USA > Iowa > Lucas County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 33
USA > Iowa > Wayne County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 33
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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
On the 7th of February, 1875. Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Susan M. Sowder, who was born in Claiborne county, Tennessee, January 6, 1851. She is a daughter of Henry M. and Rachel (Osmmus) Sowder, also natives of that state, the father residing in Lucas county, where the mother passed away. In this family were twelve children: Mrs. Ann C. Smith, of Washington, D. C .: Jane, who died in infancy ; Mrs. Davis, wife of the subject of this review; David L., residing in Union township ; Mrs. Mollie Woods, deceased; William H., who resides in Lueas county ; Benjamin F., deceased ; Emanuel M., who makes his home in Derby; Malinda, who died at the age of eighteen ; Cordelia, who passed away at the age of sixteen; Mrs. Sarah Smith of Unmeston, lowa : and a son, who died in infaney. Mr. and Mrs. Davis became the parents of four children : William H., who was born April 13, 1878, and who is now engaged in the real-
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estate business in Chillicothe. Missouri: Flora B., who was born September 28, 1879, and who died September 14, 1851 : Frances M., who was born December 5, 1880, and who died February 16, 1881; and Robert T., who was born May 25, 1883, and who is now residing at Verndale, Minnesota.
It is not alone along business lines that Charles H. Davis has done splendid work for Derby, for he has been a force in the political life of the city for more than a quarter of a century and through active official service has done much to promote material development. As mayor he gave to Derby a straightforward, businesslike and constructive administration, and he was for twenty years town- ship elerk and a member of the school board. During the long period of his resi- dence here no progressive publie project has lacked his hearty cooperation and intelligent support, and his name stands for progress. reform and advancement along all lines.
DAVID WESTFALL.
David Westfal, the oldest surviving native son of I'nion township. is living retired in his beautiful home in Indianola. and has made his surroundings refleet his personality and the love of nature and beauty, which has been developed iu him in the course of his active and honorable life. His house is set in the midst of gardens which have been the object of his personal care and attention, and nothing has been neglected which will add to the attractiveness of the place which is today one of the most pleasing features of the landscape. Mr. Westfall's pres- ent period of leisure has come as the reward of earnest. straightforward and well directed work in the past, for he was for many years closely identified with farming, stock-raising and stock buying interests here and his present comfort- able fortune is visible evidence of his business ability and sound judgment. His birth occurred November 5. 1852, his parents being Granville and Jeannette (Teal) Westfall, the former born in Jackson county, West Virginia, March 3. 1829, and the latter in Rockbridge county. Virginia, October 26, 1830. In the fall of 1849 the parents made the overland journey into lowa and settled in Union township where both remained until death. At the time of their arrival pioneer conditions prevailed everywhere, the unbroken prairie stretched for miles in every direction and wild game was plentiful in the fields and woods. There were no railroads and the Indians were the most mimerous inhabitants. In this frontier settlement Mr. and Mrs. Westfall founded a home, facing bravely the hardships and privations of pioneer life and evolving out of the wilderness a profit- alde and productive farm. They became well known and highly respected in this community where they were recognized as people of many sterling traits of char- acter and upright and honorable in all their relations of life. The mother died in Union township November 25, 1885 and the father survived her until Decon- ber 17, 1891, passing away in JJackson county. West Virginia, while on a visit. Fourteen children were born to their union: Mrs. Martha Troutman, who was born October 20, 1819. now residing in Union township: Clark, who was born March 6, 1851 and who died in this township: David. of this review : Franklin, whose birth ovenrred November 26. 1854, and who died in Walla Walla, Wash-
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ington, January 17, 1885; Alfred, who was born November 13, 1856, and who died in infancy ; John P., whose birth occurred December 27, 1857, and who resides in Le Roy, lowa ; George, who was born February 15, 1860 and who makes his home in Derby ; Mrs. Flora Kyner, who was born November 28, 1861, and who is now a resident of Humeston; Mrs. Victoria Kyner, born February 25, 1864, a resi- dent of the same city; Henry, born March 17, 1866, who lives in Union township; Justin, who was born April 6. 1868, and who makes his home in Derby ; Lucinda, whose birth occurred November 2, 1870, and who died December 26, 1885; Jo Ann, who was born December 23, 1871, and who passed away August 29, 1872; and Charlie, also deceased.
David Westfall grew to manhood in Union township, and acquired his educa- tion in district school. He learned the details of farm operation by assisting with the work of the homestead and when he began his independent career naturally turned his attention to the occupation to which he had been reared. Ile purchased land and gave a great deal of time to its improvement and cultiva- tion, his efforts through the years being rewarded by a substantial degree of success. In addition to general farming Mr. Westfall was also closely identified with stock-raising and stock-buying interests and became well known throughout the township as a farsighted, progressive and enterprising business man. His landed holdings are today extensive, comprising one hundred and forty-one acres on Union township and sixty-two aeres in Warren township, both farms being improved with modern buildings and equipped with everything necessary for their successful operation. Mr. Westfall spends part of his time at Derby super- vising his property interests, but has practically retired from active life and resides in Indianola with his son and grandchildren whom he regards as espe- cially entrusted to his care. Here he has built a modern and beautiful home, one of the finest in Iowa, and having accumulated a comfortable supply of this world's goods, is spending his retired life in ease and enjoyment. He takes a great and justifiable pride in his home which is well furnished and completely equipped with all modern conveniences and many luxuries and which has besides been built with an eye to beauty and attractiveness. This idea has been car- ried out in its surroundings also, for the house is set in the midst of flower gardens and fine shade trees which beautify a well kept lawn. There are also vegetable gardens and attractive shrubbery, and Mr. Westfall gives a great deal of time to the care of his grounds. for he believes in living close to nature and loves flowers and trees and everything connected with the out-of-doors.
On the 8th of April, 1873, Mr. Westfall was united in marriage to Miss Malissa A. MeMains, who was born in Jefferson county, this state, August 22, 1850, a daughter of JJames and Catharine (Sears) MeMains, pioneer settlers in Lucas county, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Westfall became the parents of a son, Ernest B., who was born in Union township. September 16. 1876. The latter grew to manhood in this community and on January 2, 1898, married bola D. Tedrick, a native of War- ren township, born November 28, 1878. She was a daughter of John F. and Emma (Westfall) Tedrick, residents of Warren township. In this family were four children : Mrs. Ernest Westfall: Ralph, who resides in California : Mrs. Bertha Dobel, also of California ; and Otis of the same state. These children were all born and reared in Warren township. Mrs. Ernest Westfall passed away at
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Indianola July 1, 1909, and is buried at Derby. She and her husband became the parents of the following children. Wilma was born in Derby, November 15, 1898, and was graduated from the eighth grade of the Indianola public school in 1913. She is considered one of the best penmen of her age and expects to enter high school in the fall of this year. Winmefred was born August 8, 1900. Alta's birth occurred on the 29th of July, 1902. Helen was born at Redland, California. October 25, 1904. These children and their father make their home with Mr. and Mrs. David Westfall, who are very fond of their granddaughters and do every- thing in their power for their comfort and welfare.
Mr. Westfall gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is interested in the growth and development of the township where his entire life has been spent. He has been township clerk and school director and proved an efficient and reliable publie official. discharging his duties ably and with a conscientious sense of responsibility. He represents one of the first pioneer families of this county and has an extensive acquaintance within its borders. his upright life and honorable character having won him high regard and widespread esteem.
CHARLES A. PETTYJOIN.
Charles A. Pettyjohn, prominently connected with business interests of Chari- ion as a successful mason, is a native of lowa, born in Marion county, one and one-third miles east of Columbia. March 14. 1875. Ile is a son of Peter and Amanda ( Rogers) Pettyjohn, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Tennessee. The parents settled in Wapello county, lowa, at a very early date and four years later removed to Marion county, while subsequently they came to Pleasant township. Lucas county, where the father engaged in farm- ing. Ile is still residing in this section of Lucas county and is widely and favor- ably known. He and his wife became the parents of the following children : Martha Jane, deceased; James Austin, a native of Marion county, lowa : Mrs. Mary Sanders, who resides in Pleasant township : Joseph, of Monroe county ; Mrs. Sarah Antrim, of Nebraska: Mrs. Emma Adamson, a resident of Quincy. Ili- nois; Mrs. Melinda Booth, whose home is near Attica. lowa: Peter David, who resides near Carlisle. Iowa : George, deceased ; Mrs. Nancy Perry, of King City. Missouri; and Charles A., the subject of this review.
Charles A. Pettyjohn remained in Marion county until he was six years of age and then accompanied his parents to Pleasant township, where he attended the public schools. After a time the family moved two miles west from their origi- nal location and here Mr. Pettyjohn of this review continued his studies and also assisted his father with the work of the farm. After attaining his majority he learned the mason's trade under F. A. Stafford and after serving a four years' apprenticeship came to Chariton, where he has since resided. He has fol- lowed his trade since he began his active career and has met with that success which comes in recognition of reliable and trustworthy work and straight- forward and honorable business methods.
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On the 24th of July, 1900, Mr. Pettyjohn was united in marriage to Miss Mande M. Dawson, who was born in Chariton, May 26, 1884, a daughter of Wil- liam and Lorenda (Schofield) Dawson, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Tennessee, both of whom reside in Chariton. They became the parents of twelve children, six of whom survive: Mrs. Louise Madis, of Lehigh, Iowa; Edward, of Kingsville, Missouri : Charles, a resident of Davenport, Iowa ; Harry, of Creston. this state: Mrs. Pettyjohn, wife of the subject of this review; and Boyd B., born Mareh 14, 1892. now a resident of Chariton. Mr. and Mrs. Petty- john have become the parents of six children: Harold Nelson, born April 30, 1902; Roland Roy, born April 12, 1904; Lura Irene and Loren Iverne, twins, born December 13, 1906: Vera Dorothy, who was born in Nebraska, August 4, 1909: and Duane Grant. born November 30, 1911, at Chariton.
Mr. Pettyjohn gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is active and progressive in matters of citizenship, taking an intelligent interest in the welfare and growth of the community. He owns a comfortable and well fur- nished home in Chariton with a large acreage and he is well known and highly esteemed in the city.
SAMUEL L. WILLIAMS.
A native of Warren township. Lucas county. Samuel L. Williams has here spent his entire life with the exception of ten years during which he was a resident of Kansas. Formerly engaged in farming. he turned his attention to carpentering in 1908, which occupation he has since followed with grati- fying success. Samuel L. Williams was born September 30, 1866, a son of Parkison and Sarah J. ( Essex) Williams, of whom more extended mention is made under the heading of Parkison Williams.
Samuel L. Williams was reared and attended school in Warren township, spending the major portion of his life on the old homestead and assisting in its operation. He spent ten years in Kansas, however, but then returned to his former home. In the meantime he had taken up the carpenter's trade, in which occupation he has since been successful.
Mr. Williams was married in 1891 to Miss Laura E. Clayton, who was born in Wayne county. Iowa, May 8. 1874. She was brought by her parents to Lucas county when a child and grew to womanhood here. Her parents are William and Elizabeth (Wright) Clayton. who came From Wayne county to Lucas county and are now residents of Chariton. In their family were the following children: Florence, deceased; Mrs. Samuel L. Williams; Mrs. Mel- lie Graham, who resides in Oregon; Mrs. Annie Lewis of Chariton; Alvin, de- ceased; Henry, who makes his home in Chariton; Mrs. Essie McCulloch, of the same city; and Carl, who makes his home with his parents in Chariton. The two eldest of these children were born in Wayne county and the remainder in Lueas county. Mr. and Mrs. Williams became the parents of seven chil- dren: Herbert R., born March 13, 1893, still at home; Dorothy Steva, born July 20, 1895, who died December 3, 1896; Mamie 1., born January 10, 1901; Gerald, whose date of birth was September 23, 1903; Orlo B., whose birth oe-
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eurred November 26, 1905: Gladys M., born January 29, 1908; and Robert D .. born May 19. 1911. The three older children were born in Wayne county and the younger ones in Stafford county, Kansas. Mrs. Williams is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, taking an active and helpful interest in its work.
Politically Mr. Williams is a republican, giving his unqualified support to the measures and candidates of that party. However, he has never taken more than a citizen's interest in polities, not caring for public office. lle is public- spirited in the best sense of the word and is interested in all that pertains to the progress of his section. He enjoys in large measure the confidence and good-will of his fellow citizens and is one of the valned and esteemed residents of Warren township.
WILLIAM L. EVANS.
The name of Evans needs no introduction to the readers of a history of Wayne county, for it has been an honored one in this part of lowa for over fifty years and has been borne by some of the most worthy and respected citizens in America since prerevolutionary times. One of the most progressive and successful representatives of this family at the present time is William h. Evans, one of the extensive landowners and practical agricultorists of Wayne county, his native section. He was born on the 28th of March, 1859, and is a son of Aaron and Matilda (Baker) Evans. The father was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, a son of James and Rachel Evans. The family line can be traced back through successive generations from father to son until it reaches Evan Evans, a native of Wales, who founded the family in America, settling in what is now Geigertown, Pennsylvania, before the year 1753. He served in some of the Indian and Colonial wars and was a soldier in the Continental army during the American Revolution, serving in Captain John Robeson's Company of the Pennsylvania State Militia. His grandson, James Evans, married Rachel Blankley, a daughter of George Blankley, who served as sergeant in Captain Jacob Hoffman's Company of the First Regiment of Pennsylvania Ritle- men in the War of 1812. His son, Hiram Evans, enlisted for the Mexican war but did not see active service. However, at the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-third lowa Volunteer Infantry. and was promoted from the rank of lieutenant to that of captain, resigning after two years of able service on account of disability. Previous to this time and afterward he farmed in lowa, taking up government land in Davis county and then in Wayne county, where he resided until his death.
Aaron Evans, the father of the subject of this review, came to Bentonsport. Jowa. about the year 1856 and in the following year settled in Wayne county. where he acquired eighty acres of government land which by judicions invest- ments he increased until he owned six hundred and forty aeres. For many years he was snecessfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits but the last eighteen years of his life were spent in Seymour, where he had important busi ness connections, being identified with the management of several of the city
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banks and holding title to valiable tracts of town property. Ile was a republican in his political beliefs and was a devout member of the Methodist church. In Masonry he had attained a distinguished place, holding membership in the lodge, chapter and commandery. He was in all the relations of his life an upright, straightforward and honorable gentleman and his death, which was widely and deeply regretted, was felt as a distinet loss to the community in which he had so long resided. His wife was a daughter of Moses Baker, of Ohio, who came to Van Buren county, Jowa, about the year 1856 and removed to Wayne county in 1858. He followed farming during the remainder of his life. The mother of our subject was a devout member of the Methodist church. Her death occurred on the 25th of August, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Evans became the parents of twelve children: William L., of this review; George 1., a farmer near Seymour, who is married and has six children: Mary F., who passed away in 1886; Sarah May, who married F. A. Eastman, a retired farmer of Wichita, Kansas, by whom she has twelve children; James A., a Farmer near Seymour, who is married and has six children; Charles Russell, a painter and paperhanger, who resides near Seymour; John C., who is engaged in agri- eultural pursuits in Wayne county and who is married and the father of three children ; Laura, who became the wife of George Tomlinson, a resident of Sey- mour, by whom she has two children ; Lottie M., who married H. M. Lord, of Seymour, by whom she has three children; and Lucy, Rachel and Janie, all of whom have passed away.
William L. Evans acquired a publie-school education in the lowa schools and spent his childhood upon his father's farm. In September, 1880, he began his independent agricultural career. moving upon a tract of land which was presented to him by his Father. To this he added property which he acquired by purchase and in all had eighty acres. With characteristic energy he applied himself to the improvement and development of this l'arm, at intervals adding to his holdings until today he owns three hundred and twenty acres, one of the most valuable agricultural properties in this part of the state. He does not reside upon his farm but has a beautiful home in Seymour, where his attention is given to his extensive business interests. He owns a great deal of city real estate and is otherwise influentially connected with important local enterprises.
On the 12th of February, 1880, Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Mary Gump, of Wayne county, a daughter of Isaac and Diana (Parks) Gump, natives of Pennsylvania. Their marriage occurred in West Virginia and about the year 1853 they came to Jowa and the father followed farming in Wayne county for more than twenty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Evans have become the parents of five children : Martin Luther, who is engaged in teaching school in Spokane. Washington; James Clyde: Montella, who married Miss Bertha Walker and with his wife and three children resides upon the home farm; Ida May, who married Otto Naylor, a farmer in Polk county, by whom she has two children; and William Iliram, a bookkeeper in Des Moines. Mr. and Mrs. Evans are members of the Methodist church.
Since 1881 Mr. Evans has been connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has been through all the chairs in that organization. He gives a loyal support to the men and measures of the republican party and for over
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seventeen years has been prominent in township affairs, holding many township offices. For well over a quarter of a century he has been influentially associated with the agricultural and business interests of his community and his high standards of integrity, his conscientionsness and uprightness have earned him the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens. He always gives his influence and aid to progressive publie measures and stands uniformly on the side of justice, truth and right in publie as well as private relations.
WHITFIELD W. CLORE.
A factor in progress and advancement, always willing to bear his share of time or money toward any worthy publie enterprise, Whitfield W. Clore oecn- pies an important position in the life of Lucas county, Iowa, where he owns a highly productive farm of four hundred and sixty acres located on sections 10, 13, 14, 23 and 24, Otter Creek township. Broad and liberal-minded. he has become a power in his locality and his labors have not only been conductive to his own prosperity but have raised the moral. intellectual and material stand- ards.
Born in Parke county, Indiana, on December 31. 1859, he is a son of How- ard and Sarah ( Deere) Clore, natives of Kentucky, in which state the father was born in 1818. The father subsequently removed to Indiana where the fam- ily settled in Parke county and where both he and his wife became prominent and widely and favorably known. He passed away in that state in 1895, long surviving his wife, whose death occurred in 1872. also in that state. In their family were five children, one of whom died in infancy. The others are: Henry H., who resides in Indiana; Sarah. also a resident of that state: Howard D., born November 11. 1857, who makes his home in Otter Creek township, this county ; and Whitfield W., of this review. All of these children were born in Indiana.
Whitfield W. Clore was reared under the parental roof and in the acquire- ment of his education attended the schools near his father's farm. He remained in his native state until about twenty-seven years of age, when, in May, 1886, he came to Otter Creek township, Lucas county, settling on sections 24 and 13, purchasing land on which he engaged in agricultural pursuits, giving part of his time to stock-raising. Energetic and industrious, suceess has attended his labors and he is now well known as one of the snecessful stock feeders of the township, specializing in full blooded Percheron horses and Hereford cattle. Dil- igence and earnest efforts have resulted in a competence and today he owns four hundred and sixty acres of land, all under high cultivation and equipped with two sets of improvements. His well repaired barns and ontbuildings, his modern and up-to-date implements and his richly-bearing fields bespeak the prosperity of their owner. The family residence is equipped with all mod- ern conveniences, is commodious and comfortable and rivals in elegance any city home. As his means have increased Mr. Clore has made other judicious investments and owns four hundred acres of excellent land in Texas. There his eldest son now resides.
PUBLI !!
TILD
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WHITFIELD W. CLORE
MRS. WHITFIELD W. CLORE
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On March 18, 1890, Mr. Clore was nuited in marriage to Miss Ella F. Bond, who was born in Mahaska county, lowa, on September 27, 1868, having always remained a resident of this state. Her parents were George T. and Margaret (Johnson) Bond, natives of Maryland, who died in Otter Creek township, the former on February 14, 1884, and the latter on February 16, 1908. In their family were seven children, of whom two are living, Mrs. Clore's older brother, Charles R. Bond, being mentioned at length on another page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Clore became the parents of two sons, both of whom were born at the home farm in Otter Creek township. Wayne Leland, born January 3, 1891, acquired his early education in the com- mon schools, subsequently spending one year at the Chariton high school and a year and a half in the seminary of Simpson College, at Indianola. He resides at present in Texas. Charles Ober, born August 14, 1892, makes his home with his father.
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