USA > Iowa > Lucas County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 25
USA > Iowa > Wayne County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 25
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
Mr Buck is a republican, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln while in the service of his country. He has always remained true to the principles of his party in war and peace. For three terms he has served as township trustee and since removing to Humeston has served for one term in the city council. His publie service has always been distinguished for ready understanding of the issues at hand and has been performed with such faithfulness that it deserves commendation. The family are members of the Congregational church of Humeston and Mr. Buck belongs to the Masonic order, being a member of Fidelity Lodge, No. 228, A. F. & A. M., of Ilumeston, of which his son Angelo is at the present time worshipful master. Both Mr. and Mrs. Buck are members of Radiant Chapter. No. 30. O. E. S., of Humeston, and the latter has served for several terms as worthy matron of that body. Both are charter members of the Eastern Star and Mr. Buck also belongs to the Wayne County Post of the Grand Army of the Republic at Humeston, where he meets his comrades of vore who took up arms in defense of the flag. Mr. Buck owns a modern, well furnished home in Humeston where he and his wife enjoy the fruits of their labors, highly respected and esteemed throughout Richman township. Both are studions of mind and fond of reading, possessing an excellent library of choice works. While the wealth of the country is generally estimated in dollars and rents its real riches lie in its having such honorable people as Mr. and Mrs. Buck have proven themselves to be and in the rich heritage which they hand down by their example to the coming generations. Mr. Buek has not only been an interested witness of the changes that have occurred here but has been a helpful factor in the general advancement and while he has attained well deserved prosperity has been a constructive force in the development of this section.
JOHN T. SKIDMORE.
lohn T. Skidmore is classed among the substantial pioneer settlers of Lucas county, dating his residence here from very early times. He was a young boy at the time of his arrival and as the years have gone by his strong purpose and landable ambition have gained him a goodly measure of success. He was born in Johnson county, Indiana, JJanuary 24, 1845, and is a son of William and America (Leech ) Skidmore, the former of whom was born in Henry county. Kentucky, in 1818 and the latter in Indiana in 1820. They came to Lucas county in 1856, among the early settlers, and here the mother passed away in las0. The father survived her several years, dying in Kansas in 1996. In their family were seven children: Mrs. Sarah MeCollin, deceased : Mrs. Melinda Davis, residing in Kansas: Mrs. Harriet Ramsey, who has also passed away; John T., the subject of this review; Mrs. Lucy Jane Mabry, deccased : William, whose home is in Reno county, Kansas; and Mrs. Elizabeth Hughes, of Jackson township. All of these children were born in Indiana and all
241
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
were reared in Lucas county, where they attended the schools of the pioneer days.
John T. Skidmore was still a child when he came with his parents to Jowa. The family came overland with horse teams from Indiana to Lucas county. bringing with them thirty head of cattle. They crossed the Mississippi river at Burlington and pushed on into Liberty township, where the father pur- chased from Mr. Gilpatrick a tract of land upon which they lived for a num- ber of years. Mr. Skidmore of this review grew up among pioneer conditions and can recall many characteristic incidents of pioneer life. Ile has been ever a close observer and probably no one is more familiar with the history and con- ditions of the early times in lowa than he. Ile can remember the time when the distance between the markets was a serious handicap to trade relations and when the farmers were obliged to take their produce to Burlington or Eddy- ville. He himself recalls driving many herds of hogs to the latter city, whence they were shipped to the eastern markets. He can tell of the seareity of money in those days, the rigors of the climate, the danger from Indians, and he can speak interestingly of the intermediate and later phases of devel- opment which transformed the state from a frontier wilderness into a prosper- ous and growing commonwealth. Success has rewarded his aetive labor through the years and he is now one of the substantial citizens of Lucas county, own- ing eighty acres of land on section 13, Jackson township, and four acres sub- divided into town lots in Lucas, besides a comfortable and attractive bome in the latter city.
In 1866 Mr. Skidmore married Miss Adaline Stackhouse, who was born in JJanesville, Ohio, in May, 1841. She is a daughter of Samuel and Eliza- beth (Crowe) Stackhouse, early settlers in Lucas county. The family came from Wayne county, Indiana, and thence to this section of lowa after a resi- dence of one year at Drakesville, Davis county. The father followed the black- smith's trade in Chariton from 1860 until the time of his death in that city in 1883. ITe was one of the earlier and leading Masons, belonging to the Knights Templar, and was also an influential member of the Odd Fellows. llis wife was a native of New Jersey, born in 1812, and she died in Chariton, lowa, in 1893. In their family were four children: Susan, who died in infancy; William, who served in the Civil war as a captain in the Nineteenth Indiana Battery Corps and who passed away in 1877; Mrs. Angeline Buck, residing at Afton, lowa : and Adaline, the wife of the subject of this review. To Mr. and Mrs. Skidmore were born nine children: Edwin, who was born August 2, 1867, and died at the age of five months; Lenora, who died at the age of one year; Effie Esther, who died at the age of three years; William S. who was born March 28, 1872, and is now residing at Colfax, Iowa; Mrs. buhu Peterson, of Lueas county; Allie, deceased; John T., Jr .; George, who passed away in Lucas at the age of eleven years; and O. T., who is employed as a railway mail clerk on the Chicago, Burlington & Quiney Railroad.
Mr. Skidmore gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has proved his publie spirit by active official service. He was township trus- tee for six years and assessor of Jackson township for fourteen years. He was for one term a member of the town conneil and for six years township assessor, serving also for a time as school director. He was a candidate on the demo-
242
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
eratie ticket in two different campaigns for the office of sheriff. Fraternally he is connected with Good Shepherd Lodge, No. 414. A. F. & A. M., of which he is worshipful master, and he is affiliated also with the Yeomen. During more than half a century he has been largely familiar with the history of the county and has an intimate and personal knowledge of the many events which have shaped its history and guided its policies. He is therefore num- bered among the pioneer settlers who well deserve a place on the records of the county.
CHRISTOPHER C. HAWKINS.
A highly cultivated and valuable farm of one hundred and eighty-seven acres in Jackson township. Lucas county, stands as evidence of the life work of Christopher C. Hawkins, who is classed among the most prosperous agri- culturists of his county. Born in Van Buren county, lowa, March 18. 1872. he came with his parents to Lucas, lowa, where the family lived until removal was made to the farm in Jackson township, which consists of two portions. one of one hundred and sixty aeres and one of twenty-seven acres. The father, Christopher B. Hawkins, is a native of Cornwall, England where he was born September 21. 1832, and still makes his home with our subject. The mother, Mary Ann ( Plaster) Hawkins, a native of England, was born Octo- ber 8. 1831. but was reared in Wales. She passed away in Lucas. August 16. 1906. In their family were live children, of whom four are living, those beside our subject being: Mrs. Grace Loach, of Enterprise. lowa : Mrs. Carrie Kont. residing in Jackson township : and John W .. also a resident of Enterprise.
Christopher C. Hawkins was reared under the parental roof and enjoyed such educational advantages as the neighborhood afforded. He early became acquainted with thorough methods of soil culture and as the years have passed has made his property one of the most valuable in this section. AR modern improvements can be found upon the farm, including an up-to-date residence and first-class barns and outbuildings. Following progressive and scientific methods. Mr. Hawkins has attained a success which stands forth as conspicuous.
On January 25, 1897. Christopher C. Hawkins was united in marriage to Miss Lillie Baker, who was born in Jackson township on July 15, 1879. Here she grew to womanhood and received her education. Her parents. JJohn O. and Lavina (Spencer) Baker, were both natives of Indiana county. Pennsyl- vania, the former born October 12. 1846, and the latter August 15. 1856. the father coming to lowa in 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are still living, occupy- ing a comfortable residence in Lucas. In their family were the following chit- dren: Mrs. Catharine Roberts, born January 30, 1875, a resident of Hiteman. lowa : William, born July 10, 1877. deceased: Mrs. Hawkins, the wife of the subject of this review: Peter, born April 26, 1881. of Lucas, Towa ; Mrs. Anna Woods, born May 20, 1883. of Jackson township: Carl and Charles, twins. born April 10, 1856, the former of Jackson township and the latter of Cres- ton, lowa : Noah, born November 26. 1889, also of that city; Albert, born April 12. 1593, who married Miss Irene Evans, a daughter of John and Elizabeth
243
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
(Evans) Evans of Jackson township; and Christopher, born August 15, 1896, of Lucas. Of these, Catharine, Peter and Anna were born in Clarke county, lowa, but the others are all natives of Jackson township. where all were reared. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins have adopted a son, Lehigh Hawkins, who is attending school.
In his political views Mr. Hawkins is a republiean and gives his stanch sup- pori to the measures and candidates of that party. Both he and his wife are members of the Reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints of Lucas and take an active and helpful interest in the work of the organization. Frater- nally he is a member of Good Shepherd Lodge, No. 414,, A. F. & A. M. All measures and movements inanguarated to promote the public welfare find in him an ardent supporter, and while he has been individually successful, his success has infineneed the growth and development of the locality and has been a factor in the general advancement.
JACOB D. PATTERSON.
Widely known along his partienlar line. Jacob D. Patterson, of Lucas, Iowa, has for the past eighteen years been successfully engaged as commercial salesman and in that capacity travels extensively over the major portion of southern lowa, having built up a gratifying and representative patronage. Born in Woodsfield, Monroe county. Ohio, on April 7, 1852, he is a son of James and Mary ( Miller) Patterson. natives of Washington county, Pennsyl- vania, both deceased, the father having passed away in Ohio in 1892 and the mother also having died in that state. In their family were three children: Jacob D., of this review ; Wilmer A., secretary of the Loan & Trust Company of Marietta, Ohio; and one who died in infancy.
Jacob D. Patterson was reared under the parental roof and when nine years of age removed with his parents to Coal Run, Washington county, Ohio, where he lived until he reached manhood. Ilis educational advantages com- prised a common-school course and attendance at the college at Marietta, Ohio. His father was interested in coal mining and tanning and our subjeet remained in Coal Run, Ohio, until he was thirty-three years of age, when he removed to Lucas. He later went to Chariton, where he remained for four years, at the end of which period he again came to Uneas and has since resided in this city. For the past eighteen years he has been successfully engaged as nursery salesman but for some time previously also followed railroading. He has been most successful as commercial traveler and as the years have passed has aeen- mulated a gratifying competence.
In December, 1874, Mr. Patterson was married to Miss Sarah J. Murray, who was born in Morgan county, Ohio, in March, 1853, and passed away in Chariton, in August. 1898. Her father was Charles Murray, a veteran of the Civil war, in which he participated as a member of the Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He passed away in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1863. Her mother. Hannah (Henderson) Murray, was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and died in February, 1899. Their family included: James,
244
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
a resident of Eagle Grove, lowa: William, residing on a farm near Corydon, Iowa; John, who passed away in Chariton in 1886; and Mrs. Patterson. One daughter by a former marriage of the mother. Mrs. Elizabeth Farley Warff, makes her home in New Virginia, lowa. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson are the par- ents of four children: Charles, born in 1876, who resides in Illinois; Mrs. Lillie Fuller, whose birth occurred in May. 1880, and who resides in Lucas: Mrs. Maude Lomax, born in 1884, residing in Monroe county, Ohio: and one who died in infancy.
Mr. Patterson is deeply interested in historical subjects and has taken great pains in preserving the records of Lucas and of many of the old settlers of this region. He is in possession of a kettle made in Wheeling. West Vir- ginia, in which the grandmother, Mrs. Henderson, prepared many meals for the famous Indian fighter, Louis Wetzel. Although this vessel is consider- ably older than one hundred years it is still in a very good state of preservation. Mr. Patterson is an omnivorous reader and takes a special interest in all matters pertaining to Lucas and Wayne counties. Politically he is a republican and gives his stalwart support to that party. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson are highly regarded and esteemed by all who have come in contact with them.
JAMES A. HOGUE.
James AN. Hogue is one of the representative agriculturists of Benton town- ship, where he owns three hundred and thirty acres of land, which he has devel- oped into one of the valuable properties of the county. He is a native of Wayne county. his birth having occurred in Washington township on the 18th of JJune. 1858. His father. James Burton Hogne, was born and reared in Vigo county, Indiana, his natal day being February 15. 1830. In his early manhood he crossed the plains to California, making the journey with an ox team soon after the discovery of goldl. He there engaged in prospecting for a while and then came back to Indiana, returning by way of South America and New York city. Soon after his return he was married to Miss Persis Jane Knight, who was a native of WHinois, her birth occurring October 12, 1828, Imt a resident of Indiana at the time of her marriage. In the early days of their married life they came to lowa, settling in Wayne county, where the father took up a traet of government land located in Washington township about four miles north of his son James' present farm. He there engaged in general farming and stock- raising during the remainder of his active life, meeting with success in his undertakings. He was thrifty and industrious and as the years passed extended the boundaries of his farm until he owned about four hundred acres of land. To Mr. and Mrs. Hogue there were born nine children, as follows: Jasper N .. Ardillia, who died at the age of twelve years: James A .. our subject : Margaret. who died in infancy : Rosa. Mina and William T .. all of whom are unmarried and residing in Wayne county : Lillian, who married S. Il. Perkins, of Wayne county ; and Sula Jane, who became the wife of Frank Moore. of Wayne county. The parents are both deceased, the father having passed away April 30. 1902, and the mother on the twelfth of April. 1595.
JAMES A. HOGUE AND FAMILY
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTO' LA. XX TILE ₦ DA L'
247
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
The early years in the life of James A. Hogue were passed in very much the same manner as those of other pioneer lads reared in the rural sections of Iowa. In the aequirement of an education he attended the district schools, and while engaged in the mastery of the common branches of English learning assisted his father with the cultivation of the farm. He remained at home until his marriage. when he bought eighty-seven acres of land and began farming for himself. His efforts in this direetion met with a good measure of success, and as opportunity offered he increased his holdings until his homestead now com- prises three hundred and thirty acres, which he has brought to a high state of eul- tivation. His fields are planted to such erops as in his judgment are best adapted to the soil, and in connection with his diversified farming he raises stock. As the years have passed Mr. Hogue has enhanced the value of his place by the erection of substantial buildings, while he has installed about the premises many modern appliances and conveniences. That he is a man of progressive ideas and enterprising methods is evidenced by the appearance of his well cultivated fields and the condition of his buildings and fences. all of which manifest the exercise of competent supervision and practical management.
On the 19th of March. 1890, Mr. Hogue was married to Miss Rose MeMains, a daughter of Leroy and Mary (Bedwell) MeMains, natives of Indiana, who subsequently removed to Iowa. locating first in Lucas and then in Wayne county. Ilere the father engaged in farming and the mercantile business. Mr. and Mrs. MeMains were the parents of fourteen children, of whom four are liv- ing. To Mr. and Mrs. Hogne there have been born three children : James Leroy, who died in infancy ; William Ernest, whose natal day was the 15th of July, 1892. a student at lowa State College at Ames: and Chester Clare, who was born on the 8th of October, 1894, and is attending school at Corydon, lowa.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the parents are members. Mr. Hogne has been township trustee and school director and is a director and stockholder in the First National Bank. In all of these positions he has manifested ability and concern for the public welfare. He is one of the widely known and highly esteemed residents of his township, in the progress and development of which he takes an active interest, extending his indorse- ment and cooperation to every worthy enterprise or commendable movement.
JOIN A. EVANS.
Commercial as well as publie interests have long been ably represented by John A. Evans, who in connection with the J. A. Evans wholesale and retail- commission house occupies an important position in the mercantile life of Lueas county and as member of the city council of Lucas, as town recorder of Jack- son township. as justice of the peace and as member of the board of educa- tion, has actively and beneficially participated in the government of his home locality. John A. Evans was born in Wales, May 12. 1858, and when only four years of age was brought by his parents to America, who came to this Vol. II-13
248
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
country in 1862 and first settled at Youngstown, Ohio, where they remained until 1866. when they removed to Galesburg, Illinois, where the father was engaged in mining coal. From Galesburg they subsequently made removal to Bryant, Ilinois, and in 1874 they came to this state, settling in Des Moines, where the father engaged in mining. There they remained until 1879. when John A. Evans of this review removed to Lucas, of which he has been a resi- dent since.
His father, John E. Evans, was a native of Wales, in which country he was born in 1837. and died in Lucas in 1906, the mother, Mary Jane ( Bevans) Evans, being a native of England. her birth having occurred December 25, 1837, and her death taking place in this county on December 25. 1905. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. John E. Evans was celebrated in Wales in 1857. To this union were born nine sons and one daughter. the three eldest natives of Wales and the others of America. The children were as follows: John \., of this review; Richard, deceased; William, of Summerset, lowa: C. Daniel, of St. Joseph, Missouri; Reece, who passed away in Illinois; Taliesin, residing near Lakonta, lowa: Thomas, associated in business with our subject in Lucas; Joseph, who died in Des Moines. lowa: James, deceased; and Mrs. Katharine Turner, of East Pleasant Plain, Jowa.
John A. Evans attended the common schools of Ohio and Ilinois in the acquirement of his education and made the several removals from place to place with his parents until he became a resident of Lucas county in 1879. Here he engaged in mining for some time but in 18-6 entered the grocery business in Lucas and so continued until 1894. During the '90s, however. he had became also associated with a mining company in Cleveland, Ohio, and during the same time was employed in the general merchandise firm of War- ner, Byers & Company of Lueas. He subsequently was connected with the Big Hill Coal Company as traveling salesman and afterward managed the Roch- dale Cooperative Store of Lucas, so continuing until 1907, since which time he has been connected with the wholesale and retail commission house of .1. A. Evans. The business of the firm is of gratifying proportions and Mr. Evans receives a substantial annual income in return for his efforts. The house deals extensively in vegetables of all kinds and also feed. Its present foremost position among the business houses of the city is largely due to the efforts of Mr. Evans, who brings to his tasks a wide experience gained in connection with a number of enterprises with which he was formerly affiliated and an innate ability which seemed to have predestined him for a commercial career.
On Christmas day of 1881 Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Griffiths, who was born in Wales in August, 1862. She was brought to America by her parents when quite young. the family settling at first in Seran- ton, Pennsylvania, but in 1879 coming to Lucas county. Her father, JJohn T. Griffiths, and her mother, Elizabeth Griffiths, were natives of Wales, and both passed away in Lucas county. Of their family are still living: Mrs. Maria Miles, of Colfax, lowa: Thomas, of Lucas; and William John. also of that city. To Mr. and Mrs. Evans were born six children: Mary Jane. deceased : Mrs. Maria Baker, of Hiteman. Jowa: Mrs. Adaline Gill, of Peoria, Illinois: Mrs. Mary Marshall, of Hiteman, this state; Mrs. Elizabeth Mar- shall, of the same place; and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Evans passed
2.19
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
away on February 8, 1894, and on April 23, 1896, Mr. Evans was again mar- ried, his second union being with Mrs. Rose Day (Phillips) Blakemore, who was born at Beacon, Iowa, October 25, 1866, and was reared in that vicinity. Her parents, Isaac and Elizabeth (Davis) Phillips, were natives of Wales, coming to Lueas county at an early date in the history of this section. Both are deceased. Mrs. Evans, by her first marriage, to Mr. Blakemore, had two children: Mrs. Josephine Beitel, of Chariton, lowa; and Mortimer Blake- more. residing in Lneas.
Mr. and Mrs. Evans are members of the Reorganized Church of the Lat- ter Day Saints, the former having joined this organization on January 8, 1892. Deeply interested in all social, religions and public affairs of Lucas, Mr. Evans has always actively participated in the public life of the district and at present serves as member of the city council, while he also has been town recorder and justice of the peace and gives evidence of his interest in the cause of education by having efficiently served for eighteen years on the local board. The family home is one of the handsome residences of Lucas and the gathering point of the many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Evans. A successful and substantial man, Mr. Evans has not only encompassed his own prosperity but has been a serviceable factor in the general advancement of Lucas county, and partienlarly his locality, and the service he has rendered in that respect is worthy of the highest commendation.
THOMPSON D. ASIIBY.
For over half a century Thompson D. Ashby has been a resident of Otter Creek township, Lucas county, and for the past thirty-four years he has been a successful agriculturist. stock-raiser and shipper of live stock. A man of aeute observation, he has been an interested witness of the changes that have occurred here. and there is hardly another person in the community who can so readily recall all the events that have brought about the present prosperous conditions. Ile is an interesting conversationalist, who in a ready flow of language can give a complete picture of the last forty years of the county's history, being especially well acquainted with that part concerning western Lucas county.
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.