The history of Warren County, Iowa, from its Earliest Settlementto 1908, Part 40

Author: Union Historical Company
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Des Moines : Union historical company
Number of Pages: 1010


USA > Iowa > Warren County > The history of Warren County, Iowa, from its Earliest Settlementto 1908 > Part 40


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William H. Berry was reared upon the home farm and attended the coun- try schools. Through the sunnner months he worked in the fields and was connected with the labors of the farm until about twenty years of age, when, desirous of enjoying better educational privileges than he had hitherto re- ceived, he entered Simpson College in 1867 and was graduated in 1872, completing a scientific course and winning the B. S. and M. S. degrees. De- termining upon a professional career, Mr. Berry took up the study of law with J. H. Henderson as his preceptor, and after thorough preliminary reading was admitted to the bar in August, 1873. On the 1st of September he formed a partnership with Judge Henderson and the relation was maintained until December 1, 1885, when the Judge was elevated to the bench. Mr. Berry then practiced alone until January 1, 1896, when Judge Henderson resigned and the old firm of Henderson & Berry was reorganized and maintained an exist- ence until August 1, 1901. Since that time Mr. Berry has been alone in practice and bears the reputation of being a most successful lawyer, devoting his whole time and attention to his professional duties. His practice is extensive and of an important character. He is remarkable among lawyers for the wide re- search and provident care with which he prepares his cases, and at no time has his reading ever been confined to the limitations of the question at issue. Combined with his legal learning are taet, patience and industry and he has moreover an analytical mind which enables him to recognize the points that constitute his case and to give to each its due relative value.


On the 12th of May, 1875, Mr. Berry was married to Miss Alice M. Barker, who was born in Indianola, July 25, 1853, a daughter of Moses R. and Rachel Barker, who came to this city in 1851, her father being one of the pioneer merchants here. Mr. and Mrs. Berry have but one child, Don L., who was born October 8, 1880, and is now farming on the Berry homestead, which his father purchased. He wedded Bertha Sloan, of Dexter, Iowa, and they have one child, Thomas S.


Mr. and Mrs. William H. Berry are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and they belong to that class of citizens whose well known position in support of all that tends to benefit the community in educational, social


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and moral lines gives them right to rank with the leading residents of In- dianola.


Mr. Berry is a member of the Masonie fraternity, the Odd Fellows lodge, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and gives political support to the republican party. He was a member of the general assembly of Iowa as rep- resentative in the upper house from January 1, 1896, until December 31, 1900, and as senator he left the impress of his individuality upon the laws enacted during that period and labored for the interests of the commonwealth, plac- ing the general good before partisanship and the interests of the public at large before personal aggrandizement. He belongs to the Grant Club of Des Moines and also to the Loyal Legion of Iowa, while in more specifically professional lines he is connected with the Iowa State Bar Association. Since his admission to the bar he has attended every term of court with the ex- ception of one, when his absence was occasioned by illness. He is a vigilant and attentive observer of men and measures and is not only well read in the law but always keeps abreast with the best thinking men of the age concerning those questions which are of vital importance to state and nation.


A. B. MeINTOSH.


Specifie recognition should surely be given to A. B. MeIntosh in the history of Warren county, for since pioneer days he has resided within its borders and in an active business career has won success. Ile has been identified with both merchandising and farming although his real life work has been in agricultural lines. As the years have passed the capable direction of his business affairs and his indefatigable energy have won him gratifying pros- perity. It is not alone his success, however, that entitles him to the respect and admiration of his fellowmen, for in other lines his activities have benefited the community. He has been especially generous in his support of the Metho- dist denomination in building churches in this part of the state and at all times gives his endorsement to measures and movements which are calculated to pro- mote the material, intellectual, social and moral advancement of the com- munity.


Mr. MeIntosh is now living retired at New Virginia. His birth occurred in Taylor county, West Virginia, October 31, 1839. His father, Elijah B. Melntosh, probably a native of the Old Dominion, was of Irish descent and do- voted his entire life to farming, and was for many years a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal elmarch and died in that faith in West Virginia at the age of fifty years. The mother, Rebecca (Sayres) MeIntosh, was born in Vir- ginia and died in West Virginia at the very advanced age of eighty-six years. Their family numbered twelve children, nine of whom reached adult age, while five are still living, as follows: A. B., of this review ; Hannah, the wife of E. Freeman, a resident of New Virginia ; Benjamin S .. who makes his home in


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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY


West Virginia; W. F., a resident of Oregon; and A. D., who resides in Wyoming.


A. B. McIntosh spent his boyhood in the state of his nativity and attended the common schools. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age and started out in life on his own account by renting and cultivating a part of his father's farm. Attracted, however, by the opportunities of the west, he made a trip to Warren county in 1857, having relatives living here at the time. He returned, however, to West Virginia but in the spring of 1864 came again to Warren county and began farming upon rented land. He has witnessed the growth of the county from pioneer times and in the work of improvement has borne a most helpful part. There was but one sehoolhouse in the township when he visited here in 1857 and only two at the time he took up his permanent abode in the county in 1864. There was not a railroad nearer than seventy-five miles and he felt that he was living in town when the first railroad went into Des Moines. Years later he aided in building the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad through New Virginia. In the spring of 1865 Mr. MeIntosh purchased forty acres of land and five acres of woodland in Virginia township and received the first deed to real estate which he ever pos- sessed.


In those days he was in very limited financial circumstances. IIe owned a team and had one hundred and eighty dollars in money which he gave for his property and also arranged to give half of the erop for his forty acres for the succeeding five years to complete the payment. The first year, how- ever, he raised for the man from whom he had purchased his land seventy- five bushels of corn per acre on twenty acres and the erop sold for seventy- five cents per bushel. Mr. McIntosh then realized that he could do better to pay cash than to give half the crop and agreed to make payments in four installments of four hundred dollars with interest at ten per cent, which was then the lawful rate. Thus it was that he made his start in Warren connty. His first house, a little box house, fourteen by sixteen feet, was moved on to the farm with oxen and he made that farm his home for eight years, after which he traded the property for land in Squaw township, whereon he resided con- tinuously until 1893, when he took up his abode in New Virginia. Here he established a furniture store which he conducted with success until 1901, when he retired. He was also owner of a general store at Medora in Squaw township for several years but has regarded agricultural pursuits as his real life work and through his farming operations has met with ereditable and gatifying success. As his financial resources increased he added to his property until at one time he was the owner of four hundred acres of land. He has since given eighty acres to each of his sons but still retains the ownership of one hundred and twenty acres, from which he derives a good annual income. In his business career he places his dependence upon such substantial qualities as energy, unfaltering industry and irreproachable honesty-an example that others might well follow.


Mr. MeIntosh was married in West Virginia, in 1860, to Miss Rosie Currie, a native of West Virginia, who died in New Virginia, February 17,


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1899. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom three died in infancy. Those who still survive are: John S., a resident farmer of Squaw township; Mollie, the wife of W. A. Brought, of New Virginia; Emily, the wife of E. S. Carson, also of New Virginia; Prudence, the wife of N. E. Judkins, a resident of North Dakota; Savanah, the wife of Rev. C. W. Procter, located at Pleasant- ville, Iowa; George, who follows farming in Squaw twnship; Ella, the wife of Earl Felton, a farmer of Virginia township, Warren county; and Warren F., who is still under the parental roof. On the 31st of October, 1900, Mr. MeIn- tosh was again married, his second union being with Mrs. R. A. Sherman, formerly of Jasper county, Iowa.


In polities Mr. McIntosh is a progressive republican. He has never aspired to office, yet his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability have called him to several local positions, including that of township trustee, school director and alderman. In the discharge of his duties he has even been prompt and faithful, bringing to bear the same qualities which have characterized his successful business career. Since 1854 he has been a faithful and loyal mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church and from the age of twenty years has served as an officer in the church, while since twenty-one years of age he has been class leader off and on. He is most generous in his support of the church, has served on various building committees and assisted in the erection of many houses of worship, including two in New Virginia and the Liberty, Washington and Jamison churches in Clarke county, Iowa, the Mount Tabor and the Medford churches and the Medora Methodist Episcopal church in Squaw township. He has also made liberal donations to other denominations and to Simpson College and has thus given most freely of his means in support of church work. He certainly deserves much credit for what he has done in this line and it is indicative of his deep interest in Christianity and the pur- poses of the church. In other ways, too, he has become recognized as a most useful eitizen and in all his life he has enjoyed and deserved the respect and confidence of his fellowmen.


HARRY E. HOPPER.


Harry E. Hopper, who has made a success of the real-estate business and is now extensively handling Canada lands, maintaining his office in Indianola, was born in Henderson county, Illinois, in 1862. His father, John Wesley Hopper, was a native of the state of New York and was descended from Hol- land ancestry. In his boyhood days he removed westward to linois with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lambert Hopper. His father was a merenant and mil- ler and in Illinois established his home in Henderson county. It was in that locality that John Wesley Hopper was reared and after attaining manhood he engaged in merchandising. He also condneted a gristmill, a woolen-mill and a sawmill. He was distinctively a man of affairs and one who wielded a wide influence. He died at ba Harpe, Illinois. to which place he had removed


Harry Boffoper.


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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY


his store, although his family were still residents of Henderson county. Dur- ing the greater part of his life he was quite prosperous in his undertakings. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church and was a member of that denomination at the time of his death.


His father, Lambert Hopper, was a leading Methodist of his section and served in the church as a class leader, while his home was always the place of entertainment for the circuit riders. In his fraternal relations John W. Hopper was a Mason, while in political faith he was a republican. He mar- ried Caroline Elliott, who was born in Henderson county, Illinois, and is of Irish lineage. She, too, is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Hop- per died at the comparatively early age of thirty-nine years but his widow still survives and has now reached the age of seventy years. They were the parents of six children, of whom two are deceased. Those still living are : Eugene, who is the wife of L. F. McFadon, a merchant of Emerson, Iowa; Donzella, residing in Indianola and formerly a teacher; Harry E., of this review; and Nellie, the wife of C. F. Enos, who is connected with the Sigler Lumber Company of Indianola.


Harry E. Hopper was only eight years of age at the time of his father's demise. He attended the schools of his native county and afterward became a student in the Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa, completing the scientific course by graduation in 1893, at which time the degree of Bachelor of Sci- ence was conferred upon him. He had come to this state in the spring of 1880 with his mother and the other children of the family and they located upon a farm in Montgomery county. By the united labors of all, the farm was soon paid for and when it was possible to be released from the work of the fields, Mr. Hopper, of this review, resumed his education as a student in Indianola in November, 1889, matriculating in Simpson College as previously indicated.


During the periods of vacation he bought and sold cattle and horses. In the spring of 1893, while in college, he made investment in a tract of forty acres of land in the northwestern part of Indianola and laid off the Homedale Place addition, in which enterprise he was associated with J. M. Kittleman. He then turned his attention to the real-estate business in connection with Mr. Kittleman and J. L. Brown and in 1894 they laid out the Kenwood addi- tion to Indianola. Mr. Hopper was thus connected with general real-estate interests until 1902, when he turned his attention to Canada lands and is now handling several hundred thousand acres of land in western Canada and also British Columbia timber. He likewise owns property in this coun- try and since lris college days has been numbered among the representative and progressive real-estate men of Warren county.


He has a farm of one thousand acres, and recently his name figured prominently before the public as purchaser of the entire stud of C. W. Wil- liams, of Galesburg, Illinois, headed by Allerton, with a record of 2:0914. and Expedition, 2:153/4, two of the most famous of living trotting sires. These stallions were bred and trained by Mr. Williams, their former owner, who, without any experience or expert knowledge, started in to train, drive


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and raise them himself. Although his methods were diametrically opposed to those then most approved. he deferred not at all to the opinions of others but followed his own ideas, and Allerton made a record of 2:0914. The stud which Mr. Hopper has purchased comprises about fifty head and includes, in addition to the stallions mentioned, a number of richly bred brood mares. Mr. Hopper has been engaged in breeding horses for a number of years and will not only keep the stud intact but increase its magnitude. This is but one department of the extensive business interests which claim the attention of Mr. Hopper and which. carefully controlled by him. are placing him in the front rank among Iowa's substantial citizens.


On the 1st of January. 1895. Mr. Hopper was married to Miss Edith Car- penter, who was born in Indianola in 1872 and was a daughter of Professor George C. and Frances Carpenter. Her father was connected with Simp- son College in a professional capacity for twenty-five years. He died in 1894 and his widow afterward became the wife of William Buxton, presi- dent of the Warren County Bank, now living retired. Mr. and Mrs. Hopper have two children. Byron C. and Dorothy. born in 1899 and 1903, respectively. The parents are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Hopper is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. while his poli- tical support is given to the republican party. In his business career he has advanced through consecutive stages as the result of his close application and unfaltering energy. At all times he has made good use of his opportu- nities and it is by reason of his well directed diligence that he ocenpies the creditable position which is now accorded him in business circles.


RICHARD ASHITON WICKETT.


Richard Ashton Wiekett, a retired agrienlturist living in New Virginia. was born in Devonshire, England, May 2, 1845. his parents being Humphrey and Aun (Ashton) Wiekett, who were natives of England, and died in that country many years ago. Our subject acquired a common-school education. and when twenty-three years of age emigrated to Canada, where for four years he worked on a farm by the month. On the expiration of that period he removed to Polk county, Iowa, where he was also employed on a farm by the month, but eventually the man for whom he worked failed. and Mr. Wiekett lost three thousand dollars in wages. In 1878 he came to Warren county and began work as a farm hand for William Hasty. of Scott's Ridge. His posses- sions consisted of less than twenty dollars' worth of household goods, and he had a wife and small children to provide for. but. nothing dannted. he worked untiringly, persistently and energetically, and at length gained the prosperity which always comes as the reward of earnest labor. As he had no money. Mr. Hasty bought him a sack of flour. Subsequently Mr. Wiekett rented land of William Buxton and was successfully engaged in its operation for nineteen years. The relations between the two men were most congenial, for during all


ALLERTON


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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY


these years there was never a written agreement between them, all their con- tracts being made verbally only. When his financial resources permitted Mr. Wiekett purchased eighty acres of improved land in Virginia township, and kept gradually adding to his holdings until he now owns five hundred and thirty acres of valuable land, which is farmed by his sons. His success may be attributable in large measure to the fact that he never went in debt, but always lived within his means. Brooking no obstacles that honest effort ean overcome, he has steadily worked his way upward until he is now well worthy the prond American title of a self-made man. He is now living retired in New Virginia, having gained a competence that enables him to enjoy all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life without recourse to further labor.


On the 13th of September. 1870, in Canada, Mr. Wiekett was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Ann Leach, who was born in Devonshire, England, September 5, 1852, and was brought to Canada by her parents when a year and a half old. Unto this union have been born seven children, one of whom died in infancy: Frederick George, who wedded Cora Munroe and has three chil- dren, owns and operates a farm of eighty acres in Virginia township. Frank Benjamin wedded Ida Halden, by whom he has five children, and also lives on his father's farm in Virginia township. William Lawrence was twice married, his first union being with Stella Fred, and his second with Alberta Fred. He has three children and lives on his father's farm in Virginia township. Charles A. wedded Mary Procter, has one child and resides on his father's farm in Liberty township. . Walter R., who married Margaret Otts, by whom he has one child. also lives on his father's farm in Virginia township. Selena Ann is the wife of Alden Smalley, a farmer of Virginia township, and has one child.


Mr. Wickett is a stanch republican in his political views, and has served as school director, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. Both he and his wife were members of the Bible Christian church in Canada. but have not become identified with any denomination in this country, though they attend and contribute to the support of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a strictly temperate man and has never used tobacco in any form. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. ITe found the opportunities he sought-which, by the way, are ahvays open to the ambitious, energetic man-and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way upward. He possesses the resolution, perseverance and reliability so characteristic of his nation, and his name is now enrolled among the best citizens of Warren county.


WILLIAM F. BROWN.


Agricultural pursuits have always claimed the time and attention of William F. Brown, who is now successfully engaged in the operation of a fine farm on section 14, Richland township. He dates his residence in Towa from 1853, and he has made his home in Warren county since the 4th of January,


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1854. Ile has taken an active part in the upbuilding and development of this region, and is justly entitled to mention among its honored early settlers.


Mr. Brown was born near Lafayette in Tippecanoe county, Indiana. January 14, 1836, and is a son of James Brown, who was a native of Kentneky, and at an early day removed with his parents to Ohio, being among the first settlers of Miami county. The home of our subject's paternal grandfather was on the extreme frontier at the time of the war of 1812. On reaching man- hood James Brown was married in Miami county to Miss Margaret Long. a native of Pennsylvania, and some years later they removed to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, where he opened up a farm. In 1853 he brought his family to lowa, and the following year located in Warren county, where he purchased five hundred and sixty aeres of land, which he broke and cultivated. spending his last years here. He died in 1862, at the age of sixty-six years, and his wife passed away two years later.


William F. Brown was a young man of eighteen years on the removal of the family to this county and he aided his father in the arduous task of develop- ing a new farm, remaining under the parental roof until the father's death. He succeeded to a part of the old home place and has since bought more land, until at one time he had five hundred and sixty acres. Upon the place he has erected a commodious and pleasant residence, good barns, eribs and granaries, has fenced the land and set out fruit, and to-day has one of the most valuable farming properties in Warren county. He has given considerable attention to the raising of stock. making a specialty of pure blooded shorthorn cattle. French draft horses and Berkshire hogs, and annually feeds a large amount of stock for market. He has divided his property, giving a farm to each of his sons, but is still actively engaged in general farming and stock-raising.


On the 23d of May, 1858, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Brown and Miss Rachel Viers, who was born at Akron, Ohio, and is a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Ship) Viers, also natives of the Buckeye state, whence they came to Towa in 1849, arriving in Warren county on the 2d of October. Here Mr. Viers bought a preemption right, and later entered land from the govern- ment. Mrs. Brown was principally reared in this county.


Of the eight children born to our subject and his wife, four are now living. uamely : Elizabeth, the wife of W. A. Spain, a farmer of this county ; James F .. who owns a part of the old home place; G. W .. a farmer of Lincoln township ; and Latie, wife of W. F. Park, a farmer of Lincoln township. They also lost four children: Melissa N., the first born, married Thomas Moore and died in 1883, leaving a son, S. G. Moore. Martha J. and Eva both died in infaney, and Cora died at the age of five years. Mrs. Brown has also reared two boys and a girl who are now grown, and now has a little girl, Margaret Dnbs, whom she intends to rear and educate.


Mr. Brown has never wavered in his allegiance to the republican party since easting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, and he has served as a delegate to the state and county conventions of his party. Hc has also served on juries and has been township trustee and treasurer, as well as school director for twenty years. He is a man of excellent business ability


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and sound judgment, who usually carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and he has always been found thoroughly reliable and trustworthy. In religious faith he is a Baptist and now attends church at Hartford.


CHARLES D. MEEK.


Charles D. Meek is engaged in the dry goods business as a member of the firm of Meek & Robertson, and is classed with the enterprising merchants of Indianola, where he carries a large line of dry goods and enjoys a growing trade. He is one of Warren county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Hartford on the 1st of January, 1872.




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