USA > Iowa > Lucas County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 31
USA > Iowa > Wayne County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 31
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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
Mr. and Mrs. Grimes are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is a member of the board of trustees. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonie order, Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias. in which order he has passed through all of the chairs. Mrs. Grimes is a member of the Royal Neighbors and the Wednesday Club. Mr. Grimes gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is now serving as mayor of the town, while for nine years he was a member of the school board. He has prospered in his various business enterprises and has acquired extensive and valuable property interests. He owns his residence in Allerton. four hundred and eighty aeres of land in Stafford county, Kansas, and eighty aeres in Carlton county, Minne- sota. Hlis farm here constitutes one of the finest properties in Wayne county and brings him a good ammal rental. It is fenced with barbed wire, has natural drainage and the entire acreage is under cultivation. The improvements are substantial and in good condition, while the entire place is amply supplied with water of a superior quality from bored wells. Mr. Grimes is widely known and esteemed in the county, because as a business man, public official and private citizen he has always manifested those qualities which entitle him to the respect and regard of his fellow townsmen. His success is the well merited reward of earnest effort. close application and capable management, and has been achieved in a manner which leaves no doubt as to his integrity or question as to the reli- ability of his business methods.
JOSIAH BURGETT.
Josiah Burgett has been an interested witness of the growth and develop- ment of Lucas county from pioneer days to the present. Fifty-six years have come and gone since the Burgett family arrived in this state, and when they took up their abode in Lucas county the Indians were still numerous, while wili game of all kinds was plentiful. Great indeed have been the changes which have since occurred, and the Burgett family have ever borne their part in all the work which has wrought the present prosperity and development of the county.
Josiah Burgett was born in Johnson county. Indiana, March 14, 1856. His father, William Burgett, was born in Ohio, April 3, 1812, and in early man- hood wedded Hannah Leach, a native of Kentucky, The Leach family was also one of the pioneer families of Lucas county. It was in the year 1857 that William Burgett brought his family to lowa, taking up his abode in Union township. He remained a portion of the first year with Joe Mundell of that township and the following year purchased land of Mr. Skidmore lying partly in Liberty township. 'It was upon that traet that he took up his abode. It was raw prairie and there was little evidence of development and civili-
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zation to be seen in this part of the state. It was not an unusual thing for the Indians to call at the homes of the settlers, nor was it difficult for one of these pioneer men to go into the forest with his gun and return with an abundance of wild game. The houses for the most part were built of logs. as were the schoolhouses, and the methods of instruction were equally primitive. Mr. Burgett carried on farming for many years and passed away in Liberty town- ship, November 14. 1897, having for almost a quarter of a century survived his wife, who died April 17, 1873. Their children were thirteen in number, as follows: Mrs. Sarah E. Callon, who was born August 16, 1835, and resides in Liberty township: Mrs. America Fread, who was born on the 15th of January, 1837, and has passed away : Mrs. Anne Richardson, born July 15, 1838, who is also deceased : Jacob, born March 9, 1840, who was a veteran of the Civil war and is now deceased ; Aaron, whose birth occurred on the 19th of October, 1841, and who passed away June 14, 1903; Preston, who was born August 2, 1843, and has passed away : Mary Jane and Hannah, who died in infaney; Mrs. Ma- hala Lee, who is deceased; William H., born January 2, 1852, who is a resi- dent of Oakley ; James, January 29, 1854, who died May 16, 1897; Josiah, of this review ; and Mrs. Sophrona Browning, who was born on the 16th of February, 1860, and is a resident of Liberty township. Only the youngest member of the family was born in lowa. the other children being all natives of Johnson county, Indiana.
The usual experiences of the lad reared upon the frontier came to Josiah Burgett in his boyhood and youth. He assisted in the ardnous task of develop- ing new land and bringing the fields under cultivation, and throughout his entire life he has carried on general agricultural pursuits. He still owns a part of the old homestead and his holdings include two hundred acres of choice land on sections 20, 21 and 28, Liberty township. There are good buildings and an attractive, well furnished home where good cheer and hospitality reign supreme. As the years have gone by Mr. Burgett has won success and is now in possession of a comfortable competence.
In this county was celebrated his marriage to Miss Cynthia Malone on the 17th of April. 1886. She was born in Liberty township, January 23, 1865, was reared to womanhood here and has always been a resident of the county where her parents located at a very early day. Her father, William Malone, was born in Ohio, February 16, 1835, and died in Liberty township, June 27. 1910. Her mother, Mrs. Malinda (Webb) Malone, was born in Indiana, Jan- nary 3. 1840. and passed away in Liberty township, May 18. 1911. Her father. Joseph Webb, was one of the earliest settlers of Lucas county, arriving in 1854. Unto William and Malinda ( Webb) Malone were born thirteen children, namely : Joseph, who was born in Ohio, on the 2d of August, 1859, and has passed away; John A., whose birth occurred in Ohio on the 13th of April, 1861, and who is a resident of Oklahoma; Nola J., who was born in Ohio on the 18th of June, 1863, and is now deceased; Mrs. Cynthia Burgett; William 1., born April 18, 1866, who passed away in Missouri; James P., who was born on the 2d of July, 1868, and is a resident of Coin, Iowa: Charles W., whose birth occurred February 18, 1869, and who has passed away; Thomas W., who was born November 15, 1871. and is deceased ; David (., who was born on the 22d of November, 1873, and makes his home near Chariton ; Maurice C., whose
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birth occurred on the 4th of November. 1875, and who is living near Oakley; Lewis II., born March 12, 1877, who has passed away ; Mrs. Mary A. Laneaster, who was born on the 15th of April. 1878, and resides near Chariton; and Andrew D., who was born on the 4th of March, 1880. and resides at Lacona. The ten last named were natives of Lucas county and here al of the children were reared.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Burgett have been born nine children, as follows: Mrs. Zora B. Johnson, whose natal day was December 21. 1887, and who is now a resident of Oregon : Mrs. Grace G. Ketchum, who was born on the 31st of July, 1889. and is a resident of Chariton : Mrs. Gay Mank, who was born on the 2d of April, 1892. and makes her home west of Chariton ; May, twin sister of Mrs. Mauk, who is still at home: Lloyd S .. born September 29, 1894, who is yet. under the parental roof; Ross D., whose birth occurred on the 15th of October. 1896; Raymond O., whose natal day was October 28, 1901; Myrtle O., born May 23, 1903; and Truman I., whose birth occurred on the 13th of March. 1906. All the above named are natives of Liberty township.
Mr. Burgett has always given his political allegiance to the democratic party and has made an excellent record as a publie-spirited citizen, loyal to the best interests of the community, yet he has never sought nor desired office. although he has served as a member of the school board. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church, whose doctrines he strongly believes, and their religious faith is the guiding spirit of their lives. Both are widely known in the county and have a circle of warm friends almost coextensive with the cirele of their acquaintance.
ALBERT CLAY PERIMMER.
A two hundred and ten aere farm in Otter Creek township, Imcas county. highly improved and well under cultivation, represents the life's labor of Albert Clay Pfrimmer, who was born in Harrison county, Indiana, on July 21, 1860, and as a hoy of nine years came with his parents to Otter Creek town- ship, where ever since becoming old enough he has followed agricultural pur- suits. He is a son of George Pfrimmer, a native of France, in which country he was born on February 19, 1825, and who now makes his home in Otter Creek township with Mrs. T. D. Ashby, an okler sister of our subject. The l'ather has passed his eighty-eighth birthday and still enjoys remarkably good health for one of his age. The mother. Mrs. Lydia Ann Pfrimmer, was born in Indiana in 1826 and died in Otter Creek township on June 14. 1900, at the age of about seventy-four years. In their family were five children : Charles W., born in 1846, who resides in Mena, Arkansas: Samuel. deceased ; Franeis M., born in 1850 and a resident of Stratton, Nebraska, where he served for a member of years as postmaster: Lel L., who is now Mrs. Thompson D. Ashby : and Albert Clay, of this review.
Albert Clay Pfrimmer attended school in Indiana and Otter Creek town- ship, having removed with his parents to this locality when nine years of age. When old enough he began to assist his father in the work of the home farm
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and early gained valuable knowledge along agricultural lines. having followed that occupation ever since. He now owns two hundred and ten acres of well improved land in Otter Creek township, with two sets of improvements. His buildings are substantial and modernly equipped and, while he largely engages in mixed farming, he gives considerable attention to his live stock interests. Ilis residence is comfortable and conveniently appointed and there the family often entertain their many friends.
On January 28. 1886, Mr. Pfrimmer married Miss Martha Ellen Lipe, a native of Otter Creek township, where she was born on July 7, 1866. There she attended the eommon schools, supplementing her fundamental education with a one-year course at Simpson College of Indianola. Well equipped for the profession, she then taught school in Lucas county for two years. She is a daughter of John and Mahala (Davidson) Lipe, the father a native of Ran- dolph county, North Carolina, where he was born on January 9, 1829, and the mother of Indiana. When but three years old the father was brought to the latter state and subsequently came to Towa, where he passed his life in agri- cultural labors, his death occurring in Otter Creek township on April 29. 1910. The mother also died in that township, preceding her husband in death by nearly four decades. her demise occurring in December. 1871. Both came to Lneas county in 1861 and therefore witnessed much of the transformation that took place as pioneer conditions gave way to the onward march of civili- zation. The father had a ereditable military record, having enlisted at Clinton, Iowa, on the Union side, and having rendered valuable service during the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. John Lipe became the parents of five children: William, born April 3, 1862, deceased; Phoebe Ann, born August 2, 1863, also deceased : Mrs. Albert Clay Pfrimmer: John Wesley, a well known farmer of Otter Creek township, of whom more extended mention is made in another part of this work; and Mrs. Sarah Frances Eaton, born in December, 1870, who also resides in Otter Creek township. After the death of his first wife the father married again and of his second union the following children were born: Mrs. Addie Harvey, of Otter Creek township; Mrs. Alvie Lovina Baker, also of that township; and Winfred LeRoy and Wilfred. twins, both deceased. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Pfrimmer was one of Sumter's band and members of the family in the maternal line rendered valuable service during the Revolution.
Mr. and Mrs. Pfrimmer became the parents of thirteen children, all of whom were born in Otter Creek township and all of whom are living. The elder of them went from the public schools into teaching. The children are: Mrs. Ada Ellen Patterson, born October 17, 1887, who now resides in Omaha, Nebraska, and who is the mother of one child, Mary Ellen, born May 16, 1908; Vashti, born January 8, 1889, who attends the Iowa State Teachers' College at Cedar Falls; Samuel MeRae, who was born July 13, 1890, and resides with his parents but is at present teaching school in Warren township, this county; Anna Blonde, born December 16, 1891, attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln; Lydia Mabel, whose natal day was May 29. 1893, and who attends the Iowa State Teachers' College at Cedar Falls; John Lipe, born December 23, 1894, who assists his father with the work on the farm and at the same time attends school ; George Albert, born July 10. 1896, who also helps in the minor
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duties around the home place ; Anglo Saxon, born March 20. 1898; Mary Alberta, born November 28. 1899, who is attending high school at Chariton. lowa : Martha Helen, born March 29, 1901; Emily Ruth. born on Christmas day of 1902: Charlotte May, born March 19. 1905; and Wilbur Francis, born Sep- tember 25, 1909.
Mr. and Mrs. Pfrimmer are devoted members of the Methodist church of Otter Creek township. in the work of which they are actively and helpfully interested. In his political views he is a republican and. although he has never cared for publie position, keeps well informed upon all matters of public importance and fulfills his duties as a citizen painstakingly, as he recognizes his obligations as readily as he enjoys his privileges. He has been a factor in promoting agricultural development in Lucas county and is ever ready to give his support to worthy publie enterprises. A forceful element in his com- munity, he enjoys the high esteem and good-will of all who know him. for he has given evidence of characteristics which stamp him as a valuable citizen and a reliable, progressive member of society.
JAMES R. MUNDELL.
Having passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey. James R. Mundell enjoys the respect and esteem due to one of his age-one who has spent a life rich in labor, rich in hardships and obstacles but also rich in achievements and results in planting civilization on a stretch of land which was but prairie when he came here. But few settlements were made in Lucas county and but one log house was built at Chariton when Mr. Mundell. in the fall of 1849, built his first shack in Jackson township. He was born in Clinton county, Indiana. on March 20, 1833, a son of Joseph Mundell, who was born in Kentucky in April, 1502, and who, having long been prominent as an agriculturist in Lucas county, died in l'nion township on February s. 1885.
In the fall of 1849 James R. Mundell, with his father, came to Jackson township. Lucas county, and built a shack and then returned to his native county, but in the spring came back to his new settlement and has been a resi- dent of Lucas county ever since. The family moved to Enion township in 1856. after the first stages of hard pioneer life had been overcome. and Mr. Mundell of this review still makes his home in this township, where he has followed agricultural pursuits during his long. active and useful life. When . he came here but few settlements were made and the rolling prairie extended unbroken in all directions. In Chariton one log house was the only sign of civilization ; but with the undaunted spirit of the pioneer Mr. Mundell set himself to the task to wrest a farm from the wilderness, and to what extent he has succeeded is evidenced by the many acres which bring him gratifying returns today. He owns one hundred acres of land in Jackson township and forty aeres in Union township, highly cultivated and well improved. Ilis buildings are substantial and modernly equipped, modern machinery is em- ployed in keeping the land at its highest state of fertility, and his stoek gives the appearance of the best of care. A venerable pioneer, James R Mundell
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is still active in looking after his interests and, rugged type of mar that he is, he still operates his fields and can daily be found upon his acres.
James R. Mundell was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Tilford, a native of Round Prairie, Jefferson county, Iowa, where she was born on June 25. 1840. Her parents were among the earlier settlers in this state, Mr. and Mrs. Mundell became the parents of twelve children, all of whom were born in Union township: Sarah Belinda, who died at the age of five years; Celesta Jane, who died at the age of three years; J. P., born December 17, 1861, a resident of Lneas; R. T., born March 24, 1864, who makes his home in JJack- son township; Mrs. Mary 1. Leach, born February 20, 1866, of Jackson town- ship; William J .. whose natal day was April 9, 1868, of Jackson township ; Mrs. Ida V. Stumbaugh, born March 20, 1870, who resides at Reedpoint, Mon- tana; James A., of Jackson township, who was born April 14, 1872; Lney E., born August 23, 1874, who died July 16, 1875; C. E., of Jackson township. who was born August 6, 1876: Olive L., born July 1, 1879, who resides with her father in Union township; and Mrs. Nora Etta Hamilton, born April 14, 1881, of Jackson township. Mrs. Mundell passed away in Union township on March 2, 1896, and Mr. Mundell subsequently married a sister of his former wife.
It is to pioneers of the type of Mr. Mundell that America is indebted for its enormous agricultural development, and as such recognition is due him in this volume. IIaving led a long, active and useful life, to which indolence and idleness have ever been foreign, he has not only achieved individual sue- cess and has not only witnessed the onward march of civilization but has largely contributed to the development of Lucas county, always glad to hear his share in the work of making this one of the most prosperous sections of the country. His life work has been a serviceable factor in the growth of the county and there is no one more loyal to its interests than he. Although so deeply inter- ested in development, he has never been active in politics, caring not for public honors or emoluments derived from public sonrees. He allies himself with the democratic party and has ever stanehly upheld its principles. Nature has been kind to him. for he has never abused her laws. One usually thinks of old age as a period when mental as well as physical powers weaken, but there is an old age which grows stronger and brighter mentally and morally as the years go by and gives out of its rich stores of wisdom and experience for the benefit of others. Such has been the life of Mr. Mundell, who is not only one of the most venerable but also one of the most honored citizens of Lucas county, respected wherever known and most of all where best known.
SHERMAN PULLEY.
Among the successful and prominent native sons of Lucas county is num- bered Sherman Pulley, who owns and operates two hundred aeres of land lying on sections 1 and 12, Union township. He was born in this township on the 6th of November, 1869, and is a son of Henson and Charity Pulley, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana. They came as pioneers into
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Lueas county, making the journey overland into Union township in 1865, and here the father continued to reside until his death. His wife survives him and makes her home on the old Pulley homestead in Union township. In their family were eight children: Frank, of Warren township: Mary and Mrs. Emma Rosetta Evans, both of whom are deceased: Sherman, of this review; Mrs. Isadore Delmar, of Oklahoma; Charley, who died at the age of one year ; Arthur, of Oklahoma; and Mrs. Kittora Morgan. of Arkansas. The oldest child in this family was born in Indiana but all of the others are natives of Union township.
Sherman Pulley grew to manhood in Lucas county, acquiring his educa- tion in the district schools and in his childhood dividing his time between his studies and work in clearing. improving and developing the homestead. Be- fore he was of age he was already a practical and able farmer. understanding the best agricultural methods and all the details of farm operation. a knowledge which forms the real basis of his rapid and continued prosperity. He is today one of the prominent agriculturists of this vicinity. owning two hundred aeres of choice land lying on sections 1 and 12. Union township. The property is equipped with substantial improvements and its neat and attractive appear- ance indicates the owner's careful supervision and practical methods. He engages in general farming and is also extensively interested in stock-raising. breeding good grades of hogs and Aberdeen Angus cattle.
Mr. Pulley is a member of the Baptist church, and fraternally is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and although not an office seeker, he is at all times inter- ested in community affairs, cooperating heartily in all measures to advance the interests of his native section.
B. FRANK PHILLIPS.
A prominent man of his community. B. Frank Phillips is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, combining a barber shop with these two lines of activity. Moreover, he is widely known along other lines, serving at present as the city clerk of Lucas and being deeply interested in fraternal organ- izations, in which connection he has attained a rank which makes him promi- ment throughout the state. He was born in Beacon, lowa. September 4, 1868. a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Davis) Phillips, natives of Wales, the father born May 8. 1834, and passing away in Chariton, Iowa, October 16, 1912. The mother has also passed away, her death occurring at Beacon, Iowa. The Phillips family were among the earlier settlers of lowa, having located at Des Moines in 1856. They removed to Lucas, May 22, 1881. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Phillips were the following children: Mrs. Isabella Burke, who was born at Farmington, Iowa, and now resides at Hiteman, this state; Isane, also a resi- dent of Hiteman: B. Frank, of this review ; Mrs. Rosa Day Evans and Rhoda May, twins, the former a resident of Lueas and the latter deceased : Elizabeth, who died in 1889; and lohn. superintendent of coal mines at Norwoodville,
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B. FRANK PHILLIPS' RESIDENCE
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lowa. The mother died in 1872 and the father afterwards married Mrs. Ann Phillips, a widow, who died September 16. 1913.
B. Frank Phillips attended the common schools of Beacon and Lueas in the acquirement of his education and in 1887 engaged in the furniture and under- taking business in Lueas, with which, in 1888, he combined a barber shop. lle is so engaged at present and in the years that have passed has built up an estab- lishment which is a credit to the city. IIe carries a complete and first class line of goods and his patronage extends far beyond the city limits into the country.
In May. 1895. Mr. Phillips was united in marriage to Charlotte Phillips, a native of Missouri, her people removing to Lucas county while Mrs. Phillips was quite young. Her parents, John D. and Charlotte J. (Parker) Phillips, were natives of Wales and New York, respectively. The father passed away in Lueas, but the mother is still residing there. In their family were seven children.
Mr. and Mrs. B. Frank Phillips have four children: Wendell Herbert, born January 25, 1897, who is attending high school in Lucas; Ward Franklin, born December 13, 1899, and Donald Lester, born December 23, 1903, both attending school ; and Clarice Helen, born December 19, 1908.
A man who not only enjoys the privileges of American citizenship, but reeog- nizes its obligations, Mr. Phillips has become connected with the public life of Lucas, which eity he served for a term of three years as city clerk about eighteen years ago, occupying the same position at the present time. Bringing ability and experience to his duties, he has made a creditable record and his work in that connection is highly commended by his constituents. He is a republican in his political convictions and always votes for the measures and candidates of that organization. Mrs. Phillips is a member of the Reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints of Lueas and takes active part in the work of the church. For many years Mr. Phillips has held the position of chancellor of Castle Hall, No. 133, Knights of Pythias, of Lucas, and is at present past chancellor, while he has also been a member of the Grand Lodge of lowa for the past fifteen years. He takes a deep interest in Pythianism and there is probably no member of the order in southern Iowa who is more proficient in the work. IIe also is past fore- man of the Yeoman and for two years served as clerk of the Modern Woodmen of Lueas. Besides other valuable property he owns his handsome home. Broad and liberal-minded, he takes a deep interest in the welfare of the public and has ably filled every position of honor and trust to which he has been elected. IIis career is proof of the fact that ambition will win its way and the prominent position which he has attained no one can begrudge him, as it has been earned in a most commendable way.
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