USA > Iowa > Lucas County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 28
USA > Iowa > Wayne County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 28
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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
For a number of years A. S. Evans acted as trustee of the township board, giving by his efficient service evidence of his publie-spirited citizenship. Al- ways taking a deep interest in the cause of education. he also filled the posi- tion of local school director for some time. Fraternally he was a member of Good Shepherd Lodge, No. 414. A. F. & A. M., of Leas, and exemplitied in his life the beneficent spirit of the order. Mrs. Evans still owns the highly culti- vated home farm. The years have proved the worth of the labors of Mr. Evans who. making wise use of time and opportunities, became one of the sub- stantial members of his community, yet more than that was a serviceable factor
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in the general advancement and development of Lucas county, especially along agricultural lines. His memory still remains enshrined in the hearts of many as that of a good and kindly man who endeavored to fulfill life's obligations to his best ability. All who knew him bear testimony of his high character and of the principles of uprightness and honor which governed his life. The circle of friends which he left behind him is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance. for he possessed qualities which endeared him to all who knew him.
AUGUST T. SWANSON.
There are many who, taking pessimistic views of life, think that the country is given over to the commercial spirit and that the religious element is diminish- ing. The life history of such a man as Angust T. Swanson stands to the con- trary. His profession is that of telegraphy, but he finds many leisure hours to devote to the task of making the work better, being a licensed minister of the Baptist church. Ile holds the position of telegraph operator at Troy and is one of the native sons of Lucas county, his birth having oeeurred in White Breast township, September 9, 1877. There he was reared to manhood, spending his youthful days on the old home farm in White Breast township belonging to his father, A. J. Swanson, a native of Sweden. Coming to America, he won for himself a most ereditable position among the successful and highly respected citizens of Lucas county. He married Christina Johnson, also a native of Sweden and a daughter of Erie JJohnson, who was born in Sweden, March 2. 1822, and became one of the pioneer settlers of Lueas county, Jowa, making his home in White Breast township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Swanson were born eight children: Albert, a resident of Sisseton, South Dakota: Gus, who makes his home northeast of Chariton, lowa; Angust T., of this review: Oscar F., who was born January 24, 1880, and is residing in Lucas; Mrs. P. R. Bristor, a resi- dent of Montpelier. North Dakota; Harvey, whose home is north of Chariton ; Hattie, who is residing with her mother on the old home farm in White Breast township; and Arthur, who was born January 12, 1893, and is cultivating the okl homestead. The eldest child was born in Chariton, the seven younger in White Breast township and all were reared upon the Farm there.
The usual experiences of the farm boy came to August T. Swanson, who divided his time between the work of the fiells and the duties of the schoolroom. After leaving the common schools he entered the lowa Business College at Des Moines and studied telegraphy. He was first employed in the office of the Chicago, Burlington & Quiney Railroad Company at Chariton and in 1901 he became a telegrapher for that road at Union Switch and afterward went to White Breast, where he remained for six months. He then located at Troy, where he is telegraph operator for the same road.
About four years ago Mr. Swanson began to study for the ministry and is at present doing evangelistie work in connection with his duties as telegraph operator. Each year he spends his vacation in that way. lle is a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, in which he has completed two courses.
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and is now a licensed evangelist of the Baptist church. le is widely known in Chariton and throughout the county and all who are acquainted with him speak of him in terms of the highest regard. He has a most clean record for business integrity and uprightness and is a genial. earnest gentleman who possesses the courage of his convictions. In his Christian work he has been found to be an able, earnest speaker and one whose zeal inspires and encourages others.
Mr. Swanson was married in 1904 to Miss Mary Alice Powell, who was born April 1. 1877, and was reared to womanhood in Lucas county, attending the public schools of Chariton, after which she began teaching. being connected at different times with the schools of Lucas and of Chariton. Her father. James Pow- ell. is now deceased, but her mother. Mrs. Martha ( Fletcher ) Powell. is residing in Chariton. In their family were tive children, of whom three are living : Emma. who is with her mother in Chariton: Mrs. Florence Malone. of Charles City. łowa : and Mrs. Swanson. One son and one daughter are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Swanson have become the parents of a son. Donald Odell, born in Chariton. January 14, 1910. Like her husband, Mrs. Swanson is an active worker in the Baptist church. It is his intention soon to take up evangelistie work altogether. his reading and studies being directed to that end. He now has a choice library filled with literature of the best kind, and his reading is constantly broadening a mind which has already made its own many of the important thoughts that have been penned by writers of earlier days. Lucas county is proud to number him among her native sons, for his work is being attended with excellent results and his high moral courage marks him as a man who will accomplish great good in the world.
ELI JAMES BENWAY.
Eli James Benway has since 1881 conducted a profitable blacksmith shop in Norwood, Uneas county, where he is widely and favorably known for his sound business principles, his honest dealing, his reliability and his genial and pleasant disposition, which leads him to readily make friends. He was born in Essex county. New York, on January 1. 1848. a son of Eli Willard and Charlotte (Monty) Benway, natives of New York, the former being born in 1827 and the latter in 1832. In 1858 the family removed to Vermont. where the father followed the occupation of blacksmith. In that state the mother died in 1859 and from there the father enlisted for service in the Civil war in 1862 with the Eleventh Vermont Volunteer Infantry, belonging to the Sixth Army Corps, remaining in the field for the term of his enlist- ment. At the end of that period he returned home but subsequently reen- listed. doing valiant service until the close of the war. The father passed away in Kansas in 1892. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Eli W. Benway were three sons, all natives of New York, as follows: Eli A .. of this review: Wal- lace. a resident of Huntington, Vermont : and Henry C .. who makes his home in Illinois. All follow the blacksmith's trade.
Eli J. Benway was reared under the parental roof and received his educa- tion in New York and Vermont, making removal with the family to that state
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in 1858. There he learned the blacksmith's trade from his father, remaining until 1868, when he came to Illinois, where he made another stay of ten years, coming in 1878 to Chariton, lowa, where he eondneted a shop near the present site of the Inland Coal Company's plant. The year 1881 marks his arrival in Norwood, where he has since followed his trade with conspicuous sneeess. His shop is well and modernly equipped and he engages in general blacksmithing and repair work and as he deals fairly and squarely with his patrons, has built up a valuable and extensive patronage which brings him gratifying returns. Ile has become a substantial man of his community and is very popular with the publie.
In December, 1868, Mr. Benway was married to Miss Maria Richman, who was born in Peoria, Ilinois, on December 7, 1850, and was reared there. Her parents were Bryan and Ann (Colby) Richman, both natives of England. the latter being born in Lincolnshire. The father died in Otter Creek township, this county, the mother preceding him in death, passing away in Peoria, Illi- nois, in 1854. In their family were three children: Mrs. Benway; Lucy, who died at the age of two years; and William, also deceased. All were natives of Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Benway were born six children, of whom Addie, the second in order of birth, died at the age of two weeks. The others are: Walter, born in October, 1870, a resident of Otter Creek township; Mrs. Lona Boston, born January 17, 1874, residing in Jackson township; Harry, born May 19, 1878, of Allerton, Iowa; Mrs. Della Wright, born December 17, 1880, of Chari- ton, Jowa ; and Mrs. Graee Poush, born January 22, 1882, of Otter Creek town- ship. The three eldest of the family were born in Illinois and the remainder in Iowa.
Mr. Benway affiliates with the democratic party, keeping well informed upon all publie issues. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Norwood, to which she gives her moral and material support, and he is a member of Norwood Lodge, No. 490. 1. O. O. F. He owns a com- fortable residence, set in two aeres of land, on which also is located his blacksmith shop. Both he and his wife enjoy the highest confidence and re- spect of the community, in which they have made many friends during a resi- dence extending over thirty years.
SYDNEY P. HOWARD.
In a twofold manner Lueas county has profited by the activities of Sydney P. Howard, who not only has raised agricultural standards, being one of the substantial farmers of his locality, but for thirty years has been connected with the canse of edneation as teacher and member of the school board in Encas and Clarke counties. A native of Newton county, Missouri, he was born on July 24, 1850, his parents being Henry C. and Cynthia An (Bonner) Howard, both of whom were born near Bowling Green, Kentucky, the former on April 11, 1811, and the latter on February 3, 1812. The parents remained in Missouri until 1863. when removal was made to Warren county, Illinois, where they resided until 1866, when they came to Lucas county. They were
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among the earlier families to settle here. the father following agricultural pur- suits until his death, which occurred only one year after settlement was made here. September 7, 1867. The mother survived him nearly forty years, pass- ing away in Lucas county on June 5. 1906. In their family were nine children, of whom five are living. Those deceased are: Mrs. Julia Lowder. born Sep- tember 23, 1833: Mrs. Melinda Jane Lowder, born December 25, 1837; Eliza- beth Ellen, born May 27, 1839, who died January 18, 1889; and Cynthia Livona, born August 25. 1844, who died January 10, 1848. The living children are: lohn M., born June 20, 1836, a resident of Waynesburg. Pennsylvania: Wil- liam Henry, born September 5. 1840, residing in Creston, Washington ; Mrs. Paralee F. Brinegar, born February 24. 1848, residing in Otter Creek town- ship: Sydney P .. of this review; and George Washington, born May 27. 1853, who makes his home in Berkeley. California. Of their nine children the two eldest were born near Bowling Green, Kentucky. the next following three in Illinois and the remainder in Missouri.
Sydney P. Howard began his education in the schools near his father's Tarm in Newton county, Missouri, and in 1863 accompanied his parents 10 Warren county. Ilinois, where he continued his education. There remaining until 1866. he then came to Lucas county, where he has since resided. He has been prominently and closely connected with the cause of education in this district from pioneer times and there are many who are indebted to him for their instruction in Lucas and Clarke counties, where he taught school for thirty terms. He now gives his attention largely to his valuable farm of four hundred and seventy-seven and a half aeres located on sections 28, 29 and 33 of Otter Creek township. although he still serves as secretary of the local school board. a position which he has efficiently filled for the past thirty years. His farm is under high cultivation, yielding bountiful harvests, and good improve- ments have been made upon the land. The residence is located on section 28 and, commodious and comfortably furnished. represents an ideal farm home. Ontbuildings and barns are in the best of repair and the most modern equip- ment and implements were instituted to facilitate farm labor and increase the productivity of the soil. His energetic and industrious oforts have been crowned with success and he is today considered as one of the substantial men of his locality.
On November 9. 1887, Mr. Howard was united in marriage to Miss Cath- arine Lavilla Penick, who was born in Noble county. Indiana, July 17. 1564, and came with her parents to Lucas county in 1878. Her parents were Sammel and Eliza ( Fisher) Ponick, the former born in Tusearawas county, Ohio, on May 26, 1842, and the latter in Holmes county, that state, on May 25. 1843. Both are still living, making their home on a farm in Otter Creek township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Poniek became the parents of six children, of whom Mrs. Sydney P. Howard is the oldest. The others were: William Sherman. who died in infancy; John L .. deceased: Nathan W., of Otter Creek town- ship: Mrs. Florence Curtis, deceased ; and Mrs. Ruby Anderson, of Warren county, this state. All of the children were born in Indiana with the excep- tion of the youngest, who is a native of lowa. Mr. and Mrs. Howard became the parents of eleven children. all of whom were born in Otter Creek town- ship. They were: Ina Ethel. born December 14, 1sss, who died December
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15, 1893: Charles Earl, born May 10, 1890, who died December 8, 1893; Mrs. Elsie Pearl Pim, born December 4, 1891, a resident of Jackson township; Mrs. Beulah May Edwards, born October 3, 1893, residing in Otter Creek township; Katie P., born July 10, 1895; Wayne Porter, born April 8, 1897: Flossie Carol. born January 7. 1899, who died February 9. 1899; Louie Gail, born April 30, 1900; Ila Lois, born January 28, 1902; Ima Nell. born March 1, 1904; and Zella Ruth, born December 5, 1906.
Politically Mr. Howard is a republican and has efficiently served in the position of township clerk, while for three decades he has done important work as secretary of the local school board, of which he has been a member since 1882. Both he and his wife are members of the United Evangelical church of Otter Creek, in the affairs of which they are active, giving their help- ful support to all movements undertaken to spread the Christian spirit and elevate humanity. While Mr. Howard has attained to an enviable position and has achieved financial independence, his life work has been of greater importance, for he has played a vital part in the advancement of Lucas county and his home locality along moral. intellectual and material lines.
CHARLES ELLSWORTH KENT.
Charles Ellsworth Kent is representative of the progress agriculture and stock-raising has made in Lueas county. Settling on section twenty-one, Jackson township. in 1869, when but eight years of age, he has since made his home there and attained substantial success in his ocenpation. His farm consists of three hundred acres, located on sections 21, 29 and 17, and is provided with two sets of good improvements, his well repaired outbuildings, barns, granaries and shed and his comfortable residence bespeaking the prosperity of their owner.
Charles Ellsworth Kent was born in Salem. Cohunbiana county. Ohio, on September 7. 1861, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. William Kent. the former a native of England, who was born JJune 5, 1826. and died in JJackson township, this county, April 24. 1906. after a long and successful agricultural career. An extended sketch of his life appears in this work under his own name.
Charles Ellsworth Kent was married in 1882 to Miss Carrie C. Hawkins, a native of Van Buren county, lowa, where she was born January 24, 1866. At an early age she came with her parents to Lucas county and has ever since resided here. Her father was Christopher B. Hawkins, whose life record is given in greater detail in connection with the sketch of C. C. Hawkins, Mr. and Mrs. Kent became the parents of the following children : Albert, born July 18, 1883, a resi- dent of Jackson township; William. born March 7. 1886, also of this township : Harry, born May 31, 1888, who passed away July 31, 1890; Oscar, born Oeto- ber 16, 1892, who resides with his parents on the okl home farm; and Raymond, born JJanuary 1, 1907. All of these children are natives of Jackson township and those surviving attended common school there. Mr. Kent gives his support to the republican party. Publie-spirited and well informed he has always taken a deep interest in the public life of his locality, and for ten years has efficiently
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served as township trustee, while as a member of the school board of Jackson township he has given evidence of his interest in the cause of education. llis wife is a member of the Reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints, in the work of which she takes an active and helpful interest. Fraternally Mr. Kent is a member of the Knights of Pythias, being affiliated with Lucas Lodge. No. 133. A man of many interests. Mr. Kent has become closely connected with the develop- ment and advancement of this region and his life labors have not only been productive of individual snecess but have largely contributed to the general prosperity. A man marked by strength of character. he has become a forceful element in his locality, where his sterling traits have won him the high regard and confidence of all those with whom he has come in contact.
R. C. POSTON.
R. C. Poston has for over twenty years practiced law in Corydon and in that time has built up a large and gratifying practice. Moreover, he has attained prominence in other lines and at present fills an executive position in connection with the Farmers & Merchants State Bank and also has faithfully served the people in public office. Mr. Poston was born in Wapello county, lowa, February 21, 1855, and is a son of Nimrod and Catherine ( Gilliland) Poston, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. The grandfather of our subjeet was Alexander Poston, of Virginia, and a gentleman of English descent, several of whose ancestors had fought in the Revolutionary war. Mexander Poston came to lowa during the early pioneer days. in 1847. and settled in Wapello county, where he homesteaded government land. The Gilliland family came to lowa two years before this, in 1845, and it was here that the parents of our subject were married. The Postons, in making their way to the west, came by steamboat by way of the Ohio and the Mississippi rivers, but the mother's people came in the typical pioneer style-by ox team and wagon. Nim- rod Poston farmed in Wapello county during all his life, attaining success along agricultural lines, and here he lived until his death. He not only became a prosperous farmer but was also prominent in publie life, being elected as a member of the fifth general assembly from Wapello county.
R. C. Poston was educated in the public schools and in 1870 came to Wayne county. His mother had died when he was a boy of only thirteen years and ever since that time he was compelled to make his own way in the world. From his small earnings he saved as much money as he could and by teaching school and carefully husbanding his resources he was able to attend the State U'hiver- sity. from which he graduated in 1882. After he had received his degree and was admitted to the bar he began to practice at Humeston, lowa. where he remained until 1891, when he came to Corydon, where he has since successfully followed his profession. He occupies a creditable and enviable position at the Wayne county bar, for he prepares his cases with great thoroughness and skill and presents them clearly and forcibly. so that he never fails to command the attention of court or jury and often obtains the verdiet which he desires. His reasoning is logical, his deductions sound and he is eldom surprised by an
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unexpected attack of opposing counsel. Entirely free from ostentation and display, he impresses by the simple weight of his character, his knowledge and his sincerity.
In 1882 Mr. Poston was married to Miss Clare A. Williams, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Uriah Williams, of Warren county, lowa, who had removed there from Virginia originally. Mr. and Mrs. Poston have one son, Eugene E., who is a graduate of the liberal arts and law departments of Drake University and is now living at home.
Mr. Poston is a public-spirited man and takes great interest in the growth and development of the city and the locality in which he lives. He has been honored with public office. as he was called upon to serve as county attorney from 1895 to 1897, fulfilling his duties in an energetic manner, which was entirely satisfactory to his constituents. Outside of his legal interests Mr. Poston has become prominent in financial circles of Corydon as president of the Farmers & Merchants Bank and by his wise guidance in this office he has greatly influenced the development of this important financial institution. His fra- ternal relations are with the Masonie order, in which he holds membership in the blue lodge, of which he has been master for several years, and the commandery, while he also belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He has made a creditable record in the profession, his course being marked by steady progress, gained through ready utilization of every opportunity that has presented itself, and his industry and energy have found substantial reward in a most gratifying degree of prosperity.
JOHN W. NORMAN.
As one of the foremost agriculturists of his section John W. Norman occupies an enviable position, owning four hundred and ten acres of valuable land in Otter Creek township, Lneas county. Moreover, he has been closely connected with the public life of his township and the county, having efficiently served in various positions. He was born in Noble county, Ohio, on March 15, 1866, coming in 1878 to Benton township, Lucas county, with his parents, who are Nathan and Sarah (Hickle) Norman and who are residing on their farm in Otter Creek township. The paternal grandfather of our subject, William Norman, was born in Virginia and distinguished himself in the War of 1812, participating in the battle of New Orleans. He passed away in Ohio. His wife was Mary (Kiggins) Norman, also a native of Virginia, dying in the same state as her husband. Both were early settlers of the Buckeye state. The maternal grandparents were Stephen and Mary Ann (Drake) Hickle, natives of Virginia, who both passed away in Ohio, of which state they also were early settlers. The father, who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, on January 26, 1841, carried out the military traditions of the family by enlisting in the Union army in the Civil war, doing valiant service untif his honorable discharge. The mother was also born in Ohio, her birth occurring in Noble county on February 1, 1836. She became the mother of three children: Elisha N., born August 9, 1864, who resides with his parents; JJohn W., of this review;
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and Mary Jane, born in December. 1867. also making her home with her parents on their farm in Otter Creek township. The children were born in Ohio but reared in Lucas county. In isis the parents came to Benton township, this county, and there settled, the father giving his attention 10 bringing his farm to a high state of cultivation. Although his financial resources were limited, his earnest efforts won the day and he is now considered one of the substantial men of his locality.
John W. Norman removed with his parents in Is7s from Ohio to Benton township. Lucas county, attending the common schools in Lucas county, at Bethel, and also receiving instruction in Brush College. In 1883 the family removed to Jackson township but in 1886 settled in Otter Creek township. where he has followed farming and stock-raising since. The Norman farm of four hundred and ten aeres is under high cultivation and provided with two sets of good improvements. All modern equipment and machinery. to facil- itate farm labor and increase the productivity of the soil. can be found upon the property and spacious modernly constructed barns, sheds, ontbuildings and granaries give ample shelter for stock and harvests. Mr. Norman special- izes in black polled Angus cattle and derives a gratifying addition to his in- come from this branch of his business.
On March 30. 1897. John W. Norman was married to Miss Lucy C. Redling- shafler, who was born in Benton township. Lucas county. May 21. 1874. She received a thorough education and for many years was one of Lucas county's most successful publie-school teachers. Her parents, George W. and Frances (. Lewis, Redlingshaffer, were among the early pioneers of Benton township. The father was born in Bavaria, Germany, on February 7. 1532, and died in Benton township on September 1, 1905. He came to America in 1849, during the times of the great revolutionary movement in the fatherland, and 1856 marks his arrival in Lucas county. The mother was born in Fulton county. Ohio, September 18, 1940, and died in Benton township. Lucas county. on October 31. 1893, preceding her husband in death by about twelve years. In their family were twelve children: George D .. born February 1, 1862. of Des Moines, Iowa: Mrs. Nancy M. Wilson, born March 1. 1863. of Hillsdale. Wyoming: Mrs. Alice M. Pickett, born December 27. 1864. of Chariton. this county: Mrs. Irene L. Whiteside, born March 6, 1566, of Benton township : Charles M .. born February 9, 1869, who died February 16, 1906; Mrs. Elma F. Myers, born March 8, 1872, residing in White Breast township; Mrs. John W. Norman : Mrs. Mary A. Bruning, born January 20. 1876, of Desmet, Idaho: William L., born December 28, 1878; Delia O .. born March 24, 1880, who died January 28, 1894: Mrs. Lily Belle Anderson, born August 21, 1882. of Kali- spell, Montana; and Nellie G., born February 3. 1887. also of that city. All these children were born and reared in Lucas county. Mr. and Mrs. Norman are the parents of six children: Twila M .. born on March 30. 1898. the first wedding anniversary of her parents; Helen D .. born June 4, 1899: Iva 31 .. born February 10. 1901; Hugh R., born August 6, 1902; John E., born April 12. 1904; and Nellie J., born January 9, 1907. All these children were born in Otter Creek township and are attending public school.
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