USA > Iowa > Lucas County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 17
USA > Iowa > Wayne County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 17
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
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
Politically Mr. Stark is a republican and keeps well informed upon the public issues that affect the nation, his state, his county and his locality. although he is not an office seeker. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church of Encas, championing all movements undertaken in the interest of Christianity and for the betterment of mankind. Fraternally Mr. Stark is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 133. of Lucas, and has taken an interested as well as prominent part in the work of this society, having been on various occasions a delegate to the Grand Lodge. Ile is also a mem- ber of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen, being affiliated with Lodge No. 160. of Lucas, and of Lodge No. 276, of Lucas, of the Woodmen of the World. In spite of financial drawbacks and afflictions. Mr. Stark has made his way unaided to a ereditable position in the community, giving an example of what
161
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
ambition and perseverance will do if consistently applied. Tle stands high today in the estimation of his fellowmen, who admire him for his spirit of pluekiness and his masterful endurance in overcoming adversity. There is no one more highly esteemed in Lueas county today than Mr. and Mrs. Nel- son Stark, and it may be said of him that he now but stands on the threshold of further success.
FREDERICK M. WEST.
The life record of Frederick M. West constitutes an important chapter in the history of Corydon, where he ranks with the most energetic, enter- prising and prosperous citizens. He never falters in the accomplishment of anything that he undertakes, his well formulated plans being such as are carried forward to successful completion. He was born in Wayne county, Iowa, September 2, 1874, and is a son of Humphrey and C. A. (Mohler) West. The father, a native of Illinois, was a son of Marcus West of Virginia. who on leaving the Old Dominion removed to Illinois and subsequently to lowa. arriving in the latter state abont 1872. Humphrey West accompanied him and all located in Wayne county. For an extended period the father was engaged in agricultural pursuits in this county but is now living retired in Corydon, his former labors having brought to him a most comfortable com- petence. He has figured prominently in publie connections and at all times has labored earnestly and effectively to promote the welfare and upbuilding of this section of the state. From 1881 until 1885 he filled the office of county treasurer and the record which he made in that connection was most commendable. Unto him and his wife were born five children, three sons and two daughters, namely: Stella, now the wife of W. S. Augden, a resident of Oklahoma; Lewis, who follows farming in Wayne county; Frederick M .; W. E., a physician of Corydon who is specializing in the treatment of the eye: and Mrs. M. J. Evans.
Frederick M. West acquired a high-school education and has since learned many valuable lessons in the school of experience. He was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, dividing his time between the labors of the field, the (luties of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the playground. He continued to work with his father on the home farm until twenty-two years of age, when, thinking to find commercial pursuits more congenial. ho established a hay and grain business in Corydon. This has continuously grown in volume and importance and is now conducted along both wholesale and retail lines. He also does a mail order business and is now extensively handling hay, grain, field seeds, fuel and poultry supplies. Year by year his patronage has grown and the business now returns to him a gratifying annual income owing to his capable management and well formulated plans. In 1911 he erected what is known as the West block, a two-story briek structure twenty feet front with eighty feet in depth. It is situated on the site of the old bank which was the scene of the memorable robbery by the JJames brothers in 1871. Mr. West is
162
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
also proprietor of the only grain elevator in Corydon, having a capacity of twenty thousand bushels.
On the 24th of June, 1902, was celebrated the marriage of Frederick M. West and Miss Floy Freeland, a daughter of Judge Freeland, one of Corydon's most distinguished and honored citizens. They have become parents of two children, Freeland Il. and Ruth. Both Mr. and Mrs. West are members of the Methodist church and are actively and helpfully interested in its work. His political support is given to the republican party and for six years he served as one of the councilnen of Corydon, exercising his official prerogatives to further many progressive publie movements and interests. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias. He has purchased the old Freeland home, which he has improved and is occupying and under its present control the old spirit of hospitality for which it was celebrated is maintained. Both Mr. and Mrs. West ocenpy a prominent social position and have an extensive circle of friends here.
AAINA HUMESTON.
Among the men who have been powerful and dominating factors in the upbuilding and development of Wayne county Alva Humeston stands pre- eminent. He is a representative of one of the oldest and most worthy pioneer families in this part of the state, his father having founded the town of Humeston, and throughout the years of an upright and successful life he has made his record a credit to a name which has long been an honored one in this vicinity.
Mr. Humeston was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, Angust 12, 1852, a son of Alva and Mary (Northrup) Humeston, the former a native of Connectiont and the latter of Clinton, New York. The parents of our subject came to lowa in 1864 and settled on a farm in Richman township. Wayne county, pur- chasing nine hundred and sixty acres at two dollars and a half per acre. Pioneer conditions prevailed throughout the section at the time of their arrival. There were no railroads nearer than Ottumwa, no organized towns and no conveniences of any kind. Alva Ihnneston, Sr .. set himself with characteristic energy to improve his undeveloped land and as the years passed made it one of the finest agricultural properties in the section. Throughout his life he gave active and hearty cooperation to movements for the general advancement and left at his death the impress of his individuality upon the history of the county which he had aided in upbuilding. He passed away in Fairfield in 1599, at the age of seventy-four. His wife died in the same city in 1897. being sixty-four years of age at the time of her demise. In their family were seven children: Daniel D., who died in Mendota, Ilinois. in 1901: Mrs. Alice B. Newcomb, who passed away in 1878; Mrs. Susan B. Harkness, of Fairfield, lowa: L. H .. living at Cabool, Missouri: M. W., who died in California, in 1907: Alva, of this review : and Clara, who die I on the old home farm in Richman township, in 1874.
-
.
T
مسي
-
ALVA HUMESTON AND FAMILY
1
165
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
Alva Tłumeston was twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents to Wayne county and he remained upon the farm until after the death of his father, acquiring his education in the public schools of the seetion. Since coming to lumeston he has been one of the greatest individual factors in the business and political life of the community, exemplifying the standards and traditions of his family in his honorable and upright life. He has exten- sive property interests here, including the grain and coal yards and elevator, besides thirty-nine town lots and an attractive and well furnished home. In the conduet of his varied and important affairs he has demonstrated his resourceful and discriminating business ability and his success has contributed in a large measure to the general prosperity and progress.
In 1874 Mr. Imeston married Miss Annie E. Brown, who was born in Stark county, Illinois, on June 13, 1856. Her parents, Henry S. and Ruth D. Brown, were natives of New Jersey, who came to Wayne county, lowa, in 1868. The father died at the home of the subject of this review at the advanced age of ninety-three years. The mother passed away at Humeston, in 1908, being eighty-three years of age at the time of her death. In their family were nine children. four of whom are now living, namely: Henry, who resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado: Robert A., who lives in Wyoming; Mrs. Harriet Mckinnon, of Viola. Ilinois: and Mrs. Humeston.
To Mr. and Mrs. Humeston have been born nine children. The eldest, Adelbert E., is residing in Collbran, Colorado, where he is engaged in general merchandising. Clarence S. was born on the 22d of June, 1877, and is at the present time associated with his father in the coal and grain business. Mrs. Elsie B. Farr was born November 29, 1879, and lives in Humeston. Her husband is the leading druggist in the city and further mention of his career appears elsewhere in this work. Floyd was born on the 14th of May, 1883, and is at present assisting in a general store in Humeston. The two children next in order of birth are Florence and Nellie, twins. born May 21, 1885. Nellie died in infancy and Florence is now Mrs. Wasabaugh, of St. Joseph, Missouri. Charles was born September 10, 1889. and is a member of the firm with his father and brother in Immeston. Hattie B. and Cart, twins. were born December 10, 1892. Carl passed away at the age of nine months and Hattie is the wife of Robert 1. Starr. of Milo, lowa. All the children were born in Richman township with the exception of Mrs. Elsie B. Farr, whose birth occurred at White Breast, three miles west of Chariton, lowa. All were reared in this township and acquired a public-school education. They are a talented family along musical lines, Hattie and Charles being accomplished musicians. Charles makes good use of his talent in this direction, being leader of the well known Hunmeston band, one of the best musical organizations in southern lowa.
Fraternally Mr. Ihnneston is well known in the Masonie order, being a charter member of Fidelity Lodge, No. 228, A. F. A. M. He was formerly affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. In official eireles, too, he is well known and prominent. He was at one time mayor of Humeston, giving to the town a straightforward, busi- nesslike and progressive administration. During President Cleveland's admin- istration he held the office of postmaster, for twenty-four years he was a Vol. 11-9
166
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
member of the school board and has been a member of the town council almost continuously since the incorporation of Homeston. He is broad. liberal-minded and publie-spirited. eminently progressive in his citizenship and at all times ready to aid and support projects of a worthy character. Everything pertain- ing to the town's welfare and advancement receives his indorsement and hearty cooperation and his work has been of practical value to the com- munity in which he labors. A man of energy, positive character. indomitable activity and strict integrity, he has been fully identified with the growth and progress of the state in which so much of his life has been spent and he has won the esteem of his friends and the confidence of those who have had business relations with him.
HENRY S. RICE.
Henry S. Rice, who since 1894 has resided at Humeston. Iowa, after a long and successful career as agriculturist in Wayne county, where he cultivated two hundred and fifty-seven aeres in Clay township for a number of years, has also earned distinction as one of those men who stood in defense of the Union at the time of the darkest hour in this country's history. He was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, July 16, 1841, and grew to manhood in Greene county of the same state. His parents, natives of Pennsylvania, were William and Sarah (Jackson) Rice, who died in their native state in 1862 and 1844 respectively. In their family were thirteen children, of whom three died in infancy, the others being: Mrs. Lucinda Sharpneck-Cravenmutt, de- reased: Mrs. Margaret Haver, deceased; Mrs. Isabelle Kline. deceased : Mrs. Sarah Ann Curl, deceased ; Mrs. Libby Haver, deerased : William, deceased ; James, deceased; Samuel Jackson, who at the age of seventy-eight years re- sides in Wyoming. Stark county. flinois: Henry S .. of this review: and one half brother, Abel Young Rice, deceased. All of these children were born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, with the exception of our subject.
Up to 1863 Henry S. Rice followed agricultural pursuits but in that year, removing to Peoria county, Illinois, enlisted in Company A with the One Ilundred and Fifty-first Ilinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, under Cap- tain Andrews, and served with distinction until the close of the Civil war. Ile was mustered ont at Columbus, Georgia, JJanuary 24, 1866, and. return- ing to Peoria, remained there until 1870, in which year he removed to Appa- noose county, lowa, and there engaged in farming. In 1876 he came to Wayne county, following his occupation until his removal to Humeston in 1894. His farm consisted of two hundred and fifty-seven acres of rich and fertile land in Clay township and to its cultivation and improvement he gave his whole attention, instituting a member of improvements which have made the place one of the most valuable in this section. He also interested himself largely in stock-raising. specializing in full-blooded shorthorn eattle and Poland China hogs and deriving from this branch of his efforts a gratifying income. In 1894 he sold his farming interests and removed to Humeston, where he
167
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
purchased a comfortable home where he and his wife now spend their deelin- ing days in rest and comfort well earned. He has also other city property,
Mr. Rice was married on December 12, 1867. to Mrs. Elizabeth (Curl) Sharpneek, who was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, April 22, 1844. Her parents were Membrance and Emeline ( Anderson) Curl, natives of Penn- sylvania, the latter being born JJune 7, 1820. The father passed away at Hopeville, Clarke county, Iowa, in 1901, but the mother is still surviving at the age of ninety-three years and makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Rice of this review. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Curl were the following children : John, residing at Indianola, lowa; Membranee, who makes his home near Cincinnati, Appanoose county, this state; William, of Wellman, lowa: Alex- ander and Corwin, deceased: Mrs. Henry S. Rice: Mrs. Airie Anderson, of Union county, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Beal, a resident of Peoria county, Ilinois; Mrs. Charlotte Hudson, residing at Cincinnati, Appanoose county, this state; and Mrs. Rachel Fritz, of Washington county, lowa. The four eldest of these children were born in Pennsylvania but the younger ones are natives of Peoria county, Ilinois. Mrs. Rice by a former union was the mother of one son, Wil- liam Sharpneck, born September 30, 1862, who resides in Davis county, Iowa.
Mr. and Mrs. Rice were the parents of nine children, eight of whom are living : George Henry, born August 4, 1869, who resides near Omaha, Nebraska ; James Alexander, who was born November 15, 1872, and makes his home in Oregon ; Theodore, born in April, 1874, residing at home: Thomas Newton, born September 4. 1875. a resident of Little Rock, Arkansas: Mrs. Sarah Am Steere, born January 3. 1879, who resides in St. Paul, Minnesota, where her husband is manager of a large pickle factory; Emma, born July 7, 1881, who is attending a training school for nurses in Valparaiso, Indiana; John. de- ceased ; Roy, born September 7, 1886, who resides at St. Paul, Minnesota : and Mrs. Laura Syres, born September 15, 1888, a resident of Centerville. this state. George llenry Rice, the eldest child, is a native of Illinois, while the two next in order of birth were born in Appanoose county, lowa, and the younger ones in Wayne county. Miss Emma Rice was one of the most sue- cessful teachers in the state, being employed for a number of years in various of the leading high schools before undertaking the study of mirsing. Mr. Riee determined that all his children should receive the very best education that the community afforded, as his own advantages along that line in his boyhood were sadly neglected. This was one of the reasons that decided him to move into Humeston, and he can find pride in the fact that he has sent forth all of his children well equipped for the battle of life.
Mr. Riee gives his allegiance to the democratic party and has always taken a deep and active interest in all matters concerning public affairs. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Humeston and he belongs to the Wayne Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. where he delights to meet his former comrades in arms. Not only have his life labors constituted a valuable part of the development of Wayne county along agri- cultural lines but the country honors in him one of those who willingly offered their services at a critical period in the history of the country for the preserva- tion of the Union. Although seventy-two years of age, he still interests him- self in all matters which eoncern the city in which he makes his home and
16%
LECAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
gives his support to all those measures which he deems beneficial. His has been a busy and useful life which has been a serviceable factor in the growth and upbuilding of Wayne county, and although there have been no spectac- ular phases in his life record his history is one which may well inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished when energy and ambi- tion lead the way.
JAMES G. GIVENS.
The late James G. Givens, who was prominently connected with agricultural interests of Wayne county for a number of years, attained prosperity and a life's competence by industry and energy. He was born in Ohio, December 23, 1836, a son of George and Martha ( Rae) Givens, both natives of that state. where the father followed general agricultural pursuits.
James G. Givens was reared at home, where he early became acquainted with the work of the farm under his father's guidance, and received a country school education. He subsequently cultivated his own property in that state but in 1876 traded his Ohio farm for one in Wayne county. Iowa, upon which he located in that year. Here he successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1889. when he removed to Seymour, where he thereafter lived until he passed away. June 9, 1909.
On December 4, 1860. Mr. Givens married Miss Rebecca Collison, a native of Ohio and a daughter of William and Mary ( Adams) Collison, the former of whom was a farmer of that state. Mr. and Mrs. Givens had three children. John has passed away. Martha Ellen married John Brooks, formerly a carpenter. and she is the mother of six children. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks now make their home on a farm near Seymour. Margaret E. married Charles Mumby, and they have one son. They make their home on the old farm. Mrs Givens is a member of the I'nited Brethren church.
JOHN WILLIAM BREWER.
John William Brewer, who is now living retired in Corydon. for more than a quarter of a century was actively identified with the agricultural de- velopment of Wayne county, where he owns three hundred and sixty aeres of highly enltivated and well improved land. He is a member of an old New York family, his father. David Brewer. having been born in Elmira, that state, his natal year being 1818. His education was acquired in the common schools of the Empire state and there he also qualified himself for an agri- enltural career. In early manhood he went to Ohio, first locating in the vicinity of Portsmouth, that state. After three years residence there he de- vided to continue his journey westward to Illinois, where he settled in 1841. Tle filed on some land in Fulton county. near Farmington, and as his ciren- stances permitted increased his holdings until he owned about two hundred
169
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
and fifty aeres. He continued to make his home in that state until his death, which occurred in 1893. It was in Ohio he met and married Miss Rebecca Pieket, who was born in Seioto county, that state, in 1819, and passed away in Illinois in 1888. Our subjeet is the eldest of the seven children born of this marriage, the other members of the family being as follows: Eleanor, who passed away in 1910, the deceased wife of Captain A. W. Dum: Emma, who first married J. O. Smith and after his death became the wife of E. II. Scales, of Corydon: one who died in infancy: Hattie, the wife of I. L. Scales, of Corydon ; Milton, who is residing on the old homestead in tllinois; and Amer- iea, who is deceased.
John William Brewer was reared in very much the same manner as the sons of other pioneer farmers of Illinois. At the usual age he began his edu- cation in the district schools, and being the eldest son was early called upon to assist with the work of the farm. When he was sixteen he entered Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois, and later became a student of Oberlin College, in Ohio. He was a student of the latter institution during the Civil war and in May, 1864, enlisted as a member of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Ohio In- fantry, remaining at the front until August, 1864. Upon receiving his dis- charge he returned to Illinois and then resumed his studies at Oberlin Col- lege, graduating with the class of 1865. Subsequently he took up the study of medicine at. Charity Hospital Medical College, Cleveland, Ohio, but never completed his professional studies. He acted as house physician at the United States Marine Hospital at Cleveland, Ohio, for the year 1866-67. After coming to Iowa he engaged in teaching for a time, but during the greater part of his active life his energies have been devoted to farming. In 1871, he bought two hundred acres of land in Union township, this county, and indus- triously applied himself to its improvement and cultivation. Hle met with snecess in his undertakings and later extended the boundaries of his home- stead until it comprised three hundred and sixty aeres. There he followed general farming and stock-raising until 1896, when he retired from active life and removed with his family to Corydon. In 1900 he was appointed by Leslie M. Shaw as delegate to the Farmers' National Congress and in 1902 the same honor was conferred upon him by Governor Albert Cummins, which shows the wide recognition given his accurate knowledge of agricultural needs and conditions. Mr. Brewer is a practical man of enterprising methods and during the long period of his active career wrought a marvelous improvement in his farm, on which he erected substantial buildings and introduced various modern conveniences, thus enhancing its value as well as appearance.
In Washington, Iowa, on the 9th of November, 1871, Mr. Brewer was mar- ried to Miss Ella M. Taylor, a daughter of Harvey and Eleanor (Squires) Tay- lor, who were natives of the state of New York, having been reared in the vicinity of Elmira, whenee they removed to Ohio, coming from the latter state to Wash- ington county, lowa. in 1847. The father was a farmer, but he also took an active interest in public affairs and served for twenty years as justice of the peace in Ohio-and likewise in lowa, being one of the well known pioneers of this section. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Brewer being the youngest of the five who are living. In order of birth the others are as follows: B. H. Taylor, a resident of Minburn. lowa; David, who is living
170
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
in Nebraska; Addison, of Parkston, South Dakota; and Mrs. 1. N. Carr of Wellman, lowa. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer have had five children: Martin T .. who was born on the 1st of September, 1872. a practicing physician of De- Soto. lowa: Frederick, whose natal day was the 21st of January. 1874. now residing in Fredonia. Kansas: Bessie, the deceased wife of William A. Mor- gan, Jr., of Corydon, who was born on the 23d of November, 1875, and died on the 2d of July, 1910; Sylvia, who was born in 1883 and died in 1888: and Walter L., whose birth occurred on December 14, 1885. now operating the old homestead as his father's partner.
The family are members of the Christian church at Corydon, and fra- ternally Mr. Brewer is affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic, and is a member of Robert Jackson Post, Corydon. He supports the republican party. and while residing in Union township held various minor offices. Mr. Brewer enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance in Wayne county, where he has many friends who through the long period of his residence here have had ample apportunity to test the true worth of his character.'
LEE W. LUGAR.
Among the most progressive and successful young farmers and stock-rais- ers of Lucas county is numbered Lee W. Lugar, who owns one hundred and twelve and two-fifths acres of choice land lying on sections 23 and 26, Union township. He is a native of lowa, born in Clarke county, June 18, 1885, a son of Enoch C. and Rosetta (Poston) Lugar, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Clarke county, lowa. The father now resides in Kansas City, Missouri, having survived his wife. who passed away in Clarke county in 1886. To their union were born two children: Lee W., of this review: and Calvin C., who died at the age of six months.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.