USA > Iowa > Lucas County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 30
USA > Iowa > Wayne County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 30
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
Such in brief is the history of Francis R. Fry, who for fifty-six years has lived in lowa. His career has been one of continuous progress and he occupies today a most prominent position in financial and agricultural circles, while as a citizen his efforts in behalf of the general welfare have been far-reaching and beneficial.
JOHN S. STEARNS.
Having passed the seventy-third milestone on life's journey. John S. Stearns is still active in the world's work, carrying on agricultural pursuits. He cultivates the soil and raises live stock on a farm of eighty-nine acres on seetion 4. Union township, Lucas county, which he purchased in 1900, having followed farming in various states of the I'nion before that year. Ile first came to lowa in 1852 but in 1869 removed to Nebraska, in which state he made his home until 1852, when he again located in Lucas county where he has resided since. A native of Galena, Delaware county, Ohio, born on March 30, 1840, he is a son of Many and Angeline (Comstock) Stearns, the former of whom passed away in Tipton. Cedar county, lowa, in 1873, and the latter in Galena, Ohio, in 1851. In their family were three sons and three daugh-
289
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
ters of whom two are yet living. They are: Margaret, a resident of Ore- gon ; and John S., of this review. Those who have passed away are: Mrs. Elizabeth Comstock: William; Henry, who died in 1852 at Pioneer Grove. Cedar county, Iowa; and one who passed away in childhood. All of these children were born in Ohio.
John S. Stearns received his education partly in his native state and partly in lowa, where removal was made in 1852 when he was twelve years of age. The family settled in Pioneer Grove, Cedar county, this state, and there continued to reside until 1862, when Mr. Stearns enlisted for service in the Civil war with Company B, of the First lowa Cavalry, serving under Colonel Gower in the Western Army. Faithfulness to duty and courageous condnet distinguished his military career. He was mustered out in 1864 with honorable discharge, returning thereupon to Cedar county, where he l'ol- lowed farming until 1868, when he removed to Wayne county, this state, there continuing agricultural pursuits for one year. The next year found him in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he remained for three years, at the end of which period he proceeded to York county, that state, where he homesteaded and then went to Harlan county, whence he removed to Red Willow county. subsequently returning to Ilarlan county. The year 1882 marked his return to Iowa, when he located on a farm near Russell, Lucas county, where he fol- lowed his vocation. In 1900 he purchased eighty-nine acres on section 4, Union township, and there he has since continuously and successfully eulti- vated the soil and has given his attention also to the raising of live stock. Ilis property is in a high state of enltivation and provided with good improve- ments, his barns and outbuildings being kept in good repair and the general appearance of his place indicating his prosperity.
In Lincoln, Nebraska, on March 31. 1872, Mr. Stearns was married to Miss Elizabeth Crockford, a native of Ohio, born Angust 8. 1852. Her parents were Joseph and Mary ( Friday) Crockford, both of whom have passed away, the former in Kansas and the latter in MeCook, Nebraska. In their family were eight children: Henry, a resident of Hastings, Michigan; William, deceased ; Mrs. Ellen Barrett, residing in Lebanon, Oregon; John, who died in Mon- tana ; Benton, who passed away in Wisconsin ; Mrs. John S. Stearns; Jacob, who resides in lligler, Nebraska ; and .Joseph, living in Michigan. The six oldest chil- dren were born in Ohio while the others' births occurred in Michigan. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stearns five are living: Mrs. Carrie Allen, born December 20, 1872. residing in Jackson township; Joseph, born in York county, Nebraska, living in Russell, lowa; Harry, born in Russell, who makes his home at Canmore, Canada; John C., born in Russell, who still resides there; and Ethel, attending high school in Lucas. Those deceased are: Mary, who died while quite young at Alma, Nebraska; Charles, who also passed away in that rity; and Otis, born at Alma, Nebraska, who died at Derby, lowa.
In his political affiliations Mr. Stearns is a republican and keeps well informed upon public issues. He keeps alive the spirit of '61 by his member- ship in MeKnight Post, G. A. R., of Derby, lowa. Having always led a useful and busy life in which indolence and idleness have been unknown he has not only achieved individual suecess but has contributed to the development
290
LECAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
and advancement that have brought about the prosperous condition of the section. Interested in all movements incorporated to benefit his county and his locality, he has always been glad to do his share and by his life record has given an example of public-spirited and true American citizenship in times of war as well as in times of peace.
CYRUS N. BELL.
A native of Lucas county. Cyrus N. Bell has passed his entire life in this section of the state, where he was born in White Breast township on September 20. 1860, a son of Nelson and Rebecca ( Hobson) Bell. He was the only child born of this union. White Breast township now knows him as one of its most prosperous agriculturists, his holdings comprising two hundred and four acres of choice land on sections 7, 5, 9. 19, 20, 29 and 30, with two sets of good improvements.
The paternal grandfather of our subjeet, Thomas Bell, was a native of Cumberland county, North England, and in an early day of the history of this country settled in Ohio, being among the pioneers of that state. His wife was a native of Ireland and also died in Ohio. The maternal grandfather, -Joseph Hobson, was born in Kentucky and died in Van Buren county, lowa. his wife, Margaret (Sutphin) Hobson, being a native of New York and pass- ing away in Lneas, lowa. They were among Jowa's first pioneers. The father of Cyrus N. Bell, Nelson Bell, was born in Madison county, Ohio, January 24. 1832, and died in the Civil war while serving in the U'nion army. Ile enlisted in Company B. Sixth lowa Volunteer Infantry, and was under the command of General Grant. He participated in the battle of Shiloh and died in Mississippi on December 24, 1862. of an illness due to the bad condi- tions of living which the army endured. His death occurred at the time of the events leading up to the siege of Vicksburg. The mother. Rebecca (Hoh- son) Bell, was a native of Clark county, Indiana, born May 5, 1826, and now makes her home with her son, Cyrus N .. at the age of eighty-seven years. The parents settled in lowa in 1854. in Wapello county.
Cyrus N. Bell was born one and a half miles west of the postoffice at Chariton and has always been a resident of this neighborhood. Ile early en- gaged in agricultural pursuits and in addition learned bridge carpenter work. having been engaged along that line for some time with the Chicago, Burling- ton & Quincy Railroad. Ile located with his parents on the farm where he now resides in 1868. As the years have passed success has attended his labors and his property now comprises two hundred and four aeres of the most. fertile land of his locality, where he engages in general farming. also giving considerable attention to the raising of live stock, of which he keeps a good grade. lle has installed on his farm the modern equipment which is con- sidered indispensable in up-to-date agricultural methods, and his buildings bespeak the care of the owner.
On April 5, 1888, Mr. Bell was united in marriage to Miss Florence E. Robbins, who was born in Decatur county. Indiana, on September 17, 1862.
291
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
When but three years of age she was brought by her parents to Lueas county, of which she has been a resident sinee. The father during all his life fol- lowed agricultural pursuits, coming to this section overland from Eddyville, which was as far as the railroad extended at that time. James II. Robbins was born in Decatur county, Indiana, and his wife, Della (Rutherford) Rob- bins, is also a native of that county. Both are still residing in a pleasant home in Chariton, Iowa. In their family were six children, of whom Mrs. Bell is the eldest. The others were: George, deceased; James II., Jr., a dealer in live stock residing at Chariton, Iowa; Ludlow, of Des Moines, this state; Mrs. Margaret Jamison, a resident of Osecola, this state; and Eleeta. of Burlington, Iowa. The two eldest were natives of Decatur county, Indiana. but the younger ones were born in Lucas county, where all were reared. Mr. and Mrs. Bell are the parents of four children: James N., born May 9, 1889. who completed a business course in Elliott's Business College at Burlington. Iowa, and is employed by the Drake Wholesale Hardware Company of the latter city: Floyd F., born June 17, 1890, who also attended business college in Burlington and now resides in Jackson township; Edna, born February 13, 1892, who graduated from the Chariton high school with the class of 1913; and William MeKinley, born August 27, 1894. attending Elliott's Busi- ness College of Burlington.
Politically Mr. Bell is a republican. He has efficiently served as assessor of White Breast township for four years and has been a school director. Mrs. Bell and her daughter Edna are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Lucas, while fraternally Mr. Bell is a member of Good Shepherd Lodge, No. 414, A. F. & A. M., of Lueas, and a charter member of the Eastern Star of that eity. A public-spirited man who takes a deep interest in community affairs, he stands ever ready to bear his share in time or money in the pro- motion of any measures originated for the benefit of the community and is highly esteemed and regarded by all who know him for his many high qual- ities of mind and character.
JAMES L. WASHBURN.
Varied are the interests of James L. Washburn, who is not only one of the successful agriculturists of Union township, Lucas county, but has also actively participated in public life and at present serves in the position of justice of the peace. Although he had but a common-school education, he has taught himself' largely and has become recognized as one of the best informed men upon the history of his district. He has written one of the best township histories to be found on Union township, Lucas county, which gives a concise record of the development thereof. Himself of an old and distinguished family, he has been interested in genealogical work and has compiled various records of importance and interest, including that of his own family.
James L. Washburn was born in Lee county, lowa, November 25, 1860. There he attended the common schools and grew to manhood, supplementing his early education by continual reading of the best magazines and periodicals of
292
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
the day. He subsequently studied and graduated in bookkeeping and telegraphy and railroad station work and is qualified to hold any of these offices. For a time he was also interested in banking with Manning & Penick of Chariton. Towa.
The Washburn family was first mentioned in the history of the United States in 1790, when they were located in Vermont, in the disputed territory lying between New York and New Hampshire. Mr. Washburn is in possession of a genealogieal record extending over two centuries. His father. Stephen S. Wash- burn, was born in Canada in 1820 and died in Lee county, this state. in 1873. His father was the head of the Washburn family in America. It was in 1844 that Stephen S. Washburn located in Lee county. lowa, then a territory, becom- ing one of its very earliest pioneers. At the time of Lincoln's first election he was one of three men to brave the dangers in his township in order to vote for Lincoln, that section being at the time a rebel hotbed. Three uncles of our subject were captains in the U'nion army and one fought for the southern canse as colonel. The mother of James L. Washburn was Malissa 11. (Sprott) Wash- barn, who was born in 1826 and died in Lee county in March, 1903. She came to that county with her parents in the same year as her husband and was a daughter of the well known Colonel James Sprott of war fame. Mr. Washburn has also compiled a complete genealogieal record of the Sprott family which extends from September, 1767. to the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen S. Washburn were the parents of five children : Nicholas A .. residing in Washing- ton : Mrs. Anna S. Piligenstoffer, of Argyle, lowa : Mrs. Ella F. Newberry, also of that place; Willard S., of California ; and James L ... of this review. All of these children were born and reared in Lee county in the home where the parents begun their housekeeping and where they both lived until their deaths.
Upon growing to manhood Mr. Washburn gave his attention largely to agri- cultural pursuits, but he also made eight trips across the Rocky Mountains and traveled over forty thousand miles. He now enjoys a home of one hundred and sixty acres of fertile land on sections IS and 20, I'mion township, highly improved. His buildings are modern and well equipped and his residence is comfortable. He gives considerable attention to stock-raising, keeping a high grade of animals. As the years have passed he has become one of the substantial agriculturists of this section and great credit must be given him for what he has attained.
In 1885 Mr. Washburn was united in marriage to Miss Alice Sprott, of the same name as his mother. She was born in I'nion township. Lucas county, Sop- tember 7. 1867, and here grew to womanhood and here has ever since lived. Her parents were Joseph W. and Frances A. (Brown ) Sprott. natives of Pennsylvania. the former born July 30, 1826, and the latter on April 24. 1830. The parents sub- sequently moved to lowa. The Father was a forty-niner, going to California with an ox team and returning by the isthmus of Panama, walking from the Pacific to the Gulf through what is now the Canal Zone. He came to Incas county in 1858 where he followed agricultural pursuits. He passed away in Derby in Angust, 1903, the mother following him in death on April 23, 1905, her demise occurring in I'nion township. Mr. and Mrs. Sprott became the parents of the following children : Mrs. Elizabeth Mitchell, who is residing south of Chariton, this state: Mrs. Joan Chapman, of Derby, lowa : Mrs. George Parkin, of Derby : Mrs. Kate E. Robinson, who resides in White Breast township: Mrs. Alice Washburn. the
293
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
wife of our subject ; and Thomas, deceased. The three eldest children were born in Van Buren county and the remainder in Union township, Lucas county. Mr. and Mrs. Washburn became the parents of five children, of whom three are liv- ing : Agnes E., born August 4, 1889; Olive M., whose birth occurred December 13, 1891; and Ruby F .. born December 21, 1893. They attended the common schools in the vicinity of the father's farm and the two eldest took a course at Drake University of Des Moines. They are school teachers. the older one having been connected with the Osceola public schools. She and Olive M. are now teach- ing in the Derby schools.
In his political affiliations Mr. Washburn is a progressive republican and has ever given to that party his stanch support. He is at present justiee of the peace of Union township and at one time was mayor of Bondurant, Iowa. Fra- ternally he is a Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias. the Brotherhood of American Yeomen and the Modern Woodmen of Derby. In 1913 he was chosen president of the Farmers' Short Course held at Derby and it is needless to say that the affair under his able management proved to be a complete success. As much as Mr. Washburn is interested in the history of his district, he gives as mich consideration to its future and can ever be found among those men who support worthy publie enterprises. He has not only stimulated interest in the present generation as regards the pioneer history of his district, but has himself been an active factor in promoting agricultural development and improving moral and intellectual standards. He must therefore be considered a serviceable factor in the general upbuilding, and the confidenee, respect and good-will which he receives on all sides are well and highly merited.
JUSTIN WESTFALL.
Justin Westfall has made himself felt in the development of Lucas county in a twofold capacity. for he followed farming until 1900, sinee which year he has turned his attention to commercial interests, being now the manager of the lumber yard of G. J. Stewart & Company of Chariton at Derby, the business hav- ing largely increased under his able direction. Ile is a son of Granville and Jeannette (Teal) Westfall, both natives of Virginia, the father born in Jackson county on March 3, 1829, and the latter in Rockbridge county, October 26, 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Granville Westfall came as pioneers to Union township by the overland route in the fall of 1849, and here they made their home until their demise, the father passing away in Jackson county, West Virginia, on Decem- ber 17, 1891, and the mother in Union township, this county, on November 25, 1885. Justin Westfall was the eleventh in order of birth in a family of four- teen children, his brothers and sisters being: Mrs. Martha Troutman, a resident of Union township ; Clark, deceased ; David, a resident of Indianola, this state ; Franklin, who passed away in Walla Walla. Washington; Alfred, who died in infaney ; John P., a resident of Le Roy, Towa ; George, of Derby, this state; Mrs. Flora Kyner, of Humeston, Iowa; Mrs. Vietoria Kyner, also of that city ; Henry, a prominent farmer of Union township; Lucinda, who died at the age of fifteen, on December 26. 1885; Jo Ann. who died in infancy ; and Charles. also deceased.
294
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
Justin Westfall, in the acquirement of his education attended school near his father's farm, upon which he grew to manhood. Being early trained to that vocation, he followed farming until 1900, when he entered financial circles, becom- ing a member of the staff of the Merchants & Farmers Bank of Derby, with which institution he remained for two and a half years, gaining valuable commercial experience. He then entered the employ of G. J. Stewart & Company, of Chari- ton, as manager of their lumber yard at Derby, in which position he continues today. Energetic and active, he has displayed remarkable business ability in the discharge of his duties and has extended the trade connections of his firm in a conspicuously successful way. He is considered one of the forceful factors in eom- mercial expansion in Derby, and while he himself has attained an important position among the merchants of the city, he has been instrumental in promoting the interests of his community along various lines.
On March 9, 1892, Mr. Westl'all was united in marriage to Miss Belle Bliz- zard, a native of Union township, Lueas county, born Angust 2, 1868. Here she attended the common schools and grew to womanhood, complementing her educa- tion by a course at the State Normal School of Stanberry, Missouri, and Drake University of Des Moines, lowa. Being well prepared for the teaching pro- fession, she then so engaged in Union township for about five years before her marriage. Her parents are E. M. and Amanda (Mitchell) Blizzard, who became early settlers of Lueas county. They now reside near Derby, the father having practically retired after a successful farming career in this locality. In their family are four children: Mrs. Ada Grimes, of Union township; Mrs. Justin Westfall; Mrs. Dorothy B. Irvin, of Florence. Arizona : and T. M., who resides in Union township. All were born and reared here.
In his political affiliations Mr. Westfall is a democrat, keeping well informed as to the state of governmental affairs and taking interest in all issues that affect his locality, his county, state or the nation. He has the distinction of having served as the first town clerk of Derby while his father served on the first grand jury of this county. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church of this town, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest. Mr. and Mrs. Westfall reside in a well appointed home in Derby and he still owns his old homestead, comprising one hundred and sixty aeres of choice land in I'nion township, highly improved. from which he derives a gratifying income. Frater- nally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, belonging to the Derby camp. His career is proof of the fact that industry and honesty are yet the paramount qualities that lead to success and he is esteemed and respected as much for these characteristics, which have made his prosperity possible, as for the substantial position which he has reached in the community.
WILLIAM T. GRIMES.
As mayor of the town and the proprietor of a thriving implement business, William T. Grimes is a worthy representative of the commercial and official eireles of Allerton, toward the progress and development of which he has con- tributed no less by his able and efficient publie service than by the capable and
297
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
competent manner in which he has assisted to promote some of its leading busi- ness enterprises. A native of Indiana, he was born on the 15th of August, 1859, and is the third in order of birth in a family of seven. His parents, Jackson and Ellen (Tippin) Grimes, were likewise natives of Indiana, whenee they removed to Iowa in 1867, eoming direct to Wayne county. Here the father par- chased two hundred acres of prairie land, which through his diligent and capably directed efforts was converted into one of the fertile and valuable farming properties of the county. He is still residing on his farm at the advanced age of eighty years, but the mother passed away in 1907, and was laid to rest in the Allerton cemetery. She was seventy-four at the time of her death.
William T. Grimes, who was a lad of about eight years when he came to Iowa with his parents, was reared at home and educated in the public schools. The son of a farmer, his energies were early directed along agricultural lines, and long before he had reached man's estate he was thoroughly familiar with the practical methods of tilling the fields and caring for the erops. When he was twenty-four years of age his father deeded eighty avres of land to him and leaving home he began farming for himself. As he was industrious and exercised intelligence in directing the cultivation of his fields he met with a good measure of success and was soon able to increase his holdings by the addi- tion of another eighty aeres. He subsequently sold the tract presented to him by his father and invested the proceeds in other land, continuing to purchase adjoining fields as the opportunity presented until his farm comprised four hundred acres. Not only did he prove to be a skilled agriculturist but a eapable business man, and early began to direct his energies along other lines. In 1892, he temporarily withdrew from the work of the farm and went to Clio, where he assisted in the organization of the Bank of Chio, of which institution he was eashier for four years. At the expiration of that time he returned to his farm, which he operated until 1903. In the year last named he came to Allerton to enter upon the duties of eashier of the Farmers & Feeders Bank, now the Farmers National Bank, which he had assisted in organizing the year previous. He was the first president of this concern and served as cashier for five years, following which he resumed the management of his farm and also bought and sold stoek. His entire attention was given to these two undertakings until the spring of 1912. when he engaged in the implement business. A wide knowledge of farming machinery, united with a practical and intimate understanding of the needs of the agriculturist well adapt Mr. Grimes for this business, and as he is widely known throughout the county without doubt he will sneeeed in building up a large patronage.
On the 28th of February, 1884. Mr. Grimes was married to Miss Eva A. Allen, a daughter of Oscar G. and Anna (Miller) Allen. The parents, who were natives of Indiana. came to Iowa abont 1860, being among the first settlers in Wayne county. Here they passed the remainder of their days, the mother's death occurring in 1892, and that of the father in July, 1912, at the age of seventy- eight years. Mrs. Grimes, who is the fifth in order of birth in a family of eleven, was born on the 13th of August, 1865. To Mr. and Mrs. Grimes there have been born two daughters and a son, William L., who died at the age of three years. The eldest daughter, Wilma D., was born on January 14, 1885. She married Ernest R. Blakeley, a civil engineer of Illinois, and has become
298
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
the mother of two children. Cora D., whose birth occurred on Christmas day, 1890, is now pursuing a special course of study in the University at Madison, Wisconsin. She previously attended Highland Park University at. Des Moines for a year, while she was a student at the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois, for two years.
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.