USA > Iowa > Lucas County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 4
USA > Iowa > Wayne County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 4
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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
The Judge after retiring from the bench because of ill health, some years after again returned to the practice of law, taking part in many leading cases in his part of the state, in which he exhibited all the power and ability of his former days. In 1911 he retired from practice and is now enjoying himself in the privacy of his beautiful home. Ile takes an active interest in affairs generally and devotes much of his time to the reading and study of the best literary works.
Ile was married to Miss Emma Thomas of Corydon, June 22, 1875, to which union was born one child, a daughter named Eva, born July 9, 1877. The wife and daughter belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, and take an active interest in assisting in the management of its local affairs. The daughter was married to C. B. Miles, a prominent young merchant of Corydon, May 4, 1899, to which union have been born two children, named Tedford and Mildred.
A. B. CLINTON.
Among the most valued and representative citizens of Russell is numbered A. B. Clinton, well known in educational circles as president of the school board and president of the library board of the high school, and for the past few years prominently connected with the postoffice department of the city. Ile was born in Iroquois county, Illinois, July 28, 1867, and is a son of l. H. and Martha (Stevens) Clinton, natives of Ohio. The parents came to Lucas county in 1877 and settled in Russell, where the father died in 1899. Ilis wife survives him and makes her home in Russell. Four children were born to their union. as follows: Mrs. Mary C. Bender, who resides in Chicago, Illinois; HI. D., post- master at Russell ; A. B., of this review; and E. B., who resides in Marshalltown, Iowa.
A. B. Clinton came with his parents to Lucas county in 1877 and acquired his education in the public schools of this locality. After laying aside his books he became an express messenger, continuing at this work for five years, at the end of which time he went west, settling in Wyoming and continuing there for about a year. In 1902 he returned to Russell and entered the postoffice depart-
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ment, with which he has since been connected, his record reflecting credit upon his energy, ability and publie spirit.
Mr. Clinton married, on the 26th of April. 1899, Miss Laura Beals, who was born in Lucas county. April 15. 1877. and who grew to womanhood here, acquir- ing her education in the public schools. Her parents. A. S. and Mary ( Douglas) Beals, were born in New York and now reside in Benton township, whither they came among the early settlers in 1867. Six children were born to their union, four of whom still survive: A. D., who resides in Des Moines: Mrs. Clinton, wife of the subject of this review : Mrs. Mary Price, of Russell: and Archie E .. a resident of Benton township. Mr. and Mrs. Clinton have become the parents of three children : A. B., Jr., Dwight D. and Robert Il., all of whom are attend- ing the Russell public schools.
Mr. Clinton is a republican in his political beliefs and is especially interested in the cause of education, serving at the present time in a progressive and elli- cient manner as president of the school board. He is in addition president of the library board of the high school and his executive ability has placed the affairs of that body in a flourishing condition. He and his wife belong to the Homesteaders of Russell, of which Mr. Clinton is president. and Mrs. Clinton holds membership in the Baptist church. They are people of exemplary char- acter, interested in the welfare of Russell and anxious to do their part in pro- moting its growth, and they merit and command the confidence and high regard of an extensive circle of friends.
WILLIAM E. LEEHART.
William E. Leehart is one of the substantial and representative business men of Lucas, where he is engaged in the drug business, and he is also well known as a representative of one of the pioneer families here. He was born in Jackson township. February 8, 1869. a son of Frederick and Cynthia (Canterbury) Lee- hart, the former born in Mecklenburg. Germany, in 1842, and the latter in Des Moines county. lowa. The parents came to Lucas county in pioneer times and here the father turned his attention to farming. winning prosperity and success in this occupation. He owns five hundred aeres of land in Jackson township. completely equipped and well improved, and is mimbered among the most sub- stantial and representative agriculturists of the community. He and his wife had two sons: Karl R., who was born in Jackson township, June 26. 1867, and who is now residing on a farm : and William E .. of this review.
William E. Lechart grew to manhood in this section of the state and acquired his education in the common schools of Jackson township. He was reared to the occupation of farming and followed this pursuit after beginning his inde- pendent career until 1897, when he removed to Lucas and established himself in the drug business with his brother Kart, who is still associated with him. The latter, however, does not live in the city, but makes his home on a farm in Otter Creek township, where he is engaged in stock breeding on an extensive seale. having a choice herd of the best grade of Hereford cattle. William E. Lechart gives his attention to the development of the drug concern and has made it a
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prosperous and profitable enterprise, his upright business methods, straightfor- ward dealings and the fine quality of his goods being recognized in a large and increasing patronage.
On September 1, 1909. Mr. Leehart married Miss Minnie A. Hughes, who was born in Kansas. April 27, 1882. She is a daughter of W. JJ. and Elizabeth (Skid- more) Hughes, the former of whom was born in Morgan county. Indiana, Sep- tember 3, 1852, while the latter was born in Brown county. Indiana, August 16, 1850. They are now residing on a farm in Jackson township, where they have made their home for a number of years. In their family were eight children: Cozzie, who died in infancy : Bert, who was born September 4, 1875, and is now residing in Colorado; Clande, whose home is in Texas: Engene S., deceased ; Minnie A., the wife of the subject of this review ; Mrs. May Esther JJames, who was born January 5. 1884, and who is now residing in Oakley ; and Hubert. who was born December 10, 1885, and Willa, born November 20, 1888, both of whom reside on the home farm in JJackson township. Mr. and Mrs. Lechart are the parents of a son, Waldron Ransom, who was born in Lucas, October 19, 1911.
Mr. Leehart gives his political allegiance to the republican party and he and his brother belong to Good Shepherd Lodge, No. 414, A. F. & A. M. They own a residence in Lucas and their valuable drug business in the city. The family are well known throughout this section of the state, where they have resided for many years and where the name of Leehart stands for all that is upright in business, progressive in citizenship and worthy in private relations.
JOHN J. ADAMS.
John J. Adams, former owner, publisher and editor of the Seymour Leader, has been engaged in newspaper work since 1891. He was born in Henry county. Iowa. October 12. 1867, and after having completed his education was engaged at various schools as a teacher for about ten years. In 1891 he bought the Seymour Press and retained ownership of this journal for two years, when he sold ont and purchased the Montezuma Republican, which he disposed of in turn to buy the Seymour Leader. This paper was established in 1891 by 1. W. Maxwell as a weekly publication and was run for two years thereafter as a semi- weekly. Mr. Adams bought out Mr. Maxwell in 1904 and upon acquiring the paper re-equipped the whole plant and installed a linotype machine to enable him to more quickly turn out composition and greatly facilitate his news service. By the purchase of this machine he was enabled to duplicate and even triplicate the local news columns and make the paper one of great interest to the com- munity. He also installed new presses, which, from a typographical point of view. turn ont a good looking sheet, and bought at that time a great quantity of new type faces, which he uses effectively for his display advertising columns. The paper was originally a democratie organ, but in 1904 Mr. Maxwell changed its polities to that of the republican party. It is an eight page publication. well arranged, and carries a creditable quantity of local display advertising, which is ever increasing. The news columns are of the greatest interest and Mr. Adams endeavored to give a complete account of all the happenings of the community
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and vicinity, also giving sufficient space to state and national polities and gen- oral happenings all over the world of importance. His editorials were forceful and always stood for the promotion and betterment of the city and its people. He advocated clean polities in local as well as in state and national matters and his editorials had a decided influence upon public opinion in this section. Mr. Adams, in the conduet of his paper, also underwent the vicissitudes so many a publisher experiences who freely and openly utters his opinions upon any ques- tion or circumstance. In 1907 he was sued as the owner of the paper for five thousand dollars in a libel suit, but won out on the decision. At that time he had acensed one of the citizens in the district as a whiskey peddler, but in this suit his assertion could not be disproved. Mr. Adams became a power for good in this locality through the medium of his valuable paper and his inthence in the local councils of the republican party. to which he belongs, is widely felt. His paper always advocated righteousness and stood for those measures which will ultimately result to the benefit of the city and its people and he is a for to underhand political methods, graft and lawlessness. On the Ist of August, 1913, Mr. Adams sold the paper to L. A. Glassburn.
THOMAS C. THORNE.
A spirit of enterprise and progress has actuated Thomas C. Thorne in all the activities of his career and has been the most important element in the attain- ment of the success which he today enjoys. He owns and operates three hundred and twenty acres of fine land lying on section 16. Union township and is classed with the representative and progressive agriculturists of this locality. He was born in Henry county, Ilinois. December 6, 1851, and is a son of William and Sophronia (Metcalf) Thorne, the former born on the Atlantic ocean and the latter in Maryland. The parents came overland in 1854 and were among the pioneers in Linn county, Iowa, where the father followed farming for a number of years. In 1869 they came to Lucas county, Washington township. and here William Thorne passed away in ISSs. His wife survived him a number of years, dying in Union township. this county, in 1901. Four children were born to their union: W. A., who died in Cedar Rapids, lowa; Thomas (,, of this review; R. C., residing in Floyd county ; and one child who died in infancy.
Thomas C. Thorne was three years of age when his parents made their over- land journey into łowa and in 1869 accompanied them to Washington township. Imeas county, where he has since remained an esteemed and respected resi- dent. A few years after his arrival here he turned his attention to farming and the years since that time have brought him success, prominence and substantial fortune as a result of his well directed and energetic labors. His farm is today one of the finest in this part of the state. It comprises three hundred and twenty aeres on section 16. I'nion township, and is equipped with two sets of good improvements. Mr. Thorne never neglects anything which will add to its attrae- tive appearance or its value, and the entire property reflects his careful super- vision and practical methods.
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On the 8th of September, 1874, Mr. Thorne was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Smith, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, November 2, 1953. a daughter of Jacob and Emmeline (Vogel) Smith, the former a native of Muskingum county, born in March, 1827, and the latter a native of Germany. The parents moved to Wapello county, Jowa, in the spring of 1862 and settled in Blakesburg, where they resided for a mumber of years. The father died at Russell, this state, on the 26th of April, 1890. The mother, who was brought to America when she was a few months old, also passed away in Russel. Six children were born to their union: Mrs. Thorne, wife of the subject of this review; Mrs. Adelia Thornbrue, who was born March 12, 1855, and who now resides in Des Moines, Iowa: C. D., who was born August 5, 1857, now a resi- dent of Russell, lowa; E. A., who was born April 22, 1859, also a resident of Russell; Mrs. Violet Coen, whose birth occurred February 15, 1861, and who makes her home in Afton, Iowa; and Mrs. Adessa Plotts, who was born Jand- ary 25, 1866. and who now resides in Des Moines. Mr. and Mrs. Thorne have a son. Harry Eugene, who was born at Russell, January 17, 1882, and who lives with his parents ; and an adopted daughter, Ruth Adelia, who was born Deeem- ber 5, 1897, and who has just completed the eighth grade in the common schools.
Mr. Thorne gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and as a · publie-spirited and loyal citizen takes a great interest in community affairs, although he is not an active politician. Ile is connected fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife have an extensive eirele of friends and are highly esteemed and respected in Union township, where their excellent qualities of mind and character are known and recognized.
JOSEPHI E. FERREL.
Joseph E. Ferrel is one of the highly successful agrieulturists and stoekmen of Warren township, where he owns a hundred and sixty aeres of seetion 4, which constitutes one of the valuable farming properties of that locality. He is a native of Wayne county, his birth having occurred on the 17th of February, 1865, and a son of John and Rebecca ( Reese) Ferrel. The parents were born, reared and married in Pennsylvania, whence they removed to lowa in 1855, locat- ing in this county. Here the father purchased a hundred and twenty acres of raw land, to which he added from time to time until he became the owner of over live hundred acres, in the cultivation and improvement of which he diligently engaged until his death, which occurred in 1888 at the age of sixty-six years. He had long survived the mother, who was forty when she passed away in 1871. They were the parents of nine children, our subject being the sixth in order of birth.
There was no event of especial importance in the early life of Joseph E. Ferrel to distinguish his youth from that of the average lad who was reared in this section of lowa during the pioneer period. He remained at home and assisted in the cultivation of the farm until he was twenty-two, when he started out to make his own way in life. Believing that the west afforded better oppor- tunities to young men of limited capital, he went to Nebraska and bought a tree
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claim, and a quarter section that had been proved up, all of which he still owns, and applied himself to its improvement and cultivation for seven years. Returning to Iowa in the fall of 1893. he bought eighty acres of land in this county and here resumed his agricultural pursuits. He subsequently increased his holdings by the purchase on one occasion of an adjoining eighty-aere tract and on another of a forty, and there engaged in general farming and stoek- raising with a good measure of success until 1904. In the year last named he disposed of his farm and removed to his present place, formerly the property of his father-in-law. J. W. Smith. The entire traet has been brought into a high state of cultivation, while its value has been further enhanced by substantial improvements, including large, commodious barns, ample sheds and onthuild- ings, and a comfortable residence. These improvements were all made by Mr. Smith, who also fenced the entire holding. while Mr. Ferrel is making it hog tight. Mr. Ferrel is largely planting his fields to hay and grain, and in con- nection with his general farming he is engaged in stock-raising. and is meeting with a good measure of success in both lines of his business. le specializes in the raising of Duroe-Jersey hogs, which he feeds for the market. his herd aver- aging a hundred head.
In 1887, Mr. Ferrel was married to Miss May Smith, a daughter of t. W. and Martha (Beard) Smith, natives of Illinois. They came to lowa in the early '50s, settling in this county, where the mother passed away in 1905, The father, who is one of the few surviving pioneer farmers of Wayne county is now seventy-two years of age and makes his home with our subject. Mrs. Ferrel, whose natal day was the 24th of March. 1868, is the elder in a family of two. To Mr. and Mrs. Ferrel there have been born one daughter and two sons, as follows: Edith O., who is attending Drake University at Des Moines: and Karl 1. and Leo B., both of whom are at home.
The parents are consistent members of the Christian church of Allerton, in which Mr. Ferrel holds the office of deacon. Politically he supports the democratic party, and although he has never figured in the official life of the community. he is not at all remiss in matters of citizenship but extends his indorsement to all movements he feels will promote the progress or development of the county. Mr. Ferrel is leading an active life and directing his under- takings in a well organized and capable manner as is evidenced by the appearance and condition of his farm, which pays tribute to his skill as an agrienlturist no less than to his business ability.
FRANK C. LARIMER.
Among the highly esteemed citizens of Chariton is Frank C. Larimer, who after engaging along various lines is now connected with the firm of Hollinger & Larimer, the junior partner being his brother. Mr. Larimer underwent many hardships and handicaps during his career, but he has conquered such as could be conquered and in a Christian spirit has contented himself to carry those burdens which inexorable fate imposed upon him, Mr. Larimer was born in Chariton township (now Lincoln township). November 30, 1864. a son of Wilson
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King Larimer. a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. where he was born October 27, 1828, who died in Chariton, Iowa, in 1896, as one of its most prominent citizens. The father came to Lucas county overland at an early day and settled on a farm in Chariton township. Not only was he one of the pio- neers but he was also active politically, having been for many years county surveyor and for six years clerk of the courts. It is significant that he was elected to the latter office on the democratic ticket in a strongly republican county. The mother of our subject was Margaret Young, a native of Ohio, who also has passed away at Chariton. Her father. E. P. Young, was one of the very early pioneers of Lucas county. having in the early days removed his log cabin from the eastern part of what is now Lineoln township to Chariton with an ox team. Ile endured all the privations incident to pioneer life when there were few settlements and distances between neighbors were such that commini- cation was difficult. Mrs. Margaret Larimer by a previous marriage had one daughter, Mrs. Best, whose husband is one of the prominent contractors of Chariton. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson K. Larimer had five children: Belle, residing in the old Larimer home at Chariton; Frank (., of this review; Mrs. Ollie Holmes, of Chariton ; Edward P., of Seymour, Iowa : and Horace G., of Chariton.
Frank C. Larimer, in the acquirement of his education, attended the common schools and later a private school at Chariton conducted by Mrs. Frauk Stuart. Ile was reared and grew to manhood in Chariton township (now Lincoin) and has always been a resident thereof. In the earlier years he followed farming until he moved to Chariton, where for fifteen years he was engaged as a painter and contractor and also followed railroading for some time. He then conducted a store in Russell and passed two years in Des Moines. At the present he is clerking in the store of Hollinger & Larimer, his brother being the junior part- ner. He has in his possession all the earlier records of Chariton township, which have come to him through his father, who made them when he held the position of surveyor.
Frank C. Larimer was united in marriage. in 1892, to Miss Emma Myers, who was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Her parents subsequently made removal to Lueas county. They were Isaac and Ann (Campbell) Myers, natives of Pennsylvania and now both deceased, having passed away in Chariton. The death of the mother occurred in June, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Myers had five chil- dren : Mrs. Maggie Badger, whose husband is rural free delivery carrier in Chariton ; Mrs. Larimer, the wife of our subject; Mrs. Cora Herd, of Los Angeles, California ; Samuel, deceased : and Anna, of Chariton. The three elder children were born in Pennsylvania and the younger two in Imcas county. Mr. and Mrs. Larimer became the parents of one son, Willard Kelvin, born February 6, 1902, who died May 6, 1912. llis untimely death was a sad blow to the parents, who already had suffered great afflictions, for Mr. Larimer had been unfortunate in sustaining severe injuries while in the contracting and painting business, and in addition to this Mrs. Larimer became an invalid. Then, to fill their cup of sorrow, the sad death of their only son and child occurred when he was accidentally drowned.
Politieally, Mr. Larimer is a democrat and fraternally a member of the Masonie lodge of Chariton and also of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Ile is an honorary member of the volunteer fire department of this city. Mrs.
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Larimer is a member of the United Presbyterian church of Chariton, in the work of which she takes an active and helpful interest. Both she and her hus- band enjoy in a large measure the confidence and good-will of their fellow citizens and are highly respected and esteemed wherever known. They reside in a handsome home in Chariton, which Mr. Larimer owns, beside another dwelling that is rented out.
WILLIAM IL EARNEST. M. D.
Dr. William H. Earnest has not only attained prominence along professional lines as an able physician and surgeon, but is also a land owner of Wayne county, holding title to valuable property. More than that. he is entitled to high credit for the services which he rendered his country at the time of the great conflict between the north and south, when he fought in the ranks of the I'nion for the preservation of its entity. William H. Earnest was born in Pennsylvania. November 26, 1848, and is a son of Isaac and Mary (Bennett) Earnest, who were both natives of Pennsylvania and descendants of families who were okd settlers of that state. Mrs. Mary Earnest was a daughter of Joseph and Mary Bennett and died when our subject was an infant of only one and a half years. Ilis father also passed away in his native state.
Dr. Earnest removed with his grandfather. Joseph Bennett, to Ohio when only five years of age and there he was reared and received his early education. Being studions by nature, a professional career appealed to him and he subso- quently matriculated in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery. from which he was graduated with distinction as M. D. in 1870, and thereafter prie- tired his profession for one year in Ohio. In 1871 he came to Seymour. Iowa, and opened an office. By his kindly ways, his thorough knowledge and his wide experience he gradually succeeded in building up an extensive and gratifying practice, and as his reputation spread his patients became more numerous. For about a quarter of a century he Faithfully served humanity, alleviating its suf- fering and by his skill bringing back to health those afflicted. It was not only, however, that he helped by his knowledge and his skill, but in his quiet. unassuming way he inspired that confidence and by his kindliness inspired that cheerfulness which brought back many from the brink of serious sickness. In 1895 he withdrew from active practice and has since lived retired in Seymour. Prosperity came to him from his labors, and, seeking local investment, be placed his money largely in farm land and today owns valuable agricultural property in Wayne county, From which he receives excellent returns.
In 1869 Dr. W. 11. Earnest married Miss Eliza J. Crawtis, of Ohio, who, how- ever. died after only one year of marital happiness, leaving a son, Charles F. who is now engaged in the grocery business in Seymour. In 1872 Dr. Earnest was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Rodgers, the event taking place at Sey monr. She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Rodgers, the former a pros- perous farmer of this section, who had come with his wife from Pennsylvania to lowa at an early day. To the second union of Dr. Earnest was born a daughter. Marcia, who married A G. Widmer, who is one of the owners of the
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