USA > Iowa > Lucas County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 35
USA > Iowa > Wayne County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 35
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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. Gwinn formerly gave his allegiance to the republican party but for a number of years past has voted independently. He has over taken an active part in public affairs, being especially interested in the history of the county. and his labors have done much to promote public progress as well as individual prosperity. Throughout the long years of his residence in this part of the state he has enjoyed to the fullest extent the good-will and trust of those with whom he has come in contact. Strong in his honor and in his good name, he
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has long been a prominent and influential citizen here, his labors being of prac- tical benefit in the upbuilding and development of the county. Ilis name is inseparably associated with its history and his example is one well worthy of emulation.
JOHN FRANKLIN WHEELER.
Among the young agriculturists of Lucas county, lowa, who have made a. decided success, beginning in a small way, is John Franklin Wheeler, who since 1910 has been engaged in the cultivation of one hundred acres of land in Union township, to which he has since added eighty aeres in Jackson township.
Mr. Wheeler was born May 26, 1874, in Otter Creek township, this county. where he attended public school and grew to manhood. His parents were William and Mary L. (Ruble) Wheeler, the father a native of Monroe county, Ohio, and the mother of Warren county, Indiana. The former, who was born on March 27, 1837, came to Otter Creek township by the overland route in 1854 and the latter, who was born on February 26, 1840, came to Liberty town- ship with her sister in 1848. Both parents are yet alive and make their home in Lueas, to which place they retired after a long and resultant agricultural career. They were among the pioneers of this section of lowa and the mother, who retains a wonderful memory, can still vividly recite many incidents of pioneer life and give an account of many of the hardships that confronted the early settlers. In their family were the following children: Melissa Jane. born February 16. 1861. deceased : James, born February 8, 1863, also deceased ; Mrs. Etta Manley, born November 13, 1864, of Lucas: Mrs. Belle Primm, born November 21, 1866, of Chariton: Mrs. Alice Waugh, who resides in Woodburn, this state: Henry. born January 9, 1872, of Creston; and John Franklin, of this review. All of these children were born and reared in Otter Creek township. The oldest member of the Wheeler family to settle in lowa was the paternal grandfather of our subject, Jacob Wheeler, who came here in 1857, and who mar- ried Thankful Wheeler, born June 23. 1810. Her death occurred on the 19th of July, 1881.
John F. Wheeler has followed agricultural pursuits during all of his active life. Beginning practically withont funds he has by diligence and application succeeded in founding one of the best equipped stock farms in his locality. It comprises one hundred and eighty acres, of which one hundred are in Union township and eighty in Jackson township and thereon can be found a set of good improvements. The years have brought him prosperity and the appear- anee of his property stands as evidence of his success. Before settling in Union township Mr. Wheeler owned a farm in Otter Creek township, which he sold to good advantage in 1910, when he came to the property upon which he now resides.
In 1894 Mr. Wheeler was united in marriage to Miss Cora M. Waugh, who was born in Clarke county, lowa, February 23, 1876, and there attended school and grew to womanhood. Her parents were Charles and Mary ( Larkins) Waugh, natives of Illinois, who for many years resided in Woodburn. lowa.
TILD .
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The father of our subject kept up the splendid military record of his fam- ily. Ile enlisted for the Mexican war but was not mustered in in time to see active service. However, in 1862 he joined Company D. Twenty-third Jowa Vol- unteer Infantry, entering the service as lieutenant and gaining rapid advance- ment through his period of enlistment, resigning on account of disability with the rank of captain. He had been a resident of lowa since the year 1845 when he came to Lee county and purchased land. Later he bought goverment land in Davis county and in 1856 settled in Wayne county. where he took up a claim of four hundred and eighty aeres of government land, upon which he resided until his death. He was eminently progressive and public-spirited in his citi- zenship and for six years was a member of the board of county supervisors. Twiee he was a candidate for the office of state representative but was defeated both times. Ile had extensive fraternal relations, holding membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was also prominent in Masonry, belong- ing to the lodge, chapter and commandery. His death occurred on the 21st of March, 1903. His wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Sarah Jane Robi- son, was a daughter of James and Rachel Robison, natives of Morgantown, West Virginia. This family is also of old American foundation but is of Scot- tish origin, James Robison. an early representative, having been born in Scot- land. However, he afterward went to Ireland, where he married and later crossed the Atlantie to America, settling in Virginia prior to the year 1800. The mother of our subjeet passed away on the 7th of April, 1905.
Winfield S. Evans of this review eame to Wayne county with his father on the 13th of April, 1856, and grew up on his father's farm. He acquired a com- mon-school education in Wayne county and began his active career in 1876, when he moved upon one hundred and sixty acres of land in Walnut township which was presented to him by his father. With characteristic energy he car- ried forward the work of improvement, adding to his holdings from time to time until he was the proprietor of three hundred and sixty acres of fertile and productive land. Because his activities were always progressive and his standards of integrity high his labors were attended with a gratifying meas- ure of success and eventually he was able to retire. In October, 1909, he moved into Seymour, where he has since resided, his useful and well directed work in the past enabling him to enjoy all of the comforts and many of the Inxuries of life.
In 1884 Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Annie Lewis, a daugh- ter of John B. and Susan (MeMillan) Lewis, the former a native of England. The paternal branch of this family was founded in America by Mrs. Evans' grandfather, who in early times purchased land in lowa, locating first in Henry county and then in Wayne county, where he cultivated the soil until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Evans are the parents of six children: Sylvia, who married B. A. Whitmore, who is operating the farm belonging to the subject of this review ; David Glenn, a farmer in Wayne county, who married Miss Eupha Fisher ; Angie, Hattie, Hiram and Winnifred. all of whom reside at home. The fam- ily are devout adherents of the Methodist church.
Mr. Evans gives his allegiance to the republican party but although active and progressive in all matters of citizenship, never seeks political preferment. In Masonry he has attained a place of distinction, holding membership in the
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county and especially Union township and today enjoys high esteem and respect. to which he is entitled not only for what he has personally attained but for what he has done in furthering the general advancement. He is ever ready to support any worthy public cause and is loyal to his county and township.
JOHN HENRY WACHTLER.
One of the most progressive and enterprising young men of Hoisington, Kansas, is John Henry Wachtler, who is a representative of a highly respected pioneer family of lowa and at present engaged in the railroad service as a locomotive fireman. Hle was born at Le Mars, lowa, on the 25th of March, 1885, and is a son of Frederick Morritz and Emma (Bender) Wachtler, the former born at Mountain Lake, Minnesota. The paternal grandfather. Rudolph Wachtler, was born in Germany in 1831, but came to this country when twenty years of age, accompanied by a brother, who resides in New York. After mar- riage Rudolph Wachtler settled on a homestead in Cottonwood county, Minnesota. His wife passed away, leaving five children : Frederick Morritz. Rudolph. Henry. Paulina, and Louise. The maternal grandmother was twice married. the first union being with William Wecker, by whom she had two children: William. who resides on a farm in Plymouth county. Jowa: and Katherine, who is the wife of Frank Kerhberg, who is a farmer in the same county. Mr. Wecker served in the Civil war and was killed in the battle of Vicksburg. His widow later married John F. Bender, and to this union were born five children: Emma Elizabeth, the mother of our subject : Anna, who is Mrs. Baumgardner, and who resides in Clinton, Illinois : Charles Ernest, who is living in Nebraska : and Henry and John C., both of whom are residents of Clinton, Illinois. The parents of our subject came as early settlers into lowa and have since resided in this state. their home being now at Cherokee. In their family were nine children: John Henry, of this review; Florence, who resides in Chicago, Illinois; Edna. of Tishomingo, Oklahoma ; Leona. Hazel. Ray and Roth, who live at home: Faith. who has passed away ; and Edward.
John Henry Wachtler grew to manhood in Cherokee and acquired his edu- cation in the public schools of that community. After laying aside his books he learned painting and paper hanging and followed these trades successfully until 1909, when he entered the railroad service at Hoisington, Kansas, accepting a position as locomotive fireman. He is so engaged at the present time. and has proved prompt. capable and reliable in the discharge of his duties, winning the confidence of his superiors and the good-will of all who are associated with him.
On the 22d of June. 1910. Mr. Wachtler was united in marriage to Miss Alma May Christy, who was born in Kansas. September 29, 1889. a daughter of Charles Marion and Elizabeth Ann (Henry) Christy, the former of whom was born March 11, 1855, and died at Welch, Oklahoma, Ine 2, 1908. The mother was born in Delaware county. Indiana, April 16, 1857. and survives her husband. making her home at Hoisington. Kansas. On the maternal side Mrs. Wachtler is a granddaughter of Emanuel Henry. one of the early settlers in Warren
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township, Lucas county, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Marion Christy and their family made their home in Kansas until 1897 and then removed to fmicas county, Iowa, where they remained ten years, going at the end of that time to Oklahoma, where the father's death occurred. He and his wife became the parents of the following children : a son. who died in infancy; Mrs. Maude Brown, who was born September 25, 1884, and who is now residing in Merced, California: Mrs. Berda Sette, born November 29. 1886, residing at Belpre, Kansas; Mrs. Wachtler, wife of the subject of this review : Opal, who was born October 4. 1891, and who is residing with her mother at Iloisington, Kansas: and Beulah, born April 19, 1896, and Charles Orlo. born November 3. 1901, who are also at home. Mrs. Wachtler acquired her preliminary education in the public schools and supplemented this by six months at Simpson College, Indianola. She and her husband have one daughter, Dorothy Elizabeth, born at Hoisington, Kansas, November 17, 1912. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are well known in Hoisington, where their many excellent qualities of character have won them a wide circle of friends. They are people of refinement and culture, widely read and familiar with the best literature and both are representatives of highly esteemed and respected families.
Mr. Wachtler gives his political allegiance to the progressive party and keeps well informed on questions and issues of the day, although he is not active as an office seeker. Ilis fraternal affiliations are with the Brotherhood of Loco- motive Engineers and Firemen, the Knights and Ladies of Security and the Ancient Order of I'nited Workmen. He is still a young man but has already attained a creditable measure of success and he possesses in his ability and energy a guaranty of continued progress.
FRED MOORE CHANDLER.
Among the foremost stock-raisers of Lucas county is Fred Moore Chandler, who, in partnership with his brother Howard. owns a valuable farm of two hundred and ninety-three acres on sections 30 and 31 in White Breast town- ship, which is largely devoted to live-stock interests. Mr. Chandler comes of a family of stock-raisers, his father being one of the most successful breeders of Percheron horses, formerly of Illinois but now of lowa. Fred M. Chandler of this review first took up sheep raising with considerable success, being at one time one of the largest importers of Shropshires in lowa, but now gives most of his attention to raising Percheron horses. He has a most successful business, in the conduet of which he has shown executive ability, good judgment and a thorough understanding of the scientific phases of breeding.
Mr. Chandler was born at Ohio, Bureau county. Illinois, March 2, 1882, and in the acquirement of his education attended the connnon schools at that place, later taking a course at the State Agricultural College at Ames, Iowa, in order to acquaint himself with the most modern and successful methods per- taining to farming and stock breeding. Members of the family have for a long time been connected with that business and have been successful therein, while
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others have attained high reputation as physicians. His father, H. A. Chandler, is one of the foremost breeders of Percheron horses. having become interested along that line in Ohio, whence he later moved to Illinois and then to lowa, where he now has one of the most extensive farms of choice land. comprising five hundred acres, at Kellerton. Here can be found one of the finest herds of Percheron horses in the state. The family removed to Kellerton about twenty years ago.
1l. A. Chandler was born at Lamoille, Illinois, in 1854. while his wife is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born on October 31. 1858. In her maiden- hood she was Mary Ellen Moore. She was brought by her parents to Ilinois when but a child. Mr. and Mrs. Chandler became the parents of six children, all of whom were born in Illinois except the youngest, whose place of birth is Kellerton. The children attended the common schools and the four sons took courses at the State Agricultural College at Ames. The eldest in the family is Fred M. Chandler of this review. Lottie, the next in order of birth, is a Metho- dist missionary in China. Before engaging in that work she attended the dea- roness school in St. Louis and did deaconess work in that city. Pittsburg and New York. Howard is a partner of our subjeet in the live-stock business. Clay- ton is at present on a trip to Europe in order to select stock for the home farm at Kellerton. Frank resides with his parents at that city. Zilpha, the youngest in the family. received an excellent musical education, having taken a course in that art at Drake University. Clayton, aforementioned. attended for some time the Northwestern University at Evanston.
Fred Moore Chandler, in 1893. made removal with the family to Kollerton. lle remained at home for some time and upon reaching maturity engaged as a rural free delivery carrier for a number of years. In 1907 he and his brother Howard purchased two hundred and ninety-three acres of fertile land in White Breast township. They at first became interested in sheep. being probably the heaviest importers of Shropshires in lowa. importing in one year (1907) as many as eleven hundred and twenty-seven head. However, now they give their attention mostly to the breeding of Percheron horses and their stallion, Jalap. No. 84,210, who is at the head of the herd. is one of the very best in the state. This horse was imported from France when a volt, and Lucas county-in fact lowa-can boast of no better. The horse is sent for breeding purposes to all parts of the I'nited States. At present he weighs twenty-one hundred and eighty pounds and has captured first prizes wherever shown. In addition to Jalap they have thirteen additional stallions in the home barns. The Chandlers have a national reputation for horses and also sheep, although the sheep indus- try is now directed from Kellerton.
Fred M. Chandler was united in marriage at Weldon. lowa. on November 5. 1908, to Miss Ida Mitchell, who was born in Knox county. Illinois, later coming with her parents to Iowa. Her father, A. W. Mitchell. is the present mayor of Derby. To him and his wife eight children were born. Mr. and Mrs. Chandler have one son. Fred Mitchell Chandler, born January 18, 1912.
- Mr. Chandler is one of the most publie-spirited and progressive citizens of his locality. Well educated and broad and liberal-minded, he is one of the boosters of the best kind and interests himself in every movement or ideasure undertaken to promote the general welfare and prosperity. In politics he is
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a republican, faithfully fulfilling his citizen's duties, but beyond that he has not been active in political life, his important private interests ealling for most of his time and attention. Fraternally he is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Knights of Pythias of Chariton. He is highly esteemed and respected by all who know him as a capable, shrewd and modern business man, a thoroughly scientific farmer and breeder and a man whose every transaction reflects the honesty and integrity of his character.
JOHN BRINEGAR.
The founders of the Brinegar family in America came from Germany at an early day in the history of this country and one of them, Adam Brinegar, served with distinction in the Revolutionary war, loeating afterward in North Carolina. whence he migrated to Kentucky. from which state he went to Indiana. He died at the remarkable age of one hundred and fifteen years, longevity seeming to be a peculiarity of the family, for the grandmother lived to the age of one hundred and four years. Another distinguished member of the family served in the Mexican war. Henry Brinegar, the father of our subject. was the eldest of eight brothers and survived the other seven. lle was born in Indiana on December 8, 1823. and subsequently married in that state Miss Elizabeth Trog- don, a native of North Carolina, who was born in 1818 and died in Otter Creek township, this county, in 1889. The father's death occurred in the same town- ship on April 30. 1912. In their family were four children: Melinda, born March 8, 1847, who passed away in Otter Creek township on February 23, 1908: John, of this review; Emma, who was born March 5, 1851. and died in Otter Creek township. September 10, 1904: and Isaac. born in Lucas county. October 27, 1858, and a resident of Otter Creek township. The three eldest children were born in Indiana.
John Brinegar was born in Lawrence county. Indiana. January 23. 1849, and when about six years old in 1855 came with his parents by ox team to Iowa, settling in Otter Creek township, Lucas county, of which he has since been a resident. They were among the earliest settlers of Lucas county and became strong factors in its development. Settling here when the country was but sparsely inhabited and the families were separated by great distances, they endured all of the hardships of pioneer life. The father broke the virgin soil and gradually brought his land under cultivation. John Brinegar carly aceus- tomed himself to the primitive conditions and when a boy the howls of the coyote and wolf were the commonest sounds to his cars. He enjoyed sneh opportunities of education as the neighborhood afforded and early became acquainted with agricultural methods, assisting his father in the transformation of a raw stretch of prairie into a fertile farm. Courage and determination distinguished the family and perseveringly they remained and labored although many who followed them from Indiana returned to that state thoroughly discour- aged by the prospects held out by the new territory. As the years passed success came to John Brinegar and. being industrious and thrifty, ho acquired land from time to time until he now owns two hundred and twenty-five aeres
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in Otter Creek township upon which are two sets of good improvements. Modern equipment and machinery facilitate his farm labors and he follows the most up-to-date and modern methods in his occupation, annually deriving a gratify- ing income through his efforts. He also owns eighty acres of land in Harrison county, Missouri, well improved and under cultivation.
John Brinegar was married in 1870 to Miss Paralee F. Howard, who was born in Missouri on February 24. 1848. Her parents were Henry C. and Cynthia Ann (Bonner) Howard, both born near Bowling Green, Kentucky. the l'ather on April 11. 181], and the mother on February 3. 1812. The former died in Lucas county. lowa. on September 7. 1867. and the latter in the same county on June 5, 1906. They were carly settlers in this county, coming here in 1866 from Illinois, where the father had farmed for three years. removing there from Missouri. More extended mention of Mr. Howard is made on another page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Brinegar became the parents of five children, as follows: Elizabeth Ann, born January 22. 1szt, who died February 10, 1880: Ida May. horn October 10, 1872, who died in 189] ; Dora P., born March 19, 1876, who died February 10, 1880. the same day on which occurred the death of her sister Elizabeth : Professor George Brinegar, born Angust 31, 1880, who attended the common schools and select school at Chariton. took additional work at Simpson College, Indianola, lowa. for two years, com- pleted the course at the State Teachers' College at Cedar Falls and has for the past four years filled the position of superintendent of the city schools at Luverne, lowa: and John H., who was born in Medford. Oregon. Jannary 4, 1889, who supplemented the knowledge gained in the common schools by a course of study in Simpson College at Indianola and is now assisting his father in the work of the farm.
A man of strong convictions in regard to local questions. John Brinegar votes the prohibition ticket and takes much interest in all questions that affect social conditions. He is an important factor for good in this locality and all movements undertaken for the betterment of the people receive his indorse- ment and active cooperation. He was formerly a member of the Evangelical church of Otter Creek township. A relie of former days interesting from the historical point of view is an old-fashioned log house which was erected on his farm by John Brinegar in 1872. taking the place of the old log cabin which had been erected by his father but which has long since decayed. A man of means and a man of high mind and character, John Brinegar is generally respected and esteemed. his name standing for achievement and progress.
JAMES A. WALKER
A seion of old pioneer families both on the paternal and maternal side. James A. Walker is a native of JJackson township, Lucas county, and has always resided here, devoting his attention to the cultivation of three hundred acres of valuable land located on sections 21, 22, 27 and 28, Jackson township. He was born on May 12. 1861. a son of James L. and Mary (Stevenson) Walker, the father a native of Scotland and the mother of Ohio. Coming as pio-
JAMES A. WALKER AND FAMILY
A
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neers to Jackson township, the parents made settlement here in the spring of 1859 and here passed the remainder of their lives. Taking up land, the father broke the soil and gradually put it under cultivation, transforming wild prairie into fertile acres. Both parents were highly respected and esteemed by their friends and neighbors and enjoyed the confidence and good-will of all who knew them. The father died in Jackson township in 1880, at an age of about sixty years, the mother, who was born August 31. 1824. surviving him until March 21, 1812, when she died npon the home farm at the advanced age of nearly eighty-eight years. In their family were four children, of whom two are living, namely : Mrs. Margaret Jane MeCauley, a resident of Jackson town- ship; and James A., of this review. The two younger children died in infancy.
James A. Walker was reared under the parental roof and early grounded by his parents in the old-fashioned virtues of honesty and industry. Growing up amid pioneer conditions, he enjoyed the primitive educational advantages of the period, attending the common schools in the neighborhood of his father's farm, and early became acquainted with the various branches of agricultural work. As soon as he was okl enough he began to assist his father in the work of redeeming the land and putting it to agricultural use. More and more the responsibility of managing the homestead fell to his lot and npon the father's death he took active charge. As the years have passed the property has grown in value, its productivity increasing by the reason of the thorough, systematic and progressive methods employed by Mr. Walker. He now owns one of the choicest farms of his locality, comprising three hundred acres on sections 21, 22. 27 and 28 of Jackson township, improved with a handsome residence and sub- stantial barns. outbuildings and granaries, the general appearance of the prop- erty indieating the prosperity of its owner. Mr. Walker gives considerable at- tention to stock-raising. specializing in full blooded Percheron horses, Duroe Jersey hogs and shorthorn cattle. He enjoys an enviable reputation along this line and obtains for his stock the best market prices.
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