USA > Iowa > Lucas County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 29
USA > Iowa > Wayne County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 29
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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
John W. Norman is a republican and takes a lively interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the community. Being recognized as a man of no
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mean ability. he has been called to serve in various positions of trust and honor and has done efficient duty as township assessor, trustee and member of the school board, giving in this last connection evidence of his deep concern in the cause of education. From 1907 to 1913 Mr. Norman served as a mem- ber of the board of supervisors of Lucas county, filling the office to the entire satisfaction of those whom he represented. The county distinctly profited by his labors and he inaugurated or promoted a number of measures which have proven to be of lasting benefit. Mr. and Mrs. Norman are members of the United Evangelical church of Otter Creek and fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Norwood Lodge, No. 490. Looked at from whatever point of view, his life must be considered a snecess. for he has not only attained individual prosperity but has become a foreefnl element in his community. a factor for progress and advancement along material and moral lines. Ilonored wherever known, he stands high in the estimation of his fellowmen, who respeet him not only for the position which he holds in the community but for the qualities of his character that have made possible his suecess.
BOYD DICKERSON MCCAULEY.
A valuable farm of two hundred and forty aeres in Jackson township, Lneas county, gives evidence of the incessant labors and ability along the line of agri- cultural work of Boyd Dickerson MeCauley, who is numbered among the most prosperous farmers of his locality. Born in Lee county, Virginia, on March 18. 1861. he is a son of George and Mary Ann ( Martin) MeCauley, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of England. The father was killed during the Civil war, in 1865, at Richmond, Virginia, while serving in Lee's army. The mother also died in Virginia at the age of seventy-two. She was a mem- ber of the famous Martin family of that state, one of the present United States senators from Virginia being a member of the family. Mr. and Mrs. MeCauley were the parents of five children, as follows: James, deceased ; Albert, deceased ; Wesley, deceased ; Boyd Dickerson; and Mrs. Lenora Miles, who resides on the home farm in the Old Dominion.
The larger part of his edneation Mr. MeCauley received in his native state but at the age of fourteen moved westward and settled at Derby, Lucas county, Iowa, remaining there until 1880, when he removed to Jackson township, of which he has since been a resident. Taking up agricultural pursuits as his life work. he has by progressive and modern methods succeeded in developing one of the valable farms of his locality, on which he engages in general farming pursuits and stock-raising, gratifying results attending both lines of labor. His farm is situated on sections 19 and 32, Jackson township, and good ini- provements have been placed upon it by Mr. MeCauley. Such equipment as is considered indispensable to modern agriculture can be found upon the place and the standards which are followed by the owner may be set up as examples for others to follow. The family residence is substantially built, comfortable and conveniently equipped.
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On October 5. 1886, Mr. MeCauley was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Jane Walker, a native of Jackson township, where she was born on February 18. 1860. There she grew to womanhood and has always since made her resi- denec. Her parents were among the early pioneers of Lucas county, making their home here in the spring of 1859. Her father. James L. Walker, was born in Scotland and died in Jackson township in 1880. at the age of sixty years. the mother also passing away in that township on March 21. 1912. Before her marriage she was Mary Stevenson and was born in Ohio on August 31. 1824. In their family were four children: Mrs. MeCauley, the wife of our subject : James A., horn May 12. 1861. residing on the old Walker family nomestead in Jackson township : and two who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. McCauley are the parents of three children: Grover Wesley. born July 4. 1888. residing at. Lakota, lowa: Mary Ann, born October 21. 1890, who makes her home with her parents: and James Horace, born December 7. 1892, also residing at home. All of the children attended common school.
Mr. MeCauley gives his allegiance to the democratie party. taking a public- spirited interest in all matters that affect his community, although he has never vared to participate in political life. The religious faith of the family is that of the Presbyterian church, both Mr. and Mrs. MeCauley being members of that organization in Lucas. Fraternally Mr. MeCanley is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. His career is proof of the fact that ambition. united with industry and energy, leads to success, and he is highly regarded and esteemed by all who know him for what he has accomplished and For those qualities of his character which have made possible his prosperity.
JOSIAH S. WILSON.
A lifelong resident of Lueas county. Josiah S. Wilson was born in Benton township. October 28. 1875. and. growing to manhood here, has always made agriculture his chief occupation. His parents were Robert Lee and Naney ( Smith Wilson, the former a native of Coshocton county. Ohio, where he was born in : 1847, and the latter of Meigs county, Tennessee. born October 6. 1854. The father died in Clarke county, this state, in 1895, but the mother is still surviving and makes her home in that county. In their family were ten children : JJosiah S., of this review; Mrs. Olive Roberts, born February 13, 1877, of Otter Creek township: Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson, whose birth occurred on January 13, 1879. and who resides in Clarke county : Lucius, born November 29, 1881, who makes his home with his mother on the old home farm in Clarke county: Mrs. Jennie MeGre, born January 27, 1883. residing in Le Roy, lowa; Harlan, whose natal day was January 29, 1885. of Clarke county : Charles, born May 30. 1887. also of Clarke county; Roy, born November 14, 1890, who resides on the home farm with his mother; Ida, who passed away in December. 1896. in childhood : and Bessie, the youngest in the family, who also makes her home with her mother in Clarke county. The three eldest of these children were born in Lucas county. the succeeding four in Wayne county and the younger ones in Clarke county.
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Josiah S. Wilson grew to manhood under the parental roof and has always been a resident of this immediate vicinity. In the acquirement of his education he attended the common schools and as soon as old enough took up agricul- tural labors, early becoming acquainted with thorough methods and the details of farm work as well as market conditions and the profitable disposal of farm products. Ile now is engaged in the cultivation of two hundred and forty fertile aeres of land in Otter Creek township which are highly improved. Ilis build- ings bespeak the prosperity of their owner, being modernly equipped and in good repair. and he has installed the most modern machinery for labor-saving purposes in order to increase the yield of his farm. He also gives consider- able attention to the raising of live stock, of which he keeps a good grade.
On August 21, 1901, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Gerda Lang, a native of Otter Creek township, where she was born on September 13. 1878. and grew to womanhood, ever having made her home here. Her parents, James Moore and Edna J. ( Marsh) Lang, were well known farming people of Lucas county, owning a valuable tract of two hundred and forty acres, well improved. The father was born in Pennsylvania on December 13. 1839, and the mother in Marietta, Ohio, May 12. 1848. They now reside at San Gabriel, California, the father having practically retired from active labors, although he still owns his farm in this vicinity. The mother was one of Lucas county's earliest settlers and for many years one of its most successful school teachers. Mr. Lang was employed for many years by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad as bridge carpenter before settling upon his farm. Ile also helped to build the barn on the poor farm of Lucas county. The maternal grandmother of Mrs. Wilson was one of the first passengers to come into Lucas by the Chicago, Bur- lington & Quiney trains. Mr. and Mrs. Lang became the parents of the follow- ing children : Ethel. born February 18, 1876, who died when but four years old. on March 3, 1880: Mrs. Wilson, the wife of our subject : Nora, born February 2. 1881, who is a stenographer and resides with her parents at San Gabriel, Cali- fornia : J. Marsh, born Jannary 5. 1886, residing in JJackson township; and Fay, whose natal day was September 22. 1891, and who teaches school in the Golden state. All of these children were born in Otter Creek township. Mr. Lang was among the early pioneers of Lucas county and always played a promi- nent part in shaping public affairs. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been born seven children : Elma, born at Glenwood, lowa, May 31. 1902 ; Theo, born Deeem- ber 15, 1903, Philip, whose natal day is December 2, 1907; Vera, born May 19. 1909: Lura, who was born JJune 4. 1910; Marvin, born June 11, 1911 ; and Marie, born June 11. 1912. All except the eldest danghter were born in Otter Creek township.
Josiah S. Wilson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has given evidence of his interest in the development of his section and espe- cially in the cause of education by efficiently serving as a member of the school board for nine years. Both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church of Otter Creek, in the work of which they take a helpful interest. and he is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America of Invas. He is a publie-spirited and progressive man, always gladly willing to bear his share in promoting worthy public enterprises and giving as much consid- eration to the general welfare as to his individual success. His sturdy character-
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isties, his industry, energy and thrift have made possible a success which places him among the substantial men of his locality and, as he is recognized as such, he is a forceful and serviceable factor in general expansion and enjoys the confidence and good-will of all who know him and the friendship of many who find represented in him those high qualities of character which always client admiration.
CHARLES B. ROGERS.
One of the most enterprising, progressive and substantial business men of Lucas is Charles B. Rogers, a partner in the firm of MeKlveen Brothers & Rogers. who are connected with commercial and industrial interests as dealers in hmm- her, hardware, farm implements and grain. They have built up an extensive trade and their enterprising methods and careful management promise further success in the l'ututre. Mr. Rogers has always lived in Lucas county with the exception of seven years spent in Marion county. Iowa, his birth having occurred in Lincoln township. December 31, 1870. He is a son of T. S. and Frederika (Grand-Girard) Rogers, the former of whom was born in Harrisburg. Pennsylva- nia, December 3. 1825, and the latter in Ohio, November 22. 1842. The Father came to lowa in 1867 with a view to making a permanent location in the state and. being satisfied with his investments, returned for his wife and together they took up their home in Chariton in 1868. The father bought land just south of the rity. in Lincoln township, and engaged in farming for a number of years. They now reside in Fresno, California. In their family were four children. all of whom were born in Lincoln township: Mrs. Mary Porter, whose birth occurred July 9. 1869, and who is now residing in Fresno, California : Charles B .. of this review ; Mrs. Nellie Gillespie, who was born December 6, 1872. and who makes her home in Fowler, California ; and Mrs. Emily Williams, of Oskaloosa. lowa. born September 21, 1878. All of these children were reared in Lucas county and acquired their education in the local schools, all graduating from the Chariton high school.
Charles B. Rogers grew to manhood upon his father's farm in Lincoln town- ship and after completing his high-school course in 1857 continued to reside upon the homestead for two years. In the fall of 1889 he turned his atten- tion to Imsiness pursuits, obtaining a position in the employ of Eikenberry & Company, of Chariton, lowa, with whom he continued at Chariton until July. 1891. when he was made manager at Pleasantville, lowa. for the same com- pany. While still thus engaged the name of the firm was changed to (. . ). Stewart & Company. Mr. Rogers continuing as manager at Pleasantville until February 1. 1599. when he formed a partnership with MeKlveen Brothers in the lumber, hardware, farm implement and grain business at Lucas. They arr accorded a liberal patronage in each line and their business is annually growing in vohne and importance. The success of the undertaking is attribut- able in no small measure to the manager. Mr. Rogers, whose careful and systematic methods and keen business discernment constitute important elements in the attainment of prosperity. He owns an attractive and well furnished home in
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Lucas and important business interests here, besides a profitable fruit ranch in California.
On November 28, 1893, Mr. Rogers married Miss Cynthia Litchfield, whose birth occurred in Pleasantville, lowa, October 26, 1871, and who passed away April 29. 1913. She was a daughter of A. N. and Mahala ( Thompson ) Litchfield. the former born in Ohio and the latter in Marion county. lowa, where her birth ocenrred October 29, 1851. They came as early settlers to Marion county. The father was a veteran of the Civil war, serving in that conflict as a member of the famous Ohio Third Cavalry under the command of General George Custer. For fear that the famous order issued by General Custer at the time of Lee's sur- render at Appomattox Courthouse has not been preserved it will be inserted in this review. Mr. Rogers is in possession of the original, of which the following is a copy :
"Soldiers of the Third Cavalry Division :
"With profound gratitude toward the God of battles, by whose blessings our enemies have been humbled and our arms rendered triumphant. your commanding general avails himself of this, his first opportunity, to express to you his admira- tion of the heroic manner in which you have passed through the series of battles which today resulted in the surrender of the enemy's entire army. The record established by your indomitable courage is unparalleled in the annals of war. Your prowess has won for you even the respect and admiration of your enemies. During the past six months, although in most instances confronted by superior numbers, you have captured from the enemy in open battle one hundred and eleven pieces of artillery. sixty-five battle Hags and upwards of ten thousand prisoners of war, including seven general officers. Within the past ten days and included within the above you have captured forty-six pieces of field artillery and thirty- seven battle flags. You have never lost a gun, never lost a color, and have never been defeated. And, notwithstanding the numerous engagements in which you have borne a prominent part-including those memorable battles of the Shonan- doah-you have captured every piere of artillery the enemy has dared to open upon you. The near approach of peace renders it improbable that you will again be called upon to undergo the fatigne of the toilsome march or the exposure of the battlefield : but should the assistance of keen blades wielded by your sturdy anins be required to hasten the coming of that glorious peace for which we have been so long contending, the general commanding is proudly confident that in the future, as well as in the past, every demand will meet with a hearty and willing response. Let us hope that our work is done and that, blessed with the comforts of peace, we may soon be permitted to enjoy the pleasures of home and friends. For our comrades who have fallen let us cherish a grateful remembrance. To the wounded and those who languish in southern prisons let our heartfelt sympathies be tendered. And now, speaking for myself alone, when the war is ended and the task of the historian begins, when those deeds of daring which have rendered the name and fame of the Third Cavalry Division imperishable are inseribed npon the bright pages of history, I only ask that my name be written as that of the commander of the Third Cavalry Division.
" (Signed) G. A. CUSTER, "Brevet Major General."
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In the Litchfield family were four children, as follows: Bertha, who was born October 18. 1869. and who died May 6. 1913; Mrs. Rogers, of this sketch : 1. J., who was born Inly 22, 1873, and who is now a resident of Dallas, Texas; and Addie, who was born September 10, 1884, and who died at Pleasantville. lowa. Mrs. Rogers was a native of Pleasantville and grew to womanhood there, attend- ing the public schools. This was later supplemented by a course in Drake I'niversity and by attendance at a private normal school in Des Moines. She and her husband had three children: Helen, whose birth occurred November 8. 1894, and who was graduated from the Lucas high school with the class of 1911 and from the Chariton high school with the class of 1912. and who is now attending college at Grinnell, lowa: Harold A., who was born in Lneas, May 4, 1900, and who is now attending the public schools: and Rodney S .. born April 27. 1905. a student in the Lucas public schools. Mrs. Rogers was a devont adherent of the Christian church, making her life the embodiment of its teachings.
Fraternally Mr. Rogers is connected with Good Shepherd Lodge. No. 414. A. F. & A. M., of Lneas, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias of Pleasantville, and he is affiliated also with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Yeomen in Lucas. Ile gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is one of its most active supporters in the county. He served as a member of the town council and is at present on the board of educa- tion, his loyalty and public spirit being proven by carnest work in the public service. Broad. liberal-minded and progressive. a man of modern views, he is over ready to give his aid and material support to progressive public enterprises and to any movement which tends to advance the community interests. He is numbered among the most prominent and influential citizens of Lucas county and his is an excellent example of the power and force of honorable manhood. of earnest effort and high principles.
FRANCIS RINEHART FRY.
A prominent pioneer citizen of Wayne county. Francis Rinchart Fry is honored and respected by all, not alone because of the success he has achieved. but also owing to the straightforward and progressive business policy that he has ever followed. Moreover, in matters of citizenship he has been a recognized leader, standing at all times for those things which are progressive and help- ''ul in the life of the community.
A native of Mason county, West Virginia, Francis R. Fry was born De- vember 28, 1852. a son of Sammel and Mary A. (Circle) Fry, who were also na. tives of Mason county. The former was a son of John and Elizabeth ( Amil- ler) Fry, natives of Shenandoah county. Virginia, and was the youngest of seven children. He acquired a common-school education and was reared to farm work. On the ISth of April. 1848. he wedded Mary A. Cirele. of Mason county, West Virginia. In the year 1857 they removed westward to Wayne county, lowa, locating first in Union township and in 1861 removing to Wash- ington township. The wife and mother passed away August 26, 1862, and in
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FRANCIS R. FRY
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1863, Samuel Fry wedded Mary Ann Ball, of Fauquier county, Virginia. He was a self-made man whose snecess was attributable entirely to his own efforts. For three years he filled the office of county supervisor and was interested in everything pertaining to public progress and improvement. It was through his efforts that Fry's chapel was built, his donation covering more than one- half of the expense. Ile labored for the material, intellectual, social and moral benefit of his community and his life work was of value of the district. Unto him and his wife were born two children, the daughter, Mrs. Mary Virginia Burnham, now living in Ames, Iowa.
Francis R. Fry was but four years of age when brought by his parents to Iowa. He acquired his early education in the country schools and when nine- teen years of age was graduated from Western College, now the Leander Clark College of Toledo. Iowa. For three years he engaged in teaching school and then refused an offer to become assistant cashier of the Cedar Rapids Savings Bank because of his health. Thinking that outdoor life would prove more beneficial, he began farming, in 1881, on one hundred and twenty acres of land and by reason of his capable management, unfaltering enterprise and pro- gressive methods he was gradually able to increase his holdings until he now owns five hundred and twenty acres, a part of which is rented to his sons, while the remainder is cultivated on shares. IIe is considered the leading and most progressive farmer in his part of the state. His methods have always been of the most practical character and yet have embodied the most progres- sive ideas. Since he began farming his fields have always yielded a better percentage than others and it was often pointed out that his erops were large and fine while the fields on the opposite side of the road were produeing much less. He understands the scientific as well as the practical side of farming and many young men are looking to him as an example of what may be accom- plished in this direction. It is a notable fact that the first eighty acres of land which his father, Samuel Fry, owned and farmed in 1857 is producing as good erops, if not better, than were gathered from the same tract fifty-six years ago. Ile has always followed crop rotation and has studied the needs of the soil, and the sound judgment which has guided his work has made his labors most effective and has justly given him rank among the foremost agricultur- ists of this part of the state. In 1895, in order to give his children better edu- cational opportunities than could be secured in the country schools, Mr. Fry removed with his family to Corydon and all of his seven children are now graduates of the high school.
Other business interests aside from farming have claimed the attention and profited by the efforts and enterprise of Mr. Fry. He and his father were the organizers of the Farmers & Merchants Bank and continued as officers and stockholders until the Citizens Savings Bank was reorganized through Mr. Fry's efforts and the name changed to the First National Bank, of which Francis R. Fry is now a director, while his son, F. B. Fry, is cashier. He is also president of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Wayne county, filling that posi- tion since 1903.
While Mr. Fry's business interests and duties have claimed his attention he has yet found time to cooperate in various movements relative to the public wel- fare. The cause of education has found in him a stalwart champion and while Vol. II-15
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living upon the farm he served for twenty years as a member of the school board and has acted in the same capacity for nine years in connection with the Cory- don school board. He has likewise been township clerk and justice of the peace and he was a member of the thirty-fourth general assembly. elected for the years 1911 and 1912. Hle acted on the advisory board of the city council when the electric light plant was installed, and no movement for the general good seeks his aid and support in vain. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party and his position upon any vital question is never an equivocal one. Ilis religions faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.
On the 8th of March, 1872, Mr. Fry was united in marriage to Miss Carrie M. Kellogg, a daughter of Alvero V. and Fannie (JJayne) Kellogg. It was in 1891 that Mr. Fry was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 23d of December of that year. They were the parents of seven children : Frantz Bird, who was born March 2. 1875, and is mentioned elsewhere in this work; Jeva M., who was born February 23, 1878, and died November 18, 1911 : Arba 12., who was born JJuly 17, 1880, and is now the wife of lesse T. White, of Cory- don: Elo, who was born June 23, 1882. and is the wife of E. A. Kimmel, a de- tective of Oakland, California ; Samuel A., a farmer, who was born May 5. 1884, and married Mary Jennie Riggs, of Seymour, December 28. 1908; Enpha P., who was born on the 2d of May. 1887, and on the 28th of December, 1908, her father's birthday, became the wife of Ray Evans, a farmer of Wayne county ; and Alba G., born December 11. 1891, who is cultivating the land which was first owned by his grandfather. Samuel Fry, this being in possession of the Family for three generations. He married Nellie B. Davis August 6, 1912. In the fam- ily are ten grandchildren. Mr. Fry was married a second time March 9. 1895, when Miss Alice Miller became his wife. She is a daughter of Henry Carter and Frances (Upham) Miller, who arrived in Wayne county in 1864.
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