USA > Iowa > Warren County > The history of Warren County, Iowa, from its Earliest Settlementto 1908 > Part 89
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
always a close student of the Bible and who exemplified in his life the teach- Ings of the Christian religion. For many years he was a local minister of marked ability and influence and for a long time was classed with the exemp- lary members of the Masonic Fraternity. He died June 12, 1872, at the age of seventy years, while his wife passed away a few years later.
Captain Bryant, whose name introduces this review, was reared upon the home farm in Indiana and early became familiar with the best methods of filling the soil and caring for the crops. He responded to the country's call for aid on the 20th of Angust. 1861, joining the first three years' regiment of his state, known as the Seventh Indiana Infantry. He went to the front as the first lieutenant of Company Il and hurried at once into active duty. being under fire at Green Briar Mountain, while later he was at Winchester under General Shields, meeting the enemy under General "Stonewall" Jack- son. Joining the army of the Potomac. he took part in all of the battles in which it was engaged and the day before the battle of Port Republic he was promoted to the captainey of his company. In that engagement he was wounded by a bursting shell, which killed and injured seventeen men. Mr. Bryant was struck by a ball in his right side and two ribs were broken. The ball was subsequently extracted and is now in possession of Mrs. Bryant. A few weeks after his injury, Captain Bryant rejoined his regiment and from that time on was continuously with his company. never again losing a day from active service. Although he was frequently in the thickest of the fight. he did not again suffer from the enemy's bullets and by his own valor and bravery he inspired his men to deeds of courage. He participated in the sec- ond battle of Bull Run and also the engagements at Rappahannock Station, Chancellorsville. Antietam, Fredericksburg. Gettysburg, Mine Run, the Wilder- ness, Spottsylvania, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, Chickahominy. Petersburg and many minor engagements. Captain Bryant's company was a part of the First Brigade, First Division of the First Army Corps, known as the "Old Iron Brigade." When leaving the breastworks at Petersburg to start for home, his company showed nine muskets, for the remainder of the com- pany were ill, wounded. in the hospitals or dead. Captain Bryant was mus- tered out of service September 7, 1864, at Indianapolis having honorably and ably served his country on the field of battle for more than three years.
Captain Bryant spent the winter in a long needed rest and in April. 1865. became a resident of Warren county, Iowa, where he remained until called to the home beyond. He first ,settled in White Oak township and as the years passed he gained a place among the most prosperous, progressive and energetic farmers of the community. Making judicious investments in land. he became the owner of a fine farm of nearly four hundred acres on sections 21 and 22, and this he converted into productive fields. It was well watered by a running stream, which made it a valuable stock farm, and for a considerable period Captain Bryant made a specialty of raising stock. in which he met with gratifying success. He was also recognized as the ablest auctioneer of this entire region, for he possessed a magnificent physique. a genial manner and ready wit which was irresistible. He held, on an average.
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fully one hundred sales per year in Warren and adjoining counties and he not only successfully conducted business for others who sought his services in that respect, but also won friends wherever he went.
In 1869 Captain Bryant was married to Miss Sarah Samantha Robeson, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Robert and Mary (Trimble) Robeson, also natives of that state. Her father was a farmer and in 1860 removed from Ohio to Iowa, settling in White Oak township. He was a veteran of the Mexican war and both he and his wife died in Creston, lowa. Their daughter, Mrs. Bryant, was born in Knox county, Ohio, in 1850. Captain and Mrs. Bryant began their domestic life on the farm, where they continued to reside until the death of Captain Bryant, September 24, 1905. In November of the same year, Mrs. Bryant removed to Indianola, where she now makes her home.
Captain Bryant is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and for almost a half century was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. having joined the organization in 1856. His political support was unfalteringly given the republican party and for many years he served as school director, while in 1878 he was called to the position of county treas- urer and proved a most faithful ineumbent in that office. Captain Bryant made friends wherever he went and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. He was always loyal to any eause he espoused and in citizenship was as faithful in days of peaee as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields. None questioned his business integrity and none ever found that through intention did he ever eneroach upon the rights of another.
COY CRAIG.
For forty years Coy Craig has been a resident of Warren county and is now the owner of a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and thirty aeres on section 30, Palmyra township, only a half mile from the village of Palmyra. A native of Ohio, he was born at New Athens, June 20, 1858. His father was Rev. David Craig, who was born in Ohio county, West Vir- ginia, and made his home there until sixteen years of age, when he removed to New Athens, Ohio. His early education was supplemented by a course in the Cannonsburg Theologieal Seminary and he was ordained a minister of the Presbyterian church. He was married at New Athens to Miss Nancy Bell, a native of Ohio, and for fourteen years he served as professor of mathematics and languages in Franklin College, at that plaee. At the end of that time he re- moved to Washington county, Iowa, where he was superintendent of schools for some years, and then came to Warren county, loeating on a farm near Palmyra. During all of these years he had devoted more or less time to the ministry and he became the second pastor of the Presbyterian church at Hartford, Iowa, where he preached for the long period of thirty-three years. He was
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also county superintendent of schools here for two terms and was regarded as one of the most prominent and influential men of his community. Ile voted for Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and continued a stanch supporter of the repub- lean party up to the time of his death. He passed away on his farm, April 17. 1904. at the age of eighty-four years and is still survived by his wife who continues to reside on the old home farm.
Coy Craig is the oklest of their nine children, three of whom are sons. lle was about nine years of age when the family came to this county and in its common schools he acquired his elementary education, while later he at- tended Drake University for one term. While assisting in the work of the home farm he gained an excellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits and for five years worked as a farm hand. While thus employed he saved the money with which to purchase sixty-eight acres of land but later sold that place and bought his present farm on section 30, Palmyra township. He has en- larged and remodeled the residence, has set out fruit and made many other improvements which add to the value and attractive appearance of the place.
Mr. Craig was married in Winterset, lowa. May 17, 1900, to Miss Anna Kitchel, who was born and reared in Madison county and is a daughter of Charles W. Kitchel, a farmer living near DeSoto, Iowa. Four children bless this union, namely : Mary Belle, David, Lyman C. and Charles W.
Mr. Craig has been a lifelong republican and has exerted considerable influence in local politics. He served two terms as township clerk and in 1902 was elected supervisor and so acceptably did he fill the office that he has been reelected, being chairman of the board at the present time. At different times he has served on all of the committees and his official duties have always been most faithfully and conscientiously discharged. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church of Hartford and he also belongs to Palmyra Lodge, I. O. O. F., in which he has passed through all of the chairs. being past grand. At the age of twenty-three years he started out in life for himself empty-handed and to his own industry. enterprise and good management may be attributed his success.
THOMAS LEDLIE.
It may be truly said of Thomas Ledlie that he is more of an Iowan at heart than are those who were born here, for he chose this among all others as the state of his adoption while those who were born here had no choice in the mat- ter, but can only aseribe it to their good fortune. Thomas Ledlie was born in . County Armagh. Ireland, on September 28. 1844. and there he resided until he was twenty-five years of age, at which age he adventurously set forth to seek his fortune in the new world, and a home for a loyal heart which he left behind. He secured passage on a combination steamship and sailing vessel from Queens- town, the journey thence to New York city occupying eighteen days. On landing in New York he came direet to Des Moines, Towa, where he worked by
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MR. AND MRS. THOMAS LEDLIE
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the month for three years, with the exception of six months spent in Canada, which experience only served to convince him that Iowa was the place above all others in which to make his home. On September 10, 1868, was consum- mated the marriage of Mr. Ledlie and Miss Mary F. Lindsey, also born in County Armagh, Ireland, and who left her native home to join Mr. Ledlie in New York, where he had gone to meet her. There they were married and she came to her new home in Des Moines a bride.
With a mind keenly alert to the opportunities that presented themselves for acquiring a competence, Mr. Ledlie made his initial step in the purchase of an eighty aere tract of land, which is a part of his present holdings. On this he built a house, put up the necessary fencing, and made a home. He later bought sixty-one acres more, and continued to add to his property in small tracts from time to time until he now owns four hundred acres of valuable land on section 17, Allen township. Here he has resided since 1873. He has greatly enhanced the value of his place through a system of underground drainage, in the construction of which he used three carloads of tile. Another valuable feature of the place is its excellent water system, for on it he has six wells and two springs running into tanks, from which the water is piped to the stock troughs, and he has also set up windpumps. He has built a good barn and outbuildings, having everything most conveniently arranged for the handling of live stock, which he raises quite extensively. He has registered shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. his sales of the former running one to two car- loads a year. He also owns a good grade of Norman horses.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ledlie have been born eight children, five of whom are living, as follows: Agnes D., is the wife of Alvin Mitchell, a farmer of Dallas county, this state. They have one child, Elizabeth. James D., a farmer of Polk county, married Miss Lydia Sheriff. They have three children, Frances, Edna and Alexander. Flora B., is the wife of John C. Sawhill, a farmer of Madison county. They have one child, Harold. Thomas L. and Frances G., who is a graduate of the Indianola high school, are at home with their parents. They have been called upon to mourn the loss of three of their children. Robert L. died at the age of one year; William died at the age of seven, and Ethel at the age of ten months.
In national politics Mr. Ledlie is a republican. Locally he supports the principles represented by the various candidates regardless of the party nomi- nating them. He has served as township trustee for twelve years, a position which he holds at present. The cause of education has ever found in him a warm champion, and he has been treasurer of his school district for the past twenty years. Mr. and Mrs. Ledlie were reared in the United Presbyterian faith, her father, Robert Lindsey, having been a preacher in this faith for fifty years in one community. They are members of the Summerset United Presbyterian church on Scotch Ridge, of which Mr. Ledlie is an officer. It will be seen from the foregoing that. Mr. and Mrs. Ledlie have been continuous residence of Scotch Ridge for nearly forty years, and, working hand in hand, have accumulated a large estate. They practically began life empty-handed, and by their thrift, industry and well directed efforts have placed themselves
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m a position of independence, and have given all of their children a good education. They are well known among the old settlers and have hosts of friends all over the county.
FRANK E. MILLER.
Almost forty years have come and gone since Frank E. Miller arrived in Warren county and throughout the intervening period he has been a promi- nent factor in the advancement of the agricultural interests of this section of the state. Ile is still actively engaged in general farming, owning and operat- ing about two hundred and eighty acres of land, eighty acres of which are located within two and one-half miles of the city of Lacona. Mr. Miller is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred near Wyoming, in Stark county. Angust 1. 1868. a son of George Miller, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.
Frank E. Miller was but two years of age when he was brought by his parents from the Prairie state to Warren county, so that almost his entire life has here been passed. His education was acquired in the Lacona schools and he was reared on the home farm, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He remained with his father until he attained his majority when he started out upon an inde- pendent business venture, being employed at farm labor by the month. Hc then engaged in business on his own account by operating rented land for three years in Liberty township, while in 1894 he purchased a farm, and now owns two hundred and eighty acres, eighty acres of which is located on sec- tion 19, White Breast township, two miles and a half from the city of Lacona. He has improved his farm with a good residence and substantial ontbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, has divided the land into fields of con- venient size by well kept fences and now has a neat and well improved prop- erty, all of which has been acquired through his own economy, energy and well directed labors. In addition to farming he also raises pure blooded, registered shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey and Poland China hogs, and this branch of his business has added not a little to his financial income each year.
Mr. Miller was married January 1, 1891, in White Breast township, to Miss Leota Cleveland, who was born and reared in Warren county, a daugh- ter of John Cleveland, one of the early and prominent citizens of this section of the state. They have two sons, Glen E. and Harold I. They also lost one child, Wanda C., who died in infancy.
Mr. Miller gives his political support to the men whom he deems best fitteu for office regardless of party affiliation. He and his wife are the oldest surviving members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Lacona, of which Mr. Miller is serving as steward, while both he and his wife are active workers in the Sunday school. He has resided in Warren county from his infancy and is therefore numbered among its prominent pioneers, his memory going
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back to the time when this district was but sparsely settled and much of the laud was still in a wild and uncultivated state. The past forty years, how- ever, have wrought many changes and Mr. Miller has not only been an inter- ested witness but an active participant in much that has here been aecomp- lished.
WILLIAM W. HESS.
William W. Hess, a successful farmer and stoek-raiser residing on seetion 7, Liberty township, was born near Morgantown, West Virginia, on the Monongahela river, December 31, 1842, a son of James T. and Sarah (Hite) Hess, both of old Virginia families. The grandparents of our subject were John and Hannah (Tibbs) Hess, the former born in Pennsylvania of German descent, while the latter was born of Irish parents, on the Atlantic ocean. John Hess was a striet Presbyterian in religious faith. James T. Hess was one of five children, of whom one brother, John W., is a retired farmer re- siding at Tarkie, Atchison eounty, Missouri.
The father of William W. Hess was born in Virginia, and owned two hundred and eighteen acres of land in that state. He was a prominent man of affairs, largely interested in lumber, stock, cte. Previous to Abraham Lincoln's eleetion he was a Douglas demoerat, but from that time forward gave staneh allegianee to the principles of the republican party, and in 1855 he freed the slaves which had been given him by his father. He served as revenue collector, judge of eourt, and in other positions of publie trust demon- strated his eapability in handling the interests entrusted to his care. He was a Missionary Baptist, and his demise oceurred in Morgantown, West Virginia, when he had attained the age of sixty-seven years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Hite, was born in the Shenandoah valley of Virginia in 1800, hier parents being George and Lucy (Longneeker) Hite, the former a mechanic and earpenter. Both passed away at Morgantown. Sarah Hite accompanied her parents on their removal to. Morgantown, where she gave her hand in marriage to James T. Hess and they had the following chil- dren : Joseph S., a retired liveryman who makes his home at Morgantown, West Virginia; Mary, who became the wife of S. S. Steward, a civil engineer by profession, who died at Fairmount in 1906; William W., of this review ; Taylor, residing at Morgantown, who is a large landowner and is also inter- ested in a glass factory; Thomas, an agriculturist of Waynesville, Ohio; Jud- son, who is eonnceted with the Sanders Manufacturing Company of Dayton, Ohio; Elsa, who wedded Jennie Carruthers and is a retired and wealthy eiti- zen of Morgantown; George, whose demise oeeurred about eighteen years ago; and Hannah. Mrs. Sarah Hess died at Xenia, Ohio, in 1882, when she had at- tained the age of eighty-two years.
William W. Hess was reared in the place of his nativity to the age of twenty years, when, his patriotie spirit being aroused, he enlisted as a member
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
of Company C. Fourteenth West Virginia Infantry, on the 14th of August, 1562. ITe served as corporal and sergeant and his military record is a most ereditable and honorable one. He was three times wounded and still carries a three-ounce ball of lead. His service entailed participation in nineteen regular battles besides numerous skirmishes, including the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864, when Sheridan made his famous ride, being wounded twice in this encounter. He was also present at the time of the engagement at Clond Mountain and witnessed the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. On being mustered out in September, 1865, he returned to Morgantown, there residing until March 25. 1868, when he made his way to his present home in Warren county, Iowa. His holdings comprise abont four hundred acres of well improved land and his home farm is located on section 7, Liberty town- ship, where he carries on agricultural and stock-raising interests. He owns a farm on section 5 and one on seetion 30, two of his sons operating these tracts. Mr. Hess is a carpenter and to some extent has followed that trade in this county. He is well known as one of the prosperous and enterprising residents here and the large degree of prosperity which has attended his efforts is but the merited reward of his untiring industry and excellent busi- ness ability.
Mr. Hless has been married twice. Ile first wedded, in West Virginia. Miss Rebecca Barker, who passed away June 17, 1868. Subsequently he mar- ried Miss Lizzie Young, who was born in Indiana in 1853. a daughter of James Young. Her father came to Warren county in 1855, carrying on agri- cultural pursuits in Squaw township until the time of his death, which oc- curred in August, 1907, when he was seventy-two years of age. He had been twice married and his widow now resides at Creston. Mrs. Hess has two sis- ters. one half-sister and three half-brothers. By her marriage she has beeome the mother of eleven children, five sons and six daughters. Lulu is the wife of Harry Bradford. a farmer of Liberty township, and they have one daugh- ter. J. C .. is an agrienlturist of Liberty township, operating a two hundred aere farm belonging to his father. He married Miss Fleet Sargent, a daughter of E. G. Sargent, and they have two daughters and three sons. Ora, who re- sides in Squaw township, became the wife of John Thompson. by whom she has two sons and three daughters. Almo is on the home farm in Liberty township. William, who follows farming in Liberty township. married Miss Franees Otts, by whom he has one son. Merl wedded Doe Chumbley in 1908. Grace is a milliner at Colorado Springs, Colorado. Gail married Carrie Colt- rane and they have one son. Glenn, Stella and Verna are still under the parental roof. All of the children were born on the home farm on seetion 7. Liberty township.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Hess has given stalwart support to the men and measures of the republican party and has served in various township offices. Fraternally he is connected with Senna Lodge, No. 344, A. F. & A. M .. of Liberty Center. and still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, being identified with the post at Indianola. His wife
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is a devoted and faithful member of the Methodist church and, like her hus- band, is held in warm esteem and r gard throughout the entire community. For forty years Mr. Hess has now been identified with the agricultural interests of this county and his business methods have ever been such as have won for him the confidence and trust of his associates.
W. C. CONRAD.
W. C. Conrad, a prominent agriculturist and dairyman residing on section 21. Squaw township, was born in Indianola, Iowa, on the 3d of October, 1861. The paternal grandfather. John C. Courad, was born February 2, 1797, and passed away May 2, 1867, while his wife, Elizabeth Conrad, was born in Pennsylvania, September 27, 1801, and died October 11, 1886. They came to this state in an early day, settling in Ohio township, Madison county.
Their son, Cyrus Conrad, the father of our subject, was a native of Indiana, his natal day being June 29, 1839. He was married November 27, 1860, and in September, 1862, enlisted for service in the Civil war as a member of the Thirty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He returned home ill but again joined the army in 1864, being mustered out September 7, 1865. His health had been broken down, however, for he had contracted consumption, from which he died Mareh 17, 1870. He was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit as a life work. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rosina Fore- man, was a native of Virginia and came to Iowa with her stepmother and the other members of the family. She was a half-sister of Henry C. Foreman, and her demise oceurred December 22, 1892. Her family numbered four children, namely: W. C., of this review; Charles Elliott, who was born June 23, 1866, and died November 14, 1897, wedded Minnie Parker and lived in New Virginia; James E., whose birth oeeurred November 21, 1868, married Emma Parker and passed away February 11, 1904; Elizabeth, born Oetober 6. 1870, was called to her final rest December 14, 1890. All of the ehildren died of consumption.
In the fall of 1878 Mrs. Conrad and her children purchased forty acres of slightly improved land, which comprises a part of W. C. Conrad's present holdings. The latter bought out the other heirs and kept adding to his pos- sessions from time to time until he now owns two hundred aeres of highly eul- tivated and valuable land, its well improved condition being due entirely to his own labors. In addition to the work of the fields he is also engaged in dairy farming, milking as many as twenty cows at a time. He has been con- nected with this line of activity for many years and was the second to own a hand eream separator in Warren county. He is widely recognized as a pro- gressive and enterprising citizen and business man, one whose sueeess has come as the direet reward of his untiring perseverance and eapable manage- ment.
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