Iowa: Its History and Its Foremost Citizens
Original Edition. 3 Vols. Des Moines, IA: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1915-1916.
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Unless otherwise noted, biographies submitted by Dick Barton. ROBERT SEEVERS
Tradition says that the Seevers family originated in Italy , whence a removal was made to France and later to England at the time of the Norman invasion. The name was originally spelled Severus. One of the family received from the king of England a grant of land in Carolina and following the planting of the family on American soil representatives of the name went to Virginia , settling near Winchester . From that point branches of the family have extended into Ohio and Iowa . Robert Seevers was born in Belmont county, Ohio , December 9, 1807 . His father, Casper Seevers, was a native of Virginia and wedded Miss Maphet, who was born near Philadelphia , Pennsylvania . At an early day in the development of Ohio he removed to Belmont county and in the later years of his life went to Mahaska county, Iowa, with his children, there passing away about 1865. His wife had died many years before. Other representatives of the name of Seevers had also settled in Iowa in pioneer times.
Robert Seevers, who was one of a family of eight children, went to Virginia when quite young and began painting portraits, displaying remarkable talent as a portrait artist. In that capacity he visited many towns and his skill brought him considerable capital. He afterward established a nursery in Ohio and was successful in inducing the people of that locality to raise peaches -- an undertaking which laid the foundation for the fortunes of many In 1844 Mr. Seevers traveled across the country to Oskaloosa , Iowa , noting the possibilities of the district, with which he was very favorably impressed. In 1852 he returned, purchased land and moved his family to this state. For many years he followed farming upon a quarter section of land adjoining Oskaloosa. At one time the tract became a part of the city but it was repurchased by his son, George W. Seevers, who now holds it intact as a part of his country estate. Robert Seevers impressed upon Mahaska county his knowledge and ideas of agricultural and horticultural development and it was largely his influence that gave stimulus to fruit-growing in his part of the state. He was progressive along all lines to which he turned his activity and his farming interests constituted an example which others followed.
On the 15th of April, 1842 , Robert Seevers was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Bryan, of Coshocton county, Ohio , a cousin of Judge Pegad Bryan, of Indianola , Iowa . They became the parents of three sons: George W., mentioned elsewhere in this volume; Byron V., mayor of Oskaloosa; and William A., now a resident of Des Moines . Mrs. Seevers survives at the advanced age of eighty-eight years, but Mr. Seevers passed away December 7, 1902 . Had he survived two days longer he would have reached the ninety-fifth anniversary of his birth.
He was a model citizen, standing as a high type of American manhood and chivalry. He took a deep interest in public affairs and current events until his demise and he never regarded lightly the duties and obligations that devolved upon him in a public connection. He enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen in an unusual degree and at various times accepted at their hands public offices, yet he was without ambition as an office seeker. While he perforce became a leader in public affairs he preferred to do his duty as a private citizen rather than as a representative of the public in office. The stimulus which he gave to agricultural development along modern scientific lines can scarcely be overestimated and at one time he was treasurer of the Iowa State Agricultural Society, filling that position for many years, his labors being beneficially resultant. He lived a simple, natural life in the open and was remarkable for his strength and perfect health. He walked to and from the city each day, his home being distant about a mile and a quarter. His place became famous in that part of the state, not only for its beauty as expressed in the many modern improvements, but also for the generous and genuine hospitality that he always extended to those who came within its gates.
SAMUEL SHORTLEY is filling the position of county recorder of Chickasaw county and makes his home in New Hampton. He was born March 27, 1873 , upon a farm in the county where he still resides, his parents being Robert and Eliza (Twamley) Shortley, both of whom have passed away, the latter dying in 1875, and the former in 1881.
When Samuel Shortley was thus left an orphan at the age of eight years he was taken to the home of his sisters, with whom he lived until he reached the age of twenty-two and then started out in life independently. He had but limited educational opportunities, but later he attended the Wormley College , now Oliver College in New Hampton, receiving his business training in that institution. Moreover, he has always been a great reader, ever to be found during his leisure hours with a book or paper in his hand and thus broadening his knowledge, he has become a well informed man. In 1900 he purchased a farm and for more than a decade thereafter devoted his energies to the tilling of the soil. In 1911, however, he left the farm and removed to New Hampton. The following year he was nominated by the republicans for the office of county recorder and was elected to that position, in which he served for a two years' term and was then reelected, so that he is the present incumbent in the office, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity, making a most creditable record.
On the 17th of October, 1907 , Mr. Shortley was married in New Hampton, the lady of his choice being Miss Agnes Wentz, and they have three children: Linus D. and Leona, both in school; and Daniel. In religious belief Mr. Shortley is a Congregationalist, loyal to the teachings of the church and active in his support thereof.
Edgar H. Stone, who throughout his entire life was connected with the banking business and real-estate interests, having extensive holdings in and near Sioux City , was born in Mount Vernon , Ohio , November 17, 1854 , a son of Thomas Jefferson and Alice A. (Heathcote) Stone. In his youth he was brought to Iowa and from that time forward was identified with Sioux City and its interests, although he was absent for a period while completing his education. He studied for a time in the public schools of Sioux City and then entered the Lake Forest Academy at Lake Forest , Illinois , where he pursued his preparatory course. Subsequently he entered Yale University and was graduated therefrom with honors in 1878, being a member of the same class as ex-President William Howard Taft. The friendship which they formed during their college days continued through Mr. Stone's life, their points of mutual interest being many.
Following the graduation Edgar H. Stone became associated with his father in the banking business, which he mastered in principle and detail. It was not parental authority, but merit and ability that won him promotion until he eventually became cashier of the First National Bank and as such continued until 1899, when he and his father retired from the active banking business to devote their attention to real estate operations, the father being one of the largest realty holders of the city. This association continued until the death of the father on the 19th of April, 1904 . Edgar H. Stone then individually looked after his extensive holdings until he too was called from this life. His property interests were large and important, and he displayed keen discernment and sound judgment in placing his investments.
On the 28th of May, 1884 , was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Stone and Miss Lucia Wright, a daughter of Judge George G. Wright of Des Moines . Mr. Stone was a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and occupied a prominent social position, having the high regard, confidence, goodwill and respect of all who knew him. He was at all times on the alert for opportunities to aid boys and young men in winning a worthy success and so multiplied the influence of his life many times. Stone Park , comprising four hundred acres on the Sioux river, has been given to the city by Mrs. Edgar H. Stone as a monument to the public spirit, the civic loyalty and the absolute integrity of the life of Edgar H. Stone. A college-bred man, his interests were wide, and his broad-minded way of looking at all public questions made him a leader of thought and action in his city and section of the state.
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