USA > Iowa > Lucas County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 18
USA > Iowa > Wayne County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 18
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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
When Lee W. Lugar was eighteen months old his mother died and he was taken into the home of William E. Wyatt, where he grew to manhood. He acquired his education in the publie schools of Derby and at an early age he- rame familiar with the best agricultural methods, turning his attention to farming when he began his independent career. He owns today a fine farm of one hundred and twelve and two-fifths acres on sections 23 and 26. Union township. He has made extensive improvements upon this property, erecting substantial buildings and installing modern machinery. His stock-raising in- terests are extensive and Mr. Lugar's attention is centered today in this branch of his business, he having the melens of one of the best herds of Poland China hogs to be found in Lucas county.
In October, 1905, Mr. Lugar was nited in marriage to Miss Bertha O. Rash, who was born in Lucas county, lowa. August 27. 1887. She is a daughter of Fountain F. and Mary ( Martin) Rash, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Virginia. They moved to Lucas county at an earlys date and here Mrs. Lugar grew to womanhood. acquiring her education in the common schools. Her father has passed away, his death having occurred in Derby, and her mother resides in Montana. To their union were born nine children : William, who
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resides in Montana : Mrs. Susie Poundstone, of Reed Point. that state: Mrs. Luey Catron, of Bozeman, Montana : Irvin, of Reed Point, Montana ; Mrs. Belle Thomp- son, of Chariton, lowa : John. of Reed Point, Montana; Mrs. Alice Darrah, of Lucas county, this state; Elmer, of Reed Point, Montana; and Mrs. Lugar, wife of the subject of this review. Of these children the six oldest were born in Kentucky and the others in Lucas and Wayne counties, lowa. Mr. and Mrs. Lugar have become the parents of a son, Vertle De Verne, whose natal day was Angust 16, 1912.
Mrs. Lugar is a member of the Presbyterian church. She and her husband belong to the Yeomen at Derby and he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of that city. IIe is independent in his political beliefs, inter- ested in men and measures rather than parties. Although still a young man he is an unusually successful one and has already made tangible and substan- tial contributions to the agricultural development of this section of the state.
DANIEL C. KINGERY.
Among the prominent and successful business men of Seymour is Daniel C. Kingery, who in partnership with N. P. Latimer conducts a large dry-goods store in the city. IIe is a native of lowa, born in Adair county in 1873, and is a son of Andrew J. and Sarah ( Eshelman) Kingery, natives of Pennsyl- vania. The family is of Pennsylvania Dutch origin, the father of our subject being a son of Ephraim Kingery, of Pennsylvania. Andrew J. Kingery moved to Illinois at an early date and there engaged in farming and merchandising until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted in Company I, Fifty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years and three months. After the elose of hostilities he returned to Illinois but in 1868 came to lowa, locating in Tama county and later in Adair county, at Greenfield, where he resided until his death. His widow survives.
Daniel C. Kingery is one of a family of eleven children, four of whom have passed away. He acquired his edueation in the public schools of Adair county and afterward learned the printing trade. He spent one year engaged in railroad work and then went to Grinnell. Iowa, where for a number of years he elerked in a general store. Mr. Kingery then went to Centerville and from Centerville came to Seymour, locating in this city in March, 1906. At that date he formed a partnership with N. P. Latimer, of Centerville, and together they opened a general store, with which they have since been con- nected. Their building is thirty-six by one hundred feet and is well furnished, being equipped with everything necessary for the successful management of an enterprise of this character. Every department is well managed. the stock is always tastefully arranged and the lines kept new and complete. In fact the concern has many of the aspects of a modern metropolitan depart- ment store, much of the eredit for its excellent condition being due to Mr. Kingery, who has proven himself an able, resourceful and enterprising busi- ness man of great power and executive force.
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On the 26th of September. 1906, Mr. Kingery married Miss Jessie E. Whittaker, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and they have become the parents of three children. Fraternally Mr. Kingery belongs to the Masonic lodge. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party but has never been eager for office, preferring to perform his public service in other ways. He is inter- ested in the welfare of Seymour and as the years have gone by has won a creditable position as a valued citizen and business man.
ALFRED J. WOODMAN.
Since 1873 Alfred J. Woodman has been in the hardware. furniture and undertaking business in Russell, and during the intervening years has secured an enviable reputation for integrity and honor in all business relations. He was born in Somerset county. Maine. August 23. 1851, and is a son of John and Rebecca J. Woodman, natives of Maine, where the father engaged in farming and also in surveying for a number of years. He was well known in local poli- ties, holding a number of county offices, and was numbered among the represent- ative men of Somerset county. Both parents passed away in Russell. On the paternal side the family is of oll American establishment. representatives of the line having landed at Newbray in 1635. There is still in the possession of Alfred J. Woodman a deed conveying property from Richard Hopkins to the Woodman family. The subject of this review is of the ninth generation of the American branch and is one of five children born to his parents. The others were Dr. J. W. Woodman. Mrs. Eliza . Fogg. Mrs. Abbie Eaton and Eben. all of whom have passed away.
Alfred JJ. Woodman was reared in his native county, acquiring his education in the public schools and in an academy in Maine. After completing his studies he came in 1873 to Russell, this county, where he established himself in the hardware, furniture and undertaking business. continuing thus to the present time. He carries a full line of shelf and heavy hardware. farm implements and machinery, and has the best selected stock of furniture in this part of the county. His undertaking business is also well managed and the entire concern is large and important. Mr. Woodman established the first hardware store in Russell and the years since that time have brought him constantly increasing success and prominence, so that he is classed today with the progressive and representative business men of the city.
In Russell, September 1. 1875, Mr. Woodman was united in marriage to Miss Alice Butts, who was born in Cuba. New York, March 30. 1852. She is a dangh- ter of b. A. and Margaret (Young) Butts, the former of whom was born in New York. June 8, 1825, and the latter in Herkimer county. New York state, September 8th, 1-28. The family came west in 1867 and settled in Cedar township upon a farm which the father cultivated for many years. He was a captain in the Eighty-fifth New York Vohmteer Infantry during the Civil war. receiving bis honorable discharge at the close of hostilities. His death occurred in Russell on December 30, 1910. His wife survives him. Mr. and Mrs. Batts be- rame the parents of four children: Mrs. Woodman, wife of the subject of this
ALFRED J. WOODMAN
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review : Edward, who was born February 7, 1854, and who resides in New York city ; Charlotte. born January 9, 1860, living with her mother in Russell; and Harry Martin, who was born October 1, 1870. and who is now a well known cap- italist in the City of Mexico. Mr. and Mrs. Woodman have become the parents of six children : Mrs. Abbie Boyd, of Russell. born September 1, 1876: Edward, who was born July 28. 1880, and who is now a resident of Denver, Colorado : Bertha, who was born September 14. 1885, and resides in Russell : Arthur, whose birth ocenrred April 6, 1889, and who is teaching in the State University of Minne- sota ; Helen, who was born September 11, 1891, and who is attending Knox Col- lege at Galesburg, Illinois; and John Herbert, born November 29, 1897. All of these children attended the common schools in Russell and Arthur is a graduate of the Towa State Agricultural College at Ames. He is now a professor in the University of Minnesota. Edward supplemented his public school education by a course in Des Moines College.
Mr. Woodman is a member of the Baptist church at Russell and was formerly identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has held a number of town and township offices, his official record being characterized always by energetic and farsighted work in the public service. He is a broad-minded and liberal man. always ready to lend his aid or material support to any worthy publie enterprise, and during his forty years' residence in Russell he has made many substantial contributions to community advancement and progress.
EVAN S. EVANS.
Evan S. Evans, who since 1912 has been a resident of Humeston, to which city he removed so his younger daughter could have the advantages of a higher education, still owns and superintends his farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 3. Clay township, and section 34, Richman township. Having been a resident of Wayne county for fifty-five years. he is one of the pioneers of this section. of the development of which he has been an interested witness and an active participant, and yet has another claim to distinction. for he is one of those who at the time of the Civil war douned the blue and shouldered arms in defense of the Union.
Mr. Evans was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, August 31, 1846. a son of Jeremiah and Fannie ( Rolando Evans, both natives of Bedford county, Pennsylvania. where the father was born August 25. 1820, and the mother in 1824. The parents came west at an early day and settled at Bloomfield, Davis county. Iowa, whence they removed, March 1, 1858, to a farm in Walnut town- ship, Wayne county, this state. two and a half miles north of Seymour. There the father followed agricultural pursuits, becoming one of the substantial and prosperous farmers of the vicinity. Both of the parents lived there for the rest of their lives, the father passing away in April, 1898. the mother having pre- ceded him in death, her demise occurring in August. 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Evans were the parents of seven children, of whom our subject is the eldest. The others are: Mrs. Emma Guthrie. of Oklahoma; Daniel, who
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resides near Seymour, lowa; Mrs. Margaret Harrison, a resident of Spo- kane, Washington; Mrs. Mary Gump, also of that city: Samson 11., residing in Ottumwa, lowa; and Manuel, who resides on a part of the old Evans home- stead two and a half miles north of Seymour. The four eldest children, inchiding our subject, are natives of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, but the three younger members of the family were born near Seymour. lowa. At the time the family settled there primitive conditions still prevailed, as there were no railroads and the first homesteads were sparse and far apart.
Evan S. Evans was reared under the parental roof, receiving his educa- tion in his native county and the early pioneer schools of Davis county, lowa, whence he had removed with his parents in 1858. settling with them in Walnut township. Wayne county. He subsequently attended business college, gradu- ating therefrom in June. 1874. Studions of mind and fond of reading. his education was far above the average and fitted him well for school teach- ing, which profession he followed for the following thirteen years in Wal- mut township, although he followed agricultural pursuits at the same time during the summer months. On April 1. 1878. he removed to a farm on sec- tion 3. Clay township. and this was his homestead, on which the family grew up, until his removal to Humeston on December 15, 1912. in order that the youngest daughter of the family might have the advantages of a high-school education.
On May 30, 1864, Mr. Evans enlisted with the Union forces in Company H. Forty-sixth lowa Infantry, doing valiant service with his company and participating in a number of engagements until he was finally discharged with honor on September 23, 1864, returning thereupon to Walnut town- ship to again follow his precious calling. In 1878, when he came to Clay town- ship, he possessed himself of two hundred and forty acres of choice land located in that and Richman townships and thereon he followed agricultural pursuits, making improvements which have made the farm one of the most prosperous and profitable in the district. He has always followed progres- sive methods in cultivating the soil and has also given intelligent attention to stock-raising. attaining highly satisfactory results along both lines of endeavor.
An early incident in the life history of Mr. Evans which vividly stands forth in his memory occurred April 15. 1865. when with a neighbor by the name of Guthrie he was captured by a gang of bandits, who the day before had robbed a stage near Seymour and had captured Mr. Evans and Mr. Guth- rie to art for them as guides in this strange country. The highwaymen were intercepted in their flight to Missouri, north of Kirksville, and although the vigilance committee did not capture the culprits, they made prisoners of Mr. Evans and Mr. Guthrie instead and would have hanged both of them in short order if it had not been for one of the committee, who, on questioning Mr. Evans, became convinced that he was telling a truthful story, as he himself could vouch for some of the facts which Mr. Evans gave concerning the place and the people of the community where they claimed to have been taken captive. When they were overtaken by the posse they were roughly dragged from their horses and ropes were nneoiled and the party was ready for the exception when the parley ensued, with the result that when the
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above mentioned gentleman firmly announced that he would hold the whole party responsible should they proceed with their threats, the execution was abandoned and they were liberated; but Mr. Evans is firmly convinced that he was never nearer death than at that moment.
On March 21, 1878. Mr. Evans married Mary AA. Gump, who was born in Monongalia county, West Virginia. February 25, 1853, and who had come with her family to Wayne county. lowa, in 1876, where they subsequently lived for many years. The father, Peter Gump, was a native of Pennsylvania, born Octo- ber 31, 1825. and the mother was Catharine (Park) Gump, born March 6. 1830, and who died in West Virginia. Jannary 29, 1874. In their family were eleven children. all of whom were natives of West Virginia. They were: Engens, born April 25, 1848, residing in Walnut township: William Andrew, born June 25, 1849, a resident of Spokane, Washington ; Mrs. Prudence Park. deceased. born March 11. 1851 : Mrs. Evans. the wife of our subject ; Mrs. Rachel Masters, born March 22, 1856, residing in Walnut township: Mrs. Sarah L. Bumgardner, born October 18, 1857, of Numa ; James F .. born October 5, 1859. who resides in Mannington, West Virginia : Peter 1 .. deceased ; Mrs. Rusina Alice Tuttle, deceased, born August 10, 1866; Mrs. Amanda Linnville, born April 25, 1868. of Mannington, West Virginia : and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Evans were the parents of seven children, as follows : Mrs. Fannie C. Yelland, born JJanuary 7, 1879, who in the acquirement of her edneation attended high school at Ilumeston and for about two years Simpson College and is now a resident of Belen, New Mexico; Melvin J., born July 2. 1880, who manages the old homestead farm in Clay township; a daughter, born March 15, 1882, who died on August 12th of the same year; James P., who was born June 15, 1884, and died September 17th of the following year; W. Ray, born August 8, 1886. residing on a part of the home farm in Clay township : Mrs. Rachel Lee Williams. born April 24. 1890. of Richman township: and Hattie A., who was born May 27. 1894, and graduated in June, 1913. from the Humeston high school and is now teaching in Richman township.
Mr. Evans affiliates with the republican party and has always taken a deep interest in all matters of publie importance. For six years he has served as justice of the peace in Clay township and during his term of office has received high commendation on account of his capability, his fairness and impartiality. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Maple Grove, Clay township. in the work of which organization they take an active and helpf'n! interest. giving thereto moral and material support, the parents being charter members of the congregation. Mr. Evans keeps in contact with his comrades of the war through membership in Wayne Post of the Grand Army of the Republie at Humeston. Appreciating the necessity of a good education, he and his wife have given their children all the privileges the neighborhood affords and two of them, in addition to a regular school education, have attended Simpson College at Indianola, lowa. Among the many relies and papers which Mr. Evans prizes highly there is none to which he attaches more value than his first-class teacher's certificate, which was issued to him in 1874. Both Mr. and Mrs. Evans are prominent in the social circles of the city where they now live and the county and are highly esteemed for their many good qualities of mind and character. He has not only been an interested witness of the onward march of
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civilization in this county but in true pioneer spirit has cooperated ever since his arrival here, fifty-five years ago, in the advancement of growth and develop- ment. Whatever measures are undertaken to benefit the people find in him a champion and supporter and he was among the first signers to petition for rural free delivery in this part of the county. All of the family are well read and fond of good literature, making ready use of the choice library which Mr. Evans has accumulated in a lifetime. Besides his valuable farm of two hundred and forty aeres, which is equipped with two sets of improvements and wherefrom he receives a gratifying income, he also owns valuable residence property in Humeston, including his own modern home.
JOHN 11. MATKIN.
John Il. Matkin, who for sixteen years was closely and influentially connected with business interests of Seymour and previous to that time a prominent factor in agricultural cireles of Wayne county. is living retired. having won case, rest and comfort by straightforward and worthy work in the past. He was born in Putnam county, Indiana, in April, 1849, and is a son of John R. and Elizabeth ( Woolrey) Matkin, natives of the same section. On the paternal side Mr. Matkin is of Irish ancestry but his maternal ancestors were of Dutch and Welsh descent. The father of our subject left Indiana at an early date and brought his family to Illinois, where he engaged in farming successfully for three years. In 1954 he came to Appanoose county among the early settlers and there entered govern- ment land, acquiring over four hundred aeres which he developed and improved until his retirement. He moved into Seymour eventually and purchased forty aeres just adjoining the town, upon which he lived until his death, which occurred on the 19th of November. 1906. His town property has now all been sold as residence lots. John R. Matkin was during his life one of the most prominent and successful men in this part of lowa and naturally was brought into important relations with the public life of his community. For two terms he served as mayor of Seymour upon the republican ticket, giving to the city a straightforward. progressive and businesslike administration. Fraternally he was connected with the Masonic order, holding membership in the lodge, and his religions views were in accord with the doctrines of the Methodist church. He was married four times and became the father of seven children, of whom only three are now living.
John Il. Matkin acquired his education in the public schools of lowa and spent his childhood upon his father's farm. When he began his active career he purchased two hundred acres of the oldl homestead and upon this tract of land engaged successfully in general agricultural pursuits until 1885, when he moved into Seymour in order to engage in business. For sixteen years thereafter he was prominent in business cireles of the community. for he soon proved himself resourceful and reliable and able to carry forward to sue- cessful completion the projects which he undertook. At first he opened a res- tamrant but disposed of this in order to conduct a grocery store and finally he became the proprietor of one of the finest general merchandise establishments in the city. All of his business affairs were conducted in a straightforward
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and progressive way and as a result Mr. Matkin acquired a substantial fortune which has enabled him to retire and spend the later years of his life in ease and comfort. In Seymour he built a beautiful home in which he resides and which he has made a hospitable meeting-place for his many friends. During the period of his residence here he has ereeted and soll a great number of residences and business buildings and has also dealt extensively in city property.
Mr. Matkin has been married three times. Ilis first union occurred on the 19th of June. 1870. when he wedded Miss Catherine Manning, who died on the 9th of April, 1877. On March 6, 1880. Mr. Matkin married Miss Sarah Runnells, who passed away on the 22d of July. 1887. Mr. Matkin's third marriage occurred on June 19, 1910, when he wedded Miss Melissa Walters, of Seymour. He is the father of three children by his first wife and two by his second union, all of whom are now deceased except Mrs. Augustus Erwin, who resides in Washing- ton. Mr. and Mrs. Matkin are devont members of the Methodist church. Mr. Matkin gives his allegiance to the republican party and takes an active interest in the affairs of the community, although this never takes the form of office seeking. He is a man of keen business insight and progressive spirit and these qualities, which have dominated and influenced his business career, have been the chief factors in gaining for him the rest and retirement he is now enjoying.
LEMUEL KIMPLE.
Lemuel Kimple, of Corydon, is a man of large affairs who is not only one of the large land owners of Wayne county but is also. as a result of his activities along agricultural lines, interested in a number of banks in this section of the state, and he has handled large quantities of grain, buying and selling this commodity. Moreover, he has attained high rank and prominence in Masonie circles. He was born in West Virginia, November 29, 1850. a son of George and Margaret (Lutes) Gartland Kimple. The father was born in the state of New Jersey, in August, 1812, and was only six years of age when the grand- father died, leaving a family of nine children of whom the father was the seventh in order of birth. Early in life he had to depend upon himself for his support and as soon as he had finished his edneation he apprenticed himself to the tailoring trade and having acquired a thorough knowledge of the details of the business opened a shop at Harmony. New Jersey. In 1837 he removed to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1839, when another change of residence was made to Marshall county, West Virginia. Arriving in that state he gave up his trade and located on a farm which he improved and cultivated until his death. He was twice married, wedding in 1833 a Miss Foster, who passed away several years later in early womanhood. In 1845 he married Mrs. Margaret Gartland, who was a Miss Lutes before her first marriage. Mr. Kimple was the father of ten children, seven of whom were born of his second marriage, and of this number five are now living.
Lemuel Kimple received his early education in the subscription schools near his father's home in West Virginia, walking during the winter for three months two miles every day to the schoolhouse. During the summer seasons he worked
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on the farm of his father, acquainting himself with the methods of agriculture. In 1876 he came to lowa and bought a fraet of land at nine dollars per aere which only six months later he sold. practically doubling his investment, at a price of seventeen dollars per acre. Ever since he came to this state he has been largely engaged in farming, following systematic and progressive methods, and has achieved success in this line by his industry and energy, investing his profits in land as opportunity favored, and he is now the owner of eighteen hundred acres of valuable agricultural property in this county. As his income has increased he has made profitable investments along the banking line, holding a large block of stock in the First National Bank of Corydon, in the affairs of which institution he takes active participation as vice president, and the sound- ness and stability of this bank and its yearly increasing business is in no small measure due to the wise counsel of Mr. Kimple in his capacity as an officer of the same. He is also interested to a considerable extent in the Allerton State Bank and the Ohio State Savings Bank. While he has made farming the principal occupation of his life he has branched out in a line of business which is intimately connected with this activity, that of dealing in grain, and for eighteen years has bought and sold large quantities of this commodity at Harvard. lowa. Along lines with which he has occupied himself his work has always been of a high order and he has been actuated by that laudable ambition which invariably results in success. His activities, however, have been largely constructive in the development of the agricultural resources of this section and therefore have greatly contributed to growth and expansion.
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