USA > Iowa > Lucas County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 9
USA > Iowa > Wayne County > Past and present of Lucas and Wayne counties, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 9
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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
James B. Comstock went to Richland township, Wapello county, with his- parents in 1884. He attended the common schools and supplemented this by one year in the Still Osteopathie College of Des Moines. However, he never finished this course but laid aside his books and came to Jackson township, Lucas county, where he took up farming. For some time he engaged in the real-estate business in connection with his agricultural pursuits and is now centering his attention upon that line of work, in which he has already attained success. Being a man of sound judgment and discrimination and possessed of a comprehensive knowledge of land values, he has built up an extensive and profitable real-estate business and acquired a high standing among local bnsi- ness men as the head of one of the most flourishing offices of its kind in Lucas. On January 15, 1913, Mr. Comstock purchased in the city a restaurant busi- ness and this enterprise is conducted by his wife, who is an able and farsighted business woman and an excellent executive and manager.
On November 2, 1890, Mr. Comstock married Miss Fannie 1. Sanders, who was born in Union township, Lucas county, March 13, 1871. She grew to womanhood in this section of the state, attending the pioneer schools, and has always been a resident of the county. Her parents, William and Annie E. (Castle) Sanders, were among the earliest settlers in this locality, where her father conducted the first sawmill and also the first gristmill in I'nion town- ship, being for many years the only miller in this part of the state. He was a native of Hanover, Germany, born in 1821. He came to America in 1830 and died in Jackson township, December 5, 1904. He was twice married and by his first union had three children: Wesley Il., who resides in Greeley, Colo- rado; Mrs. Minerva Troutman, of Fulton, Kansas; and Ella, who died at the age of twenty-nine. By his second union he had two daughters: Fannie I ..
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now Mrs. James B. Comstock : and Mrs. Kate Nitchman, who was born Febru- ary 27, 1873. and who is residing in Union township. This family was among the first to settle in Lucas county. having come here overland to Chariton when there were but two cabins in that community. There were no railroads and the nearest trading point was at Eddyville, where Mr. Sanders drove his live stock to be shipped to the eastern markets. Mrs. Comstock has aided her hus- band materially in the accomplishment of his success, not alone by her support and encouragement, but by active participation in his business affairs. She has made the enterprise of which she is at the head a profitable and important one, having built up by l'air dealing and excellent management a liberal and representative patronage. She and her husband own in addition to the busi- ness interests before mentioned one hundred and forty-seven acres of good land on section 23. Jackson township, provided with all of the necessary im- provements.
Mr. Comstock gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is a publie-spirited and progressive citizen, although he never seeks public office. Fraternally he is connected with Lucas Lodge, No. 424. I. O. O. F .. and Lucas Castle, No. 133, K. P. He is identified also with the Improved Order of Red Men, Wapello Tribe, No. 6. Mr. and Mrs. Comstock are well known and widely popular in Lucas, for their lives have been such as commend them to the confidence and high regard of all with whom they are brought in contact in social or business life.
J. COE MOORE.
J. Coe Moore has attained prominence along agricultural lines in Wayne county, especially as raiser of Hereford cattle and Norman horses, and has also filled the position of county treasurer efficiently and satisfactorily since 1910. Mr. Moore was born in Washington county. Iowa, on the 13th of March. 1862. and is a son of John P. and Alvira (Coe) Moore, the former a native of Licking county. Ohio, and the latter of Missouri. The grandfather of our subject was Bruce Moore, who made his home in Ohio. John P. Moore came to lowa during pioneer times in 1842 and located in Washington county, the mother's family coming from Missouri at about the same time, and they were married in lowa. John P. Moore was a prosperous farmer in his day but also followed the profession of medicine. Later in life he moved to Wayne county, where he passed away on the 31st of March, 1882. The mother is also deceased. There were three children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. John P. Moore, Ida E., Iva A. and J. Coe, our subject.
The last named was reared at home and received a common-school education. Being brought up on his father's farm, he early became acquainted with agri- cultural pursuits and learned the details of successfully running a farm. In his young manhood he came to Wayne county, where he bought a farm in South Fork township, which he still owns. He has engaged in general agricultural pursuits but has made a specialty of stock-raising and has become well known as a breeder of high-grade Hereford cattle and Norman horses.
J. COE MOORE
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In 1890 Mr. Moore was married to Miss Katie Easley. of Wayne county, a daughter of Daniel and Rachel (Newcomb) Easley, both natives of Indiana. Her father participated in the Mexican and the Civil wars. He was a farmer by occupation but was also active in the bridge building trade. Mr. and Mrs. Moore had four children: Muriel. deceased ; and I. C., Kenneth R. and Eural, at home. The family are members of the Methodist church.
MIr. Moore is a democrat in his political views and in 1910 was elected to the office of county treasurer of Wayne county, which he has filled to the satisfac- tion of his constituents. Ile has also held various township offices during his residence in this district. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic lodge, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Of recent years he has removed to Corydon, where he owns a beautiful home. Ile has not only been an interested witness of the changes that have occurred here but has been helpful and cooperative in the general advancement. At all times he has been actuated by a laudable ambition, which has carried him forward to success. His industry and energy have found substantial reward in a most gratifying degree of prosperity and his life has been a busy and useful one.
WILLIAM R. ALLISON.
Since 1907 William R. Allison has been proprietor of one of the largest retail hardware stores in Seymour and in its management has displayed an ability, resourcefulness and enterprising spirit which place him in the front ranks of leading business men of the city. He is a native of Ohio, born in Columbiana county, in 1866, and is a son of William G. and Mary ( Beab Alli- son. The mother of our subject died in 1869 and the father afterward removed to Illinois. where he married Miss Crow and made his home in Hamilton, where he resided mitil his death, which occurred in 1903. William R. Allison did not go to Illinois but after the death of his mother made his home with his unele, R. O. Allison, of Seymour, the latter being a son of W. B. Allison, of West Virginia. The family is of Irish origin but has been established in America since colonial times and ean be traced back in a direct line from W. B. Allison to his father. Charles, and thence to his grandfather. James Alli- son, who served in the Revolutionary war.
William R. Allison of this review acquired a public-school education and in 1886 began his active career, engaging as a clerk in the hardware store von dueted by h. L. Smith in Seymour. He has never left this line of work and in it has attained a success which comes of long familiarity and experience. When he resigned his position with Mr. Smith he went to Allerton and spent one year in that city before he engaged with Johnston & Tharp as a clerk in their hard ware store. This connection he retained for ten years and then, in 1900, went to work for Roth & Richardson. He was active in their interests for seven years but in 1907 invested his savings in a business of his own, buying the hard- ware establishment belonging to E. A. Rea. He has since devoted his energies to the management of this concern and has proved himself a reliable and capable business man. lle has a fine store, thirty-seven by one hundred and Vol. II-5
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forty feet, and a warehouse one Indred and forty by thirty-five feet and car- ries all kinds of hardware. implements and furniture. Everything about the place is kept in excellent condition, the lines of stock are complete and up-to- date and the service intelligent and directed by a spirit of courtesy. As a con- sequence Mr. Allison's business has extended rapidly and his patronage, which is constantly increasing. has reached gratifying proportions at the present time.
In 1890 Mr. Allison married Miss Ida Gale, and they became the parents of three children, the eldest of whom died in infancy. The others are: Cleo E., who is in business with his father: and Colett. who lives at home. Mr. and Mrs. Allison are devont members of the Baptist church. Mr. Allison is a firm believer in the value of prohibition and gives active support to the prohibition party. Fraternally he is connected with the Yeomen. The years of his busi- ness activity in Seymour have given him a high standing in the community, where he is recognized as a man in whose character fidelity to high principles has combined with business enterprise in making him a valued and worthy ejtizen.
HARVEY PORTER.
Harvey Porter is mimbered among the carly settlers in Richman township, his residence here dating from 1865. From that time to the present he has lived upon the farm which he now owns and since reaching maturity has been proprietor of the place, which reflects his many years of care and labor in its attractive and productive condition. He was born in Vinton county. Ohio, October 29, 1864, and is a son of JJames W. and Nancy ( Albin, Porter, also natives of that state, the former born in Vinton county and the latter in Guern- sey county. They came to lowa in 1865 and located on a farm in Richman township. Wayne county, whereon the subject of this review now resides. In their family were three children: Ira, who lives in Clay township, Wayne county : Mrs. MeKinley. also of Wayne county; and Harvey, of this review. A more extended mention of this family is made on another page in this work in connection with the sketch of George W. MeKinley.
Harvey Porter grew up on his father's farm and by assisting in its opera- tion became at an early age familiar with the best and most practical agrienl- tural methods. This training has been invaluable to him in the conduet of his interests which are now extensive, placing him in the front ranks of progres- sive and able agrientturists. He owns the old homestead of three hundred and twenty arres, lying on sections 8 and 9. Richman township, and this property is well developed and well cultivated, rewarding his competent management by increasing in produetiveness year by year. Mr. Porter has made substan- tial improvements, having erected a well furnished and modern home, good barns and outbuildings. In addition to general farming he also raises stock and both branches of his interests are proving important and profitable under his able management.
Mr. Porter has been twice married. Ho wedded first on the 7th of Septem- ber, 1586, Miss Nevada Ihn, who was born in Clarke county. Iowa, and there
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grew to womanhood. dying in Richman township, this county, March 13, 1901. To their union were born the following children: J. W., whose birth occurred on the 16th of June. 1887, and who is now an attorney at law in Twin Falls, Idaho; Mrs. Mande Taylor, who was born November 11, 1888, and who is resid- ing in Warren township, Lucas county; Bert H., whose birth occurred March 4. 1891, and who now resides in Decatur county; Guy, who was born August 4. 1893, and who now resides in Twin Falls, Idaho; and King, born August 12, 1895. These children all attended the common schools of this vicinity and the oldest. J. W .. was for six years a student at Drake University. On the 28th of September. 1903. Mr. Porter was again married, his second wife being Miss Clara Pryor, who was born May 6, 1886. She is a daughter of Wayne B. and Susie (Clarke) Pryor, the former of whom was born in Decatur county, Jowa. July 3, 1856, and the latter in Monroe county. this state, August 17, 1865. The mother passed away in Decatur county, March 24. 1892. The father sur- vives her and still makes his home in his native county, whither his parents came as pioneers. In the Pryor family were the following children: John, who has passed away : Clay, who was born July 30, 1882, and who is residing on the home farm in Decatur county; Mrs. Porter, wife of the subject of this review ; Alma, who was born November 16, 1888, and who is residing in Rich- man township: and Mrs. Laura Reynolds, who was born October 24, 1890. and who now resides in Decatur county. All of these children were born in Decatur county with the exception of Mrs. Porter and Alma.
Mr. Porter gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is con- nected fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Ilumeston. HIe and his wife are members of the Christian church. They are representa- tives of two of the best known families in Wayne county and their many sterling qualities of character have gained them the respect and esteem of all who come in contact with them.
LION. JOSEPH E. DOZE.
Probably none of the native sons of lowa has accomplished more vital and far- reaching work in the public service than the Hon. Joseph E. Doze, state repre- sentative on the democratie ticket. Ilis worth and fidelity in positions of pub- lie trust is indicated by the results which have followed his work in various official capacities and by his definite accomplishment along constructive lines of progress and reform. He was born in Decatur county, Iowa, within twelve miles of his present home, November 18. 1854, and is a son of Francis K. and Cena (Phipps) Doze, the former of whom was born in France in 1826 and the latter in Indiana in 1830. When Joseph E. Doze was still a child his parents moved to Missouri and remained in that state for five years, after which they returned to Iowa. Later the family went to Decatur county and there remained until 1874. when they moved to Page county. From there in 1877 they went to Ringgold county and remained residents of that section until 1890. The father died in Mahaska county, this state, in 1862 and the mother's death oreurred in Minneapolis, Min-
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nesota. in 1909. She and her husband were the parents of three children : Joseph E., of this review ; Mrs. May Doze, a resident of Alberta, Canada ; and Mrs. Iowa V. Sargeant, whose birth occurred in Mahaska county and who is now residing in Minneapolis.
The lon. Joseph E. Doze was eight years of age when his father died and he accompanied the other members of the family in their various removals. From 1877 to 1890 he was a resident of Ringgold county and while there began his pub- lie life. He was twice elected county anditor on the democratic ticket and his victory was a significant tribute to the force of his personality and to the prin- ciples for which he stood, because the normal republican majority was abont seven hundred. In 1890 be removed to flameston and has resided here since that time. For the past ten years he has been in the real-estate business and con- trols valuable holdings in this section and in other parts of the country, his fair dealing. comprehensive knowledge and strict integrity constituting the salient elements in his success. During the last five years he has been interested also in the automobile business and has an excellent repairing department.
Mr. Doze has been three times married. On March 18, 1878, he wedded Miss buella Conley, who passed away. leaving a daughter. Mrs. Laura P. Clark. She was born February 17. 1879, and was graduated from the Humeston high school with the class of 1898. She is at present residing in Corydon, where her huis- band is a well known merchant tailor. Mr. Doze's second union was with Miss Lucille Keller, who was born in Ringgold county, lowa. and who died at Mount Ayr. To this union were born two sons. The elder. Lynn Keller Doze, was born April 6, 1859. and in 1907 was graduated from the Humeston high school. He began his business career as clerk in the mercantile establishment of F. T. Me- Kibben, of Humeston, and later held the position of bookkeeper for the Hawk- eye Lumber Company at Centerville. He afterward did similar work in the interests of 3. 1 .. Humphrey & Company of Humeston and resigned this position in order to become assistant cashier of the Home State Bank. Joseph Dean Doze, the younger son, was born in Humeston, October 15. 1891. He was gradu- ated from the Humeston high school with the class of 1909 and is now assisting his father in the condnet of the automobile business. After the death of his sec- ond wife Mr. Doze was again married, wedding in 1992 Miss Elizabeth Davis, a native of Van Buren county, lowa, born January 2s. 1872. She is a daughter of Jefferson and Elizabeth ( Baird) Davis, both of whom have passed away. the father dying in Ringgold county and the mother in Mount Ayr in 1882.
Mr. Doze's interest in public affairs is of that vital and forceful kind which constitutes a potent element in the general advancement. All of those activities which affect the municipal welfare. the intellectual and moral progress receive his indorsement and hearty support and his active labor in their promotion. He was for two terms a member of the city conneil and was mayor of Humeston for three years, giving to his fellow citizens prompt, businesslike and efficient service and accomplishing during his administration much valuable work along lines of civic expansion. He was the successful candidate of his party for nomina- tion to the state legislature in the June primaries and at the election on Novem- ber 5, 1912, was chosen over his republican opponent. Mr. Fry. of Corydon. by a decisive majority. This affords him a wider field for the exercise of that ability in government which he so signally displayed in municipal affairs.
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Mr. Doze is one of the best known men in lumeston at the present time and aside from his business and public interests has important fraternal affiliations. He is a member of Fidelity Lodge, No. 228, F. & N. M., of Humneston, and belongs to Salem Chapter, No. 75, R. A. M. at Mount Ayr, of which organization he is a past master. Besides his well equipped garage he owns also a beautiful home in Humeston. He has a successful career in municipal polities behind him and before him splendid prospects for continued advancement in state affairs. He is well equipped for the work. being loyal to his ideals, consistent in his principles and conduct and incorruptible in his high integrity.
PERRY O. STERETT.
Perry O. Sterett, closely connected with important business interests in IInmeston as manager of the Hawkeye Lumber Company, is a native of lowa, born in Woodland township, Decatur county, on the 16th of September, 1878. Ile is a son of Albert P. and Anna (Pinkerton, Sterett, natives of Greene county, Illinois. The father has passed away, his death having occurred in IIumeston, and the mother makes her home in Albia, lowa. In their family were the following children: William, who died at the age of one year ; Joseph. who resides in Wheatland, Wyoming; Mrs. Nellie Elder, of Canada: Mrs. Eva Gillis-Rennolds, who makes her home in Ageney; Minnie, of Chariton ; Perry O., of this review; Mrs. Lillie Doolittle, who has passed away : and Jennie, who resides with her mother in Albia.
Perry O. Sterett acquired his early education in the public schools of Wood- land township and completed it in the Humeston public schools, his parents "having removed to this eity when he was still a child. In 1902 he began his independent career, engaging in the restaurant business in Himeston and con- tinning in it for a year and a half. At the end of that time he went to Cory- don and there for six months conducted a similar enterprise, abandoning it in order to enter the employ of the Hawkeye Lumber Company. He was sta- tioned at Albia in 1905 and three years later was transferred to Lovilia, where he remained as manager until October, 1910, when he was transferred to Humeston, where he is now holding the same position. The Hawkeye Lumber Company is one of the most important manufacturing concerns in the city. It was established in 1905 and since that time has expanded rapidly, its affairs being managed along progressive and modern lines. The company deals in all kinds of building material and numbers among its employes and officials many able and resourceful business men. By virtue of his position as its manager Mr. Sterett occupies a prominent and representative place in business circles and has proved himself well able to fill it. Under his management the busi- ness has increased in volume and the markets for the company's products have broadened. Everything is conducted in a practical and systematic man- ner and the wheels of the business run smoothly, showing the constant super- vision of an able and enterprising man.
Mr. Sterett married, in March, 1902, Miss Clara Williams, who was born in Clay township, Wayne county, fowa, July 25, 1882. She is a daughter of
LUCAS AND WAYNE COUNTIES
Levi and Josephine (Harbard) Williams, who now reside in Humeston, and she acquired her education in the public schools of her native section. She is the eldest of a family of four children, the others being Judson, Cora and Opal. all of Humeston. Mr. and Mrs. Sterett have become the parents of two daugh- ters: Hazel May, whose birth occurred in Albia on the 2d of May, 1904: and Anna J .. born in Lovilia. March 14. 1910.
Mr. Sterett gives his allegiance to the republican party and. although he never seeks public office, he is yet active and progressive in all matters of citizenship, giving hearty cooperation to movements for the public good. Fra- ternally he is affiliated with Fidelity Lodge, No. 228. A. F. & A. M. He has already made an enviable reputation in business eireles of Humeston and gives every indication of continued progress. Broad, liberal-minded and closely observant. he has carefully noted and utilized his opportunities and has today reached a position among the men in this section who control and direct general industrial development. He intends next spring to ereet a tine modern residence in Humeston, and in the meantime he is residing in a comfortable and attractive dwelling which he and his family have made a center of delight- ful hospitality. Here an atmosphere of culture and refinement prevails. for Mr. Sterett is a wide and discriminating reader. fond of good literature of all kinds. and has gratified this taste by securing a large and well selected library. In business relations he is upright, straightforward and honorable and in his private life genial and courteous-a fine type of a good citizen and an honor- able gentleman.
FRED M. KYNER.
One of the most progressive. enterprising and alert young business men of Homeston is Fred M. Kyner. partner in the firm controlling the Hyde hard- ware business and prominently connected with the general business and mer- cantile interests of the city. Ile was born in Decatur county, lowa. August 17. 1887, and is a son of Charles M. and Victoria ( Westfall) Kyner. The father was born in Warren county, Ilinois, January 4. 1857, and came to Wayne county in 1875. preceding the other members of the family-his parents and his brothers by one year. In lowa he married Victoria Westfall, who was born in Lucas county, February 27. 1864. She was a daughter of Granville and JJeanette (Teal) Westl'al, who were among the notable pioneer settlers of Imeas county, having made their home in this section in 1850. They came overland from Ohio to Lee county in 1849 and spent one year making prepara- tions for the establishment of their home upon the prairie. They encountered all the hardships and inconveniences of pioneer life and met them with conti- dence and courage, gradually gaining prominence and prosperity. In Eneas county they reared a family of fourteen children, eight of whom are still living.
Fred M. Kyner grew to manhood in Wayne county and acquired his educa- tion in the public schools, graduating From the Homeston high school in 1905. For some time afterward he worked upon his father's Farm, but later became a partner in the Hyde hardware business in Humeston, which is one of the largest
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enterprises of its kind in Wayne county. The company handles a complete stock of shelf and heavy hardware and all kinds of farm implements and enjoys a liberal patronage, based on the high quality of the goods, the reasonable prices and the straightforward dealing which is the poliey of the house. In the expan- sion of this business Fred M. Kyner has borne a prominent part, bending his energies to the promotion of the company's interests and achieving that success which always comes to the progressive, resourceful and farsighted business man. In addition to his beautiful home in Humeston he, in connection with his mother, owns five hundred acres of choice land in Wayne county and about six hundred acres of valuable Texas farming land. He is in addition a director and stoek- holder in the Humeston State Bank and sinee December. 1912, has been assistant cashier of that institution, serving with fidelity and ability.
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