USA > Iowa > Lee County > Story of Lee County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 17
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Mr. Hart was married in this county, in 1878, to Miss Celia Stiles, who was born near Des Moines, in Warren county, Iowa, on the 20th of September, 1855, a daughter of Horace and Rachel (Van Hyning) Stiles. The father, who was a native of New Hamp- shire, came to Lee county in 1838, a number of years before the admission of the state into the Union-and settled upon a farm in what was then a frontier region. After his marriage he removed to Warren county, Iowa, but in 1867 returned to Denmark, where the mother died in 1873, at the age of forty-four years. She was a Baptist in religious faith and lived an earnest Christian life. Mr. Stiles afterward removed to Nebraska, where he passed away in 1897, at the venerable age of eighty-one years. In their family were five children, of whom four are yet living: Mrs. Hart; Mrs. Mary
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McClees, whose home is in York, Nebraska; Mrs. Amelia Brewer, whose husband is a police officer of York, Nebraska; and Mrs. Mar- tha Chase, of Portland, Oregon.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hart have been born four children: Addie, the wife of Walter Orton, a resident of Denmark township, by whom she has two children, Alvin and Hart; John, at home; Edith, who is the widow of Joseph Blindt and resides in Burlington, lowa; and Carl, who married Mabel Bradfield and is employed in a but- ton factory in Burlington, Iowa. The parents are members of the Church of God of Des Moines county.
Politically Mr. Hart is a republican, never faltering in his alle- giance to the party which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war and which has always been regarded as the party of reform and progress. He holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, with the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Grand Army post of Fort Madison and through the latter connection maintains close and pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He made an excellent military record when on the battlefields of the south and has always been equally loyal to the best interests of city, state and nation in days of peace.
R. M. SCOVEL, D. D. S.
In the practice of dentistry Dr. R. M. Scovel has won a gratify- ing position in Fort Madison, his native city, and his record thus stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country. Since entering upon profes- sional activity here he has continually advanced and, holding to high standards, has made his service of value to the community. He was born in Fort Madison in 1882, a son of L. L. and Virginia (Car- son) Scovel, both of whom were natives of Lee county, born near West Point. The father was a son of Dewey Scovel, a native of New York, who removed westward in 1845, casting in his lot with the pioneer residents of this state, where he was actively engaged in farming for many years, winning a place among the leading agri- culturists of Lee county. He is still living and has attained the venerable age of ninety years. His son, L. L. Scovel, on attaining years of maturity wedded Virginia Carson, a daughter of Alexan- der Carson, who was also one of the pioneer settlers of Lee county.
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L. L. Scovel became a shipping clerk with the American Fork & Hoe Company and is still in that position.
Dr. Scovel, reared in his native city, passed through the con- secutive grades in the public schools and was graduated from the high school with the class of 1902. Deciding upon a professional career and believing that he would find the practice of dentistry con- genial, he entered the Northwestern Dental College in Chicago and was graduated in 1905. He then returned to Fort Madison for practice and has since remained in his native city. He is in touch with the most modern and scientific methods, thoroughly understands all the principles of the profession and manifests notable skill in per- forming the intricate and multitudinous mechanical services which are a feature of his calling.
On the 21st of October, 1908, Dr. Scovel was married to Miss Daisy Atlee, a daughter of I. R. Atlee. Dr. Scovel holds member- ship with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and in politics is independent, voting as his judgment dictates without regard to party ties. He has a wide acquaintance in the city where practically his entire life has been passed and among his best friends are those who have known him from boyhood-an indication that his life record has always been a creditable one.
SAMUEL WOOD TUCKER.
Samuel Wood Tucker, a son of Thomas and Ann S. (Sykes) Tucker, was one of the early business men of Keokuk, being con- nected with a wholesale and retail hardware concern at a time when there were no railroads into the city. Although the iron horse was as yet unknown here, Keokuk was one of the most thriving munici- palities of the then new west and promised to develop into a great commercial center.
Our subject was born September 21, 1819, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and there received a liberal education. As a young man he went to St. Louis, where he was employed as a clerk in a hardware store. He was engaged in collecting for his firm when he made his first visit to Keokuk in the early 'Jos. He remembered his favorable impression of the thriving little town and in 1847 he located perma- nently in Keokuk and with his brother embarked in the wholesale and retail hardware business, their establishment being located at the corner of Second and Main streets. As before stated there were
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no railroads and journeys inland were made on horseback as far west as Des Moines, which was then little more than a frontier vil- lage. From the time of his coming Mr. Tucker became an integral part of the growth and development of Keokuk, then one of the com- mercial centers of this section of the country. The firm of S. W. & H. Tucker became widely known throughout the country and the name was a synonym for probity and upright dealing. Our subject con- tinued in the business after his brother's retirement from the firm and during his later years was also employed in an official capacity by the Iowa State Insurance Company.
While in St. Louis, in 1848, Samuel W. Tucker was united in marriage to Miss Jula De Lange, by whom he had five sons, as fol- lows: William Penn, De Lange, George Sykes, Harrison and Walter Sumner. All of these have passed away save George Sykes.
Mr. Tucker was one of the twelve founders of the local Uni- tarian church and remained one of its stanch supporters to the day of his death. He was a republican in politics and an outspoken advo- cate of the protection of American industries against the poorly paid labor of Europe which the free trade policy would admit to open competition with the American workman. He was of Quaker par- entage and inherited the virtues of his forbears. He was noted for his honesty, industry and public spirit. He passed away March 22, 1905, in Keokuk, and his death was mourned by his fellow citizens, as he was one of those who helped lay the foundation upon which the prosperity and advancement of the present generation is builded. He could relate many interesting reminiscences of the early days of the city and manifested in all of life's relations that courage and firmness of resolution which gave to the pioneer strength for his arduous labors.
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GEORGE S. TUCKER.
George S. Tucker, the only living son of Samuel Wood Tucker, was born in Keokuk on the 28th of January, 1856, and at the age of twelve went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he was educated and grew to manhood. After clerking in stores for a number of years he went to what is now North Dakota and engaged in ranching. For a part of the time he was in the employ of Theodore Roosevelt, receiving thirty dollars per month for his services. After this expe- rience he returned to Keokuk and embarked in the ice business, to
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which general contracting has since been added. He is a member of the firm of McManus & Tucker and in addition to the two lines of business already named he is identified with numerous other enter- prises of a local character.
Mr. Tucker married Miss Sophie E. Roche, of Warsaw, Illinois, and to them three children have been born, namely: Beatrice Thelma, Georgia Wood and Julia Anna. He was reared a repub- lican and still gives his political allegiance to that party. For several years he served as a member of the city council, doing all in his power to secure an efficient municipal government. He is quite prominent fraternally, being a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Masons. He is a Knight Templar in the York Rite, has taken the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite, and is also a member of the Shrine. He is popu- lar socially and is known as a man of unimpeachable integrity and of kindliness of spirit.
IRA HOUSTON.
Ira Houston was a representative of one of the pioneer families of Lee county and did his share in the early development of this section of the state. He passed away May 17, 1889, at his home on section 35, Denmark township, after having resided in this county for fifty-two years. His birth occurred in 1826 at Lyndeboro, New Hampshire, and his parents were Ira and Elizabeth (Epps) Hous- ton, the latter a sister of Lewis Epps, one of the earliest settlers and extensive landowners of Lee county. Ira Houston, Sr., secured a farm on section 35, Denmark township, and for a number of years devoted his time to its cultivation. Later he turned the work of the farm over to his son, the subject of this review, and he engaged in other business. He manufactured shingles used in the construc- tion of the early houses and in many ways aided in transforming the county from a wild region to a section of well-developed farms. His death occurred in 1872 when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-six years, and his wife survived him for a year, her demise occurring when she was eighty-two years of age. Both were mem- bers of the Congregational church.
Ira Houston of this review was one of twelve children, most of whom were born in the cast, where three passed away. The death of one occurred in Lee county not many years after the arrival of
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the family here. All have now gone to their reward. The sub- ject of this review was a farmer and stock raiser and as he followed practical and well-tried methods of agriculture he gained a compe- tence. He added to the homestead and eventually became the owner of two hundred and ten acres of valuable land, which is now the property of his widow, who resides in Denmark.
Mr. Houston's marriage occurred October 12, 1856, in Tall- madge, Ohio, the lady of his choice being Miss Olivia P. Porter, a native of that locality. She is a daughter of a pioneer family and her birth occurred in a log cabin in the woods, as that part of the Buckeye state had not then been cleared of its standing timber. Her parents were Horace and Phoebe N. (Sperry) Porter, the former of whom died in Ohio, September 25, 1869, at the age of seventy- two years, and the latter survived until February 5, 1899, passing away at the venerable age of ninety-five. Both were Presbyterians in their religious affiliation. Mrs. Houston is one of four children. Albert is now a resident of Newark, Ohio. Harriet C. married Miles Morris, a resident of Akron, Ohio, Edward completed the family. Mr. and Mrs. Houston became the parents of three chil- dren : Ellen Olivia, who died at the age of nine months; Herbert John, who died in 1876 when but three years of age; and Hattie Elizabeth, the wife of Rev. H. L. Henn, of Denmark, Iowa.
Mr. Houston was a consistent member of the Congregational church and his widow also holds membership in that organization. He was a republican in his political belief and always manifested a laudable interest in all movements inaugurated for the welfare of his community. The work which he did many years ago in devel- oping the county is now bearing its fruit and the present generation enjoy advantages which would not have been theirs if it had not been for such men as he.
JUDGE WILLIAM LOGAN.
Prominent among the energetic, farsighted and successful busi- ness men of Keokuk is Judge William Logan. Various corporate interests have benefited by his co-operation and profited by the stimu- lus of his energy, determination and keen sagacity. He is today connected with the management of various important concerns, and his efforts are of wide influence in furthering the material upbuild- ing and advancing the prosperity of city, county and state. He has
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long been active in financial circles and since March, 1890, has been president of the State Central Savings Bank of Keokuk. Judge Logan was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, September 11, 1848, and is a son of William P. and Sarah J. (McCombs) Logan. In 1852 the family went west to Hancock county, Illinois, and there the father engaged in general farming:
Judge Logan spent his youthful days upon the home farm and attended the district schools of that locality, starting out in life on his own account at the age of nineteen. He first took up general agricultural pursuits, farming on rented land and also operating a threshing machine. When twenty-one years of age he removed to Schuyler county, Missouri, where he established and conducted a lumber business and also operated a sawmill during twenty years of his residence there. It was while in Missouri that he first became interested in banking, and he also figured prominently in the public life of the community, for from 1884 until 1890 he was presiding judge of the county court. The First National Bank of Macon elected him its president, and he organized the Logan Bank at Glen- wood, where he lived from 1869 to 1889. Both interests prospered under his direction, and his broad experience gave him a compre- hensive knowledge of every phase of the banking business.
From Missouri Judge Logan removed to Keokuk and purchased a controlling interest in the bank of which he is now the president -- the State Central Savings Bank. He has been continuously con- nected with it to the present time and the policy which he inaugu- rated and the course which he has pursued have been the means of bringing it to its present high standard as one of the most substantial financial institutions of the state. This alone would entitle Judge Logan to mention as one of the representative business men of east- ern lowa, vet various other interests have profited by his co-opera- tion, support and guidance. He is also president of the Iowa State Insurance Company and before his election to that office served as its vice president. He is president of the Gate City Company and was one of the chief organizers of the Mississippi River Power Company, of which he is now a director.
On the 26th of December, 1871, Judge Logan was married to Miss Sarah J. Jackson, a daughter of Archibald and Catherine Jack- son, and unto them were born two children: William Archibald, who was born June 14, 1873, and died September 6, 1905; and Eva Isabel, now Mrs. James W. Huiskamp.
The family attend the Congregational church, and Judge Logan's fraternal connections are with the Elks and the Masons. His politi-
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cal indorsement is given to the republican party and his interest is that of a broad-minded, public-spirited citizen, who recognizes his duties and obligations as well as his privileges in the matter of the franchise. He is interested in all public affairs and his co-operation can be counted upon to further any project or measure which is a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. The life record of Judge Logan is notable in the measure of progress which has characterized his career. Starting out practically empty-handed, he stands today as one of the prosperous citizens of Keokuk. The steps in his orderly progression are easily discernible and an analyzation of his charac- ter shows that persistency of purpose, well formulated plans and indefatigable energy have been the basis on which his prosperity has been built. He possesses the power to readily coordinate forces and unite seemingly diverse elements into a harmonious whole.
STATE CENTRAL SAVINGS BANK.
The State Central Savings Bank of Keokuk is the outgrowth of several banking institutions. On the 13th of September, 1858, a char- ter was granted the Keokuk branch of the State Bank of Iowa, with the following incorporators and directors: John W. Cleghorn, John G. Floyd, Samuel F. Miller, Benjamin F. Moody, James M. Shelly, Smith Hamill, Charles Garber, J. C. Ramsay and James M. Billings. The first officers were S. F. Miller, afterwards associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, president, and J. W. Mc- Millen, cashier. E. H. Harrison was a director of the State Bank of Iowa on behalf of the Keokuk branch. On the 10th of June, 1865, the name of the institution was changed to the State National Bank and the capital stock was increased to one hundred and fifty thou- sand dollars. Twenty years later, when the national bank charter expired, the institution was reorganized on the 23d of May, 1885, under the state laws as the State Bank of Keokuk, with a capital of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. On the 23d of November, 1893, it was consolidated with the Central Savings Bank and the name changed to the State Central Savings Bank of Keokuk, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. The success of the insti- tution is further indicated in the fact that on the ist of March, 1911, the capital stock was increased to two hundred thousand dollars. There is also a surplus of two hundred thousand dollars and undi- vided profits of one hundred and eighty thousand dollars. The pres-
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ent officers are: William Logan, president; George E. Rix, first vice president; W. M. Irwin, second vice president; Charles J. Bode, cashier; and H. T. Graham and H. B. Blood, assistant cash- iers. This institution is in a most flourishing condition. Its growth has been continuous and under the guidance of Judge Logan there is no doubt that its present high standard will be maintained and that the safe, conservative yet progressive policy thus far pursued will be continued.
HENRY JUDY.
Henry Judy resides on section 29, Denmark township, on a farm of one hundred and thirty-four acres which has been the family home since 1895. He carries on general agricultural pursuits and stock- raising and most of the improvements upon his place have been put there by him and are evidences of his progressive spirit. He was born in West Point township, this county, on the ist of December, 1861, a son of John and Salome ( Honadel) Judy. The father was a native of Ohio and was a son of John Judy, who brought his family from Ohio to Lee county, Iowa, in the year 1836, settling in the southwestern part of West Point township, at which time the work of development and improvement had scarcely been begun. His son Henry had located there in 1834 and was a pioneer settler of the district. John Judy, Sr., at once took up the arduous task of developing a new farm and carried on the work persistently and energetically to the time of his death, transforming a tract of wild prairie into productive, cultivated fields. In his family were the following children, Henry, George, John, Michael, William, Polly. Christina, Eliza and Abigail.
Of this family John Judy, Jr., was a young child when brought by his parents to Iowa. He resided upon the farm in West Point township continuously from 1836 until his death, which occurred in 1903, when he had reached the age of seventy-one years. He was a successful agriculturist, carefully tilling his fields and performing all the work necessary to the cultivation and development of his place, which he made one of the valuable farm properties of the township. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, and his religious faith was that of the United Brethren church, to the teachings of which he was ever loyal. His wife was born in Alsace and was of German parentage. She died in the winter
1
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of 1863-4. Their family numbered six children: Mrs. Sarah Wil- son, a widow now living in Donnellson, lowa; Jacob and Charles, who are residents of Pottawattamie county, this state; John, who died in childhood; Henry, of this review; and one who died in in- fancy.
Henry Judy was reared in West Point township and at the usual age entered the public schools, where he acquired a good education. He afterward removed to Jefferson township, where he lived for eight years, during which period he owned and cultivated a farm there. He subsequently sold that property and in 1895 purchased his present farm, upon which he has now lived for almost two decades. Within its boundaries are comprised one hundred and thirty-four acres of rich land and his fields respond readily to the care and labor which he bestows upon them. He also raises stock to a considerable extent and is an excellent judge of domestic ani- mals. He has never been afraid of hard work and his energy and ambition have constituted the incentives which have brought him to his present success.
In 1886 Mr. Judy was united in marriage to Miss Mary Schoene, who was born in West Point township, April 26, 1866, a daughter of J. Philip and Ernestine ( Kudebeh) Schoene. The father's birth occurred in Union county, Pennsylvania, in 1836 and the mother was born in Germany but when a child of thirteen years became a resident of Lee county, Iowa. J. P. Schoene was brought to this county in 1838, when but two years of age, being one of the oldest settlers of this district. He now resides at the Soldiers' Home in Marshalltown, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years, but still has property in Franklin, Lee county. For many years he was ac- tively engaged in farming. At the time of the Civil war he re- sponded to the country's call for troops and served at the front with the Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry. His wife died in Lee county, Oc- tober 11, 1911, at the age of seventy-five years, passing away in the faith of the Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Schoene is also a member.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Judy have been born eight children: Emma, who is assistant cashier of the State Bank of Burlington, Colorado, and who has filled the office of deputy county recorder for a number of years; Clio, also of Burlington, Colorado, who was deputy county recorder for a number of years; Helen, a graduate of the Iowa State Teachers' College; Alice, who resides in Colorado; Gertrude, now attending school; and Wayne, Kenneth and Genevieve, all at home. The two oldest daughters attended Elliott's Business College. The
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daughters have made splendid records in their various connections and deserve much credit for what they have accomplished.
Politically Mr. Judy is independent but takes little active part in politics. He has served, however, as trustee and has filled the office of school director. He and his wife are members of the Con- gregational church. There are no unusual chapters in his life history, but it is the record of one who has always been loyal to duty, who is industrious, determined and persevering in business and who in every relation of life is thoroughly trustworthy and reliable.
EDWIN G. VAUGHAN.
Edwin G. Vaughan, a well known and highly esteemed citizen of Keokuk, holds the office of county recorder in Lee county and is doing most commendable work in that connection. His birth oc- curred in Keokuk county, Iowa, on the 21st of November, 1868, his parents being Erasmus G. and Mary Ann (Colleran) Vaughan, the former a native of Fleming county, Kentucky, and the latter of Ireland. Erasmus G. Vaughan, who came to Keokuk early in 1869, was a cook by occupation and was thus engaged during the greater part of the time until his death. He enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company K. Second Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and at the battle of Fort Donelson received a gun shot wound in the right lung. The effects of the injury were such that he was dis- charged on account of "total disability," but with his discharge in his knapsack he rejoined the army in time to participate in the battle of Corinth, Mississippi. Subsequently he returned to Keokuk, resid- . ing here continuously until called to his final rest on the 14th of November, 1902. He gained an extensive circle of friends during the long period of his residence in the city, and his demise was there- fore the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His political alle- giance was given to the republican party, while his religious faith was that of the Roman Catholic church. He likewise belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. Unto him and his wife, who died in 1900, were born two children.
"Ed" Vaughan, as he is best known, was reared in Keokuk and has always made that city his home. He attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education and when a youth of sixteen began providing for his own support by driving a delivery wagon. Subsequently he attended Pierce Business College and afterward
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