USA > Iowa > Lucas County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 37
USA > Iowa > Wayne County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 37
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Mr. Jones voted twice for Abraham Lincoln and has throughout his life consistently adhered to the policy of casting his ballot for the man whom he considers best fitted for the position withont regard to party lines. He and his wife are devout members of the Baptist church and are people of exemplary eharaeter, well known and favorably regarded throughout the township.
JOHN F. TEDRICK. 1
John F. Tedrick, a prosperous and progressive farmer of Warren township. owns and operates one hundred and sixty aeres of fine land. He was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, September 10. 1856, and is a son of John and Marian (Hopper) Tedrick, also natives of that state, the former born in Guernsey county. Both died in Derby, the father passing away in 1892, at the age of seventy-six, and the mother in 1901, at the age of eighty. Five children were born to their union: Samuel, who died while in the Union army during the Civil war; Madison, whose death occurred in Illinois; Anderson, whose home is in Nebraska : Jolm F., of this review ; and a daughter who died in infancy.
John F. Tedrick was only seven years of age when he came to Lucas county, his parents locating here in 1863. Ile grew up on his father's farm and after attaining his majority turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he has since won prominence and success. He owns one hundred and sixty aeres of excellent land in Warren township and has improved and developed this property according to the most modern and progressive methods, making it one of the finest farms in this locality. He owns in addition a house and lot in Artesia, California, and he and his family spend many of the winter months in that state.
In Derby, lowa. August 7. 1877, Mr. Tedrick was united in marriage to Miss Emma D. Westfall, who was born in Monroe county, January 22, 1861, the youngest child of Lorenzo D. and Elinor (Crawford) Westfall, natives of Ohio, the former born December 23, 1818, and the latter. November 29, 1819. The parents were among the early settlers in Wapello county, lowa, making the journey overland in 1838. The father died in Derby, January 2, 1911, having long survived his wife, who passed away in Wapello county, December 24, 1861. Twelve children were born to their nion: John, who has passed away ; Mrs. Sarah Rachel Blue, also deceased; Eliza Jane, deceased : Mrs. Diana Penick, who was born February 10, 1843, and who now resides in Derby ; Mary Elinor, who was born January 25, 1845, and who died on the 16th of August of the same year: George Milton, who was born Inne 28, 1846, and who died in Oregon in 1900; Allison D., who was born November 4, 1848, and who is now residing in California : Wesley Addison, who was born May 14. 1851, and who makes his home in Oregon ; Mrs. Margaret Stodghill, who was born April 9, 1853, and who now resides in Portland, Oregon ; James Crawford, who was born June 6, 1855.
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and who makes his home in Wapello county; Francis Asbury, who was born March 16, 1858, and who now resides in Kansas; and Mrs. Emma Tedrick, wife of the subject of this review. All of these children were born in Wapello county. Mr. and Mrs. Tedrick became the parents of four children. all of whom were born in Lucas county, They are as follows: Mrs. Lola D. Westfall, who was born in Warren township, November 28, 1878, and who died at Indianola, Iowa, July 1, 1909 : Ralph, whose birth occurred July 10, 1880, and who is now a resident of California; Otis, born June 12. 1884. also of California: and Mrs. Bertha Doble, who was born October 1. 1885. at Cambria, Wayne county, and who makes her home in California.
Mr. and Mrs. Tedrick are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and the former is affiliated with the Masonic lodge of Chariton and the Modern Woodmen of America in Derby. Mrs. Tedrick is a charter member of Royal Neighbors of America at Derby, lowa. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he takes an intelligent interest in public affairs without being active as an office seeker. He is a man of many sterling traits of character, able in business, progressive in citizenship and at all times trustworthy and reliable.
CHARLES REED BOND.
A valuable farm of three hundred and sixty aeres of excellent land in Offer Creek township, Lucas county, gives testimony of the industry and ability of Charles Reed Bond along agricultural lines. The family settled here about forty years ago, in 1872. Charles R. Bond was born in Baltimore county. Maryland, March 25, 1854. His parents were George T. and Margaret (Johnson ) Bond, natives of Maryland, who passed away in Otter Creek township, this county, the former on February 14, 1884. and the latter on February 16. 1908. In their family were seven children: Charles Reed, of this review : William .... deceased; Frank, also deceased: Ollie, who died in infancy; Fra, who passed away on July 2. 1912: Mrs. Anna Arnold, deceased: and Mrs. Ella Clore. a resident of Otter Creek township. The two eldest children of this family were born in Maryland, the two next following in Pennsylvania and the remainder in Mahaska county, Jowa. The family moved from Maryland to Pennsylvania in 1857 and remained there until 1866, when they proceeded westward and made settlement in Mahaska county, lowa, on a farm where they remained until 1872, when they came to Otter Creek township. Lucas county, the father engaging in farming and stock-raising. He was successful in his efforts and as the years passed accumulated a substantial competence.
Charles R. Bond was reared under the parental roof and, making the several removals with his family. came in 1872 to Lucas county, where he has ever since resided with the exception of two years which he spent in Clarke county. He attended school in the various places where his parents resided and assisted his father with the work of the farm, becoming thoroughly acquainted with efficient methods of agriculture. As the years passed he turned them to good account and by thrift and industry became the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of highly cultivated and productive land in Otter Creek township.
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improved with a modern home, substantial outbuildings and barns and furnished with all such equipment as is considered indispensable by the up-to-date agri- culturist. He has become one of the substantial men of the agricultural com- munity of Otter Creek township, his labors not only being conducive to his own prosperity but being a factor in the general agricultural development of this region.
On February 17. 1877, Mr. Bond was united in marriage to Miss Celestine Bennett, who was born in Washington county, lowa. October 22, 1857. ller parents, Thomas and Belinda (Conley) Bennett, were among the early settlers in Iowa, coming here when this state was yet under territorial rule. The former was a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Thomas Bennett died in Oklahoma. at the age of ninety-four years, the mother also passing away in that state, aged seventy-seven. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett became the parents of twelve children : Joseph, deceased; Jeremiah. a soldier in the Civil war who died while in service: Joel, deceased ; Mrs. Anna Morgan, a resident of Missouri: William, who lives in Oklahoma: Mrs. Louise Dawson, also of that state: Mrs. Betsey Chapman, of Kansas: Christopher. of Oklahoma; Mrs. Bond, the wife of our subject : Mrs. Bethiah Cumrine. of Kansas: Mrs. Ada Castor, of Okla- homa ; and Sarah, who was the second in order of birth and died in infancy. All of these children were natives of Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Bond are the parents of seven children, all natives of Otter Creek township, where they were reared and grew to maturity. They are: Mrs. Luvernie Harvey, born December 21, 1877, of Otter Creek township; Mrs. Benlah Nelson, born May 2. 1880, of Chariton: Mrs. Maggie Anna Taylor, born December 30. 1881, of Indianola, Iowa: Mrs. Georgia Gladys Ashby, born May 8. 1888, of Jackson township: Charles G., born November 3, 1891, residing on the home farm and assisting his father in his work: Arthur, born May 22. 1894, also assisting in the operation of the farm: and Gertrude, born October 18. 1896. at home. Mr. and Mrs. Bond have seventeen grandchildren.
Politically Mr. Bond is a democrat, giving his stanch support to the measures and candidates of that organization. While his extensive farming operations have demanded most of his time, he recognizes the obligations of citizenship and has actively participated in publie life as township trustee, in which capacity he has efficiently served for fifteen years, and also as school director, giving thereby evidence of his support in behalf of better educational opportunities. There is no man in this locality who is higher esteemed than Mr. Bond and justly so, for his success is well merited, as it is self-earned, and the qualities which have made possible his prosperity are worthy of the highest commendation.
MICHAEL LOHR.
Among those who have long been identified with the agricultural develop- ment of Wayne county must be numbered Michael Lohr, who owns a well improved farm in Benton township and holds the title to five hundred and thirty-seven acres of fertile land in that immediate vicinity. He is a native of West Virginia, his birth having occurred in Barbour county, that state, on the
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15th of May, 1847. His father, P. P. Lohr, was of German extraction, but was born in Virginia, his natal year being 1817. Ilis parents, who were farming people, removed from Pennsylvania to Virginia in the early years of the last century and there passed the remainder of their lives.
P. P. Lohr early directed his energies along agricultural lines, and engaged in farming in West Virginia until March, 1854, when with his family he came to Jowa. He first located in Jefferson county, but in October, of the same year. he came to Wayne county, settling on a farm a mile and a half east of the place his son Michael now owns. His first tract of land comprised forty aeres. but as the years passed he added to his landed interests until at the time of his death he owned three hundred and twenty acres. He lived to the advanced age of eighty-three years, his death occurring in 1900. Mr. Lohr was one of the progressive and publie-spirited pioneers of Wayne county, and took an active interest in political affairs, serving with efficiency in various minor town- ship offices. In his early life he supported the whig party, and after it was merged into the republican voted the latter ticket. For his wife he chose Miss Sarah Holder, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1820, but in early life removed to Virginia with her parents. She accompanied her husband and family to Iowa and was residing in Wayne county when she passed away in October. 1911. Her parents came west in 1851. locating in Jefferson county, where they resided until 1858 when they came to Wayne county. Here Grandfather Ilolder bought eighty acres of land adjoining the farm of his son-in-law. P. P. Lohr, who later purchased the property, and resided there until his death in 1861. To Mr. and Mrs. Lohr there were born seven children, as follows: Mary. the deceased wife of John Davis, residing in the vicinity of Cambria : Elizabeth. who married John Woolis, of Cambria; Michael. our subject : Harriet Ann. who became the wife of S. Hotchkiss, of Missouri: Daniel, who is residing in Idaho; John, who is deceased ; and Allen T .. who makes his home in Dakota.
Michael Lohr, who was a lad of seven years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to lowa, was educated in the district schools of this county. He passed his early years in the uneventful routine characteristic of life in the rural sections, and in common with the majority of country youths early became familiar with the duties of the agriculturist. He remained on the home place until after he had attained his majority and then began his independent career as a farmer. On first starting out in the world for himself he cultivated rented land, but when he was twenty-seven he invested his accumulated savings in eighty acres of land, which formed the nucleus of his present homestead. The fact of his having become a landowner seemed to prove an incentive to yet greater effort on his part, and he applied himself to the achievement of his purpose with the unremitting diligence which brought constantly increasing success. As the years passed he added to his possessions until he now owns five hundred and thirty-seven aeres, eighty of which is a portion of the old family homestead cast of his place. All of the buildings now on his farm have been erected by Mr. Lohr, and at various times he has installed about the premises different appliances for reducing the labor connected with its operation, making his one of the model places of the township. His fields are planted to such cereals as are best adapted to the soil and annually yield abundant harvests. In connection with
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his diversified farming he is raising and feeding stock, in which lines of his business he is also meeting with a good measure of success.
In Wayne county, lowa, in 1878. Mr. bohr was married to Miss Mary F. Seaman, a daughter of W. E. Seaman, a native of England, who came to the United States in early life. lle first settled in New York state, but later removed to Rock Island. Illinois. Of this marriage there have been born eight children. as follows: Jessie, the deceased wife of Clyde Hathill: William, who married Ethel Gibbs, and is residing in this county ; Elizabeth, who is at home; Frank, who married Maude Gibbs, also of this county ; and Fred, Seaman, Stanley and Paul.
The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Lohr is a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted as a member of the Forty-sixth Towa Infantry in June, 1864, and remained at the front for ninety days. He main- tains relations with his comrades of the field through his connection with Robert Jackson Post of the Grand Army of the Republic at Allerton. Politically he supports the republican party, and has held various minor offices in the town- ship. Mr. Lohr is highly esteemed in his community as a man of worth and integrity, who condnets his business affairs in an honorable and upright manner while in matters of citizenship he is public-spirited and ean be relied upon to support every movement that he feels will promote the welfare of the com- munity or advance its development.
THOMAS BENTON MITCHELL, M. D.
Dr. Thomas Benton Mitchell. now living retired in Derby, was for more than a quarter of a century engaged in the practice of medicine in various localities, devoting the years of an active and honorable manhood to the service of his followmen. In all his professional duties he has been conscientious. utilizing every possible means to accomplish the important tasks entrusted to him, and he has well earned the leisure and rest which he now enjoys. Ile was born near Eddyville, in Monroe county, lowa, on the 27th of February. 1856, and is a son of Abram and Naney (Spray) Mitchell, natives of Kentucky, the former born in 1812 and the latter in 1811. The father moved with his parents into Indiana at an early day and afterward came to lowa as a pioneer. In 1853 he traveled overland to Colorado but afterward returned to this state, where he resumed his residence in Monroe county. He died in Bloomfield, Davis county, in March, 1888, having survived his wife for some years, her death having oceurred in Lucas county in 1876. In their family were five children : George Russell, who was born in January, 1834, and who died in March, 1913, in Washington ; Mrs. Mary Nelson, who was born in 1842 and who died in 1912; Mrs. Amanda Blizzard, who was born in 1845 and who is now residing in Union township: James, who was born in 1850 and who died in 1894 in Kansas; and Dr. Thomas Benton, of this review.
The last named came with his parents to Lucas county in 1865, at the close of the Civil war. He was at that time nine years of age and his education was acquired in the public schools of this vicinity, where after laying aside his
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books he taught for five terms. Having determined to study medicine. he entered Rush Medical College in Chicago but completed his professional studies in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in the same city, graduating from the latter institution in 1883. He immediately began the practice of his pro- fession at Ashton, Missouri, and there continued for seven years, or until 1890, when he returned to Chicago to take up practice there, remaining in that. city for eighteen years thereafter. Throughout his professional career he was imbued with a laudable ambition for advancement, knowing how important are the duties which devolve upon the physician. He was accorded a liberal patronage and throughout the years he kept in touch with the modern trend of professional thought by his wide reading and research and his developing powers and wide experience brought him broad and accurate knowledge. He retired from active practice in 1908, his health being impaired, and returned to lowa, building a modern and attractive home near Derby, where he is recuper- ating by following the simple life. Here in their beautiful residence, surrounded by every comfort, he and his estimable wife are securing all the enjoyment that comes to those who have gained a goodly competence in an honorable way. They are extensive readers and their library is one of the finest to be found in Lucas county.
Dr. Mitchell married. in Ashton, Missouri. on the 12th of October, 1886. Miss Stella Blythe, a native of Boone county, that state, born in 1869. She grew to womanhood there, attending the common schools and supplementing this by a course in Stevens College at Columbia, Missouri, and a course in music in Chicago. Her father, Rev. George Blythe, was born in Missouri and died in Montana, while pursuing his ministerial duties at Boulder, that state. Her mother, who was in her maidenhood Alice Keene, was born in Missouri and is now residing with her daughter. In the Blythe family were three chil- dren : Mrs. Mitchell ; Mrs. Mae Penn, of Troy. Missouri, the wife of the present prosecuting attorney of Lincoln county; and Arthur, who resides in Denver. Colorado.
Fraternally Dr. Mitchell is a member of the Masonic lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. the Ancient Order of Foresters, the Independent Order of Foresters and two organizations of the Sons of St. George. Ile is affiliated also with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, belonging to Maddock Lodge in Chicago, and he is a member of one of the most exclusive fraternal organiza- tions in existence-the Ancient Order of Druids. Ilis religions views are in accord with the doetrines of the Baptist church and he holds membership in the church of this denomination in Chicago. In polities he is independent. voting always according to his personal convictions without regard to party lines, and he has taken an active and prominent part in community affairs. cooperating heartily in everything that pertains to the promotion of the com- munity advancement and upbuilding. The cause of education has found in him a loyal supporter and as president of the board of education he is accom- phishing a great deal of beneficial and lasting work, now devoting his energies to securing for Derby a new and modern school building. Dr. Mitchell is well known among the leading physicians of this state and elsewhere and has at all times enjoyed the highest regard of his brethren in the medical fraternity because of his elose conformity to high standards of professional ethics. More-
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over, he has always displayed the qualities of honorable and upright manhood and has given largely of his rich store of wisdom and experience for the benefit of others. His name is honored wherever it is known and most of all where it is best known.
S. G. SNITGGS.
The title of self-made man has been well earned by S. G. Snnggs, who began his career empty-handed with no particular advantages and has attained to a position of affluence as a prosperous owner of three hundred and forty acres of valuable land in Otter Creek township and sixty aeres in Jackson township, Lneas county. A native of England, Mr. Suggs was born near London, Mareh 2, 1845, a son of Joseph and Harriet (Stent) Smiggs, natives of England. The father was born in 1808, and the mother in 1809, the former passing away on January 6, 1889, and the latter in Lucas county, Towa, on July 31, 1898. When five years of age S. G. Snuggs came with his mother to the United States, landing here in 1850 and settling in Henry county, Illinois, where they remained until the spring of 1862, when removal was made to Lueas county, Iowa, of which he has been a resident since that time. He had two brothers, James and John. both of whom are deceased, and one sister who is still living, Mrs. Martha Preston, a resident of Tuskeege, Towa.
As soon as old enough Mr. Snuggs engaged in agricultural pursuits, following mixed methods and specializing in stock-raising, and as the years have passed he has gained a success worthy of notice. As his means permitted he acquired land, owning today three hundred and forty acres in Otter Creek township and sixty aeres in Jackson township, equipped with two sets of good improvements. For the past twenty-three years he has raised Aberdeen Angus cattle and is the owner of an excellent herd of this breed. Tle also raises Clyde horses and driving horses and has been successful in breeding graded hogs. Attention to do- tail, industry and perseverance have been the salient qualities that have made his snecess possible and while Mr. Snuggs has become financially independent his attainments are also of a general interest, as they have largely contributed to the development and advancement of this seetion.
In 1866 Mr. Sunggs was married to Miss Adaline Jenkins, a native of Brown county, Indiana, where she was born October 27. 1848. When a child of only three years she was brought by her parents to Lucas county in 1851, her father being Alexander Jenkins, a native of Ohio, who died in White Breast township, and her mother Elizabeth Jenkins, a native of Kentucky, who still resides in Hamburg, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins have three children: John. who died at the age of two years; Nancy, who passed away when only seven months old; and Mrs. Snuggs, the wife of our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Suggs became the parents of ten children, all of whom are living with the exception of John, the second in order of birth. The others are: Mrs. Effie Gray, of Jackson township; James, of Chariton, Towa; Fannie, living in Rocky Ford, Colorado; Charles, at home; Mrs. Amanda Roberts, of White Breast township; Jacob, of Otter Creek township : Mrs. Estella Ruble, living in Liberty township;
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and Ethel and Earl, both at home. All of these children were born and reared in Otter Creek township and received a good common-school education. Fannie in addition attended college at Indianola and Amanda a high school in Lucas.
In his political affiliations Mr. Suggs is a democrat and keeps well informed on all government issnes, although he does not care for office. All movements and measures undertaken to benefit his locality receive his warm support and he is readily recognized as a public-spirited man and good citizen, who can always be found in the front ranks of those who seek expansion and promotion along moral, intellectual and material lines.
THOMAS CROSTON, M. D.
No history of the medical profession, or indeed of the growth, upbuild- ing and progress of Lucas county along professional, material, educational or political lines, would be complete without mention of the career of Dr. Thomas Croston, physician and surgeon and a powerful and vital force in public affairs. A native of England, he was born near Manchester, December 12. 1846, a son of Henry and Ellen (Williams) Croston, both natives of that section. The father was a contractor and manager of mines, his operations being carried on near Bolton. England, where he died at the age of sixty-six. It was there that Dr. Croston secured that practical experience in mining which has been of such benefit to him in the community where he now resides, bringing him in sympathy with the humbler class of laborers and broaden- ing his mind, so that he is now able to look upon both sides of any disputed question. His mother has also passed away, her death having occurred near Manchester when she was seventy years of age.
Dr. Thomas Croston was the only child born to his parents. He acquired his preliminary education in the public schools of Manchester and after having determined to make the practice of medicine his life work studied under Professor John Skelton, M. D., a prominent physician and surgeon in England and an author of some popular works on the eclectic school of medicine. Having received his degree, Dr. Croston left England and came to America. settling first in Steubenville, Ohio, where he practiced medieine for two years At the end of that time he returned to his native country but crossed the Atlantic again in 1880, locating this time in Lucas, where he has sinee prac- tieed, his medical skill bringing him a large and lucrative patronage, drawn from Lucas and the surrounding sections. He has never allowed his ability to grow less as time has passed but has kept in touch with the advancement of his profession through broad reading and research. He is quick to adopt new methods, once their worth is proven, and his ready sympathy and cheery dis position as well as his professional knowledge constitute elements for good in the sick room. He is loved by his patients, to all of whom he is also a friend, tried and tested through many years.
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