USA > Iowa > Lucas County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 24
USA > Iowa > Wayne County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 24
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JOHN JJ. GEORGE.
Union township numbers among its valued and worthy residents, JJohn J. George, who came to this part of lowa in 1873. Since that time his energetic publie spirit and his loyalty in citizenship have been felt as forces in politics and in the promotion of progressive publie projects, and his labors in the culti- vation of his fine farm on section 24 as elements in agrienlinral development, and he stands today among the men of marked ability and substantial worth in this community. He was born in Bristol county, Massachusetts, February 10. 1848, and is a son of Henry and Sarah ( Hartley) George, natives of England, the former born in Nottingham, May 1. 1818, and the latter in Stock- port, May 24. of the same year, this being also the anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth. The parents came to America at an early date and settled for a time in Massachusetts, whence they came west in Isas. locating in Rock Island county, Illinois, After two years they moved to Mercer county, in the same state, settling in I'nion township, Lucas county, in 1873. The father's death occurred in Derby. He had been trained to the mechanic's trade in England
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and knew nothing of farming when he turned his attention to agricultural pur- suits in Rock Island county, Illinois, but he made up for defects in skill by industry, perseverance and determination and in time became one of the sub- stantial and prosperous men of this community. His wife has also passed away, her death having likewise oeenrred in Derby. They were the parents of four children. all born in Massachusetts: John J., of this review: Albert L., who was born February 26. 1851, and who died in Lucas county, 1906; Frank HI., whose birth occurred Angust 4, 1854, and who resides in Archie, Missouri; and Rowland F., who has passed away.
John J. George was ten years of age when he left Massachusetts and came with his parents to Rock Island county, Illinois, and he accompanied them in their later removals, coming to Union township, Lucas county, in 1873. Since that time he has remained an honored and respected resident of this part of Jowa and the section owes a great deal of its development and growth along agricultural lines to his energy and well directed labors. In addition to a comfortable and well furnished home in Derby he owns one hundred and forty- five acres of choice land on section 24, Union township, and gives a great deal of time to its management, its excellent condition at the present time reflecting the many years of careful supervision and practical labor which have been spent upon it. Mr. George is numbered among the progressive and substantial agriculturists of this locality and while promoting his individual prosperity has made substantial contributions to general agricultural development.
It is not alone along this line however that Mr. George has done splendid work for Union township, for sinee taking up his residence here he has been active in politics and his name stands today for all that is progressive and publie-spirited in matters of citizenship. For a number of years he has served as justice of the peace and during his term of office has tried two hundred and fifty-seven cases without having one appealed. He has been a member of the Derby school board and was for nine years president of that body, the cause of education finding in him an earnest and able champion. He was appointed notary publie by Governor Sherman and served two terms as mayor of Derby, giving to the city a constructive, efficient and businesslike administration. Move- ments looking towards the permanent interests of his township and county never seek his aid in vain and he is always to be found among the leaders in the pro- motion of progressive publie projects.
In Mercer county, Illinois, on the 5th of November, 1871, Mr. George was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Dunn, who was there born on the 8th of May, 1851. She died in Derby on the 12th of December, 1904. To this union were born seven children: Elsie E., who was born August 5, 1872. and died in Derby : Mrs. Celia W. Conner, who was born February 15, 1874, now residing in Union township: Mrs. Bertha Shelton, whose birth occurred February 26, 1876, and who resides in Chariton, lowa ; W. Benjamin, who was born February 19, 1879, engaged in the barber business in Derby; Charlie H., who was born August 29, 1884, and who has passed away ; Loy IL, who was born May 20, 1894, and Ilomer D., born December 8, 1895, both of whom are assisting their father with the operation of the homestead.
On the Ist of January, 1906, Mr. George was again married, his second union being with Sophia Johnson, who was born in Rock Island county, Illinois.
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May 17, 1867, a daughter of Robert and Mary Jane Johnson, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Illinois. Both died in Rock Island county. They had four children: Mrs. George, the wife of the subject of this review : Robert J., a resident of Rock Island county, Ilinois; John W., also of Rock Island county ; and Mrs. Lizzie Hicks, of Montezuma, lowa. Mrs. George has been twice married and has two children by her former union. She and her Imsband have become the parents of a son. Russell .L., who was born November 22, 1906.
Mr. George is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Derby and fraternally is connected with the Yeomen lodge. For thirty-one years he belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was well known in the affairs of the local branch of that organization. He is fond of the best literature and is a wide reader. the library in his home containing a large and well selected assort- ment of books. A progressive. publie-spirited and representative citizen, he has worked unselfishly for the best interests of the community and has placed them always before personal benefit. In the township where he has so long resided he has become widely and favorably known, his success commanding the respect of his associates and his sterling qualities of character winning him the esteem and good-will of his many friends.
WALTER P. WOLVERTON.
Walter P. Wolverton. a successful and representative citizens of Derby, is actively engaged in the real-estate and insurance business and also superintends the operation of his farm of four hundred and eighty arres in Franklin township, Clarke county. His birth occurred in that township on the 14th of December, 1876, his parents being John and Rebecca Jane (Swinchart ) Wolverton, both natives of Ohio. The father was born in Sycamore on the 14th of February. 1829, while the mother's natal day was June 29. 1833. In 1853 they took up their abode among the pioneer residents of Decatur county, lowa, settling on a farm three miles west of Garden Grove, where John Wolverton followed general agricultural pursuits for one season. They then resided on a farm northeast of Garden Grove for four years and then purchased a tract of land in Clarke ronnty which is still in possession of the family. They made their home thereon until 1896 and next removed to Le Roy, where they remained until 1904. I that year they took up their abode in Derby, where John Wolverton passed away December 17. 1907. His widow now makes her home with her son Walter. They were the parents of six children, as follows: Mrs. Margaret Jane Canfield. who was born on the 10th of May, 1853, and passed away in 1878; Lonise. born January 7. 1855, whose demise occurred on the 9th of January of that year: Mrs. Dora E. Wyatt, who was born on the 4th of May. 1856, and resides in Derby : Samuel Byron, born June 30, 1859, who is deceased: JJohn K., whose birth occurred April 15. 1870, and whose residence is at Stoutsville, Missouri : and Walter P., of this review. The above named were all born and reared in łowa.
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Walter P. Wolverton grew to manhood in Clarke county, attending the common schools in the acquirement of an education and also pursuing his studies in Simpson College for a year. He was a young man of twenty years when the family home was established in Le Roy, and in 1899 he came to Derby, here being engaged in the mercantile business for five years. Subsequently he spent a year on the old homestead in Clarke county and then returned to Derby to embark in the real-estate and insurance business, in which he has been successfully engaged to the present time. In addition to his modern and commodious residence at Derby he owns a well improved farm of four hundred and eighty acres of rich and productive land in Franklin township, Clarke county, superintending its operation in connection with his other business interests.
On the 7th of June, 1898, at Derby, Iowa, Mr. Wolverton was united in marriage to Miss Anna O. Johnson, who was born in that town on the 25th of June, 1879. grew to womanhood in Union township and acquired her edneation in the public schools here. Her parents, A. G. and Gustave (Brown) Johnson, are natives of Sweden. the former born on the 29th of September, 1848, and the latter on the 30th of September, 1847. A. G. Johnson crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1869 and from May until November of that year resided in Chicago. He then took up his abode in Lucas county. lowa. and has remained within its borders continuously since. having been engaged in the shoemaking and harness-making business at Derby to the present time. Unto him and his wife were born the following children : Mrs. Ellen Marie Wyatt, who is deceased ; Mrs. F. C. Wyatt, of Derby ; Charles J., who was born in 1876 and resides in Derby ; Mrs. Anna Wolverton ; one who has passed away; and David E .. who makes his home in Derby. All of these children were born and reared in Lueas county. Mr. and Mrs. Wolverten have three children, namely : Mona Marie, whose birth occurred on the 3d of September. 1899; Thurman J., born July 28, 1902; and Pauline, whose natal day was December 1. 1904. All are natives of Derby and are now attending the public schools of that town.
Mr. Wolverton is a stanch republican in politics and has served as a member of the town council and in the capacity of town clerk for a number of years. Tle has been a member of the school board for four terms and is serving thereon at the present time. Mr. Wolverton and his family belong to the Presbyterian church at Derby. Both he and his wife have spent their entire lives in this section of the state and have a cirele of friends which is almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
O. T. SKIDMORE.
A resident of Lucas, Jackson township, lowa, of which he is a native, and a faithful and efficient government employe connected with the railway mail service between Chicago and Council Bluffs, O. T. Skidmore is highly esteemed and respected for his many commendable qualities of character. Born September 12. 1882. he comes of a well known family, more extended mention of whom is made in connection with the sketch of J. T. Skidmore. He grew to manhood in Lucas, where he attended the common schools and completed his course in
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the Lucas high school. Early he assisted his father with the work on the Farm and then was for two years employed by C. A. Williams & Brothers, general merchants. Following his initial experience in the business world. he established himself with his brother in the coal business in Lucas, remaining in that connec- tion until he passed the examination for the railway mail service, which he entered on a run between Chicago and Council Bluffs on the Chicago. Burlington & Quincy Railroad, having ever since followed this occupation.
On March 6, 1905, he was married to Miss Isabelle Morrison. a native of Jackson township. this county, where she was born October 5. 1884, and grew 10 womanhood, attending the public schools in the acquirement of her education. Her parents are Marion and Margaret (Johnston ) Morrison and they now reside at Albia, Iowa. In their family were eight children, of whom Mrs. Skidmore is the oldest. The others are: Arvilla, Rhoan, William. Francis, Adlai, Earl and Waldo. Mr. and Mrs. Skidmore have four sons: Charles Noel, born March 17, 1906: Dwight Morrison, born August 19, 1907: Roger Wayne, born JIune 13. 1910 ; and Wallace Keith, born Angust 29, 1912. The two elder are attending public school at. Lucas.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Skidmore are highly respected and esteemed in their home community, where they have many friends. They are members of the Preshy- terian church of Lucas and take deep interest in its work. Fraternally Mr. Skidmore belonged for some time to the lodge of the Knights of Pythias at Immeas but of late has given up this connection on account of his duties. The family residence is renowned for its hospitality and is often the meeting place of their friends. Both Mr. and Mrs. Skidmore are well versed in literature and. deeply convinced of the value of education, give their children the best oppor- tunities along that line. Although Mr. Skidmore is but thirty-one years of age. he has laid the foundation for a substantial position in the community and the future promises well for him.
WINFIELD S. EVANS.
After many years of close and influential association with the agricultural interests of Wayne county Winfield S. Evans is living in retirement in Sey- mour, enjoying the comforts carned during a long period of honest and zeal- ous labor. He is a native of lowa, born in Lee county in December. 1850, a son of Hiram and Sarah Jane ( Robison) Evans. The family can be traced back through successive generations from the father of our subject, who is a son of James Evans to Evan Evans, a native of Wales, who came to America prior to the year 1753 and settled in what is now Geigertown, Pennsylvania. lle served in many of the Indian and Colonial wars and upon the outbreak of the American Revolution joined his forces with those of the new country. serv- ing in the Continental army as a member of Captain John Robeson's Penn- sylvania State Militia. Ilis grandson, who was the grandfather of the sub- jest of this review, married Rachel Blankley, whose father, George Blankley, served as sergeant in Captain Huffman's company, First Regiment of Pennsyl- vania Ridemen, in the War of 1812.
WINFIELD S. EVANS
١ -
TIL T
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The father of our subject kept up the splendid military record of his fam- ily. Ile enlisted for the Mexican war but was not mustered in in time to see active service. However, in 1862 he joined Company D, Twenty-third Jowa Vol- unteer Infantry, entering the service as lieutenant and gaining rapid advance- ment through his period of enlistment, resigning on account of disability with the rank of captain. Ile had been a resident of Iowa since the year 1845 when he came to Lee county and purchased land. Later he bought government land in Davis county and in 1856 settled in Wayne county, where he took up a elaim of four hundred and eighty acres of government land, upon which he resided until his death. He was eminently progressive and publie-spirited in his citi- zenship and for six years was a member of the board of county supervisors. Twice he was a candidate for the office of state representative but was defeated both times. He had extensive fraternal relations, holding membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was also prominent in Masonry, belong- ing to the lodge, chapter and commandery. His death occurred on the 21st of March, 1903. ITis wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Sarah Jane Robi- son, was a daughter of James and Rachel Robison, natives of Morgantown, West Virginia. This family is also of old American foundation but is of Scot- tish origin, James Robison, an early representative, having been born in Scot- land. However, he afterward went to Ireland, where he married and later crossed the Atlantic to America, settling in Virginia prior to the year 1800. The mother of our subject passed away on the 7th of April, 1905.
Winfield S. Evans of this review came to Wayne county with his father on the 13th of April, 1856, and grew up on his father's farm. He acquired a com- mon-school education in Wayne county and began his active career in 1876, when he moved upon one hundred and sixty acres of land in Wahut township which was presented to him by his father. With characteristic energy he ear- ried forward the work of improvement, adding to his holdings from time to time until he was the proprietor of three hundred and sixty acres of fertile and prodnetive land. Because his activities were always progressive and his standards of integrity high his labors were attended with a gratifying meas- ure of success and eventually he was able to retire. In October, 1909, he moved into Seymour, where he has since resided, his useful and well directed work in the past enabling him to enjoy all of the comforts and many of the mixuries of life.
In 1884 Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Annie Lewis, a dangh- ter of John B. and Susan (MeMillan) Lewis, the former a native of England. The paternal branch of this family was founded in America by Mrs. Evans' grandfather, who in early times purchased land in lowa, locating first in Henry county and then in Wayne county, where he cultivated the soil until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Evans are the parents of six children: Sylvia, who married B. A. Whitmore, who is operating the farm belonging to the subject of this review ; David Glenn, a farmer in Wayne county, who married Miss Enpha Fisher ; Angie, Hattie, Iliram and Winnifred, all of whom reside at home. The fam- ily are devout adherents of the Methodist church.
Mr. Evans gives his allegiance to the republican party but although active and progressive in all matters of citizenship, never seeks political proferment. In Masonry he has attained a place of distinction, holding membership in the
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lodge, chapter and commandery. He stands high in business and social cir- cles of his community, exemplifying in his life the fine qualities of char- acter and the honorable and upright principles which are traditions in his family and which have won for him the respect and confidence of the com- munity.
WILLIAM IL. BUCK.
William Il. Buck is one of the foremost representatives of agricultural interests in Richman township. Wayne county, where he owns an excellent farm of two hundred and forty aeres under high cultivation. Since 1877, in which year he settled in this section. he has successfully followed agricultural pursuits but before that time largely followed his trade, which was that of carpenter and builder, and did important work along this line in the various parts of the country where he resided. Moreover, he deserves special mention as one of those who defended the flag at the time of the Civil war.
Mr. Buck was born in Hagerstown, Maryland. January 21. 1843, and is a son of George and Eva (Bunn) Buck, both natives of Germany who passed away in Hagerstown. Maryland, the father in the year 1878 and the mother in 1870. Their family included the following children : George, residing at Spring- field. Illinois: William Il .. of this review: Elizabeth, who died in childhood ; John, of Springfield. Ilinois; Mrs. Sophia Fetzer, who died in that state: and Fred, making his home in Springfield, Illinois. All of these children were born in Hagerstown, Maryland, and George, the oldest son. served in defense of his country as member of a Pennsylvania battery during the Civil war.
William 11. Buck remained under the parental roof. spending his boyhood in his native city and attending the common schools. On August 8. 1862, he enlisted for service in Company A. Seventh Maryland Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war when he was honorably discharged. He served under Colonel Webster until the latter was elected to congress and later under Colonel Phelps, participating in a number of engagements and distinguishing himself by his courageous conduct. At the close of hostilities he returned to Maryland and there followed the trade of carpenter for one year. Being attracted by the opportunities the western country offered he removed in 1866 to Springfield, Illinois, there following his trade, and a number of the more pretentious structures of that day were partial products of his skill. He engaged as carpenter and builder until his marriage, when he turned his attention to farming, following that occupation in Illinois for three years, at the end of which time he removed to Fister county. New York, specializing in fruit farming there. The year 1877 marks his advent in Richman township. Wayne county, Iowa, where he has since resided. For the first few years he farmed rented land but by thrift and energy and through progressive methods he was enabled subsequently to buy eighty aeres within the township and by perseverance and economy has gradually added one hundred and sixty acres to his original traet until his present farm consists of two hundred and forty aeres of fertile land. All of this is under high cultivation, well equipped with such machinery as is necessary to the modern farmer and all highly improved. His sheds and
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outbuildings and such barns as are needed for his stock are of the most improved type and his residence is comfortable and modern. Besides mixed farming he is largely interested in stock-raising, specializing along high-elass grades.
On the 12th of December. 1868, Mr. Buek was married to Miss Harriet A. Hasbrouck, a native of Highland. New York, born January 12. 1853. In 1859 she removed with her parents to Illinois, settling in Sangamon county, where the father followed farming. being among the early settlers of this section. She belongs to an old American family which traces its ancestry directly back to the Mayflower pilgrims and Mrs. Buck is proud of the possession of an old Uster county (New York) history wherein her ancestry is authentically recorded. The Hasbrouck family for many generations has been one of the prominent ones of that portion of New York state. Her father was Levi J. Hasbrouck, who was born in Ulster county. New York. September 30, 1830, and died at Highland, New York. February 28, 1903, while her mother was Phoebe Jane (Deyo) Hasbrouck, also a native of Ulster county, born February 15. 1829. She died in Ilighland, New York, June 11, 1902. While they were residents of Illinois they followed general farming but in New York state specialized along horticulture. In their family were eight children: Mrs. Buek; Angelo, born January 16. 1859. residing in New York; Laura, born June 22, 1860. who passed away in Illinois, February 28. 1861; Jacob .L., born April 15, 1862, a resident of Humeston, Iowa : Jennie, born August 1. 1864. who died in infancy ; Everetta, born April 10, 1866, who passed away August 18, 1866; Lincoln, who was born February 22. 1868. and died September 27. of the same year; and Mrs. Carrie M. Feeter, a resident of Highland. Elster county, New York, who was born May 11, 1869. The two eldest members of this family were born in New York state but the younger members were natives of Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Buck have been born five children : Lizzie, born in Illinois, September 16. 1869, married Frank Williams by whom she has the following children : Fannie, born November 26, 1892: Fay William, January 14, 1895 : Fern, Deeem- ber 18. 1898: Lloyd Levi, born in June, 1900; Henry Angelo. April 12. 1902: Evelyn May. May 29, 1909; and William, May 21. 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Williams reside in Richman township. Eva May Buck, who was born in Illinois. May 18. 1871, passed away in Richman township at the age of about ten years. her death oceurring May 3, 1881. Mrs. Hattie H. Taylor, who was born January 14. 1873. resides in Richman township and is the mother of three children, namely: Jessie Lauretta, born April 26. 1895: Theodore R .. born February 25, 1897; and Harriet. July 8. 1904. Mrs. Jennie L. MeRae, who is the next in order of birth, was born in Highland, New York. May 23, 1875, and resides in Humeston, Iowa. ITer children are: Cecil, born April 5, 1900; Bernita, October 26, 1901 ; Ilattie. May 15, 1904: and Lois. April 1. 1905. William Angelo. the fifth child, was born November 5, 1880, and at the time of the Spanish-American war enlisted in Company C. Fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, becoming a member of the eamp at Chickamauga and at Chattanooga. Finally the regiment was sent to Cuba for duty but had only been one night on the ocean when the war was abruptly terminated. Mr. Buck was mustered out in November of that year, when he returned to private life. Ile takes care of the large home farm of his father in Richman township. All of the children received excellent educations in the acquirement of which they attended public schools in the com-
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munity and the Inmeston College. All of the grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Buek, fourteen in number, were born in Richman township. Wayne county.
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