USA > Iowa > Warren County > The history of Warren County, Iowa, from its Earliest Settlementto 1908 > Part 58
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M. GRASSMAN.
M. Grassman, who is now living retired in Churchville, Iowa, claims Ger- many as the land of his birth, being born in Baden on the 31st of August, 1837. He lost his father, John Grassman, when quite young and his mother subsequently married again. With her and his stepfather he came to the new world in 1839 and settled in Ross county, Ohio, where he was reared upon a farm. During his youth he learned the blacksmith's trade, at which lie continued to work for many years.
On first coming to Iowa in 1859, Mr. Grassman located in Des Moines, where he engaged in blacksmithing for two years and a half, and at the end of that time eame to Churchville, establishing the first blacksmith shop in the village. After carrying on that business for about seven years, he em- barked in general merchandising on a small scale but as he prospered in his new undertaking he kept adding to his stock until he had a well equipped store and had built up an excellent trade, which he continued to enjoy for twenty-seven years. He also served as postmaster of the village, being ap- pointed to that office under President Harrison's administration. While en- gaged in merchandising he bought land near Churchville and in connection with his other business he engaged in agricultural pursuits for a time but finally sold his farm and is now living retired, enjoying the fruits of former toil in well earned ease.
Mr. Grassman was married in Des Moines, February 16, 1861, to Miss Caroline Churehman, who was born in that city and was a daughter of Michael Churchman, one of the early settlers of Iowa. She died in 1871, leaving three
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children, namely : Frank, who died when a young man ; Henry, now a resident of Des Moines, and Edward, of Texas. For his second wife he wedded Mary MeCarty, who passed away in 1877, and there are two children living by that union : Mary, the wife of Frank Hansman, of Polk county, lowa, and George, of Des Moines, who was adopted by a step-brother of our subject, John Klemm, and has taken the name of Klemm. Mr. Grassman's last wife was Johanna Mueller, who died December 24. 1900, leaving two children: Elsie, wife of Thomas Gilespie, of Madison county, and Rose, at home with her father.
In polities Mr. Grassman is a Jeffersonian democrat and in religious faith is a Catholic, having been reared in that church. Commencing life for him- self with no capital. he deserves much credit for the success that he has achieved and he is justly entitled to be ranked with the self-made men as well as the leading citizens of his adopted county.
WILLIAM MELVIN WILSON.
William Melvin Wilson, who is now filling the position of county attorney at Warren county and is a well known member of the Indianola bar, was born near Hartford in Richland township on the 6th of October, 1876. Ilis father. John Wilson, was a native of Ohio and represented one of the old families that was founded in America by a Scotch ancestor. He was a farmer by occupation and came to Iowa in 1854, settling first in Marion county. He made the journey with his parents and was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agrieulturist. On remov- ing to Warren county he took up his abode at Hartford, where he worked for a time in a pottery but finally, when his savings justified his purchase of land, he beeame the owner of a farm not far from the village. At a later date he removed to Lincoln township. settling a half mile north of Summerset. where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in January, 1902. when he was in his fifty-seventh year. His religious preferenee was for the Presbyterian church and he usually attended its services. In politics he was independent, voting for men and measures rather than for party. In the com- munity where he lived he filled a number of local offices and was always loyal and progressive in its citizenship, standing high in the esteem of his neighbors and associates. In early manhood he wedded Miss Aliee Ellen Slack, who was born in Hartford and still survives, making her home with a son in Palmyra township at the age of fifty-six years. She is a member of the Baptist church.
William M. Wilson was one of a family of thirteen children, of whom eleven are yet living, as follows: John R .. who follows farming in Palmyra; William M., of this review; Margaret E., the wife of Grigsby Clark, an agri- culturist of Riehland; Leatha Ellen. the wife of Wilbur Cox, who also follows general farming in Richland; Charles H. an agriculturist of Palmyra town- ship; Flora; Lula, the wife of Clyde James, a resident of Norwalk; Samuel
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M., who is a telegraph operator at Knoxville; Flossie; and Hallie and Hazel, twins.
In taking up the personal history of William M. Wilson we present to our readers the life of one who is widely and favorably known in this, his native county. He was reared to farm labor and as a boy trudged away each morning to the district school. Later, however, he enjoyed the ad- vantage of a course in Ackworth Academy and also attended the commercial school in Des Moines. For two years he engaged in teaching in the fall and winter months and later entered Drake University at Des Moines, where he completed his academieal course and was then graduated from the law de- partment of that college in 1903. TIe began the practice of his profession in Des Moines but in the fall of the same year came to Indianola and opened an office in partnership with S. H. Tidball, with whom he is now engaged in the practice of law. Although one of the younger members of the bar, he is meeting with good success and in 1906 was elected to the office of county at- torney, which position he is now filling. He was a candidate of the republican party, which he has supported since attaining his majority.
Mr. Wilson was married on the 23d of April, 1908, to Miss Lena Estella Pressnall, a native of Cambridge, Towa. Fraternally he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. The fact that he has many friends in this, his native county, is an indication that his life record has ever been an honorable one, else he would not receive the respeet and esteem which are uniformly accorded him by those who have been familiar with his record from his early boyhood.
JOHN A. SAVIN.
John A. Savin, a successful farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 24, Liberty township, where he owns an excellent farm of two hundred and seventy-five acres, was born in Jackson county, Wisconsin, July 4, 1853. His parents were William and Clarinda (Hayden) Savin, the former born in Delaware, November 10, 1819, while the latter's birth occurred in New York, March 15, 1831. They came to Warren county, Iowa, in the fall of 1868, lo- cating in Liberty township, west of Liberty Center. The father was a sailor in his younger years but afterward entered land in Wisconsin, and on eoming to this county he purchased a farm, being successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits until the time of his demise on the 25th of November, 1887, at the age of sixty-eight years. He gave his political allegiance to the democracy and served in various school offices. In religious faith he was a Methodist. ITis wife, Mrs. Clarinda Savin, accompanied her parents on their removal to Wisconsin at an early age. and her death occurred in Liberty township. this county, October 26, 1898. She was likewise a devoted and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Savin were born twelve children. ten of whom still survive, the record of the family being as
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follows: John A .. of this review, Shepard, of Niekolls county, Nebraska ; Rosetta, deceased ; Clara, the wife of J. T. Broadwater, of Auburn, Washing- ton; Richard, who makes his home in Dawson county, Nebraska; Julia, also residing in Dawson county, Nebraska; Florence and Jesse, both living in Daw- son county, Nebraska; Hiram, who resides near Fresno, California; James, who died in infancy, and Ella and Nellie, twins, who are now in Washington but make their home in Dawson, Nebraska.
John A. Savin was reared in his native state and when fifteen years of age accompanied his parents on their removal to Warren county, lowa, attend- ing school here to some extent. Throughout almost his entire business career he has carried on agricultural pursuits, owning a highly improved farm of two hundred and seventy-five acres on section 24, Liberty township. Eighty acres of this traet was entered from the government by his father-in-law. Samuel Wright, who added to his original purchase until the farm assumed its present proportions.
On the 6th of January. 1887. Mr. Savin was mited in marriage to Miss Malinda A. Wright, who was born in Huntington county, Indiana, August 1. 1849, a daughter of Samuel and Mary B. (Job) Wright, natives of Ohio and Maryland respectively. The great great-grandmother of Mrs. Savin. named Eliza- beth Maxwell and born in England, was a niece of Daniel Defoe, the noted author of Robinson Crusoe. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Wright were married in Ohio but soon afterward removed to Indiana, and on coming to Warren county, Iowa, first established their home near Hartford. The father first entered land near Stuart, Iowa, owning the site on which a part of that town is located, but he never resided there. The year 1854 witnessed his arrivel in this county and from 1856 until the time of his demise he made his home on the farm now owned and occupied by his daughter and son-in-law. Mr. and Mrs. John A. Savin. He brought the place under a high state of development and in addition to the work of general farming also handled considerable stock. In politics he was a republican and filled a number of township offices, ever discharging his duties in a prompt and capable manner. Fraternally he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in religious faith was orig- inally a Quaker. His demise oeeurred in Liberty township, February 4. 1887. when he had attained the age of sixty-six years. His wife, who passed away in 1884 at the age of seventy years, was also a member of the Friends church. Mrs. Savin, who was practically reared on the farm which is still her home, is the eldest of three children. her sisters being: Sarah E., the wife of W. S. Bennett, of Portland, Oregon ; and Mary A., who became the wife of Edwin H. MeFarland and resides at Liberty Center. By a former marriage Mr. Wright had one son, Isaae H., who enlisted January 1, 1864, in Company D. Thirty-fourth Towa Volunteer Infantry, and died March 28, 1864. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Savin has been born one daughter. Mary E .. a young lady now nine- teen years of age, who is at home.
In his political views Mr. Savin is a staneh republiean and has served in school offiee. the eause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. His wife is a member of the Friends church of Liberty township, and is well
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known and highly esteemed throughout the community, having gained an extensive circle of warm friends during her fifty-four years' residence in this county. Mr. Savin is widely recognized as a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist and stock-raiser, and by reason of his genuine personal worth and upright life has won the respect and regard of all with whom he has come in contact. The period of his residence here now covers forty years and he is therefore largely familiar with the county's history from pioneer times down to the present.
RICHARD T. ELSON.
Richard T. Elson, who is familiarly called "Dick" by his many friends, is one of the few remaining veterans of the Civil war and is one who has wielded a wide interest in the public life of Warren county as well as in other localities in which he has made his home. He was born in Marion county, near Indianap- olis, Indiana, March 14, 1843, a son of C. J. and Eliza Ann (Thomas) Elson, the former born in Kentucky, while the latter was a native of Madison county. Indiana. The father was reared in the Blue Grass state, after which he re- moved to Marion county. Indiana, becoming one of its pioneer settlers. In 1854, however, he removed to. Warren conty. Iowa, where he entered forty acres of land from the government. and also entered forty acres adjoining in Marion county. Later he disposed of this land and made his way to Wayne county but once more returned to Warren county, locating on a farm near Milo. In 1872 he made his way to Smith connty. Kansas, where he took up land from the government, on which he spent his remaining days. his death occurring in 1878. His wife survived him for many years, passing away in October. 1906.
Richard T. Elson was a lad of eleven years when he accompanied his parents to Warren county and was here reared and educated. When the Civil war broke out and volunteers were needed he offered his aid to the government. enlisting in July. 1861. at Indianola, as a member of the Tenth Towa Volunteer Infantry. He went south with his regiment where he partici- pated in many important engagements, including those at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Island No. 10. the siege at New Madrid, where they captured many confederate soldiers. He was later in the siege at Corinth, where he was taken sick and was in a hospital for eight months. Upon his recovery he rejoined his regiment at Iuka and was with the army until the expiration of his three years' term. when he was honorably discharged in the fall of 1864.
Upon his return from the war Mr. Elson engaged in teaching, being thus employed for thirty-three terms in Warren and Marion counties, mostly dur- ing the winter months. He also taught for three years in the Pleasantville schools and later established the Pleasantville News, which he conducted for seven years. He also served as postmaster at that place for six years and then removed his paper to Milo, establishing the Milo Motor, which he con-
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theted during the succeeding two years. He then returned to Pleasant ville and conducted a mercantile establishment for two years, when he took up his abode in Des Moines, where he conducted a grocery for three years. He then traded his property there for land in Liberty township. Warren county and for three years during the spring and summer months was engaged in general farming, while during the winter seasons he engaged in teaching. In 1889 he sold his farm and removed to Lacona, where he was engaged in the furniture and undertaking business for three years, at the end of which time he was appointed deputy clerk, this necessitating his removal to In- dianola. He served in that capacity for six years, when he was elected to the office of county clerk and through reelection filled the office for two terms, or four years. He was ever known as a prompt and capable official and made many friends during his term of office. After his term of office expired he removed to a ranch near Los Angeles. California, where he went for the benefit of his wife's health.
Mr. Elson was married in Warren county. January 12. 1865. to Miss Julia Thompson, who was born in Virginia but was reared and edneated in the Buck- eye state. where she was engaged in teaching prior to her marriage.
Mr. Elson is a republican in his political views and east his first presi- dential ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1864, while serving in the army. He has never aspired to office holding but took the census of Liberty township in 1890. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Elson is a Master Mason, having served as master of the lodges at Liberty Center, Pleasantville and Lacona. He is also an Odd Fellow. belonging to Indianola Lodge. No. 70, while he and his wife are identified with the Re- bekah lodge. of which Mr. Elson served as a delegate to the grand lodge and hre also served as a delegate of the Odd Fellows in the grand lodge.
Mr. Elson has a very wide acquaintance both in Marion and Warren counties. wherein he has wielded a wide influence. He is one to whom has been entrusted important publie service and over his record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. so that this section of the state num- bers him as one of her most honored and highly respected citizens.
D. A. COCHRAN. M. D.
Dr. D. A. Cochran. deceased. was a physician of recognized ability in War- ren county and during the years of practice at Milo he enjoyed an excellent patronage. A native of this county, he was born on a farm near Lacona. September 19. 1867, and is a son of William J. and Ellen (Warnock) Cochran. of whom more extended mention is made in the sketch of Dr. A. L. Cochran on another page of this volume. He is survived by his mother, two sisters and four brothers, namely : Miss Lizzie Cochran. of Cumming; Mrs. J. W. Thorne. of Lacona: J. W .. C. S., and G. E. Cochran, of Lacona. and Dr. A. L. Cochran. of Cumming.
DR. D. A. COCHRAN
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Dr. Cochran, of this review, spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon his father's farm and acquired his literary edneation in the public schools of this county. Deciding to enter the medical profession, he studied along that line, matriculating at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, fron. which he was graduated in the spring of 1895 with the highest honors of a class of thirty-two. He immediately opened an office in Milo and was not long in building up a good practice as his skill and ability in his chosen calling became widely recognized. He not only ministered to the physical needs of his patients but his genial pleasant manner brought cheer and comfort to the sick room and he became the loved family physician in many a household.
At the meridian of life, with a future full of promise, he was summoned to his Master on the 10th of March. 1908, and his reamins were laid to rest on the farm where he was born forty years before. Those who knew him best spoke in the highest terms of his skill as a physician and surgeon, and his loyalty as a friend and citizen. He was ever genial and warm-hearted, and no one ever left his company feeling wounded by an unkind or even a thoughtless word by him. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Mutual Benefit Association, and at his funeral the former lodge had charge of the services. A host of warm personal friends mourn his untimely death. and by his labors, his high professional attainments and his sterling character- istics, he justified the respect and confidence so freely accorded him.
JOHN S. DOWNING.
John S. Downing. a prominent farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 12. Liberty township, was born in Marion county. Iowa, in 1854, his parents being George and Rhoda Beach Downing. The father was born in Virginia, December 3, 1823, and emigrated to Towa, where, in Henry county, he met and married Miss Beach. Locating in Marion county, Iowa, he there cleared a farm, which remained his home until the ontbreak of the Civil war. His patriotic spirit being aronsed, he enlisted as a member of the Thirty-third Towa Volunteer Infantry, serving as officers' cook. His demise occurred near Louis- ville. Kentucky, in December, 1862, while in the service of his country. The mother of our subject was born in Ohio, December 24. 1823, and was largely reared in that state. Removing to Henry county, Iowa, at an carly day, she was there married, and after her husband's death resided for several years in Marion county. Marrying a second time, she became the wife of Peter Sherman and they took up their abode in Jasper county. Nebraska, snbse- quently establishing their home in Keith county, that state. Mrs. Sherman passed away in Perkins county. Nebraska. August 17. 1897. when seventy-fonr years of age. Unto George and Rhoda (Beach) Downing were born six children, namely: William, who died in Kansas some years ago; Mrs. Eva McIntyre, residing in Kansas; Mrs. Ida Hogate, of Florence. Colorado; Obil.
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of Marion county , George H., who was killed in a railroad wreck near Florence, Colorado, March 16, 1906; and John S., of this review.
The last named was reared in the county of his nativity and acquired his edneation in the common schools. Throughont his entire business career he has followed farming and stock-raising. his first purchase of land being his present home farm of two hundred and forty aeres on section 12, Liberty township, which he still owns and operates. The property is equipped with all the modern accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century and the many substantial improvements which now adorn the place stand as monuments to his labor and enterprise. He also owns another tract of one hundred acres in Liberty township. and in addition to the work of general farming has also been engaged in stock-raising. He was formerly a breeder of Hereford cattle but has now for several years given his attention to the raising of shorthorn stock, in which line of activity he has been very suc- cessful. He has achieved his splendid prosperity since arriving in this eounty in the summer of 1879. though at different times he had previously spent a year or more here.
On the 17th of August. 1879. in Behnont township, occurred the marriage of Mr. Downing and Miss Phebe Schee, whose birth took place in Marion county. Iowa. in April. 1855. She is a sister of John F. and Lewis Schee. of Indianola, and a daughter of Alexander and Alice (Brindley) Schee, who were carly residents of Warren county and are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Downing accompanied her parents on their removal to this county in 1866 and acquired her education in the schools of Marion and War- ren counties. being reared to young womanhood in Belmont township. She has beeome the mother of seven children. as follows: Effie Myrtle, who resides in Liberty township and is the wife of Fred Kimzey. by whom she has two ehil- dren. Freda and Helen ; Homer A., Bessie. Aliec. Winifred and John Carlton. all of whom are at home: and George. who passed away August 16, 1889, at the age of two years.
In his poliiteal views Mr. Downing is a stanch republican. while fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Milo. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Liberty township, and by reason of their genuine personal worth and excellent traits of character have won an extensive cirele of warm friends throughout the com- munity.
LEANDER E. HIATT.
Leander E. Hiatt. who is a member of the county board of supervisors and a representative citizen. eondueting a successful business as a dealer in live stoek. was born in Henry county. Indiana. in 1850. His father, Joshua Hiatt. was a native of Ohio and a miller by trade. He removed to Missouri in 1872 and remained there until his death, which occurred in 1905. In his
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business affairs he prospered, becoming well-to-do and throughont his entire life he enjoyed the respect and esteem of those with whom he was associated. for his life was in harmony with his professions as a member of the Society of Friends. His political endorsement was given to the republican party. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Joshua Hiatt bore the name of Mary Cooper. She, too, was a native of Indiana and her death occurred in 1860. She was a birth- right Friend or Quaker and both she and her husband lived in harmony with the teachings of that peaceful seet that ineuleates the kindly graces of char- aeter and the Christian principles of forbearance and brotherly kindness.
Leander E. Hiatt, who was one of a family of four children, pursued his education in the public schools and afterward learned the miller's trade, which he followed until his removal to Missouri. For two years he resided in that state and in 1874 arrived in Indianola. For thirty-four years he has now made his home in Warren county and has therefore largely witnessed its growth and development. After his arrival here he worked by the month as a farm hand but ambitions to engage in business on his own account, he later secured a farm, which he began to cultivate and improve. In 1882 he removed to Indianola, where he began dealing in live stock and is still en- gaged in this business. He has, however, sold his land. He is well known as a leading dealer in live stock and is conducting a successful business.
Mr. Hiatt was married to Miss Addie Dixon, of Brooklyn, New York. and they have six children : Elmer, Harry. Charles, Sallie, Mary, and Wilson. Both are widely known and their good qualities have gained for them many friends. Mr. Hiatt is a stalwart republican in politics, keeps well informed on the issues and questions of the day and has done effective work in behalf of the publie welfare in the varions offices to which he has been called by his fellow citizens. He has served as a member of the school board, has been a member of the city council and in 1904 was elected a member of the board of supervisors, since which time he has served in the office, acting as chairman of the board in 1907. He is also a member of the Fair Association and is in hearty sympathy with every movement that tends to promote the welfare and substantial upbuilding of the city and county.
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