USA > Iowa > Lucas County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 6
USA > Iowa > Wayne County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39
Mr. and Mrs. Page are members of the Christian church, and fraternally he is affiliated with Allerton Lodge. No. 321. K. P .. and with the Homestead Lodge, while Mrs. Page is a member of the Pythian Sisters. His political allegiance he gives to the democratic party and he is now serving his second year on the board of county supervisors. In the course of his career Mr. Page has worked hard, directing his undertakings in a practical and systematie man- ner, and in the development of his interests is meeting with well deserved prosperity.
WILLIAM W. ELLIOTT.
For several years William W. Elliott has lived retired in Seymour and by reason of his high standards of integrity and his honorable and upright life has gained the confidence and esteem of many friends. He is a native of Indiana, born in Morgan county, February 18, 1845. and is a son of Brooks and Martha Elliott. natives of Kentucky. In the early days of his career the father of our subject moved into Indiana and there resided until his death, which occurred when his son William W. was only one month old, and only eight days after the death of his wife. Following the death of his parents, the subject of this review was taken into the home of his sister, Mrs. John Bradley. This family left Indiana in the fall of 1854 and moved into lowa, locating in Appanoose county, where William W. Elliott attended school. He was a lad of sixteen at the out- break of the Civil war and was, in consequence, unable to enlist until 1-63. in
WILLIAM W. ELLIOTT AND FAMILY
53
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
which year he joined Company II, Eighth Iowa Cavalry. under command of M. M. Walden. He served until the close of the war and was mustered out at Maeon, Georgia, on the 13th of August. 1865, receiving his honorable discharge. During the period of his enlistment he saw active service all the time and once was in the thick of a battle or a skirmish every day for thirty-three consecutive days. He was with Sherman on his Atlanta campaign and at Noonan. Georgia, was wounded in his right leg and his horse was killed under him by the same bullet. Ile suffered from this wound for ten years. On MeCook's raid, which took place on July 30, 1864, Mr. Elliott was captured by the rebels and remained in prison for four months, during which time he was afflicted four times with gangrene in his leg. His horse fell upon the leg which was not infected and Mr. Elliott has always been more or less disabled as a result of his injuries. After his discharge he returned to Appanoose county and settled on a farm on the Ist of September, 1865. Ile carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1896 and then moved into Seymour, where he has since lived retired, with the exception of the years from 1907 to 1911, when he resided in Mt. Pleasant in order to educate his children.
On April 1. 1866. Mr. Elliott married Miss Amanda S. Manning, a daughter of John and U. B. (Morgan) Manning, natives of Ohio, who came to Iowa in 1850 and to Appanoose county in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott became the parents of three children : Martha L., who married Charles G. Norris, of Numa, Appa- noose county : William, who died in infancy ; and Edna Love, who lives at home. They are people of wide charity and practical benevolence and at different times have given a good home to five children who were left orphans. They are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church and in their lives exemplify the doctrines in which they believe.
Mr. Elliott has firm faith in the principles of prohibition and gives an active and helpful support to the prohibition party. He keeps in touch with his comrades of fifty years ago through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republie, in which he has attained a place of distinction. He has twice been commander of William Kellogg Post, No. 186, and served for two terms in the same position in MeFarland Post, No. 20, at Mount Pleasant, Iowa. All the relations of his life have been distinguished by the same steadfast courage and perseverance which marked his work on the southern battlefields and his entire career has been a credit and honor to a man who once proved himself a valorons soldier.
CHARLES W. STEELE.
Charles W. Steele, who since 1894 has been engaged in the practice of law with Lewis Miles, has attained to prominence not only in the legal profession but has also beeome one of the foremost financiers of the city as president of the First National Bank of Corydon. Mr. Steele was born in Owen county, Indiana, June 26, 1859. and is a son of Joseph Il. and Mary (Burke) Steele, the former of whom is also a native of Indiana and a son of Hugh Steele, of Tennessee. The family is of English descent. The mother, Mrs. Mary Steele, was a daughter
54
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
of J. C. Burke, of Indiana, and also of English descent. Joseph H. Steele brought his family to Wayne county. lowa, in 1864, after having served in the Civil war with the Seventieth Indiana Infantry as a private. In Wayne county he engaged in agricultural pursuits and became a successful farmer in the cultivation of his land. He was a republican in politics and actively interested in the issues of his party. He died in Wayne county in 1883. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Steele were five children, three sons and two daughters.
Charles W. Steele was edueated in the country school in the vicinity of his father's farm in Wayne county. In 1880 he graduated from Simpson . College and for a year after his graduation attended law school at the same institution of learning. Subsequently he read law under Judge W. F. Howell, of Corydon, and successfully passed the bar examination in 1882, immediately engaging in practice. He has since continuously followed his profession in Corydon and since 1594 has been in partnership with Lewis Miles. In the course of years the firm has built up an extensive practice and Mr. Steele's services are in heavy demand. Ile is alert of mind and the conclusions which he draws are logical, while by his clear and precise dietion he makes himself easily understood before judge and jury. Whatever case he takes in hand he gives his most careful attention and consideration and it may be said to be proverbial that if one entrusts his case with Mr. Steele a favorable ending may be predicted if by points of law success may be assured.
In 1890 Mr. Steele was married to Emma W. Wright. a daughter of Samuel Jaco and Elizabeth (France) Wright, of Maryland. Mr. Steele's ability as lawyer was recognized when he was called upon to serve as first county attorney of Wayne county. His active connection with the law, however, does not by any means demand all of his attention, for Mr. Steele has become widely inter- ested in the banking business in this city and at present serves in the important office of president of the First. National Bank, which was organized in February. 1912, to succeed the Citizens State Bank. This latter organization was founded in 1882 by C. W. Steele, C. Holliday. C. I. Lord, James Alexander, W. S. Sproatt and others. The first capitalization was authorized for sixty thousand dollars, but in 1894 the stock of the bank was reduced to thirty thousand dollars, which in 1900 again was increased to sixty thousand dollars fully paid up. The surplus was added from year to year to the bank's resources until the capital and surplus on January 1, 1906, reached one hundred thousand dollars. The capital of the First National Bank, which took the place of the Citizens State Bank, was seventy-live thousand dollars fully paid up. The Citizens State Bank created its own building in 1890 and the First National Bank has since occupied their quarters and purchased the bank building. C. W. Steele was the president of the Citizens State Bank from its organization and now serves as the president of the First National Bank with circumspection, guiding the policies of the bank conservatively. In his long career as a banker he has not only obtained pros- perity for himself but has been instrumental in contributing to the growth and development of the city by extending credit at the right time to help establish new industries, while by careful investment of the bank's resources he has gained the confidence of its stockholders and depositors. The fraternal relations of Mr. Steele are with the Masonic order, in which organization he holds mem- bership in the blue lodge and the commandery. His work as lawyer and banker
55
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
has been of great benefit to the community in which he makes his home and, while he has attained financial independence for himself, he has also greatly contributed to the welfare and upbuilding of his eity and the surrounding country and its people.
GEORGE W. MCKINLEY.
Throughout the years of an active business career and in every relation of life George W. MeKinley enjoyed the confidenee and friendship of all with whom he came in contact. In the truest sense of the word he was a successful man, for his life measured up to the full standard of honorable manhood in all things and his death was the occasion of deep sorrow and widespread regret. He was born in Guernsey county, Ohio. Angust 6, 1852, and was a son of Wil- loughby and Elizabeth (Carter) MeKinley, also natives of Ohio, the father born in Belmont county, April 23. 1821, and the mother in Guernsey county. Both have passed away. The father died in Himeston in 1896 and the mother July 12, 1885. Three children were born to their union: John R., who resides in Rialto, California: Mrs. Rachael Taylor, of Humeston ; and George W., of this review.
The last named was eleven years of age when he came with his parents to Richman township and settled upon a farm, where he grew to manhood. lle attended the district schools and when not engaged with his books aided his father in the enltivation of the fields. With characteristic energy he devoted himself to his duties so steadfastly and earnestly that his efforts were rewarded by a comfortable fortune, enabling him to retire from active life. His wealth was always wisely and judicionsly used and many beneficial and charitable causes profited by his liberal contributions. No project or measure for the benefit of the county sought his aid in vain. He cooperated heartily in every movement for the public good, giving generously of his time and means, his labors being of the practical character which made his efforts result in great good.
On the 24th of December, 1879, Mr. MeKinley married Miss Clara V. Porter. who was born in Vinton county, Ohio, January 26, 1862. Her parents, James W. and Nancy ( Alvin) Porter, were natives of Ohio, the former born in Vinton county and the latter in Guernsey county, and they came to Iowa among the earlier settlers, establishing their residence in Wayne county in 1865. In the family were three children: Ira, who lives in Clay township ; Mrs. McKinley : and Harvey, who lives upon the homestead in Clay township. To Mr. and Mrs. McKinley were born two sons and a daughter. The eldest, James W .. was born on the 19th of September, 1880, and after completing the course in the Humeston high school attended Immeston College and later Ames College, where he remained for one year. Afterward he studied pharmacy, graduating from the College of Pharmacy of Iowa City University. He is at present con- ducting a drug business at Sanborn, Jowa, and is meeting with gratifying sue- cess. Nellie was born on the 15th of September, 1882. and after graduating from the Humeston high school attended Drake University for two years. She
56
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
married N. T. Moore, who was for ten years cashier of the Humeston State Bank. The youngest child born to Mr. and Mrs. Mckinley is Leo G., whose birth occurred on December 8, 1989. He was graduated from the Hinneston high school and from Drake Funiversity and was afterward cashier of the Humes- ton State Bank for six months. He resigned this position in order to accept an office in the legal department of the Keokuk Power Company and through successive stages of progress and advancement he has risen in this field of labor until he is now the assistant attorney of the corporation. Mrs. MeKinley is a devout member of the Christian church, to which organization her husband belonged during his life, and she belongs to Radiant Chapter, No. 30. O. E. S. of Hunmeston. She is well known socially in the city, where her many charming and attractive qualities have gained her a wide cirele of friends.
Mr. MeKinley was one of the most active religious workers in this section of Wayne county. His father was one of the founders of the Christian church of Humeston and he himself was a regular attendant of that church, presiding at the Lord's table for over twenty-five years. Fraternally he belonged to Fidelity Lodge, No. 228. A. F. & A. M .. and to Radiant Chapter. No. 30. 0. E. S. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party. Mr. MeKinley's death occurred in Humeston on the 16th of December, 1909, and was felt as a distinet loss throughout the section in which he had lived so many years. Upon the history of Wayne county he left the impress of his powerful and vital personality and to his children the record of an honorable and upright life and an untarnished name.
11. T. SMITHI. M. D.
Dr. Il. T. Smith is a prominent and successful member of the medical pro- fession now engaged in general practice in Immeston. He is also taking an important though unostentations part in public affairs, advocating and sup- porting all measures for the npbuilding and development of his section of the county along lines of material. intellectual and moral progress. lle is a native of Ohio, born in Stark county, July 25. 1870. a son of Jacob and Amanda (Teeple) Smith, natives of the same section, who now reside in Immeston. In their family were two sons: Edson B., born in Stark county, Ohio. September 21, 1863, who is residing on the home farm near Harvard. Jackson township; and Dr. H. T .. of this review. The grandparents on both sides of this family were natives of Pennsylvania and pioneers in Ohio.
Dr. H. T. Smith acquired his early education in the public schools of Holmes county, Ohio, whither he had removed with his parents when he was still a hoy. In 1890 the Family settled near Harvard. in Wayne county, and Dr. Smith has been a resident of this section of lowa since that time. He worked upon his father's farm for a year, but in 1891 entered the Central Normal I'niversity at lumeston and was graduated from the scientific department in 1893, having taught school during some of the intervening time in order to pay for his tition. He had begun the study of medicine in Humeston and he later com- pleted his medical course in the Keokuk College of Physicians and Surgeons,
57
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
graduating with the class of 1897. Afterward he formed a partnership with Dr. George McCulloch, of Humeston, for the practice of his profession and is now a member of the oldest medical firm in the city. the partners enjoying a large and constantly increasing patronage. Dr. Smith is a wide reader and deep thinker and possesses a thorough knowledge of the underlying principles of his profession, keeping abreast of the most advanced thought by his reading and his individual research and investigation. He is a member of the County. State and American Medical Societies and conducts the medical examinations for a number of old line insurance organizations and many fraternal societies. Ile owns his own home in Humeston, which is modern and well appointed in every particular, and is also the proprietor of one hundred and twenty acres of fine land in Richman township. besides being a director in the Humeston State Bank.
In December, 1899. Dr. Smith married Miss Myrna Angel, who passed away on July 21, 1900. On the 9th of April, 1902, Dr. Smith was again married, his second wife being Miss Carrie May Findley, who was born in Allerton, lowa. March 13, 1882. In this state she grew to womanhood and was graduated from the Allerton high school with the class of 1900, after which she taught school until her marriage. Iler father, George Findley, a native of Ohio, was born in 1857, and passed away in 1887. Mrs. Smith's mother, Hannah Rockwell, was born August 19, 1856, and died in Allerton July 8, 1903. Both parents were among the early settlers of Wayne county. In their family were three children, all of whom were born and reared in Allerton, namely: Carrie May, the wife of the subject of this review: Orr S., who resides in Seymour; and James, who passed away in May. 1907. To Dr. and Mrs. Smith have been born two daugh- ters: Clara Evelyn, whose birth occurred on the 29th of January, 1903; and Erma Maurine. born September 3, 1904. Both are attending the public schools. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Christian church of Humeston.
Fraternally Dr. Smith is affiliated with Fidelity Lodge, No. 228, A. F. & A. M .; the Brotherhood of American Yeomen, and the Homesteaders. He gives his allegiance to the democratic party and has taken quite a prominent part in public affairs although he has never been desirous of official preferment. How- ever, he has been for some time a member of the school board and is acting as health officer. IIe has lived in Wayne county for over twenty years and during that time his enterprising spirit has made him an important factor in the general upbuilding.
DR. EDWIN BURCHETT.
Dr. Edwin Burchett, who since 1903 has practiced medicine in Seymour. Iowa, has in the course of the ten years he has been engaged in his profession in this city built up a practice which extends to all classes of people in the city and surrounding country. Ilis services are given freely and indiscriminately to rich or poor, wherever his help is needed, and by his knowledge and experi- ence he has guided many a patient through crisis and brought him back to health. To most of his patients Dr. Burchett is not only a physician but is
58
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
more than that-he is a friend and adviser and by his kindly yet decisive way he instills that confidence and assurance of results which is half the eure. for he well knows that all medical knowledge and all medicines are but poor. inef- fectual mediums if they are not helped along by the personality of the man who inspires his patient with a desire to become well. keeps alive in him hope to recover and brings to him the supreme confidence of an ultimate happy out- come. Dr. Burchett was born in Van Buren county, this state, July 2. 1879. and is a son of E. JJ. and Louisa ( Roby ) Burchett, the father a native of Ohio and the mother of Indiana. The father was a son of B. B. Burchett. whose parents died when he was but a child. He was born in Virginia of French descent, made his home in Michigan and Ohio for some time and at an carly age came to Iowa, where his son E. JJ., the father of our subject, and Lonisa Roby were subsequently married. The grandfather first located in Van Buren county where he passed most of his life, although he died in Davis county. E. J. Burchett, the father of our subject, always followed agricultural pursuits which ultimately brought him prosperity. In 1909 he went to Appanoose county, where he has since made his home. In his political views he is a democrat and his religious faith finds expression in membership in the Methodist church. Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Burchett had one child. our subject.
Dr. Edwin Burchett was reared and spent his boyhood days in a well-to-do home and in early life attended the country schools in the vicinity of his father's farm. Although he was brought up among agricultural surroundings he saw a higher aim in life in following one of the professions and decided on that of medicine as the one to which he would like to devote his services. He became a student at the Chicago College of Physicians and Surgeons and graduated from that institution in 1903, starting in practice in Seymour in the latter part of that year, and here he has since remained. Dr. Burchett can look back with pride upon ten years of successful practice in his line and many are his patients who place in him implicit faith and would trust no other with their most precious possession-their health. During his later years Dr. Burchett has Isied himself more or less along the line of surgery and there are notable operations to his eredit which he performed in this county. Outside of his private practice he also acts as the local surgeon for the Rock Island Railroad Company. In addition to his professional labors he is identified with the inter- ests of the community as one of the founders and promoters of the People's Savings Bank, of which he is vice president. In this connection he has proved himself a man of insight into financial conditions, a man of initiative and yet of conservative judgment.
Dr. Burchett married on the Ist of June, 1909. Miss Mary Kirby, a mem- ber of a well known family of Seymour. He is democratie in his politics and is interested in his party although his arduous duties along professional lines have preelded any active participation in public affairs. His fraternal rela- tions are with the blue lodge of Masons and he is also a Shriner and a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He keeps in touch with the trend of the times along professional lines and with the latest of discoveries and methods in the world of medical science through the medium of his membership in the county, city and national medieal societies, and also as a member of the American Association of Railway Surgeons. Mrs. Burchett is a member of the
59
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
Methodist church. Dr. Burchett is successful in the true sense of the word. A man unusually broad-minded and intelligent, he is of wide experience and never mercenary or grasping and has become a factor for good along his specific line in the community. Wherever his help is needed he gives the best he has in him. To get a foothold along medical lines and to make advancement is proverbially slow, but he has demonstrated his ability as each year his practice has grown in volume and by his sterling qualities of character he has won the high regard of all with whom he has come in contact.
WILLIAM M. LARIMER.
William M. Larimer, controlling important lumber interests in Russell, has been a resident of Lucas county sinee 1851 and is a representative of a well known pioneer family. IIe was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. April 17, 1847, and is a son of Ungh and Naney Larimer. natives of that section. The parents came overland in the spring of 1851 and they settled in Iowa, in what was then Chariton township. Lucas county, in April, 1851. The father was a member of the board of supervisors when the name of the town- ship was changed and on section 35 he engaged in general farming until his death, which occurred January 27, 1884. He had long survived his wife, who died in Lneas county, September 13, 1865. Eleven children were born to their union, as follows: Mrs. Mary Gobel-Lodge, who was born January 8. 1841, and who resides in South Dakota; Isabel, whose birth occurred November 28, 1843, and who died in Lucas county, February 13. 1883: Mrs. Martha Morris, who was born November 17, 1845, and who resides at Abingdon, Illinois: William M., of this review : Eli, who was born March 16, 1849, and who died August 9th, of the same year. Alexander, born in Noble county, Indiana, and now residing in Webster City, lowa: LeRoy, who was born March 25, 1853, and who resides on a farm in Lincoln township : Mrs. Laura Sophia Delano, whose birth occurred April 24, 1855, and who died June 6, 1908; JJoseph Henry, whose birth occurred May 3, 1857, and who died December 22, 1886: Wilson A., who was born March 13, 1860, and who resides in Cedar township; and Mrs. Margaret Shirer, born September 16, 1862. now of Chariton. William M. Larimer is a grandson of Hugh Larimer, who was born March 9, 1780. and who died in November, 1858. Ile was twice married. On the 10th of May, 1803, he wedded Miss Jane Shan- non, who was born in May, 1782, and who died Jannary 5, 1817. To this union were born the following children: Martha; Mary C., born March 21, 1805; Samuel, October 1, 1806; Thomas, February 27, 1809; John, June 24, 1811 ; Jolin, the second of the name, born October 3. 1812; and Jane S., born November 23, 1814. After the death of his first wife Hugh barimer was again married, wedding on the 25th of November, 1817, Miss Nancy MeDowell. They became the parents of the following children: Hugh, the father of the subject of this review, born November 28, 1818: Alexander, born February 19, 1820; James J .. born July 19, 1822; William MeDowell, April 19, 1824; Eli Coulter, May 29. 1826; Wilson K., October 27, 1828; George S., March 29, 1832; Cyrus, November 10, 1833; Naney, August 17, 1835; Joseph, August 1, 1837; Eliza MeDowell,
60
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
.
April 14. 1839; Noah, April 28, 1841: and Catharine, born January 8. 1844, residing at Ness City, Kansas,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.