in the regard of all who know him.
NELSON J. STARK.
A native of Sweden, where he was born October 17, 1875, Nelson JJ. Stark has become a useful American citizen and attained an enviable place in the community of Lucas, lowa, despite struggles and obstacles which he had to overcome. Persistency and industry brought him to the goal, and, although he experienced drawbacks and was at times thwarted in his career. he is now considered a substantial man of the city, where he owns a comfortable home. A son of Andrew and Johanna ( Wester) Stark, he came to America with his mother and the younger children, reaching Lucas. Fowa, May 21, 1884, and here the family has since resided. The father was born in Sweden on March 25, 1850, and preceded the family to America. arriving here November 2. 1882. Ile was a coal and ore miner in Sweden and has followed coal mining in this country. The mother was born in Sweden on May 17. 1854. and both
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she and her husband still make their home in Lucas. In their family were three children, all of whom are natives of Sweden: Nelson J., our subject ; Mrs. Christina Baker, born July 24, 1877, a resident of Chariton, lowa; and Carl E., born November 8, 1879, who is married and resides in Lucas.
The early educational advantages of Nelson JJ. Stark were but meager, but he made good use of such opportunities as presented themselves. After leaving school he worked for a number of years in the coal mines near Lucas, assisting at an early age in caring for the other members of the family. In 1898 he was employed as a clerk in a general merchandising establishment in Lueas and is at present so occupied in the employ of Warner & Baker of this vity. Industrious and energetic, he stands high in the estimation of his employers and has made a creditable record in business.
On December 12, 1900, Mr. Stark was married to Miss Ellen Olson, who was born in Lucas county, this state, March 6, 1878. She is an accomplished musician, having in addition to the common-school course taken musical les- sons and is well qualified to teach the art. She has always made her home in Lucas. Her parents were Nels and Anna Christina (Nelson) Olson, natives of Sweden, the former born in 1833 and the latter in 1836. The parents be- came pioneer settlers of Lucas county, being prominent in their locality, and passed away in Lucas, lowa. the father on April 13. 1896, and the mother on October 14, 1898. Mrs. Olson was previously married to Frank Swanson, two children being born of this union, namely: Charles Swanson, born Septem- ber 2. 1868, a resident of White Breast township: and Mrs. Anna Peterson. born March 2, 1872, of Lucas. Her marriage to Nels Olson occurred in 1873 and to them were born: John, on May 30, 1874, engaged in general mer- chandising in Lucas: and Mrs. Stark, the wife of our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Stark have one son and one daughter: Raymond Harold, born December 23. 1901, attending school in Lucas: and Helen Lorine, born June 3, 1910. Both of these children are natives of Lucas. The family residence is well pro- vided with all attractions to contribute to the happiness of the children, and Mr. Stark's greatest pleasure is to make life as pleasant as possible to his fam- ily. Both he and his wife are of studions mind and deep readers, deriving kren enjoyment from the best literature of the past and present. Although Mr. Stark is providing well for his children, the best heritage he can give them is his own undaunted spirit, which brooks no obstacle nor discourage- ment and which has led him to achievement.
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