The history of Warren County, Iowa, from its Earliest Settlementto 1908, Part 71

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 71


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Edwin R. Blattenburg accompanied his parents on their removal to War- ren county in 1861. his father purchasing a farm on section 10, Liberty township. He was reared in this county and for a time attended Simpson College, subsequently entering Ackworth Seminary, where he prepared for teaching. His principal preceptor and the one he remembers most kindly was Professor Eli W. Beard. Mr. Blattenburg's first certificate was issued in November, 1878, during Mrs. Elizabeth S. Martin's term as county superin- tendent, and for eighteen years he followed his profession in the public schools of Warren county, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. In later years he also engaged in farming and since 1887 has been located on his farm on section 9, Liberty township, which has been in his possession for the past thirty years. The property comprises one hun- dred and thirty-six acres and he has placed thereon many substantial im- provements, including a comfortable home and good outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. In addition to the work of general farming he has devoted considerable attention to breeding and raising Shropshire sheep. but only for his own use. He is widely recognized as a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist of the community and as one whose success is the merited reward of his well directed labor and capable management.


In 1887 Mr. Blattenburg was united in marriage to Miss Emma Ander- son, who was born in Lucas county but from the age of twelve months was reared in Warren county. She was a daughter of H. C. and Frances (Hayden) Anderson, the latter being called to her final rest in 1891, when about forty years of age. H. C. Anderson, who was a soldier of the Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry for about four years, now resides at Pomona, California. Mrs. Blattenburg was one of a family of twelve children, nearly all of whom survive. Those residing in this county include her sister Grace, who is the wife of J. L. Woodyard. of Liberty township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Blatten- burg have been born fonr children, two of whom, Bonnie and Earl died in infancy. The surviving members are: Robert Clare, born February 29.


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1-92, and Carroll, Whose birth occurred November 1, 1895. Both are now attending school.


In his political views Mr. Blattenburg is a stanch republican and has served as township clerk, assessor and trustee, discharging his official duties with capability and promptness. For the past twenty-seven years he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Liberty Center. while his religions faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Having been a resident of this county for ahnost a half century. he is well and favorably known here and has won the respect and regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact in business or social relations.


J. W. BRUCE.


It requires considerable personal courage and determination to face the hardships and endure the privations which always constitute a feature of pioneer life, but this was done by the Bruce family of which J. W. Bruce is a representative. He was a youth of eight years when his parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. T. Bruce, came to Iowa, arriving in Warren county in 1856. In the intervening years he has witnessed many notable changes whereby the county has been transformed from a wild, unbroken prairie into a region of rich fertility, making it one of the most productive counties of this great common- wealth. There has also been a noteworthy change in his business and accom- panying financial condition. for he is today the owner of two hundred and seventy-two and a half acres of valuable land. the home farm consisting of one hundred seven and a half, situated on section 31. Palmyra township, and one hundred and sixty aeres on section 5.


Mr. Bruce is a native of Highland county, Ohio, born November 18, 1848. His father was a native of Virginia and for twenty years followed the shoe- maker's trade. When a young man he went to Ohio and was married in that state to Miss Julia A. Tenar. They came to Illinois in 1853, locating in Princeville, Peoria county, and after three years removed to Iowa, settling in Marion county. A month later. however. they came to Warren county and the father worked at his trade. becoming one of the early shoemakers of this part of the state. After a few years, when his industry and careful expendi- ture had brought him sufficient capital. he purchased a small farm, which he increased to three hundred acres, for as the years passed he added to the original holdings until the property became an extensive and valuable one. It was practically destitute of improvement when it came into his possession. but he had determination and energy sufficient to enable him to bring the farm under a high state of cultivation and to add many of the accessories which indieate the progressive spirit of the owner. It was apon this place that he reared his family but he has since sold the land and now he is living in honor- able retirement in Indianola, at the age of eighty-six years. His wife died in


J. W. BRUCE


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1895 at the age of seventy-six years. Of their Family of eight children only two are now living.


As stated, J. W. Bruce was but a lad of eight years when the family came to Warren county, and here he was reared, supplementing his early education, acquired in the common schools, by one year's study at Simpson College. In January, 1908, he purchased the home farm and the task of tilling the soil he has made his life work, in which connection he has attained a measure of success that has resulted from close application, keen discrimination and sound judg- ment.


On the 3d of September, 1873, Mr. Bruce was married to Miss Mary E. Matthews, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Thomas Matthews, a farmer here in pioneer days. Following his marriage, Mr. Bruce purchased a farm in Palmyra township, comprising eighty acres, and with characteristic energy began its further development and improvement. Upon this place he made his home for seven years and then sold out and removed to section 5, Palmyra township, where he purchased eighty acres. This he also cultivated until the fields brought forth rich erops. He improved a house, built a barn and drained the land. He was the first to use tiling in the locality. He had hand-turned tile, and with this he drained away the superfluous moisture and made the fields much more productive. He afterward bought eighty acres more and lived upon that farm for twenty-seven years. Some of the land had not been broken when it came into his possession. He refeneed the place, cultivated his fields and year after year carried on the work of the farm. He has twenty-seven acres in the home place and has remodeled the house, while sheds and barns are kept in a state of good repair. He is thus making for himself a good home on the old farm of his father and as the years have passed he has enjoyed success, carrying on general farming. He has been for many years the local correspondent of the Indianola Tribune under the cognomen of Hayseed. His neighbors for years did not recognize who the correspondent was. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is a man of broad mind who has carried his researches far and , wide into the realms of science and modern thought. He is a deep student of philosophy and his library is his chief pleasure.


Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bruce have been born eight children: Jesse, a farmer residing in Huron. South Dakota; Ben, who follows farming in Palmyra town- ship; Asa. who is cultivating part of the farm that belongs to his father; Della. at home; Minnie, the wife of Samuel Moor, a resident farmer of Palmyra township; Edith, the wife of Stanley Whipple, also a farmer of the same town- ship; and Robert and Charles, at home.


Mr. Bruce was reared a democrat but casts an independent ballot, voting for men and measures rather than for party. He belongs to the Hartford Lodge. A. F. & A. M .. of which he is a past master. He has likewise filled all of the chairs in the Odd Fellows Lodge at Palmyra and has three times repro- sented the Masonie organization in the Grand Lodge. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. For over a half century Mr. Bruce has lived in the county and is well known among its early settlers. Ile is a


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l'air minded man who looks at hife from a broad standpoint and knows that its interests are not narrowed to any community or set of principles. He has been a deep thinker and has learned to correctly value life's contacts and experiences. All who know him entertain for him the warmest respect because of his fidelity to the standard which he has set up for himself and which is one that merits the commendation and trust of many who know him.


O. P. HAMILTON.


O. P. Hamilton, who for a mumber of years was identified with the edu- eational interests of Warren county, is now the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres, situated on section 19. White Breast township, where he is carrying on general agricultural pursuits and stock- raising. He was born in this township. May 19. 1868, a son of Silas and Nancy Jane (Lewin) Hamilton. The former was born in the Buckeye state in 1822 and came to Iowa in 1840, at which time he located in Burlington. He was there married to Miss Nancy Jane Lewin, who was born in Indiana in 1828, a daughter of Squire Lewin, who removed to Burlington in 1834 and there assisted in the erection of the first house in the town. He removed to Clarke county. Iowa, in 1854, while in 1865 he made his way to Warren county, locating on a farm near Lacona in White Breast township. There he reared his family and died on his farm in 1896. His wife still survives and has now reached the age of eighty years, being one of the few remaining old settlers of this district.


O. P. Hamilton was reared on his father's farm and began his education in the public schools of Lacona, while later he pursued a course of study in Simpson College, at Indianola. Following the completion of his education in the latter institution he engaged in teaching in the public and graded schools, following that vocation for twelve consecutive years. He then established a home of his own by his marriage in Indianola, December 24, 1897, to Miss Nettie Barker, a daughter of J. H. Barker. of that city. Mrs. Hamilton was born in Wapello county. Iowa, but was reared and educated in Warren county.


Following his marriage Mr. Hamilton located on a farm in Liberty township, whereon he made his home for a few years. and then took np his abode on a farm in White Breast township, while in 1907 he purchased his present tract. comprising one hundred and twenty acres, situated on section 19. White Breast township. He is here giving his time and attention to gen- eral agricultural pursuits and also raises and feeds stock. He is methodical in carrying on his business affairs and his excellent judgment and good man- agement constitute the basis of his success.


The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton has been blessed with five chil- dren, of whom four survive, namely: Edna V., Clarence J .. Mary and Inez Arabelle. Mr. Hamilton's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the democracy. He has served


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as a delegate to county conventions and for two years has acted as assessor of the township. He has also been identified with the school board for several years. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Hamilton is serving as a trustee. His fraternal relations are with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His success has been by no means the result of fortunate circumstances. It has come to him through thrift, energy and economy, directed by an evenly balaneed mind and by honorable business methods.


WILLIAM ERWIN, M. D.


Dr. William Erwin, deceased, who practiced as a physician and surgeon in Indianola for many years, was born in Hopkinsville, Ohio, December 11, 1838, his parents being Benjamin and Martha Finley (Cooke) Erwin, the former a native of Nicholas county, Kentucky, and the latter of Pennsyl- vania. The Erwin ancestors emigrated to America from the north of Ireland in 1710. Benjamin Erwin was born in 1805 and began practice as a phy- sician and surgeon in his twenty-fourth year. Removing to Hopkinsville, Ohio, and later to Twentymile Stand, he there followed his profession until the time of his demise, which occurred in 1862 when he had attained the age. of sixty-two years. His wife survived him until 1870, when she, too, was called to her final rest. Only one of their children still survives, namely : Mrs. Margaret Huffman, the wife of G. T. Huffman, of Indianola.


As a young man William Erwin taught school for several years, both prior to and after the Civil war. On the 1st of June, 1862, he enlisted for three months' service in the Eighty-sixth Ohio Infantry, going with his eom- pany to West Virginia and being discharged at Camp Delaware, Ohio, on the 24th of September, 1862. On the 1st of October, 1862, he enlisted at Camp Denison, Ohio, as hospital nurse and served in that capacity for six months. Returning home, he was made orderly sergeant of militia during Morgan's raid in 1863. On the 19th of February, 1864, he enlisted in Com- pany K, First Ohio Cavalry, and was sent to Nashville, Tennessee, being there made elerk at headquarters and assisting in discharging soldiers after the order was given to reduce the army. He was honorably discharged July 7. 1865, and returned home with a most ereditable military record. Learning the printer's trade in Illinois he came to Indianola, Iowa, in February, 1870. and followed his trade here. He spent the year 1876 in Knoxville. Marion county, writing a set of abstract books for that county. During his residence in Indianola he served the publie in various capacities, acting as deputy treasurer for several years and as a member of the library committee from the time of its organization, being almost continuously chairman of the pur- chasing committee. He was likewise a member of the school board for seven years and acted as city clerk from April. 1900, until the time of his demise, while for many years he was alderman of his ward. While in the treasurer's


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office he studied medicine, attending the winter sessions at the State University at lowa City and being graduated from the homeopathie department in 1882. During the succeeding twenty years, or until the time of his demise, he sie- cessfully engaged in practice in Indianola, his skill and ability as a physician and surgeon being widely recognized and bringing to him a liberal and profit- able patronage. He passed away at the age of sixty-three years. on the 26th of February, 1902. and his demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret throughout the entire community.


On the 2d of April. 1874. occurred the marriage of William Erwin and Miss Anne Cooke, of Indianola, a daughter of William Harrison and Eleanor M. (Vliet) Cooke. William II. Cooke was descended from Francis Cooke, who came to America on the Mayflower in 1620. He was a native of Warren comty, New Jersey, and was there married to Miss Eleanor M. Vliet, who was also born in that county. He followed agrienltural pursuits as a life occu- pation and passed away in 1856. when forty-one years of age. Having re- moved to the Buckeye state from New Jersey, Mrs. Cooke and her five chil- dren came to Warren county. lowa. in 1868. her son having purchased a farm near Norwalk, where they resided for several years, later removing to Indianola. Mrs. Cooke was called to her final rest in 1898. having attained the seventy-fifth year of her age. The record of her five children is as fol- lows: Theodore is engaged in farming in the state of Washington. Emma and Edna Cooke are residents of Indianola. Elizabeth is the wife of Dr. Martin, the author of this work, and for several years was prominent as a school teacher. She was the first school superintendent of her sex in the state of Iowa, a special session of the legislature sitting to permit her to run for that office. Anne is the widow of Dr. William Erwin, of this review. and is an artist, her paintings receiving merited praise from competent judges.


Unto Dr. and Mrs. William Erwin were born four children. all of whom are highly edueated and talented. Richard Patton is a graduate in music of Simpson College and for two years pursued his musical studies in Europe. He is now professor of piano and pipe organ at Boise, Idaho. Edmund Paul. who represents the third successive generation of the family as physician, is a graduate of the class of 1908 of the American School of Osteopathy at Kirksville, Missouri, and is now located at Allerton, Iowa, having been ad- mitted to practice in Illinois. Iowa and Missouri. He was married July 29. 1908, to Dr. Minie Olive Bowersox, of Bellville, Kansas, who was a member of his class. Ruth Edna was graduated from the training school for teachers of public school of music of Chicago. She is now supervisor of music in the public schools at Hiawatha, Kansas. Hubert Cooke Erwin, a cello musi- cian, is a member of the class of 1910 in the osteopathic school at Kirksville. Missouri.


Dr. Erwin gave his political allegiance to the republican party where national questions and issues were involved and cast his first ballot for John C. Fremont. He was a charter member of the Ancient Order of United Work- men, of which he served as medical examiner for twenty-eight years, and like- wise held all the offices in the lodge. He was also connected with the Masonic


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fraternity, having been a member of the Indianola blue lodge and chapter since 1873, while of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows he was a promi- nent representative, serving as noble grand, past noble grand and distriet deputy grand delegate to several sessions of the grand lodge. He was a genial, courteous gentleman and his demise was not only deeply mourned by the members of his immediate family but also by the host of friends whom he had made in professional and social life.


W. A. HASTIE.


WV. A. Hastie, a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 26, Greenfield township, is indebted to his habits of thrift, sobriety and in- dustry for the success he has attained in life. He was born on the farm where he now resides April 25, 1865, the son of Thomas and Jane (Cowie) Hastie, both of whom were natives of Scotland, where they were married in 1850 or 1851 and came on a wedding trip to America. They settled in this county, where the father entered land from the government on section 1, Greenfield township, which tract they later disposed of and purchased seventy acres on section 26, which is now the home place of our subject. The mother died on May 3, 1865, leaving six children, and the father did not survive her many years, passing away on May 8, 1871, aged forty-five years.


W. A. Hastie was but eight days old at the time of his mother's death and was taken by an unele, William Martin and his wife, who had no children of their own, and was reared to manhood. He received his early education in the district school and followed this by a course in the Towa Business Col- lege of Des Moines. His uncle occupied the farm adjoining the one which his father had owned throughont his life time, and it was there that he died in August, 1902, aged seventy-three years. His place is now a part of our subjeet's present farm.


On the 20th of March, 1889, W. A. ITastie was united in marriage to Miss Louise Loper, a daughter of William Loper, of Indianola. Mr. Hastie then built a good house upon his farm, which consisted of the original seventy acres owned by his father beside twenty aeres which was purchased by the guardian of the estate after the father's death. He has added to his property a thirty acre tract, also another of forty acres and eight acres of timber land on the bottom, purchased from the other heirs. Besides this he received eighty acres of land from his unele, Mr. Martin, so that he now has an ideal stock and grain farm of two hundred and forty acres. Upon his place he has erected a good barn and other ontbuildings, and in connection with general farming is also engaged in stock-raising, feeding about a carload of cattle each year and one or two carloads of hogs.


Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hastie have been born four children: Wilhma and Helen, who are attending the Indianola high school; Herbert. who is in the sixth grade, and Mabel Bernice, not yet two years of age.


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The cause of education has ever found in Mr. Hastie a warm champion, and while he has neither sought nor cared for the emoluments of public office, still his services have been freely given as a member of the school board. In national affairs his political allegiance is given to the democratic party, but in local matters he votes independently according to his estimate of the personal ability of the competing candidates. He is a delegate to the county conventions and tries to see that the right man is nominated upon his party ticket. but failing in this he casts his vote according to his honest con- vietions as to what is best for the interests of the community at large. Mr. Hastie and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist church of Sum- merset, where he has served on the official board.


SAMUEL JAMES.


Samuel James, who owns and operates one hundred and fifty-six acres of valuable land on section 14, Palmyra township, was born in Liberty township. Warren county. Iowa, February 14, 1859. his parents being Samuel and Phebe (Hartley) James, the former a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ohio. The father was reared to agricultural pursuits in Guernsey county, Ohio, was married in that state and subsequently brought his bride to Burlington, Iowa. whence they came to Liberty Center, Warren county, Iowa. There Samuel James entered land and established his home but in 1863 sold ont, purchasing one hundred and sixteen aeres in Palmyra township, where he resided until called to his final rest April 4, 1900, when eighty-two years of age. His wife survived him until April 9. 1904, being eighty-five years of age at the time of her demise. Their family numbered ten children, four sons and six daughters, of whom nine reached years of maturity.


Samuel James has made his home on his present farm since four years of age and since attaining his majority has placed many improvements thereon and brought the land under a high state of cultivation. He erected a commodious and substantial residence, good barns and outbuildings. fenced the fields. and the entire place, in its neat and thrifty appearance. indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. He has also added forty acres to the original tract, so that his farm now comprises one hundred and fifty-six acres of productive and well improved land, which is equipped with all the accessories and conveniences of a model farming property. including a windpump. In addition to the work of general farming he is also engaged in dairying and in the raising of good graded stock. feeding hogs on quite an extensive scale. He cared for his parents until they passed away. and is well known as an upright man and citizen as well as an enter- prising and successful agriculturist.


On the 29th of November, 1883, Mr. James was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Miller, a native of Warren county and a daughter of Lafayette Miller. They are the parents of four children. as follows: Bertha E .. the wife of


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Harvey Somers, of Lewiston, Idaho; and Charles Bliss, Homer II. and Lulu Grace.


Where national questions and issues are involved Mr. James gives his political allegiance to the republican party but at local elections casts an independent ballot. He has served as a member of the school board but has never sought nor desired office, preferring to give his time and attention to his private interests. IIe is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Carlisle and has passed through all the chairs of the lodge. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Friends church, in which he has held office. Throughout his entire life or for almost a half century he has resided in this county, and has not only witnessed a most wonderful trans- formation but has largely aided in the labors which have transformed the wild tract into a splendid commonwealth.


EDWARD OWENS.


Edward Owens is one of the representative citizens of Warren county whose time and attention has been principally devoted to agricultural pursuits and in his chosen calling he has met with most excellent success, now owning three hundred and fifty-six acres of land on sections 15, 17 and 18, Richland township, where he makes his home. He was born in that township on the 1st of June. 1861, and is a worthy representative of one of the pioneer families of the county.




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