USA > Iowa > Lucas County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 8
USA > Iowa > Wayne County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 8
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39
On the 12th of September, 1897, Mr. Oehlman was united in marriage to Miss Cora llerring, who was born in Warren county, lowa. JJanuary 13, 1867, a daughter of Robert and Mary (Malcohn) Herring. the former a native of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, born June 20, 1837, and the latter of Lee county, Iowa, born November 22, 1843. The Malcolm family settled in Lee county in the same year that lowa became a state-1846-and were numbered among the earliest settlers there. Robert Herring moved to Warren county with his father's family in 1854 and from there he enlisted in the Union army for service in the Civil war. Ile joined Company H, Thirty-fourth lowa Volunteer Regi- ment, and was at the front three years, being mustered out March 13, 1866. With a ereditable military record he returned to Warren county and remained there until March, 1867, when he moved to Lucas county, where his death occurred October 18, 1900. His wife passed away in Union township, October 10, 1911. In their family were seven children: Mrs. Oehlman, wife of the subject of this review ; Clarence, born July 8, 1869, who resides at Greybull, Wyoming; Mrs. Anna Ekleberry, who was born October 10, 1872, and who resides at llardin, Montana; William II., who was born May 24, 1876, and who makes his home in Warren township; Mrs. E. M. Parkin, whose birth occurred April 14, 1880, and who resides in Union township; Mrs. Frances Holteen, who was born May 17, 1884, and who makes her home in Ilardin, Montana; and Roy, who was born August 2, 1887, and who died October 24, 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Oehlman became the parents of two children: Louise, who was born September 13, 1898, and who is attending high school at Derby; and Charles Herman, who was
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boru May 29. 1900, and who died November 15, 1902. These children were both born on the old Ochlman homestead in Union township.
Mr. Oehlman gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is active in public affairs, taking an intelligent interest in the advancement and development of the locality where he has so long made his home. He was for twenty years road supervisor and for five years township trustee and discharged the duties of these positions with ability and energy. Since November 10, 1875. he has been connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he is well known in the affairs of the local branch of the organization. His wife is a member of the Rebekah lodge at Derby and is at present acting as district deputy. Both are representatives of old and well known families of Lucas county and have an extensive acquaintance within its borders.
WILLIAM THEODORE STEARNS.
William Theodore Stearns, an honored and representative citizen of Lucas county, who died at his home in Russell on the 7th of February, 191]. was born at Ashland, Ashland county, Ohio, in December, 1833. He grew to man- hood in his native county, remaining there until 1852. when he came overland to lowa, settling in Cedar county, where he followed carpentering. Afterward he went back to Ohio and made a journey down the Ohio river to St. Louis, thence to Muscatine, and from there to Cedar county. Mr. Stearns engaged in carpen- tering for some time, eventually moving to Missouri, where he was residing at the outbreak of the Civil war. Ile enlisted in the Third Missouri Cavalry, serving three years and seven months, after which he received his honorable discharge with the rank of sergeant. He returned after the war to Missouri, where he followed the carpenter's trade until he moved to Russell, remaining an honored and respected resident of Lucas county to the time of his death, which occurred on the 7th of February, 1911.
At Mechanicsville, lowa, on the Ist of JJanuary, 1868, Mr. Stearns was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Comstock, who was born in Cedar county. November 19, 1846, and who grew to womanhood there, attending the common schools, Her parents. Daniel F, and Lavina ( Robinson) Comstock, were carly settlers in Cedar county. The father was born in New York, March 24, 1824. and died in Russell, October 5. 1855. His wife, who was born in Ohio, May 28. 1826. died at Mechanicsville, lowa, August 11. 1865. Eight children were born to their union, as follows: Lorano, whose birth occurred August 19. 1845, and who died in infancy ; Mrs. Stearns, wife of the subject of this review : Daniel Allen, who was born damary 31, 1849, and who resides at Walla Walla, Wash- ington : Mrs. Celesta Elizabeth Sears, who was born June 12. 1852, and who resides in Forest Grove, Oregon ; Mrs, Hannah Morgan, who was born October 5. 1854, and who died at Forest Grove, Oregon; and Maybelle, who was born November 22, 1862. and who died in infancy. Two other children born to Mr. and Mrs. Comstock passed away in childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Stearns had three children: Clarence Mannie, who was born at Monticello, Missouri, November 6. 1865, and who resides at Phoenix, Arizona : Mrs. Katie Elizabeth Kand'inan, who
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WILLIAM T. STEARNS
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was born May 4, 1876, and who resides at Stratford, Hamilton county, Iowa; and George Clayton, who was born August 5, 1886, and who resides at Grass Valley, Oregon. Mrs. Stearns survives her husband. She is a member of the Presbyterian church of Russell and exemplifies its teachings in her life, holding the esteem and confidence of many friends.
Mr. Stearns was a member of the Russell Post of the Grand Army of the Republic and thus kept in touch with his comrades of fifty years ago. Ile gave his political allegiance to the republican party but he never sought nor desired publie office. Upright and honorable in all the relations of life, he won the regard and respect of those with whom he came in contaet and his death was deeply mourned by a large circle of friends.
ADOLPH D. McGUIRE.
Adolph D. MeGuire is the editor of the Ilumeston New Era and junior partner in the firm of Sanford & McGuire, who are the publishers of the paper and the proprietors of one of the finest general printing establishments in southern Iowa. He is a native of Wayne county, born in Clay township, February 23, 1885, a son of J. F. and Cynthia (Surbaugh ) MeGuire, also natives of the same seetion, who are now residing in Humeston. In their family are three children, all of whom were born and reared in Wayne county. They are : Adolph D., of this review; Carleton Monroe, who resides on the home farm in Clay township; and Cleo, who resides with her parents in Humeston.
Adolph D. McGuire acquired- his education in the public schools of Clay township and attended the high school at Humeston. Later he completed a business course in the Capital City Commercial College of Des Moines and thus received a thorough and efficient education. He has been active in business since the age of fourteen, when he left the farm and secured employment as a clerk in the store conducted by F. T. MeKibben, of Huneston. After com- pleting his education he engaged in the grocery business for himself for two years and in this venture met with an unusual degree of success. On the Ist of October, 1907, he formed a partnership with his father-in-law, Hector Sanford, in the printing business, operating under the firm name of Sanford & MeGuire, and assumed the editorship of the New Era. He has made this an excellent newspaper and in its editorial columns supports firmly all measures for the general benefit of the community, making the paper very influential as a director of public thought and opinion. Mr. McGuire has proved himself' a capable and reliable business man and in the discharge of the duties which fall to his lot exhibits constantly the energetic, enterprising and progressive spirit upon which his success is founded. The firm of Sanford & McGuire does all kinds of printing and conducts an establishment which is modern. up-to-date and thoroughly equipped in every particular.
On December 11, 1906, Mr. McGuire was united in marriage to Miss Mar- salete Sanford, who was born in Imeston, March 25, 1883. and who acquired her education in the public schools of her native city, where she grew to woman- hood. Her father, Hector Sanford, a partner in the firm of Sanford & Mc-
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Guire, was born in Montezuma, Iowa, April 4, 1854, and when he had laid aside his books entered the printing business, becoming identified with this line of work at the age of eleven years and following it constantly since that time. For one year he conducted a paper at Lacona and for a time was employed in the Aeres-Blackmer printing establishment at Burlington. He is a skilled and expert printer and journalist, having learned his trade on the old Leon Pioneer, which is now the Leon Reporter. At the present time he is senior member of the firm of Sanford & McGuire, general printers and publishers of the Humeston New Era. His wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Anna Gustafson, was born in Sweden. November 10. 1858. Both the Sanford and MeGnire families live in a beautiful home in Fairview, the finest residential section of Humeston, and they have many warm friends in the city, being well known in social cir- eles. All are members of the Congregational church of lumeston.
Fraternally Mr. MeGnire is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. while Mr. Sanford belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge. Mr. MeGuire's political views are in accord with the principles of the democratic party. Ho is a member of the Volunteer Fire Department of Humeston and in all matters of citizenship is publie spirited and progressive, being numbered among the prominent and able men of this community.
F. BIRD FRY.
As cashier of one of the foremost financial institutions of Corydon. F. Bird Fry ocenpies an important position. Many are the duties of a bank cashier and the position is such as to demand many high qualities and a clear judgment in extending credit, making investments and generally managing the affairs of a financial institution. Mr. Fry has occupied the position of cashier of the First National Bank since its organization in February. 1912, and was cashier of the Citizens State Bank, of which the First National is the successor, from March, 1909.
Frantz Bird Fry was born in Wayne county. lowa. on the 2d of March, 1875, and is a son of Francis R. and Carrie M. ( Kellogg) Fry. They were carly Towa settlers, to which state the father's family came in 1857 and the mother's in 1865. Frantz Bird Fry was educated in the district schools and graduated from the Corydon high school with the class of 1895. For two years there- after he attended college at Grinnell, Iowa. When the Spanish-American war broke ont and a call was sent forth for volunteers he enlisted in the Fiftieth Towa Infantry. April 29. 1898, and was mustered in on May 17th of the same year. He remained with his regiment until November 30. 1898, when he was mustered out at Des Moines. On January 1. 1899. Mr. Fry became connected with the banking business as assistant cashier of the Farmers & Merchants State Bank, of which he was made cashier on February 1. 1904. and served in that capacity until January 1, 1907. In April of that year he was appointed receiver of the Farmers & Drovers State Bank of Seymour and discharged his ardnons and important duties in that capacity with great cirenmspection and ability. In March. 1909, he was called to the position of cashier of the Citizens
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State Bank of Corydon and on the organization of the First National Bank re- mained in the same capacity with this institution. It can be truly said of him that his services have been of the utmost importance to the bank and that by his work the standing and resources of the institution have wonderfully increased. His judgment in matters of finance is elear and he knows how and where to extend credit, where the most profitable investment can be seeured, and is gen- erally well versed in all matters pertaining to finance. The First National Bank is the outcome of the Citizens State Bank, which was founded in 1882 with an authorized capital of sixty thousand dollars, which in January, 1894, was reduced to thirty thousand dollars. On account of growing business the bank increased its stock again to sixty thousand dollars, fully paid up, in 1900, and as a surplus was added thereto from year to year the capital and surplus reached. in January, 1906, the formidable figure of one hundred thousand dollars. The First National Bank was organized in 1912, after taking over the resources of the Citizens State Bank, with a fully paid in capital of seventy-five thousand dollars, and its officers consist of: C. W. Steele, president ; Lemuel Kimple, vice president; F. B. Fry, cashier; and JJ. T. Rodgers, assistant cashier. The board of directors consist of C. W. Steele, Lemuel Kimple, F. B. Fry, Belle B. Sproatt, W. E. Miles, J. A. Hogne and W. G. Walker.
On June 28, 1899, Mr. Fry was united in marriage to Emma C. Stromsten, of Corydon, who is a daughter of G. A. and Sophia Stromsten, natives of Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Fry have one son, Lawrence L., born November 22, 1902. Both are members of the Methodist church. Mr. Fry is publie-spirited and has not only in the course of his position as cashier indirectly benefited the community and contributed to its growth, but has found time to actively participate in the municipal government as member of the town council. He has always inter- ested himself in the matter of edneation and also served as a member of the school board for a time. By industry and energy he has found substantial reward in his labors and has made a creditable business record, having made steady progress in his line of work by the utilization of every opportunity as it presented itself. He is a man of strong character and recognized as a force- ful element in the community, his sterling traits having won him the high regard and confidence of all with whom he has come into contact.
T. F. LEMLEY.
Among the native sons of Lucas county who have gained well deserved sue- cess in business is numbered T. F. Lemley, operating a large garage in Russell. Hle was born in Washington township, October 8, 1876, and is a son of JJacob and Margaret ( Bell) Lemley, the former a native of Greene county, Pennsyl- vania, and the latter of Virginia. They came as pioneers to Washington town- ship, making the journey overland and arriving in Immeas county when it was an unbroken prairie and Keokuk was the nearest trading center. Both have passed away, the father dying in Russell in 1907, at the age of seventy-four, and the mother in the same city in 1880. when she was forty-six years of age. There were nine children born to this union : L. D. of Russell; Mrs. Rachel Long of Idaho;
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Elizabeth Morgan of Forest Grove, Oregon ; Mrs. Rue Anderson of Washington ; Lizzie Pierce of Greeley. Colorado: Mrs. Anna Warner of Missoula, Montana ; Peter Lemley of Rapid City, South Dakota : Mrs. Dora Clodfelter of Wasco, Ore- gon ; and T. F., of this review. After the death of his first wife Jacob Lemley mar- ried again and to the second union were born five children, as follows : Minnie, who married a Mr. Hillier, who resides in Minnesota : Mrs. Margaret Stewart of Lucas county, lowa : Bertha, who resides in Lucas county and who is a teacher : Francis and Fern, both of whom live in Eneas county.
T. F. Lemley grew to manhood in Washington township. acquiring his educa- tion in the public schools and in Chariton Academy, which he attended for two years. After laying aside his books he Followed farming for a number of years, accumulating two hundred acres of choice land in Washington township and two hundred aeres in Monroe county. These farms he operated until 1910 and then moved to Russell and opened a garage, selling the Ford and Rambler auto- mobiles. In addition to this he does general automobile repairing and has built up an extensive and profitable business. He still has valuable holdings in farm- ing lands in this vicinity and has scoured a comfortable competency.
Mr. Lemley is an independent democrat in his political beliefs and fraternally is connected with the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A young man of energy, resource and ambition. he has become very successful in his business affairs and his future will undoubtedly be marked by continued and rapid progress.
JOIN E. GARDNER.
John E. Gardner is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of fertile land in Washington township but he now resides in Cambria, where he has erected a modern home and devotes a considerable portion of his attention to the opera- tion of a mill which he opened for grinding coarser food stuffs. He was born in McLean county, Illinois, in a log cabin near Sugar Creek, December 21, 1846, and is a son of Hiram and Rachel (Richards) Gardner. The father was born in Perry county. Ohio, and passed away in Tazewell county. Illinois, in April, 1-70. while the mother, a native of Muskingum county, Ohio, survived until 1905, in which year she passed away at Cambria. In their family were six children, four of whom are living : John E .. our subject : Benjamin F., a resident of Hunmeston ; M. F., of Cambria ; and Mrs. Mary E. Henline, of Oklahoma. Mrs. Martha Decker is deceased : and N. P. died in infancy. All of the children were born in Mclean and Tazewell counties, Ilinois, where the surviving members were reared. The parents were early settlers of that state. The maternal grandfather, Benjamin Richards, was one of the earliest settlers of linois and had the dis- tinetion of having seen George Washington on two different occasions.
lohn E. Gardner was reared under the parental roof and when a boy re- moved with his parents to Tazewell county, where he grew to manhood. assisting his father in the work of the farm. He there became acquainted with the best methods of agriculture which later stood him in good stead and this kaowledge was the foundation of his later success. In 1576 he left Ilinois and removed to
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Nebraska but later returned to the former state and there remained until 1892, when he purchased a farm one mile east of Inumeston, in Richman township, Wayne county, lowa. Having sold this in 1899 he bought two hundred and forty acres in Washington township, well improved, and he has since engaged largely in the cultivation and improvement of his property. lle also gives con- siderable attention to the operation of a mill, the returns from which enterprise bring him a gratifying income. He is a man of sound judgment, energy and industry and through these qualities, in connection with the use of modern meth- ods, he has attained prosperity and become one of the substantial men of his locality.
Mr. Gardner was twice married, his first union being with Miss Sarah M. Livesay, a native of Tazewell county, Illinois, where she subsequently passed away. The wedding took place in 1873 and three daughters were born thereoľ : Mrs. Paralee Davis, a resident of Cambria ; Alba O., who resides with her par- ents at the same place ; and Eva Minerva, of Des Moines, lowa. Miss Alba O. Gardner was born in Nebraska but the other two daughters are natives of Illi- nois. After the death of his first wife Mr. Gardner was married, in February, 1892, to Miss Minnie M. Reemer, a native of Peoria county, Illinois, and a dangh- ter of William and Matilda ( Lobaugh) Reemer. Two children were born of this union : Jess, born in 1894, who is attending college at Iowa City ; and Hiram Ray, who was born in 1895 and attends high school at Corydon.
Mr. Gardner is a progressive republican in his political affiliations and as a member of the school board has done efficient service in the cause of education. Ile also has been called upon to serve as trustee of Washington township, an office which he fills at this writing. All measures that stand for improvement along educational lines and are undertaken to uplift the young find in him a ready supporter who not only gives them his moral endorsement but is ever ready to extend material help when needed. Publie-spirited and progressive, Mr. Gard- ner has become a force in local development and while he has attained individual suceess has been a helpful factor in general advancement as well. He has become recognized as a forceful element in this locality, having won by his sterling traits of character the high regard and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact.
MERLE W. BIXBY.
Merle W. Bixby, who is acting as foreman of the Old Colony Creamery. is one of the well known business men of Humeston and in addition is entitled to a place among worthy citizens because he is an honored veteran of the Spanish- American war. lle was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, June 19, 1878, and is a son of Edgar and Eliza (Glines) Bixby, the former a native of Wisconsin and the latter of Vermont. Both have passed away, the father dying in 1881 and the mother in 1885. In this family were three children, Roy, Eugene and M. W. of this review.
The last named grew to manhood in Wisconsin and acquired his education in the public schools of Omro and Oshkosh. In 1898. at the age of twenty years.
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he enlisted in Company D. Second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and his com- pany was mobilized at Chickamauga Park. He served five months and was with General Miles in Porto Rico. He returned to New York on the same boat which brought the general and his family-Transport No. 30, known as the Obdam. He was mustered out at Ripon, Wisconsin, on November 14. 1898, and imme- diately afterward became identified with the creamery business in that city. His ability gained him rapid success and wide recognition in his chosen line of work and he later came to Humeston as testman in the Old Colony Creamery. In June, 1911, he was promoted to the position of foreman and this he still holds. Hle understands the business thoroughly, is conscientious and able in the dis- charge of his duties and, therefore, ideally fitted for his position. His labor has been an important factor in the development of the concern and in its establishment among the leading enterprises of the town.
On the 5th of May, 1903. Mr. Bixby was united in marriage to Miss Sadie Bunker, who was born in Pine River, Wisconsin, on the 25th of May, 1881. She is a daughter of Julius II. and Keziah (Turville) Bunker, natives of Wis- consin, where they are residing at the present time. In their family are five children : Mrs. Alma Rodgers, who lives in Poy Sippi. Wisconsin : Mrs. Bixby. the wife of the subject of this review: John, who lives in Washington; Mrs. Harriet Baxter, of Berlin, Wisconsin: and Lney, who is teaching school in Pine River and who makes her home with her parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Bixby have been born two children: Mildred, whose birth occurred at Omro, Wis- consin, March 13, 1904; and Irwin, born on the 13th of May, 1907. Both are attending school in Humeston.
Mr. Bixby gives his allegiance to the republican party and has served as chief of the volunteer fire department of Humeston, being in all matters of citizenship eminently public-spirited and progressive. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the Home- steaders Association and, while he has not yet purchased a home of his own, has made the one which he rents attractive and comfortable and welcomes to it the many friends which he possesses in this city. He is a wide and diserim- inating reader, fond of good literature, and owns one of the best selected libraries in this part of the state. He is in all relations of his life upright. straightforward and honorable and is a valuable addition to the ranks of Ilumeston's citizens.
JAMES B. COMSTOCK.
Among the men who have come to be regarded as representative citizens and leading business men of Lucas county is mubered James B. Comstock, whose many tine qualities and progressive spirit entitle him to the high regard in which he is uniformly held. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, March 4. 1870, a son of Francis J. and Hannah I. ( Wood) Comstock. the former of whom was born at Bentonsport. lowa. November 17. 1837. and the latter at Ageney City, lowa. December 25. 1839. The family has been in lowa since pioneer times, the grandfather having been the first member of the lowa legis-
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lature from Wapello county, while the grandmother served as interpreter for the Indians when the government had an agency at Ageney City. Both par- ents were born in the state and grew to manhood and womanhood here. The mother passed away at Richland, Missouri. December 14, 1911, but the father survives and makes his home in Ochelata, Oklahoma. He is a veteran of the Civil war, having served as captain of Company D. Third Iowa Cavalry, and having been severely wounded at Pea Ridge. An uncle, James II. Comstock, also a Union volunteer, was wounded at Vicksburg. The Comstock family have always been prominent and well known in lowa and in the early days the post office was for many years located at the grandfather's home in Wapello county. On the maternal side also Mr. Comstock represents an honored pioneer family, his maternal grandmother having been probably the first white child born in the state, her natal year being 1833. Her father was a western ranger and cap- tain of a company and for many years held the title to a grant of three thousand acres of land in Texas, which he received as part payment for his serv- ices along the Brazos river. Mr. and Mrs. Francis JJ. Comstock became the parents of four children: Mrs. Anna B. Moss, born October 16, 1864, who is residing at ITartshorn, Oklahoma ; Mrs. Ada Belle Giffin, who was born Febru- ary 26, 1867, and who is now residing at Ochelata, Oklahoma, her husband being principal of schools at that place: James B., of this review; and John Dorsey, who was born November 17, 1875, and is now residing at Hobart, Oklahoma.
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