USA > Iowa > Lucas County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 27
USA > Iowa > Wayne County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 27
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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
FERMAN E. GRAY.
The death of Ferman E. Gray on August 14, 1908, removed from the agri cultural stage of Lucas county a man who was standing in the midst of active life, launched upon a successful career. Although he was but thirty-eight years of age at the time of his demise, he had already attained a recognized position among the substantial farmers of the county and was readily recognized as a leader in agricultural matters, for he was a man imbued with the modern spirit who would promote development and advancement. Born near Milo. Warren county, lowa, on March 10, 1870, he came to Lucas county with his parents and resided with them on the home farm until his death. His parents were J. S. and Elizabeth (Devore) Gray, natives of Indiana and Kentucky respectively. the former of whom passed away in Jackson township, this county, in March, 1912, the latter preceding him in death in October, 1902, her demise occurring in the same township. Of their seven children, four are living, as follows: Fountain, of Colorado; William, of Kansas; Mrs. Boston, of White Breast township; and Jacob, of Kansas.
Ferman E. Gray was reared under the parental roof and received his ednea- tion in the district schools near the farm. Early he became acquainted with thorough agricultural methods, assisting his father in his work, and gradually more and more of the operation of the farm fell to his lot. On his demise he left eighty aeres of fertile land on section 1, Jackson township, to his family. his wife deriving therefrom a comfortable income.
On March 27. 1904, Mr. Gray was united in marriage to Miss Effie M. Snuggs, who was born in Otter Creek township, Lucas county, Iowa, on Decem- ber 1. 1868. having always remained a resident of this section. Her parents are S. G. and Adaline (Jenkins) Snnggs, the former a prominent farmer of Lucas county. where he has resided since 1862. lle was born near London, England, March 2. 1845, and coming to the United States in 1850 with his mother, settled first in Henry county, Illinois, there remaining until removal to Incas county was made. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Gray were Joseph and Harriet (Stent) Smuggs, natives of England, born in 1808 and 1809 respectively, who died in Lucas county, the grandfather on January 6, 1889, and the grandmother on July 31, 1898. Mrs. Adaline Snuggs, the mother of Mrs. Gray, was born in Brown county, Indiana, October 27, 1848, coming with her parents to Lucas county in 1851. The latter were Alexander and Elizabeth Jenkins, natives of Ohio and Kentucky respectively, the former of whom died in White Breast township, this county, and the latter still residing in Ham- burg. Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. S. G. Snuggs became the parents of ten children, of
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whom one. John. the second in order of birth. is deceased. The others are: Mrs. Effie Gray, the wife of our subject: James, of Chariton: Fannie, of Rocky Ford. Colorado: Charles, residing at home: Mrs. Amanda Roberts, of White Breast township : Jacob, of Otter Creek township: Mrs. Estella Ruble. of Liberty township : and Ethel and Earl, who reside on the Smuggs family home- stead. Mr. Suggs is one of the foremost men of Otter Creek township, being widely renowned as a successful live-stock raiser. Mr. and Mrs. Ferman Gray were the parents of one son, Lester R., born January 27, 1905, who is now attending school.
Mr. Gray always took a deep interest in the affairs of his county and efficiently served as road supervisor and school director. being especially inter- ested in the good roads movement and the cause of education. Fraternally he was a member of the Yeomen, belonging to the lodge at leas. A member of one of the early pioneer families of Lucas county, it was his father who plowed the first furrow where Chariton now stands and there he was located before the first shanty was creeted. The father also burned the brick for the first courthouse ever erected in Lucas county. The untimely death of Ferman E. Gray was a matter of deep regret to his many friends and acquaintances, who esteemed him for his warm-hearted kindliness. his open-heartedness and his many other high qualities of mind and character. A good husband and father. he left his Family well provided for and his memory is fresh in the minds of those dear to him.
ROBERT O. MILLER.
The activities of Robert O. Miller have indeed been helpful in the develop- ment of Lucas county. for he is not only one of the foremost agriculturists of his locality and one of the most renowned breeders of live stock of the county. but has also interested himself along other lines, having successfully served as justice of the peace, township clerk, member of the school board and Sunday school superintendent of his church. A farm of seven hundred acres on sections 15. 21 and 23. Otter Creek township, stands as proof of his practical application of labor and by its appearance bespeaks the prosperity of its owner.
Robert O. Miller was born in Mason county, Illinois, on September 2s. 1861. and when but seven years of age removed with his parents to Otter Creek town- ship. Lneas county, where settlement was made on a farm near Norwood. llis father was William Miller, who was born in County Armagh, Ireland. on the 13th of July. 1833, and died in Norwood. lowa. in March, 1901. His family was decided in making removal to the I'nited States by the precarious living condi- tions existing in the Emerald isle at that time and this it was that William Miller became a substantial and prominent American citizen. His wife was Diantha Ames, a native of Illinois, who still resides in Norwood at the age of eighty years, making her home with our subject. In their family were seven children, of whom three are still living: Robert O., of this review: J. S., born December 13, 1865, who also resides in Otter Creek township: and Mrs. Della
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E. Clore, born November 24, 1868, of Otter Creek township. The brother of our subject is a native of Illinois, and the sister of Norwood. this state.
Coming to Otter Creek township when but seven years of age, Robert O. Miller received his education in this district in Simpson College, Indianola. and early assisted his father with the work of the farm, laying the foundation for his later success. As the years have passed prosperity has come to him and he is now one of the largest landowners of his locality, holding title to seven hundred acres on seetions 15, 21 and 23. All his land is made use of and much of it is under high cultivation, his improvements being of the most substantial kind. Some of the best farm buildings in the county can be found upon the farm and modern equipments and implements facilitate the labor and contribute to the productivity of the soil. His barns are splendidly equipped, his granaries and sheds for the housing of grain and stoek substantial, and he has recently erected one of the most commodious, np-to-date farm dwellings to be found in this neighborhood. An impotrant branch of Mr. Miller's work is stock-raising. Ile is renowned throughout Lucas county as a most extensive breeder of blooded horses, in which he largely deals. buying and selling. specializing in Clydesdales and Pereherons. He also raises Welsh ponies and has a fine herd of pure- blooded shorthorn cattle and high-grade Poland China hogs. llis efforts along all these lines have been remarkably effective, as he follows the most progressive and scientific methods and gives his attention to his work with unflagging industry and energy.
On January 1, 1890, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Amy Puderbaugh, who was born in Warren county. lowa. December 25, 1868. Her parents. Andrew and Elizabeth ( Wagner) Puderbaugh, were early settlers of Warren county, where Mrs. Miller was reared. The father, who was born in Elkhart county, Indiana, died in Warren county at the age of sixty-eight years, the mother, a native of Ohio, also being deceased, her death occurring in that county at the age of forty-four. In their family were seven children : Mrs. Minerva Vineent, a resident of Warren county ; William, of Missouri; D. L., of Warren county ; Charles, also of that county; Mrs. Robert O. Miller; Mrs. Sadie Barlett. of Osceola, Towa ; and Alonzo, who cultivates the oldl homestead in Warren county. All of these children were born and reared in Warren county. The three children of Mr. and Mrs. Miller were born in Otter Creek township and are as follows: John Worth, born January 4, 1891, who received a common-school education, supplementing the same with a course in Simpson College of Indianola, and is now assisting his father with the work of the farm ; Ralph Olin, born February 24, 1895, attending high school at Chariton. lowa: and Hildreth Marie, born October 24, 1900, attending local school.
It is not surprising that a man of the ability of Mr. Miller should have been called to public office, his qualities well fitting him for important positions of that kind. For a number of years he served as justice of the peace, rendering his decisions with such fairness and impartiality that high commendation has come to him on that account. Hle also held the office of township elerk and has given evidenee of his interest in the cause of education by doing efficient service as member of the local school board. Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal church of Norwood, of which they are members and in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest. Mr. Miller at
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present serving as Sunday school superintendent. llis fraternal connections extend to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. as he holds membership with Norwood Lodge, No. 490, and the Modern Woodmen of America, and he is on the roster of Norwood Camp, No. 5040. The splendid success Mr. Miller has achieved none can begrudge him, for it has been attained without outside help and is but the outcome of his own ability. efficiency. industry and energy. He has become a forceful element in his locality, where he enjoys the high regard and confidence of all who value a man for what he has attained and for the qualities of his character which have made possible that attainment.
LEWIS S. ASHBY.
Lewis S. Ashby, who for a number of years has been connected with agri- enltural and moreantile interests in Lucas county, is a native of Otter Creek town- ship. where he was born on September 7. 1861. His parents had come in the same year from Indiana to lowa, settling in Otter Creek township in May. 1861, and there the father followed farming and stock raising. Natives of Kentucky and Pennsylvania respectively. William H. and Margaretta (Boyer) Ashby were among the early settlers of this section, the father, who was born in Decem- ber, 1821, passing away in Otter Creek township on April 26. 1875, and the mother. born November 28. 1823. dying in the same township on December 30. 1902. In their family were nine children: Mrs. Elizabeth L. Yenawine, born August 10, 1846, who died in Illinois in March. 1872: Mrs. Mary C. Long. horn December 18, 1848, a resident of Twin Falls, Idaho: A. C., born July 21. 1>50. who resides in New Market, Tennessee ; John B .. born lume 7. 1852, who died in 1870: Thompson D., who for the past thirty-four years has engaged in farming and stock raising in Otter Creek township: Newton B .. born July 7. 1856. a resident of Des Moines, lowa, and formerly I'nited States consul to Ireland with residence in Dublin, Ireland, an appointment which he held under the presi- deney of Grover Cleveland for eight years; George Lucky, born December IS. 1858, who makes his home in St. Paul. Texas; Lewis S .. of this review: and William E .. born February 11. 1864, who is connected with the telephone company in Des Moines and was formerly engaged in the same business in Chariton, lowa. The seven ellest children were born in Indiana and the two youngest in Lucas county.
Lewis S. Ashby was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of his education attended the common schools in the vicinity of his father's farm and took a four years' course at Simpson College of Indianola, lowa. Of studions mind and well fitted for the profession, he then followed school teaching for about six years in lowa and Nebraska and then engaged in farming, being well qualified for this occupation by his early training under his father's guidance. In 1901 he engaged in the general merchandise business at Norwood. lowa. and has ever since conducted an establishment of this kind there. Following pro- gressive methods, his business has increased from year to year and he now enjoys an extensive patronage. He carries complete lines of stock and as his prices are in conformity with the quality of his goods, does a large trade.
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Mr. Ashby gives his general allegiance to the republican party. although he reserves independent judgment on local issues, giving his support to such candidates and measures as he deems most fitted for the office irrespective of party affiliation. Public-spirited and progressive, he has himself actively par- tieipated in the publie life of his locality and has held a number of local offices. His faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, of whch he is a member, taking an active and helpful interest in its affairs. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. belonging to Norwood Lodge, No. 490, and he also belongs to the Modern Woodmen lodge of the same place. Moreover he carries a membership in the Brotherhood of American Yeomen at Des Moines, Iowa. The career of Mr. Ashby is proof of the fact that success is but ambition's answer and the substantial position which he has attained is well earned and well merited. Ile is a forceful element in his community and by his labors has not only promoted his individual snecess but has largely contributed to general advancement and development.
JOHN H. PRIMM.
A native of Lucas county, John HI. Primm is the owner of eighty fertile aeres in Otter Creek township and also cultivates the family farm of two hundred and eighty acres. He was born in the same township on February 19, 1878, his parents being Thomas N. and Adelia (Perrine) Primm, the father a native of Athens. Illinois, where he was born March 24, 1844, and now a resident of Chariton, Iowa, and the mother a native of Ohio who passed away in Otter Creek township in June. 1895. They settled in Otter Creek township in 1870. In their family were five children, of whom Anna died at the age of five years. The others are: Mrs. Mattie Lovell, born August 1. 1865, a resident of llolden, Missouri : Mrs. Nina Kelley, born February 13, 1873, residing in Otter Creek township; William Newton, born in the same township on January 14, 1875. and residing in Lakeland. Nebraska ; and John II., of this review.
John II. Primm has always been a resident of Otter Creek township, where he was reared and grew to manhood. In the acquirement of his education he attended the common schools of his locality and early became acquainted with agricultural methods under the guidance of his father. Setting out of his own accord. he has acquired eighty acres of land in Otter Creek township, well improved and equipped with all modern machinery. Since the retirement of the father from active farm work in 1900, when the latter moved to Chariton, he has also had entire charge of the management of the home farm a valuable property of two hundred and eighty acres.
On March 1, 1903, Mr. Primm was married to Miss Iola L. Ashby, a native of Otter Creek township, who was born November 8, 1882. She has been a resident of this locality ever since her birth and has many friends here who highly esteem and respect her. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. Thompson D. Ashby, of whom extended mention is made in another part of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Primm have four children, all of whom were born on the old family homestead. They are: Ardys Marjorie, born January 2, 1904 ; Eleanor Janice,
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born March 22. 1906: John Gerald, born September 24. 1907 : and Annie Adelia Lel, born March 30. 1909. The older children are attending public school in the vicinity.
Broad and liberal-minded, Mr. Prin takes an active interest in the public life of his community, serving at present as a member of the township board of trustees. He is also a warm champion of the cause of education and for eight years has served as a member of the school board. Mrs. Primm is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and her husband affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, bis membership being with Norwood Lodge, No. 490. Although yet a young man. Mr. Primm has become recognized as one of the substantial agriculturists of his locality and enjoys the high regard and con- fidence of all with whom he comes into contact.
JOHN W. KENT.
A native of Illinois, John W. Kent was brought to Jackson township. Lucas county. in March, 1869, when two years of age, and here he has since resided. attaining to prosperity and becoming one of the foremost agriculturists of his district, now owning three hundred and thirty acres of fertile land on sections 20, 21 and 17, JJackson township, all under high cultivation and well improved. Born in Maywood, Cook county, linois, on March 9, 1867. John W. Kent, is a son of William and Anna ( Wherrett) Kent, natives of England. the former of whom passed away in JJackson township while the latter still resides in Lucas, lowa. In the family were two sons: Charles, born in Salem, Ohio. and now a resident of Jackson township ; and John W. of this review.
In March, 1869, Mr. and Mrs. William Kent settled in Jackson township. taking up land. the father following the occupation of farming until his demise. Our subject in the acquirement of his education attended the common schools of the township and in his leisure hours and vacations ably assisted his father in the work on the home place, becoming thoroughly acquainted with the best methods of agriculture. As the years passed prosperity came to him as a result of his incessant labors, his natural ability, good judgment and per- severance, and he now owns a splendid farm. comprising three hundred and thirty aeres, unusually well improved with barns and ontbuildings and a com- fortable residence. His progressiveness is further shown by the fact that he has a private electric plant. Beside general farming he gives a good deal of attention to stock-raising, specializing in Hereford cattle, of which he has a fine herd. Enterprising and up-to-date, he follows the latest methods and his property stands today as a proof of their efficacy and a monument to his industry.
On March 4, 1888, Mr. Kent was united in marriage to Miss Addio Thomas. and to this union was born one daughter. Ethel, the date of whose birth was February 18, 1889, and who is married and resides in Ward, lowa. On Novem- ber 19, 1891, Mr. Kent was again married, his second nion being with Mrs. Dora (Carson ) MeLaughlin, who was born in Clarke county. lowa, on May
MR. AND MRS. JOHN W. KENT
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9, 1866, widow of John MeLaughlin, who died September 19. 1887. To Mr. and Mrs. MeLaughlin one child was born, William Otis, whose birth occurred Deeember 22, 1886. Her parents, A. C. Chame and Sarah ( Abrams) Carson, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, were among the earliest settlers of Clarke county. The father still resides in Woodburn, Iowa, but the mother passed away in 1904 near that place. In their family were twelve children, of whom nine are living: John, residing near Woodburn, lowa : Mrs. Elizabeth Black, of Des Moines; Thomas, a resident of North Dakota; Mrs. John W. Kent : Harry, who makes his home near Woodburn, Iowa; Mrs. Martha Kanf- man, of Greenfield, Iowa ; Byron W., residing in South Dakota; Alta, who makes her home near Woodburn; and Mrs. Elsie Ileston, who makes her home near that city. All of their living children were born and reared in Clarke county. lowa. Mr. and Mrs. Kent gave practical evidence of their kindness of heart in the care which they bestowed upon Velma Carson, an orphan child, whom they took when she was one year old and whom they reared and educated. She remained with them until her marriage. She is now the wife of Mr. Noah Baker, who is an employe of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and they make their home at Creston, Iowa.
Politieally Mr. Kent is a republican, giving his steadfast adherence to the measures and candidates of that organization. A public-spirited man who takes an interest in his locality. he has for six years, or two terms, served as a member of the board of supervisors of Lucas county and has done efficient service in that connection. Ilis religious faith is that of the Baptist church. and fraternally he is a member of Good Shepherd Lodge, No. 414, A. F. & A. M., of Lucas, and also of the Yeomen, while formerly he was affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America. A self-made and conspicuously successful agriculturist. Mr. Kent enjoys the esteem and respect of his fel- lows, not only for having wrought out for himself a substantial position. but on account of the qualities of his character which have made his success pos- sible, and on account of the work he has done on behalf of promoting general advancement.
A. S. EVANS.
For many years A. S. Evans was classed with the honored and represent- ative citizens of Lucas county and was closely associated with its agricultural development, transforming two hundred and forty acres of land which belonged to his wife, into one of the finest farms in this section of the state. He took an active and helpful interest in many measures that were factors in promoting publie progress and he was also known as one of the exemplary representatives of the Masonie fraternity. In fart his life was one of useful and honorable activity. Ile was born in Knox county, Illinois, June 13. 1847, his parents being Joshua Brown and Georgiana (Crawford) Evans, the former a native of Hartford, Connectieut. born in 1824, while the latter's birth occurred in Scotland. The parents were among the early pioneers of Knox county, Illi- nois, and there the father passed away at Knoxville in 1871. his wife surviving
Vol. II-14
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him and residing on the old home farm in Knox county. The grandfather of our subject accompanied by Thomas and Joshua Evans came to America from England at the beginning of the Revolutionary war and all three enlisted in the American army. In Joshua B. Evans' Family were eleven children, all born in Illinois: A. S .. of this review; George W .. a resident of Lucas, who was born November 14. 1848, and who for the past twenty years has been assessor of Jackson township. Lucas county: Mary, who makes her home with her mother in Knoxville and who for thirty years has taught school in Illinois: Ernest, of Woodburn, lowa: Eliza, deceased; William ( .. who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume: Margaret. of Hartford. Connecticut : J. D., deceased : Anna. of Galesburg, Illinois: Ellen, of Knoxville, Ilinois: and a daughter who died in infancy.
A. S. Evans was reared under the parental roof in Knox county and in the Requirement of his education attended the schools in the neighborhood of his father's farm. Early he became acquainted with the methods of agriculture and in 1873 came to lowa, seeking the advantages of a naturally rich but as yet sparsely settled country. Jackson township. Lucas county. witnessed his life's labors until his death and there he attained prosperity. becoming the owner of a valuable Farm of five hundred and thirty-four aeres, which he gradually brought to a high state of cultivation. Following up-to-date methods he made high-class improvements and installed such equipment as is considered indispensable 10 modern agriculture, leaving to his family a property which yields a gratifying annual income.
On November 9, 1868, while yet in Illinois. A. S. Evans was united in mar- riage to Miss Sarah E. Woods, who was born in Highland county. Ohio, Febru- ary 7. 1849. She was taken to Knoxville, Illinois, when a small child by her parents and was there reared to womanhood. Accompanying her husband to his lowa farm in 1873 she has since made this state her home. Her parents were John and Susan ( Wilkins) Woods, natives of Ohio, the former of whom passed away in Illinois and the latter in her native state. In their family were two sons and a daughter. as follows: Henry, who died in Clarke county. lowa : Mrs. A. S. Evans: and lesse, a resident of Adair county. this state. Mr. and Mrs. Evans became the parents of eight children: Mrs. Anna Ellen Mar- quis, a native of Henry county. lowa, who resides in Clarke county. this state ; Mrs. Margaret Carson. of Clarke county: Mrs. Eanna Spencer, of .Jackson township. this county: Bert. a resident of Jackson township: Floyd. of Clarke county: George, of Jackson township: Olive, who makes her home with her mother : and Earl, who ably assists his mother in the management of the home farm. All of the children were reared in this township.
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