Marion County >> 1915 Index

The History of Marion County, Iowa
John W. Wright and W. A. Young, supervising eds. 2 vols. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1915.

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Walter Bane – page 246

Walter Bane is engaged in the abstract business and in the placing of farm loans and is meeting with success therein. He has resided in Knoxville for a number of years but was born in Warren county, this state, on the 8th of January, 1869, a son of Washington and Bethany (Wilson) Bane, natives of Virginia, Illinois, and Coshocton county, Ohio, respectively. The paternal grandfather, Hugh Bane, was born in Scotland but emigrated to Virginia many years ago and subsequently came west, settling in Illinois. Still later he removed to Iowa, being one of the early settlers of this state. The maternal grandparents were Samuel B. and Louisa Wilson, born in New Jersey and Virginia respectively. They removed to Linn county, Iowa, about 1851 and a few years later came to Marion county. Washington Bane was a farmer by occupation and passed away in 1876, his widow surviving him until the 20th of February, 1881. They had three children, namely: Lee, who died in California; Walter; and Leonard, a railway mail clerk residing at St. Louis.

Walter Bane was given a public-school education and subsequently took a business course in Highland Park College of Des Moines and also attended Valparaiso University at Valparaiso, Indiana, for a short time. He taught school for several years but subsequently abandoned that profession and clerked in a store for a time. From 1897 to 1902 he was deputy county auditor and in 1904 was elected auditor. His previous experience as deputy enabled him to take charge of the affairs of the office immediately without the necessity of having the retiring auditor assist him for a time and he proved a thoroughly competent official. His record was indorsed by his constituents by reelection and during the two terms that he was the incumbent of the office he discharged promptly and capably all of the duties devolving upon him. In 1908 he embarked in the abstract business and has since continued to devote his time to that line and has made many abstracts of title in the intervening years. He has gained a reputation for thorough and accurate work and his patronage is constantly increasing. He also places farm loans and has been very successful in obtaining a fair rate of interest without endangering the principal. He ranks among the energetic and successful business men of the city and is highly respected for his integrity and ability.

Mr. Bane was married on the 3d of September, 1894, to Miss Mary Clark, a daughter of Frank and Susanne (Erb) Clark, and a native of Marion county. Her father was a son of John Clark, who came to Iowa from Tennessee about 1848. Both the father and son were farmers by occupation. Susanne Erb accompanied her parents on their removal from Pennsylvania to Iowa in the early days of the history of this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Bane were born four daughters and a son, namely: Velma, deceased; and Violet, Loren, Edna and Frances, all at home.

Mr. Bane is a democrat in his political belief and is loyal in his support of the candidates of that organization. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In the latter fraternity he holds membership in the subordinate lodge, the encampment and the Rebekahs. His wife is also a member of the last named. His interest in the public welfare is genuine and constant and he is considered one of the useful citizens of Knoxville.

William A. Banks – page 161

William A. Banks, a well known farmer, owning and operating three hundred and sixty-five acres of land in Knoxville township, was born in Danbury, Connecticut, November 25, 1863, a son of John and Cynthia (Judson) Banks. The father was born in Westmead, near Dublin, Ireland, of Scotch and English parentage, but was brought to New York city when a child of three years. He grew to manhood there and subsequently resided for a time in Zanesville, Ohio. In 1860 he was married in Connecticut and not long afterward removed to Marion county, Iowa. He had first visited this county in 1854 and was very favorably impressed with its opportunities at that time. He continued to reside here after the removal of the family to this county until his death in 1895. His widow survived for a number of years, her demise occurring in 1909. They were members of the Separatist church, a dissenting organization which withdrew from the Episcopal church. He was a republican in politics and held a number of local offices, including that of trustee. His agricultural activities returned to him a good income and he was one of the substantial men of his community. Much of the land which he owned was purchased for a dollar and a quarter per acre as he was far-sighted enough to take advantage of the low price of land prevailing here in the ‘60s. In 1849 he went to California, where he spent three years, and had many interesting experiences.

Seven children were born to John and Cynthia Banks, William A. being the second in order of birth. The next youngest died in infancy and the others are as follows: John Edward, a civil engineer, who after graduating from the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts at Ames took a course at Cornell University at Ithaca, New York, and is now a minor official of the American Bridge Company stationed at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Alfred J., a graduate of the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts; Clara J., who makes her home with the subject of this review; Sarah, a resident of Denver, Colorado; and Charles, who resides with his brother, William A., and is associated with him in business.

William A. Banks was reared in this county, as were all of his brothers and sisters, and attended the common schools. In his boyhood and youth he received valuable training in agriculture through assisting his father and since coming to years of maturity has continued to follow that occupation. In addition to cultivating the fields he raises full blooded Polled Angus cattle and the sale of his grain and stock yields him a good income annually. The farm comprises three hundred and sixty-five acres and its value is increased by favorable location, as it is about six miles from the city of Knoxville. Everything about the place is kept in excellent repair, the fertility of the soil is conserved by wise methods of cultivation and the latest machinery is employed in the farm work.

Mr. Banks is a republican and has acceptably served as trustee of Knoxville township, looking after the business of the township as carefully as if it were his own. His membership in the Plymouth Presbyterian church of Knoxville township indicates his religious belief.

Lorenzo Dow Batten – page 303

One of the highly respected residents of Knoxville is Lorenzo Dow Batten, who for many years was actively engaged in business as a blacksmith in this city. He was born in Brown county, Ohio, on the 9th of July, 1845, a son of Thomas and Sarah (Bradford) Batten. His father was born in Highland county, that state, in 1812 and his mother in Brown county on the 12th of June, 1813. On the maternal side he is descended from William and Margaret (Parkinson) Bradford, who removed from Virginia to Brown county, Ohio, in 1822. William Bradford was a son of Samuel and Sarah Bradford, who emigrated to America from England in 1765. Margaret Parkinson was a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Dickey) Parkinson, who came from England to the United States. The former was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, as was his father, William Parkinson. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Batten were married in Brown county, Ohio, in August, 1841, and resided there until 1851 or 1852, when they came to Iowa, settling near Pleasantville. The father purchased land and farmed until he retired from active life. He was a Methodist in his religious faith was highly esteemed by his neighbors and acquaintances. He passed away in 1881, having for many years survived his wife, who died in 1853 shortly after the family removed to this state. To them were born four children. Exira married James Ruby and died leaving one daughter, Eliza Jane. Lorenzo Dow is the next in order of birth. The two youngest children died in infancy.

Lorenzo Dow Batten was but a child when he accompanied his parents to this county and his education was gained in the public schools here. As a young man he learned the trade of blacksmithing and for about forty years has conducted a shop in Knoxville. He has built up a reputation for careful and thorough work and has gained a competence through his labors. His efficiency and integrity are alike above question and many of those who patronize his shop have done so for many years, as they are satisfied that they could not do better elsewhere.

Mr. Batten was married November 7, 1870, at Pleasantville, to Miss Martha E. Duncan, a daughter of Samuel Robb and Sarah Elizabeth (Miller) Duncan. The father was born in Highland county, Ohio, in 1822 and her mother’s birth occurred in the same year in Loudoun county, Virginia. They were married on the 30th of March, 1843, in Highland county, Ohio, and there Mr. Duncan passed away. About 1861 his wife came to Iowa with her children, only two of whom grew to maturity, namely: Mrs. Batten, who was born in Alexander, Missouri, November 28, 1849; and William Samuel. The mother passed away in Knoxville in 1904. Mrs. Batten is descended from Jacob Miller, a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and his wife, Elizabeth Hampton. Mr. and Mrs. Batten have two children, Flora Duncan and Sarah Ellen, both of whom are successful teachers. They were educated in the Knoxville public and high schools and also attended the Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls.

Mr. Batten has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for years and both of his daughters are Rebekahs. They are also members of the Methodist Episcopal church and of the Daughters of the American Revolution. His political adherence is given to the democratic party and he has served as a delegate to a number of local conventions. He takes great interest in all that affects the general good and is known as a public-spirited citizen.

Benjamin R. Beach – page 249

Benjamin R. Beach is well known in business circles of Knoxville as the manager of the lumberyard of the Pauls Lumber Company here, which is the oldest established yard in the city. He was born in Muscatine, this state, on the 14th of July, 1878, a son of Benjamin and Mary J. (Mason) Beach. His father was a coppersmith by trade but in his later life engaged in the grocery business. He held a number of local offices, being postmaster for eight years and county overseer of the poor for fourteen years. He was a veteran of both the Mexican and Civil wars and during the latter part of the Civil war was colonel of the Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was faithful to his colors and brave in the face of the greatest danger both as a private and as an officer, and his military record was one of which he might well be proud. For over seven years he fought in the armies of the United States. He passed away on the 16th of May, 1913, but his widow survives.

Benjamin R. Beach attended the public schools as a boy and youth and after putting aside his text-books was employed in a number of sash and door factories and lumberyards, thus learning at first hand the details of the lumber business. In January, 1911, he was made manager of the Bussey lumberyard of this county and a year later accepted the position of manager of the Pauls lumberyard at Knoxville. It was established here many years ago and has always had the reputation of handling a high grade of lumber and of charging reasonable prices. Mr. Beach’s long experience with the trade and his intimate knowledge of its various branches well qualify him for the responsible position which he holds and the affairs of the company are in most capable hands.

On the 3d of August, 1904, Mr. Beach was married to Miss Marie Rankin of Muscatine, a daughter of J. W. and Carrie (McGowd) Rankin. Mr. and Mrs. Beach have become the parents of two children, George Rankin and Mary Wells.

Mr. Beach is a member of the Presbyterian church and politically supports the republican party. His fraternal allegiance is given to the Masonic order and the Woodmen of the World. He belongs to Oriental Lodge, No. 61, A. F. & A. M.; Tadmor Chapter, No. 18, R. A. M., and Melita Commandery, No. 64, K. T. As a business man and in all of the relations of life he has guided his conduct by high principles of ethics and the respect in which he is universally held in Knoxville is fully merited.

Amos Michael Beaver – page 343

Amos Michael Beaver owns and operates a well improved farm of sixty acres on section 11, Knoxville township, his place being pleasantly and conveniently located four and a half miles east of the city of Knoxville. He was born near his present home, in the township in which he still resides, October 10, 1873, a son of Amos and Elizabeth (Hedrick) Beaver, who were natives of Ross county, Ohio, where they were reared and married. They removed to Michigan, thence to Illinois, later to Nebraska and finally settled on this county in the latter part of the ‘60s. Amos Beaver secured a farm of two hundred and eighteen acres and cultivated and improved his land until in the later years of his life, when he retired and removed to Knoxville. There he died, September 26, 1906, when about seventy-three years of age. His wife passed away on the old home farm in 1901, when about sixty-seven years of age. They were consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Beaver gave his political support to the republican party but did not seek the honors and emoluments of office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He was well known as a successful farmer and stockman. He and his wife reared a family of five daughters and three sons, of whom Amos M. Beaver and four sisters are now living, namely: Mrs. Etta Taylor, of Knoxville township, this county; Mrs. Ella Butler, who resides in Knoxville township on the old homestead; Mrs. Maria J. Pippin, who lives on a fruit farm at The Dalles, Oregon, east of Portland; and Mrs. May Boylan, who is a widow living in Iowa.

Amos M. Beaver has spent his entire life to the present time in Marion county and supplemented his public-school course by study in the Central University of Iowa at Pella. He was trained to farm work, which he has always followed and upon his place, comprising sixty acres of rich and productive land on section 11, Knoxville township, he has made fine improvements, so that he now has a valuable and attractive property. He also makes stock-raising an important feature of his business. He raises fine Shropshire sheep and others of good grade and he also raises high grade hogs and horses.

On the 29th of June, 1904, Mr. Beaver was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Ann Wood, who was born in the county of Durham, England, October 9, 1875, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Raines) Wood. The mother died in the fall of 1875, leaving Mrs. Beaver the only child. The father married again in England and came to America. He established his home in Marion county, where he lived for a time but afterward went to the far west and died on Vancouver Island in 1889. Mrs. Beaver was reared by her grandfather, Mr. Joseph Wood, who came to Marion county in 1880, settling in Knoxville township. The grandfather died August 5, 1903, when almost ninety-two years of age. He would have attained that age on the 11th of October. In religious faith he was an Episcopalian.

Mr. Beaver gives his political allegiance to the republican party and he served as assessor of Knoxville township in 1913. Formerly he was identified with the Red Men. He concentrates his energies, however, upon his farming interests and his well directed activity is bringing to him a substantial and justly merited measure of success.

Isaac N. Bebout – page 94

Isaac N. Bebout, of Knoxville, has lived here since 1855 with the exception of eight years. He is the proprietor of the City Feed Mill and the products of his mill have the reputation of being of excellent quality. He was born in Crittenden county, Kentucky, September 13, 1849, a son of B. F. and Mary A. (Schumaker) Bebout. The father brought his family to Marion county in 1855 and continued to reside here until his death, which occurred in 1881, when he was sixty-two years of age. He was a farmer by occupation and well liked and respected. His wife preceded him in death, passing away in Gosport, this county, in 1855. Mr. Bebout of this review has one brother, George, who is farming upon a large scale near Albia, Iowa. He also has a half-sister and three half-brothers living, namely: J. W., living near Gosport; Peter T., a farmer of Lucas county; Le Roy, living in Wyoming; and Mrs. Millie Anderson, a resident of Portland, Oregon.

Isaac N. Bebout was but a child of six years when brought to this county and here grew to manhood. He received a good common-school education and also as a boy learned the principles of agriculture, thus fitting himself to earn a livelihood. In 1882 he removed to Mills county, Iowa, and farmed for eight years, after which he returned to this county, where he has since resided continuously. For a number of years he conducted a feed barn in Knoxville and in January, 1914, bought the City Feed Mill, which is equipped with the most modern machinery and which is furnished with power by an electric motor of fifteen horse power. Graham flour, corn meal and feed of all kinds are ground and the products of the mill have not only a large local sale but are also in demand in the adjoining counties. Mr. Bebout devotes all of his time to his business and also employs one or two assistants regularly.

In 1870 Mr. Bebout married Miss Mary Hunt, a native of Marion county, who died in 1893, leaving three children, namely: Charles, a farmer of Knoxville township; Fred, of Washington township; and Mrs. Celeste Swenberg, who died in the fall of 1896. In 1895 Mr. Bebout married Miss Louisa Brown, who was born in Marshall, Indiana, but was reared in this county from the age of ten years, arriving with her parents in 1865.

She is a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Cart) Brown, both of whom are deceased, the former dying in 1909, when more than ninety-two years of age, and the latter passing away in 1873, when forty-six years old. Mr. Brown was a blacksmith by trade the father of six children, five of whom are living: Mrs. Bebout; one in Illinois, one in Oregon; and two in Wyoming. Mr. Bebout is a democrat and fraternally belongs to the Masonic lodge at Dallas. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and no good cause appeals to them in vain.

Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan K. Beem – page 126

Jonathan K. Beem, a retired farmer, who for the past eight years has lived in Knoxville, still owns property in Pleasantville but has sold his farm. He was born in Licking county, Ohio, on the 14th of April, 1835, a son of Michael and Lucinda (Rose) Beem. The father was also born in Ohio, probably in Licking county, and farmed there for a number of years. The Beem family were early settlers in that locality and were quite prominent. They always held an annual reunion. When Jonathan K. Beem was quite small the family removed to Independence, Iowa, where his father followed farming until 1852 when the family took up their abode in Pleasant Grove township, Marion county, where the father entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he improved. He passed away in this county when seventy-seven years of age. He was a republican and a member of the Christian church. His wife was a native of Licking county, Ohio, where her marriage occurred, and she died in this county when sixty-six years old. She was also a member of the Christian church. Three of their twelve children grew to maturity, the brothers of Jonathan K. Beem being: Michael C., of Pleasantville; and Joshua, living in Lehigh, Webster county, Iowa.

Jonathan K. Beem attended school both in Ohio and Independence, Iowa, but only for a few months each year, and did not receive more than the rudiments of an education. However, he was thoroughly trained in agriculture and learned many things of value that are not taught in school. He remained at home until his marriage, which occurred in 1859, when he began farming for himself. In 1864, he enlisted in Company B, Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served for nearly a year in the Civil war, his command being assigned to the Army of the Potomac. Two of his brothers were also in the Union service. Michael veteranized and took part in many severe engagements, having a number of narrow escapes. Although Mr. Beem of this review participated in several hotly contested battles, he was never wounded. After the war he returned home and resumed farming, being so occupied during his active life. He became one of the well-to-do and progressive agriculturists of the county, but has now sold his land, although he still owns property in Pleasantville and also his fine residence in Knoxville, where he has lived retired for the past eight years.

Mr. Beem was married in March, 1859, to Miss Malinda W. Proffitt, who died in 1904, leaving six children, five of whom survive. William is deceased; Lucinda is the wife of George Irvin, an undertaker living in Van Buren county, Iowa; Wesley Michael, a merchant of Denver, Colorado, is married and has several children; Clara May is the wife of Charles Franks, a resident of Canada; Arthur is a farmer living in Oklahoma; and Ezra D. is engaged in the real-estate business in Pleasantville and is married.

On the 15th of January, 1908, Mr. Beem married Mrs. Sarah A. Manhardt, nee Gregory, the widow of Frederick Manhardt, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. She was born in the 11th of August, 1844, in Bartholomew county, Indiana, a daughter of James T. and Harriet (Ridlen) Gregory. Her father was a native of Fulton county, Indiana, to which state his parents removed from Tennessee. Her mother was born in Bartholomew county, and her father and mother were from Tennessee and Maryland respectively. Her grandfather Ridlen, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Beem, was born in England. Mr. and Mrs. James T. Gregory removed to Fulton county, Indiana, some time after the birth of their daughter Sarah A. and resided there for a year, but at the end of that time returned to Bartholomew county. In 1849 they came to Marion county, Iowa, arriving on the 29th of March and locating near Bellefontaine. The father traded a wagon and team and paid forty dollars in cash for an improved eighty acre farm and the parents resided there for many years. He was a man of marked business ability and very successful as a farmer, becoming owner of three hundred acres of land which he cultivated until he retired from active life and removed to Knoxville, where he died September 13, 1913, lacking about a month of being eighty-nine years old. He was widely and favorably known in the county and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was also his wife. The latter died at Knoxville on the 24th of April, 1914, lacking just two days of being eighty-eight years of age. To their union were born thirteen children, of whom nine grew to maturity, four sons and five daughters, namely: Sarah A., now Mrs. Jonathan K. Beem; Mrs. Nancy J. De Vore; Timothy R.; James Douglas, living in Nebraska; John, a resident of this county; Myrtle, who died when twenty-five years of age; Mrs. Lillie Butterfield, living in Everist, Iowa; Mrs. Melissa McCarthy, living in Knoxville; and Worth, who owns forty acres of the home place in the suburbs of Knoxville.

On the 30th of May, 1861, Sarah A. Gregory was married to Frederick Manhardt, who died in March, 1906. He had been previously married and had four children by his first union, all born in this county: Harriet, Lydia, Medora and Alica. By his marriage to Miss Gregory he had eight children, namely: Mary, the wife of Gilbert Gregory, who resides in Kansas; Emma, the wife of Charles Rose, of Kansas; James W., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Minnie, the wife of Charles Adam Koenig, who is a drayman of Knoxville; and four others who died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Beem reside at No. 608 South Fourth street, Knoxville, which place they own and in which they often entertain their many friends. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mrs. Beem having joined when a child of ten years. Mr. Beem is a republican and has held several township offices. Fraternally he belongs to the Grand Army post at Knoxville, in which he is at present chaplain. Both he and his wife are widely known and highly esteemed and have the goodwill of all who know them.

James S. Bellamy – page 283

James S. Bellamy for many years has been connected with the live-stock and grain business in Knoxville and since 1901 has been associated with the firm of Seth Way & Company. He is also the president of the Marion County Electric Company, which operates the electric light and power plant and telephone system and was formerly known as the Knoxville Electric Company. Mr. Bellamy was born in Switzerland county, Indiana, on the 12th of February, 1848, a son of Samuel King and Acassina (Manford) Bellamy. The former was born in Switzerland county on the 11th of June, 1824, and the latter on the 12th of July, of that year. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Rev. Samuel Bellamy, who was born near Richmond, Virginia, in 1784, and in 1808 removed west to Indiana. He subsequently came to Marion county, Iowa, and died here in 1855. He entered the Methodist ministry when but eighteen years of age and for many years was a preacher of the gospel but he entered land from the government in Indiana and gave part of his attention to agricultural pursuits. His father was Elisha Bellamy, a son of Samuel Bellamy, Sr., who was a resident of Powhatan county, Virginia. Several of the family were ministers of the Methodist Episcopal church. The ancestry has been traced back to two brothers, Huguenots, who came to America in colonial times and settled in different sections, one remaining in the north and the other going south.

Samuel K. Bellamy, the father of our subject, was reared in Indiana and was there married. In 1853, when twenty-nine years of age, he came to Marion county, Iowa, and entered land on section 1, Washington township. In 1875 he removed to Knoxville, where he engaged in the grain, lumber and live-stock business. The firm was known as S. K. Bellamy & Sons and did a large business. He remained associated with that enterprise during his active life and passed away in 1890. He was a large landowner, holding title to over eight hundred acres of land, some of which is still in the possession of the family. One of the organizers of the republican party in Marion county, he was prominent in its councils and was candidate for the state legislature at one time; a member of the city council and of the school board for a number of years. In 1882 he took a prominent part in the campaign for prohibition. In religious belief he was a Methodist, thus following the family tradition. He was much interested in the improvement of the live stock in the county and was an organizer and the first treasurer of the Iowa Short Horn Breeders Association. He was a leader in several lines of activity and was highly esteemed throughout the county. His wife was a daughter of James Manford, a veteran of the War of 1812, who died in 1831 when his daughter Acassina was a child of seven years. She is still living and has passed the ninetieth milestone upon life’s journey, now making her home in Knoxville with a daughter, Mrs. Mary E. Craig. She is unusually active for one of her years and her mind retains its clarity remarkably well. She is a member of the Methodist church. Her family were for many years residents of Virginia and her parents were born there, although her birth occurred in Indiana, as previously stated.

James S. Bellamy was but five years of age when brought to this county and has lived here most of the time since. His educational opportunities were somewhat limited, as school was only conducted for a few months in the year in early days and as his time was largely occupied in assisting with the farm work. When twenty-two years of age he went west and for a number of years was connected with cattle ranches on the plains of western Kansas, Colorado and Texas. For three years he engaged in buying and selling stock. In 1875 he returned to Knoxville and turned his attention to the grain, lumber and live-stock business as a member of the firm of S. K. Bellamy & Sons, continuing in that line until the present time, although the firm is now Seth Way & Company, that style having been adopted in 1901. The company concentrates its activities upon the grain and live-stock business, the lumber interests having been sold in 1900. Mr. Bellamy is also the president of the Marion County Electric Company, which operates the electric light plant and telephone system at Knoxville and the oversight of these public utilities demands a great deal of his time and thought. He has an organizing mind and has developed these systems until they are now efficient and profitable. He has also been active in politics and was at one time candidate for state senator and was the candidate of his party for representative from this district in 1914.

Mr. Bellamy was married February 13, 1879, to Miss Mary Alice French, who was born February 9, 1859, in Knoxville, Iowa, a daughter of Dr. J. T. French, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, as well as a detailed account of the family genealogy. To Mr. and Mrs. Bellamy have been born five children. Paul E., born November 17, 1879, is now a rancher of western South Dakota. He saw service in the Philippines during the Spanish-American war with the Fifty-first Iowa Volunteers. He is married and has four children. Herbert, manager of the light department of the Marion County Electric Company at Knoxville, is a young man of thirty-two years of age, his birth occurring on the 20th of June, 1882. Earl Delmar, born on the 25th of August, 1885, is manager of the telephone department of the Marion County Electric Company. Rebecca Imogene, whose birth occurred on the 4th of September, 1892, is attending the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois. Mary Marguerite, born June 16, 1897, is a graduate of the Knoxville high school.

Mr. Bellamy is a member of the Masonic fraternity and has taken the Knights Templar degrees. His wife is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, of which she is past worthy matron. He also belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge and encampment and served for one year as grand master and for two years as grand patriarch of the grand lodge of Iowa. For four years he was grand representative to the sovereign grand lodge. His wife belongs to the Rebekahs and was for two terms president of the Rebekah State Assembly. He is a charter member of the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias and was its first chancellor commander. Mrs. Bellamy belongs to the Pythian Sisters and is also a member of the P. E. O. Mr. and Mrs. Bellamy are both members of the Methodist church and give of their time to the furtherance of its work. He is a republican in his political belief and for thirteen years was a member of the school board, being president of that body when the present high-school buildings were erected. He is now chairman of the library board and in this connection is doing much for the intellectual advancement of the city. His support can always be counted upon for any movement that seeks the betterment of his community and his influence is always wielded for the general good.

George H. Bingaman – page 402

George H. Bingaman is living on section 27, Washington township, where he owns and cultivates one hundred and forty acres of land constituting one of the good farms of the locality. Upon this place he has lived since 1911 and has wrought many improvements, making it one of the attractive farms of his part of the county. He was born in Pleasant township, Lucas county, Iowa, April 24, 1875, a son of William and Melinda (Whitlatch) Bingaman, who were natives of Indiana and Iowa respectively. The parents were married in Marion county in 1872 and to them have been born four children, as follows: Fanny, who is now the wife of Otis Grimes; George H., of this review; Minnie, who gave her hand in marriage to Stanley Applegate; and Bert, a resident of Lucas county, Iowa. The father has always followed farming and he and his wife yet reside in Lucas county, where they established their home in pioneer times, being among those who have aided in the development of Iowa, making it the rich agricultural state which it is today.

Through the period of his boyhood George H. Bingaman was learning lessons that have been of value to him in all of his later life – not only the lessons that one masters in the schoolroom but also those which one learns with experience as the teacher. At the age of twenty years he left home and on the 5th of March, 1896, was united in marriage to Miss Eunice Caldwell, a daughter of john and Mary (Mathew) Caldwell, who came to Marion county before the war and settled first in Indiana township. Later they removed to Washington township and there the father died after having devoted many years to general agricultural pursuits. His widow survives and makes her home in the village of Columbia.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bingaman took up their abode in Marion county, where they have since lived, and as the years passed several children were added to their family, namely: Ruby; Donald; Echo and Twila, both of whom are deceased; and Dwain.

Mr. Bingaman ranks with the enterprising and progressive farmers of his district and in addition to the work of cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate has engaged in raising stock. He has always followed the occupation to which he was reared and in 1911 he bought his present place, comprising one hundred and forty acres on section 27, Washington township. Since that time he has built a cave house and a barn upon his farm, which is today a well improved property. The building are surrounded by well kept fields that annually produce good harvests, and all of the equipments of a model farm are used in carrying on the work. In addition to this property Mr. Bingaman owns one hundred and sixty acres on section 34, Washington township, and from his farms derives a substantial annual income. He is progressive and his methods are at the same time practical. He has studied the question of soil, practices the rotation of crops and knows what is necessary to produce the different cereals raised in this locality. In politics he is a prohibitionist, which indicates his attitude upon the temperance question. He is interested in public affairs but has never been an office seeker. He believes, however, in improvement in matters relating to the general good and he cooperates heartily in all those plans which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.

John W. Bittenbender – page 210

The All Grow Seed House, located at No. 1820 West Montgomery street, is well known to the residents of Knoxville and Marion county and its proprietor, John W. Bittenbender, is recognized as a man of initiative and sound business judgment. He has resided at Knoxville since 1871 and during those years has thoroughly identified himself with the interests of the community. He was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, in July, 1855, a son of John and Mary (Bitting) Bittenbender. The father was likewise a native of the Keystone state and was a son of Jacob Bittenbender, a native of Holland, who as a young man emigrated to America in company with two brothers. He made his way to Pennsylvania and devoted his life to farming in that state. John Bittenbender was reared in Pennsylvania and was there married, but in April, 1871, he removed to Marion county, Iowa, locating on the site now occupied by the home of our subject. He invested heavily in land and held title to a number of farms, but lived retired for several years before his death, which occurred in the fall of 1876, when he was fifty-six years of age. At the time of the Civil war he furnished a substitute. He was very successful as a farmer both in Pennsylvania and in Iowa and accumulated more than a competence. He and his wife were both members of the Lutheran church. She was also a native of Pennsylvania, her people being early settlers of Schuylkill county, that state. Her father died when he was seventy-two years of age and her mother when eighty-four. All of her ancestors as far back as the line has been traced lived to an advanced age. She herself died in the spring of 1902, when eighty-nine years old. She was the mother of six children, namely: Nelson H., residing upon the outskirts of Knoxville; Levi, who is living retired in Knoxville; Carrie, the wife of Edward Wright, of Fort Collins, Colorado; John W., of this review; Samuel, deceased; and Stephen, of Redwood, California.

John W. Bittenbender attended school in Pennsylvania, as he lived there until a youth of sixteen years. For many years he has kept a large apiary and has exhibited for twenty-seven years at the Iowa State Fair. At the 1914 fair he took one hundred and seventy one prizes and for a number of years has been awarded a larger amount of money in premiums than any other exhibitor in his line. He has patented a number of improvements in the structure of bee hives and manufactures hives, which find a large sale. A number of years ago he lost heavily through a severe fire and in the rearrangement of his affairs made necessary by that disaster he embarked in the seed business, which he is conducting at present as well as his apiary. He imports bulbs, seeds, etc., and his goods live up to their name, “All Grow.” He has modernly equipped greenhouses and as he understands the effects of variations in soil, heat, light and moisture, and sees that all the conditions are favorable to the growth of his plants, his business is increasing steadily.

Mr. Bittenbender was married in Knoxville to Miss Christine Jordan, who was born in Lee county, Iowa, of German parentage. In the early days her father sought for gold in California but later settled in Lee county, this state, where he farmed for a number of years. In the later ‘60s he removed to Marion county, where he resided until his death in 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Bittenbender have one son living, William R., who is associated with his father in business. He married Miss Ethel Mark and they have three daughters: Helen, Frances, and Collen, aged respectively eight, six and four years.

Mr. Bittenbender of this review, his wife and also their son and daughter-in-law, are members of the Christian church and take a commendable interest in its work. He is a republican and for the past eighteen years has served as township clerk. In addition to his greenhouses, his apiary and his residence Mr. Bittenbender owns a good orchard and several city lots. He has resided in the same block since 1871, although at that date his home was in the country. His warmest friends are those who have known him since his early youth and this is proof of the reliability and uprightness of his character.

C. N. Bos, M. D. – page 232

For the past nine years Dr. C. N. Bos has been engaged in the general practice of medicine and surgery in Pella and in that time has become recognized as one of the leaders in his professions in the city. He was born in Chicago in 1876, a son of N. K. and Jennie (Klooster) Bos, natives of The Netherlands. In 1872 they crossed the Atlantic and upon landing in this country made their way direct to Chicago, where they located. The father had been a gardener and dairyman in his native land and in 1887 he removed to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he continued to engage in those occupations and where he and his wife still live.

Dr. Bos was given excellent educational advantages. As a boy and youth he attended the public schools of Chicago and later took a course in the Athenaeum Business College of that city. Upon deciding to make the practice of medicine his life work he entered the Medical College of the Northwestern University, which is also located in Chicago, and received his professional degree from that institution in 1904. He desired to make thorough preparation before entering upon independent practice and so served for nineteen months as interne at the Iowa State Hospital, located at Independence. In 1905 he came to Pella and has since been engaged in active practice here. He is an able and conscientious physician and has won the confidence of both the general public and his colleagues. He takes a personal interest in his patients’ recovery and has been very successful in his treatment of various diseases, relieving where it has been impossible to effect a permanent cure. He is a member of the state and county medical societies and of the American Medical Association and thus keeps informed as to what other members of the profession are doing. In 1913 he took a course at the Illinois Post Graduate Medical College, in Chicago, and he is constantly striving to learn more of the science and practice of medicine and to give his patients the benefit of the latest discoveries and most improved methods of treatment.

On the 15th of June, 1905, Dr. Bos was married to Miss Emma Grace Chase, of Anna, Illinois, a daughter of Charles Chase, and to this union have been born two sons, Myron and Howard. The Doctor and his wife are members of the Second Reformed church. He is a progressive in politics, as he believes that that party has the most comprehensive and wisest plan for securing that social justice and permanent prosperity which is the desire of all right-thinking men. He is always willing to assist in any way within his power in movements that seek the welfare of Pella and has thoroughly identified himself with the interests of the city.

Louis F. Bousquet – page 191

Louis F. Bousquet, the capable postmaster of Pella, was born in Ames, Iowa, on the 27th of October, 1876, a son of J. J. and Anna (Vander Linden) Bousquet, both born in the kingdom of the Netherlands. His paternal grandfather was A. E. D. Bousquet, who in the early ‘50s brought his family to the United States and located at Pella. He was the owner of a boat plying upon the Des Moines river. J. J. Bousquet, his son, was a druggist at Ames, Iowa, but in 1880 removed to Pella, where for a number of years he engaged in the produce business. He is still a stockholder in the Pella Creamery Company and is at present bookkeeper for that concern. He is a veteran of the Civil war, serving for three years in an Iowa regiment, and his bravery and efficiency won him promotion to the rank of lieutenant. His wife is a daughter of K. Vander Linden, who came to the United States and located at Pella many years ago. He was a farmer by occupation. Both Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Bousquet are members of the Second Reformed church. They have had four children, but one is now deceased. Hattie M. is the wife of Ed E. Egan, a resident of Burlington, Iowa. Louisa died when two years of age. Louis F. is the next in order of birth. Agnes A. is at home.

Louis F. Bousquet received a public-school education and when a youth of about nineteen years started out in life for himself, becoming a clerk in the postoffice on the 1st of July, 1895. He was made assistant postmaster under Dr. B. F. Keables and served in that capacity for two terms. As he began at the bottom and worked up to a position of responsibility, he became thoroughly familiar with all of the details of the office routine and also developed his executive ability and became the logical man for appointment to the postmastership. On the 14th of February, 1908, he was given charge of the office and was reappointed postmaster in 1912. He is a courteous official as well as a systematic and efficient one, and the people of Pella have had no reason to complain of their mail service under his administration as postmaster.

Mr. Bousquet is a republican and manifests a citizen’s interest in public affairs. He is an enthusiastic Mason and has taken the thirty-second degree in that order. He belongs to Pella Lodge, No. 55, F. & A. M.; the Des Moines Consistory and the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine at Des Moines. He is a Mason in spirit as well as in membership, as his life is guided by the principle of helpfulness and brotherly kindness, which is the foundation teaching of that fraternity.

Joseph W. Boyd - page 341

Joseph W. Boyd is one of the leaders in the industrial life of Pella and is connected with the Pella Overall Company. He was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, on the 6th of November, 1855, a son of Leslie and Elizabeth (Marion) Boyd. The family is of Scotch-Irish descent. Leslie Boyd was engaged in the horse business and was very successful therein. Mr. Boyd of this review was given the advantages of a public-school education and in 1878, when a young man of about twenty-three years, went to Chicago, where he became connected with the garment maker's business. He was for a time cutter for the Straus-Kahn Company and later went to Columbus, Georgia, where he was superintendent for the Georgia Manufacturing Company until 1908. He then removed to Racine, living a few months in that city, but in 1909 he came to Pella, where he has since resided. He is connected with the Pella Overall Company as manager and his knowledge of the problems of administration, involving alike questions of production and distribution, make him a valuable executive.

Mr. Boyd was married in 1881 to Miss Minnie Brock of Chicago, and to their union were born four sons and a daughter: Harry, the pastor of the Presbyterian church at Olean, New York; Leslie Warren, who has passed away; Charlotte Elizabeth, at home; George L., residing in Des Moines; and Joseph W., Jr., living at Pella. Mr. Boyd is a republican when national issues are at stake, but in local affairs votes independently, believing that non-partisanship is the best in municipal elections. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree, and to the Knights of Pythias, and his religious belief is indicated by his affiliation with the Second Reformed church. In the five years that he has lived in Pella he has not only contributed to the upbuilding of her industrial life but has also aided largely in the furtherance of those civic movements which mean progress and advancement for the whole community.

John Braam, Jr. – page 16

John Braam, Jr., is a worthy representative of an old pioneer family of Marion county that was established here two-thirds of a century ago. He has always resided within its borders and during the past four years has conducted a general store at Durham. His birth occurred on the 8th of September, 1879, near Pella, his parents being John and Jane (Verros) Braam, both of whom were natives of Holland. They emigrated to the United States in 1847 and made their way direct to Marion county, Iowa, settling on a farm. The mother has passed away, but the father survives residing at Pella, and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community in which he has made his home for the past sixty-seven years and the improvement and development of which he has witnessed and aided. His three children are all yet living.

John Braam, Jr., acquired his education in the common schools and owing to the death of the mother when he was but thirteen days old, he was reared in the home of his maternal grandparents until he had reached the age of thirty years. In 1910 he started out upon an independent business career as a merchant, becoming proprietor of a general store at Durham which he has conducted continuously and successfully to the present time. An extensive and well merited patronage is accorded him, for he carries a large and carefully selected line of goods at reasonable prices and is absolutely reliable and trustworthy in all of his business dealings.

In 1912 Mr. Braam was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Hughes, a native of Marion county, Iowa, and a daughter of John and Matilda Hughes, both natives of Pennsylvania, who now reside in Union county, Iowa. The wife of our subject is one of a family of four children, all of whom survive. Mr. Braam is a democrat in his political views, having supported the men and measures of that party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. Both he and his wife have spent their entire lives in Marion county and enjoy an extensive and favorable acquaintance here.

Isaac Wesley Bradey – page 59

Isaac Wesley Bradey owns and operates a farm of sixty-eight acres on section 35, Knoxville township, and has made many of the improvements thereon, which render his place one of the valuable and productive farms of the neighborhood. His birth occurred on this section on the 9th of December, 1852, and the old frame dwelling in which he first opened his eyes to the light of day is still one of the landmarks of the community. Prior to its erection the family occupied a log cabin, for they were among the pioneer settlers of the county and were closely identified with the early phases of frontier life here.

The parents of Mr. Bradey were Isaac and Lydia Ann (Cloe) Bradey, both of whom are now deceased. The father, who was born in Indiana in 1811, passed away December 7, 1874, and the mother, who was born in Stafford county, Virginia, March 13, 1813, died on the 3d of February, 1894, when in the eighty-first year of her age. She was a daughter of Henry and Ann Cloe, who removed to Kentucky in 1816 and in 1831 took their family to Vermilion county, Illinois. That was a year before the Black Hawk war occurred. In 1832 she became the wife of Gilbert Cloe, who died in 1833, leaving a daughter, Narcissus, who is now the widow of William London and resides at Carson, Iowa. In the ‘40s Isaac Bradey arrived in Marion county, Iowa, after having spent some time in Vermilion county, Illinois. It was there that he was married in 1836 to Mrs. Lydia Ann Cloe and three children were born to them in that state. In 1845 they left Illinois for Iowa, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Marion county at a day when the government owned much of the land. Mr. Bradey secured a claim on section 35, Knoxville township, a part of which is now owned by his son, Isaac W. Bradey. The family shared in all of the hardships and privations incident to settlement upon the western frontier and participated in the work which brought about the transformation of the county from a wild and undeveloped region into one of the populous and prosperous sections of the state.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Bradey were members of the Methodist Protestant church and took an active and helpful interest in its work. They had a family of nine children, one of whom died in infancy, the others being: John, who resides in Knoxville; H. B., who died in Knoxville township about 1899; Elizabeth, who is the widow of Hezekiah Davis and resides in Missouri; Nancy Ella, the wife of S. G. Elder, of Knoxville township; Martha Ann, who married Captain Henry McCoy, of Knoxville; Isaac Wesley; S. B., who lives in Knoxville but is the owner of a farm in this county; and Lydia, the wife of Van O. Davis, of Madison county, Nebraska.

Isaac W. Bradey, born in this county in pioneer times, was educated in the public schools and has always remained a resident of Knoxville township with the exception of a period of three years. His life has been devoted to farming and he is today the owner of sixty-eight acres of land situated on section 35, Knoxville township, which is a part of the old homestead claim that was entered by his father from the government.

On the 15th of July, 1875, Mr. Bradey was united in marriage to Miss Mary Asbury Scott, a daughter of Robert Scott, who resided near Attica and died in 1857. Her mother afterward became the wife of a Mr. Walls and passed away in Minnesota. Mrs. Bradey was born in Knoxville township, in 1855, and her only brother died in the west in early manhood. Mr. and Mrs. Bradey became the parents of six children: Mossey, the wife of William Calkins, of Indiana township; Willis, a farmer and trader of Marysville; May, the wife of Ira Ingram, living in Decatur county; Oscar and Worth, both of whom died in childhood; and Fern, fourteen years of age, at home.

Mr. Bradey, his wife and family are all members of the Christian church. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him. He and his family occupy an enviable position in social circles and the high esteem of many friends is freely given them.

Charles M. Brennan – page 266

Charles M. Brennan, carrying on general agricultural pursuits on section 30, Liberty township, has an improved farm of ninety acres, the excellent appearance of which is due to his unfaltering industry and persistency of purpose. Marion county numbers him among its native sons, his birth having here occurred September 19, 1874. His parents were J. L. and E. J. (McManus) Brennan, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father came to the United States when a little lad of but six years and with his parents became a resident of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he lived until 1865, when he came to Marion county, Iowa. He was one of the pioneer settlers and witnessed the greater part of the county’s growth and development. His widow still survives and now makes her home in Knoxville. The only break in the family circle occurred when the father was called to his final rest, for the four children of the family still survive.

Charles M. Brennan was reared upon the old homestead farm near Attica and there remained up to the time of his marriage. The educational advantages which he enjoyed were those afforded by the common schools. He had ample training in farm work and was thus well qualified to assume the management of a farm of his own when he started out in business life independently. It was in December, 1901, that he was joined in wedlock to Miss Rose Runnels, a native of Linn County, Iowa, by whom he had two children, Marie and Charles K. The latter is now deceased and the wife and mother passed away in 1906. On the 10th of March, 1910, Mr. Brennan was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Beatrice (Nye) Johnson, who was born in this county and is a daughter of Jasper and Sarah (Rees) Nye, the former a native of Indiana, while the latter was born in Marion county, Iowa. Both are still living in this county and of their nine children five yet survive. By her former marriage Mrs. Brennan had three sons: Laelius E., who is now a high-school pupil in Des Moines; Theodore N.; and Paul H. Mr. and Mrs. Brennan have a daughter, Lillian J., who was born September 10, 1911.

The family residence is a comfortable dwelling which stands in the midst of a good farm of ninety acres of rich and productive land situated on section 30, Liberty township. Mr. Brennan has carefully carried on the farm work and brought the fields to a high state of cultivation. His methods are at once practical and progressive, and he utilizes every possible means to enhance the value of his place. His political indorsement is given the democratic party and he and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.

Joseph Bridgen – page 99

On the pages of pioneer history of Marion county the name of Joseph Bridgen is inscribed, for he cast in his lot with the early settlers of 1854. He was a resident of Ohio and came to the west from Muskingum county, that state. There he had been married, but he and his wife were both natives of Ireland and as young people had come to the new world, seeking the broader and better opportunities offered on this side the Atlantic.

Mrs. Bridgen bore the maiden name of Sarah McCollum and was a sister of the late James McCollum, a pioneer settler of Marion county, who arrived here in 1854. To Mr. and Mrs. Bridgen were born three children, of whom Mrs. Margaret J. Schmidt is the only one now living. One daughter died at the age of twelve years and the son, James Bridgen, died in early manhood.

Joseph Bridgen was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for, arriving in Marion county in March, 1854, he had scarcely begun the task of developing and improving his farm when death called him in October of the same year. Having lost her first husband, Mrs. Bridgen was married again in 1858, becoming the wife of Jackson Armstrong, who died in 1868. He, too, was one of the pioneer settlers of the county and aided in promoting its early development. To Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong were born five children, of whom two are yet living: Mrs. J. H. Pifer, whose home is at Larmiore, North Dakota; and Mrs. J. W. Everett, living at Booneville, Iowa.

Mrs. Armstrong passed away on the 19th of May, 1909, having reached the advanced age of eighty-two years. She was a most earnest and consistent member of the Presbyterian church and exemplified in her life her Christian faith and belief. She did many good deeds, was a helpful friend and neighbor and a most devoted mother and, in the words of the Psalmist, her children rise up and call her blessed.

Harry L. Bridgman, M. D. – page 177

Dr. Harry L. Bridgman, a well known young medical practitioner of Columbia, where he has followed his profession continuously since 1907, has won an enviable reputation as one of the skilled and successful representatives of the fraternity in Marion county. His birth occurred in Harrison county, Indiana, on the 20th of June, 1882, his parents being John W. and Carrie (Thomas) Bridgman, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Indiana. Their marriage was celebrated in the Hoosier state, where the mother passed away and where the father is still living. To them were born five children, three of whom survive.

Harry L. Bridgman remained under the parental roof until sixteen years of age and in the acquirement of an education attended the graded and high schools of his native state. Having determined upon a professional career, he entered the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville, which institution conferred upon him the degree of M. D. in 1907. The same year he opened an office at Columbia, Iowa, where he has since remained and has built up a liberal and lucrative practice, his skill and ability being widely recognized. With the steady progress of the profession he keeps in close touch through his membership in the Tri County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

In 1910 Dr. Bridgman was united in marriage to Miss Beneti May, a native of Marion county, Iowa, and a daughter of G. W. and Nettie May, who were also born in this county. She is a high school graduate and for some years prior to her marriage followed the profession of teaching. She now has one son, Harry L., Jr., born March 17, 1912. Dr. Bridgman is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Inter Ocean Lodge, No. 152, A. F. & A. M., at Lacona, Iowa, while his wife belongs to the Rebekahs and is also a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Both are prominent in the younger social set of the community, being well liked and highly esteemed for their many good qualities of mind and character.

Arthur B. Brobst – page 212

For almost six decades Arthur B. Brobst has been a resident of Knoxville, arriving here in May, 1855, when a lad of ten summers. He has since been an interested witness of the changes which have occurred as the work of growth, development and improvement has been carried steadily forward. For thirty years he has been engaged in the loan and abstract business and at the present time he is also filling the office of justice of the peace.

Mr. Brobst was born in Catawissa, Pennsylvania, August 27, 1844, and is of German descent, the family having been founded in America by Phillip Brobst, who came from the fatherland to the new world and settled in Berks county, Pennsylvania. Representatives of the family served with the American army in the Revolutionary war. Phillip Brobst had three sons: Michael, Martin and Valentine. The first named was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, in 1780, spent his entire life in the Keystone state and died in 1868. He had a family of twelve children, including Christian G. Brobst, who was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, on the 16th of September, 1818. Reared in his native state, he was there married in 1841 to Miss Louisa Brewer, who was born in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, in August, 1821. On removing westward they settled in Knoxville on the 10th of May, 1855, and the father opened a general store which he conducted until 1868. He then became bookkeeper for Mr. Baker at his elevator and remained in that position until two years prior to his death, which occurred January 18, 1906, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years, four months and two days. He had kept a daily diary for fifty-one years, continuing his writing until within a few days prior to his death. For over sixty years he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He joined the organization in 1845 and in 1895 was presented with a gold medal set with a diamond, this being the occasion of his fiftieth anniversary in the order. He was long the oldest Odd Fellow in the United States in years of continuous connection therewith. His wife passed away June 18, 1911, when about ninety years of age, her birth having occurred in August, 1821. They were people of the highest respectability and were consistent members of the Methodist church. They had but two children, the elder being Albert M., now a resident of San Diego, California.

Arthur B. Brobst acquired a public-school education and on the 18th of July, 1863, when not yet nineteen years of age, enlisted for service in the Civil war, joining Company L of the Ninth Iowa Infantry, with which he served until the spring of 1866, being a non-commissioned officer at the close of his service. He participated in a number of hotly contested engagements and returned home with a most creditable military record.

After the war Mr. Brobst clerked in stores for several years until 1876, when he went into the recorder’s office to fill the position of deputy, and subsequently he served as deputy clerk. In 1884 he opened an abstract, loan and insurance office, which business he has since continued, gaining a good clientage in that connection. In 1902 he was again called to public office, being elected justice of the peace, in which capacity he yet continues. His decisions are strictly fair and impartial, being based upon the law and the equity of the case. In fact at all times his official record has been most creditable and has won him high encomiums.

On the 16th of September, 1868, Mr. Brobst was united in marriage to Miss Artie Hamrick, of Knoxville, her parents being Mr. and Mrs. Allen Hamrick, of Illinois. The father held the office of county recorder for two terms, beginning in 1866, and subsequently served for three terms as county clerk. Mr. and Mrs. Brobst are the parents of three children. Barton H., who is associated in business with his father, wedded Miss Ella McMillan, by whom he has a daughter, Marguerite. Roy E., a jeweler of Knoxville, married Miss Mae McGrew, of Hay Springs, Nebraska, by whom he has had two children: Christian, who was killed by accident in July, 1914, when fifteen years of age; and Leslie, at home. Lovetta is the wife of Arthur Hovey, who is engaged in the map publishing business in Knoxville and by whom she has three sons: Donald, Victor and Howard.

Mr. Brobst and all of his family are members of the Methodist church and take a deep and helpful interest in its work, thus contributing much to the moral progress of the community. In politics he has ever been a stalwart republican, interested and active in the work of the party and doing all in his power to further its success. He holds membership in the Grand Army of the Republic and thus maintains close and pleasant connections with the “boys in blue” who defended the Union during the darkest hour in our country’s history. He is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Knoxville and since 1873 he has been identified with the Odd Fellows, holding membership in both the lodge and encampment. In all the relations of life his record has commended him to the confidence and good-will of all and wherever he is known he is held in high regard.

J. F. Buffington – page 17

J. F. Buffington is one of the progressive merchants of Hamilton. He possesses resolute purpose and determination and carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, knowing that difficulties and obstacles can be overcome by persistent, earnest and honorable effort. He is a native of the neighboring state of Illinois, his birth having occurred there March 30, 1874, his parents being Lumbert and Lydia Buffington. The father was a native of Scotland and in early life left the land of hills and heather for the new world. On reaching the eastern coast he started at once for the interior of the country, settling in Illinois, where his remaining days were passed. By his marriage he had a family of three children, of whom two are yet living.

J. F. Buffington in his youthful days acquired a good practical education in the schools of Illinois. He remained at home until he attained his majority and then started out in life on his own account. In 1900 he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia L. Sharp, who was born in Beacon, Iowa, a daughter of John and Rosetta (Hate) Sharp, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and in 1859 came to Iowa. They settled in Marion county, where they are still living, and they are numbered among the honored and well known pioneer settlers, having made their home in the county for more than fifty-five years. In their family were seven children, five of whom survive.

Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Buffington came to Iowa and took up their abode in Hamilton, where he established a store and embarked in merchandising. He now owns a large store building and is conducting a profitable and growing business, handling everything that is included within the term general merchandise. His stock is carefully selected to meet the demands of the public, and his patrons are always ready to speak a good word for him because of his straightforward and honorable dealing and his earnest efforts to please.

Mr. and Mrs. Buffington have become the parents of a daughter, Lydia M. They occupy a pleasant home in Hamilton and have gained many warm friends during the period of their residence here. Mr. Buffington exercise his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is ever ready to support his position by intelligent argument. He does not seek nor desire office, however, but concentrates his energies upon his business interests and thereby is meeting with success.

Osa Butcher – page 65

Osa Butcher is devoting his life to farming and stock-raising in Swan township, where he owns a farm of two hundred and two and a half acres on section 25. His business interests are carefully conducted, for he knows that industry is the basis of all honorable success.

Marion county numbers him among her natives sons, his birth having occurred October 25, 1869, on the farm which is now his home, his parents being John and Celia (Ballard) Butcher, who came to this county at an early date and were here married. His great-grandfather, John Butcher, was one of the founders of the noted Wade & Butcher Company, razor manufacturers. He was an expert mechanic and early made razors by hand.

The father of our subject was born in Ireland, March 10, 1823, not far from the city of Dublin, and he came to America in his teens. After living in Ohio for a time he removed to Iowa in 1841, when eighteen years of age, and for three years was a resident of Wapello county, his home being near Eddyville, where for a time he engaged in merchandising. In 1844 he came to Marion county, which was then a frontier district in which there was little evidence that the seeds of civilization had been planted. The prairies were covered with the native grasses, the forests were uncut and there was much wild game and many wild animals to be seen in the district. Much of the land was still in possession of the government and Mr. Butcher entered a claim in Swan township, thus becoming the owner of the property which is still in the possession of his son Osa. He performed the arduous task of developing a new farm, breaking the sod and converting the wild land into productive fields. He was an energetic man, however, and there were indeed few idle moments in his life. Soon his place showed the results of his handiwork in well tilled fields and substantial buildings. He continued to operate his farm successfully until his death, which occurred March 11, 1876. Many years before he had wedded Celia (Ballard) Amos, the widow of Pleasant Amos, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. After the death of Mr. Butcher his widow removed to Knoxville, establishing her home in the northern part of the city about 1894. There she still resides and is widely and favorably known. She belongs to the Baptist church, of which Mr. Butcher was also a consistent member, and in politics he was an earnest republican. He had a wide acquaintance and all who knew him spoke of him in terms of high regard. He, too, was married twice and by his first wife, whom he married in Wapello county, he had three children, one of whom is yet living, Mrs. Margaret Oldham, a resident of Oklahoma. Osa Butcher has one full brother, Richard, who is living near Indianola, where he follows farming. The other children of the second marriage are deceased.

Osa Butcher was reared on the old homestead farm upon which he now resides and which has always been his place of residence. He attended the district schools and mastered the branches of learning taught therein. He was trained in the work of the farm and early became familiar with the practical methods of tilling the soil, so that he was well qualified to take charge of the farm when it came into his possession. His entire life has been given to general agricultural pursuits and he has today a valuable property of two hundred and two and a half acres pleasantly and conveniently situated not farm from the town of Pleasantville, on section 25, Swan township. He is always ready to adopt any new method which he believes will improve the farm or add to the productiveness of the fields, and he is equally successful as a stock-raiser.

On the 30th of November, 1890, Mr. Butcher was united in marriage to Miss Elsie C. Miner, who was born in Swan township, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Miner, now living retired at Pleasantville. Mrs. Butcher was reared and educated there and taught for several years in the country schools. She has three brothers and one sister; Charles, who is a merchant of Percy, Iowa; Mrs. Annie Acklin, of Des Moines; Edward, who is engaged in the real-estate business in Loup City, Nebraska; and Garfield, residing at Carlock, South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Butcher have become the parents of five children: Dean, who formerly engaged in teaching and was for some time in the railway mail service out of Chicago but is now at home; and Glen, Emma, Mary and John, all at home.

Mr. Butcher votes with the republican party and is a stalwart advocate of its principles. He has served for seven years as a trustee of Swan township. Socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias of Pleasantville, holding membership in both the subordinate lodge and the Uniformed Rank. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity and his sons, Dean and Glen, are both Master Masons at Pleasantville. Dean is also connected with the Red Men. The family attend the Christian church, of which Mrs. Butcher is a member. They are widely and favorably known, occupying a prominent social position and enjoying the hospitality of the best homes in this part of the county.

George L. Butterfield – page 346

George L. Butterfield has since 1904 resided upon the farm in Liberty township, not farm from Bussey, which is still his home, and many of the improvements to be seen thereon are evidences of his handiwork and of his progressive spirit. Mr. Butterfield is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Bureau county, that state, February 22, 1866, his parents being P. H. and Elizabeth (Wilson) Butterfield. The father was a native of New York and his last days were spent in Iowa, where he became a bridge contractor, having come to this state in 1867. The mother still survives and resides in Marion county.

George L. Butterfield may well be called a self-made man, for he started out in life to earn his living when but ten years of age and has since been dependent upon his own resources and efforts for the success which has come to him. He was first employed as a farm hand. He early learned the lesson that industry wins and he has led a very active, busy and useful life. In 1904 he purchased the farm upon which he now resides and at once began to improve and develop it. He has always made a specialty of stock-raising in connection with general farming and has handled some good grades of cattle and hogs. His judgment in business matters is sound and reliable, and his enterprise is at all times unfaltering. Recently he has sold his farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Liberty township and purchased a farm of one hundred and forty acres in Knoxville township adjacent to the city of Knoxville.

In 1885 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Butterfield and Miss Lily Gregory, whose family history is given in connection with the sketch of T. R. Gregory on another page of this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Butterfield have been born six children: John O., a member of the United States navy; Myrtle E. and James H., both now deceased; Tony R.; Harriett G.; and Sarah E.

Mr. and Mrs. Butterfield attend the Methodist Episcopal church and he holds membership with the Knights of Pythias and the Improved Order of Red Men. His political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party and he has always been a stanch advocate of its platform since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served as school director but has never sought nor desired political preferment. His life may well serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others, showing what may be accomplished when perseverance and energy lead the way and when determination is of such strength that obstacles and difficulties are readily overcome. Having to earn his own living when a lad of ten years, his educational opportunities were necessarily limited, but he has found that experience is a good teacher and from her he has learned many practical lessons. Working his way upward step by step, he has constantly widened his opportunities and he certainly deserves the prosperity which has come to him.

Lyman Lee Bybee – page 293

For a number of years Lyman Lee Bybee was actively engaged in agriculture and still owns three hundred and forty-fives acres of fine land although he now devotes his time to other lines of work. He owns one of the best equipped garages in Knoxville and does a large business in that connection and also as agent for two well known makes of cars. He is a man of prominence in political circles of this part of the state and is now representing his district in the state legislature.

Mr. Bybee was born in Kosciusko county, Indiana, on the 3d of April, 1856, a son of Jacob and Anna (Mayer) Bybee, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. His paternal grandfather, Washington Bybee, was born in Virginia and was a son of John Bybee, also a native of the Old Dominion. The last named was a veteran of the Revolutionary war and moved to Ohio at an early day in the history of that state. Washington Bybee was a farmer and stockman and well known in his locality. His son, Jacob Bybee, removed to Indiana when a young man and devoted his time to farming and the buying of selling of stock. Both he and his wife are deceased.

Lyman L. Bybee’s educational advantages were limited to the course offered in the public schools and on the 7th of March, 1876, when a young man of twenty years, he came to Iowa, locating in Knoxville, where for a few years he following his trade, that of a carpenter. He was married in 1878 and in 1880 purchased a farm in Washington township. He resided upon his place and personally cultivated it until 1902. He also owned another tract comprising two hundred acres, his real estate aggregating five hundred and forty-five acres, of which he still owns three hundred and forty-five acres, and his farm returns to him a gratifying annual income. He was much interested in the breeding of fast horses while farming and owned Franker, who made a record of 2:10 ¾. In 1902 Mr. Bybee removed to Knoxville and has since resided in this city. In that year he assumed the duties of county sheriff, to which office he had been elected in the fall previous. He served two terms, or five years, and did good work in the preservation of the peace and the apprehension of malefactors. At the expiration of his second term of office he established a furniture and undertaking business, which he conducted for about six years, selling out in February, 1914. In 1913 he built a garage sixty by one hundred and twenty feet in dimensions, of concrete construction and with a living-room above. A complete repair shop is located here and he does a great deal of that kind of work. He also has the agency for the Ford and Overland cars and is proving an aggressive representative of the interests of the manufacturers.

In 1913 Mr. Bybee was elected a representative to the thirty-fourth general assembly and his record as a lawmaker has amply justified the trust and confidence placed in him by his constituents. The casting of his ballot has always been determined by the bearing of any proposed bill upon the general welfare and his vote has always been given in support of any measure that sought the public good.

Mr. Bybee was marred in 1878 to Miss Elizabeth Emma Bellamy, of this county, a daughter of Wiley and Sarah Eliza (Snyder) Bellamy, both natives of Ohio. Her father died while serving in the Civil war. The family were among the pioneer settlers of this county, arriving in the early ‘40s. To Mr. and Mrs. Bybee seven children have been born. Gertrude marriage William Bain, of Des Moines, and they have five children. Lloyd L., who is associated with his father in the management of the garage, married Gertrude Jordan and they have three children. Anna Eliza is the wife of William J. Whitlatch, of Indiana township, and they have one child. Allen P., who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, married Kathryn Clive and they have two children. Erwa A., who is engaged in farming the homestead, married Miss Ruby Reese, by whom he has one child. Stella S. is the wife of John J. Clark of Knoxville township. Othello B. is at home.

Mr. Bybee is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and contributes to the furtherance of its work. He is a republican and, as previously stated, has served as a county sheriff and is the present state representative from his district. He is also chairman of the republican county central committee and is one of the leaders in local political circles. Since coming to Knoxville he has served one term as alderman from the second ward. He belongs to a number of fraternal organizations, including Oriental Lodge, No. 61, A. F. & A. M.; Tadmor Chapter, R. A. M.; the subordinate lodge and the encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the Knights of Pythias; and the Modern Woodmen of America. He has held all of the chairs in the lodge of Odd Fellows and has been noble grand twice. Both he and his wife belong to the Eastern Star and the Rebekahs. He has succeeded in all that he has undertaken and his achievement is more noteworthy when the fact that he has followed high moral standards in all relations of life is considered. He is among the most highly respected men in Knoxville and the esteem in which he is held is fully deserved.

Captain Edward P. Bye - page 7.

The name of Captain Edward P. Bye is well known in connection with the pioneer history of Marion county. Arriving here in the early days, he lived to witness the many changes which have brought about present conditions and he was among those who laid the foundation upon which has been built modern progress and prosperity. His memory long formed a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present and deep and sincere regret was felt when he passed away on the 1st of October, 1913. He was then eighty-six years of age, his birth having occurred in Columbiana county, Ohio, on the 29th of April, 1827. His parents were Redding and Sarah (Corbin) Bye, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Pennsylvania. The Bye family is of Quaker descent.

Captain Bye acquired his education in the common schools and was reared to farm life. He was but thirteen years of age when the family removed to Jay county, Indiana, where he settled upon a farm, there residing until 1851. On the 27th of November of that year he arrived in Marion county and was thereafter identified with the development and upbuilding of his section of the state. When he left his old home near Portland, Indiana, he had but a few dollars in his pocket. He thought to have better opportunities in the new and growing west and as he was desirous of improving his condition he resolved that he would save one hundred dollars for each year of his age. He walked form his home to Indianapolis, proceeded by train to Evansville and thence by steamboat to Keokuk, from which point he walked to Marion county. When he reached Eddyville he found that his supply of money was exhausted and after staying all night with a farmer he agreed to make five hundred rails for him, for which he was paid two dollars and a half. This task completed, he again started on foot for Marion county, the snow lying twelve inches deep over the prairie. On the 27th of November he reached his destination, at which time his cash capital consisted of but fifty cents. He at once began working by the day and then, seeing the demand for mechanical work, he started to do cabinetmaking in a log shop owned by J. R. Palmer and situated at the southeast corner of the public square. He had never learned the trade but his father had been a cabinetmaker and he had observed him thereby gaining a good knowledge of the business. By 1855 he was the proprietor of a shop of his own and during the memorable cholera plague of that year he made many coffins used for the cholera victims. He was also the owner of the first hearse in Knoxville. Soon afterward he was called to the office of city marshal but resigned his position when the mayor would not fine a couple of men for drunkenness whom Captain Bye had arrested. He then resumed cabinetmaking and also took up contract work as a builder and evidence of his skill is still to be seen in some of the old structures of the city, including the Governor Stone residence, the United Presbyterian church, the Baptist church and others. He built the first case for the Knoxville postoffice and for forty years rented box No. 160.

In 1859, attracted by the discovery of gold in the mountains of Colorado, Captain Bye started for Pike's Peak but when he had proceeded as far as the plains became discouraged and turned back. He again started in 1860 and this time reached his destination. He was in Denver when the first United States mail reached that city and he worked for a time in the mining camp near the present site of Leadville. While in California Gulch, in Colorado, he ate bread made from flour worth seventy-five dollars per hundredweight. He was a witness of all of the usual scenes of the mining camp. He assisted in building a church of logs and attended a Sunday school at which there were none present but armed men and many times those who refused to participate in the services would have a game of cards in the doorway.

In the fall of 1861 Captain Bye returned to Knoxville and immediately afterward joined Company G of the Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry as a private. The regiment went into winter quarters at Keokuk and early in March started for the front. The first important engagement in which Captain Bye participated was the battle of Shiloh, where the regiment lost one-fourth of its number in killed and wounded. He also participated in the battle of Corinth, the siege of Vicksburg, the Atlanta campaign, the march to the sea under Sherman and other celebrated military movements which contributed to the success that finally crowned the Union arms. Following the engagement at Corinth he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and in October, 1862, was advanced to the position of second lieutenant. On the 7th of March, 1863, he became first lieutenant and on the 27th of August, 1864, was commissioned captain of Company G, serving with that rank until mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, on the 24th of July, 1865, for the war had closed and the country no longer needed his services.

Captain Bye received his honorable discharge at Davenport and returned at once to Knoxville, where he resided until 1869. He then removed to a farm of one hundred and thirty-eight acres of land five miles southwest of Knoxville, upon which his widow and son still reside. He hauled the lumber from Pella, a distance of twenty miles, and built a house. He engaged in stock-raising as well as general farming and in time handled many head of stock each year, keeping a herd of about one hundred head of cattle and about two hundred head of hogs. As the years passed he brought his farm to a high state of cultivation and added to his original holdings until with the boundaries of the place were comprised two hundred and thirty acres, well known as the "Burr Oak Farm." The spirit of progress and improvement actuated him at all times and he planted many trees, surrounding his home with a beautiful grove of chestnut and maple trees of his own planting. He established a complete system of waterworks and added other modern equipments and accessories which made his farm one of the finest in this part of the state.

In 1855 Captain Bye was united in marriage to Miss Luvena Palmer, who passed away on the 23rd of January, 1860. Their only son, Charles, died in infancy and a daughter of this marriage, Emma, who became the wife of J. B. Clark, died in 1885 at the age of twenty-eight years. One the 15th of October, 1865, Captain Bye was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Elmira Eldridge, widow of Rufus H. Eldridge, a native of Ohio, whence in early life she removed to Iowa. Her husband enlisted in the Union army in 1861, becoming a lieutenant in Company K, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Corinth on the 2d of October, 1862. Both of her parents have passed away. Her father died in January, 1881, at the age of eighty years, and the mother departed this life in September, 1905, in her eighty-eighth year. Both came from families noted for longevity. By her first marriage Mrs. Bye had one son, E. R. Eldridge, who is now conducting a store for the sale of books, sporting goods, etc., at Mineral Wells, Texas. By their marriage Captain and Mrs. Bye had three children. Delbert O., a lawyer of Alliance, Nebraska, also owns a farm in that part of the state. He is married and has a family of eight children. George E., a successful farmer near Moberly, Missouri, is married and has two children. William H., who operates the home farm for his mother, is also the individual owner of a farm and is well known as a representative and leading agriculturist. He is a stanch advocate of the republican party.

Captain Bye gave his political allegiance to the republican party and never wavered in his support thereof. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and was a charter member of Tadmor Chapter, No. 18, R. A. M. The motive spirit of his life, however, was found in his belief as a member of the Methodist church. He never forgot his religion even when in the heart of the mining camps of the west. It was the force which guided him in his actions and made him the honorable, upright man whom Marion county knew as one of its most valuable and highly respected citizens. His life was indeed one of worth to the community and no history of Marion county would be complete without mention of this pioneer citizen.