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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Jacob H. Camp – page 382

Marion county lost one of her pioneer settlers when Jacob H. Camp passed away on the 28th of January, 1884, upon his farm three-quarters of a mile west of Swan. He had long been identified with agricultural interests in that locality, where he owned and cultivated two hundred and eighty acres of land, and in addition he was the owner of a farm of one hundred and seventy acres southeast of the village. He had been a resident of Marion county since May, 1856, at which time he took up his abode on the border of Warren county. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1825, a son of Frederick and Rebecca (Carrier) Camp, who removed to Morrow county, Ohio, when their son Jacob was a small child and in 1856 came to Iowa. They were not long permitted to enjoy their new home, however, for both passed away about 1860.

Jacob H. Camp was an only child. He pursued his education in the schools of Ohio and in early manhood took up the profession of teaching, which he followed through several winter seasons after coming to Marion county. He inherited less than two thousand dollars from his father’s estate and with that exception never had any financial assistance, making his own way unaided in the world and yet winning for himself a place among the men of affluence in his adopted county. Following his arrival in Marion county he purchased land and began the improvement of his farm and through the intervening years to the time of his death remained a successful farmer and stock-raiser. He was always diligent, determined and persistent and by reason of his careful management and unfaltering industry won a very gratifying measure of success, becoming in time the owner of two excellent farms, comprising four hundred and fifty acres, near the village of Swan. As previous stated, the land was divided, his home place consisting of two hundred and eight acres about three quarters of a mile west of the village of Swan, while the other tract of one hundred and seventy acres lay southeast of the town.

Mr. Camp was first married in the spring of 1851 to Miss Hephzibah Murray. She was born May 31, 1834, and died November 9, 1866, in the faith of the Dunkard church, of which she was a devout member. There were six children born of that marriage but three died in infancy, while three reached mature years, although but one is now living, Mrs. Emma De Veny of Swan township. A son, John Camp, died June 8, 1889, and a daughter, Ella, passed away in 1876. The Murray family was established in this county in pioneer times, for Edward and Elizabeth Murray, the parents of Mrs. Hephzibah Camp, arrived here in 1850.

On the 18th of August, 1867, Jacob H. Camp was united in marriage to Mrs. Martha E. Murray, nee Smith, widow of Samuel D. Murray, who was a brother of Mr. Camp’s first wife. Samuel D. Murray was born February 24, 1836, in Ohio, and passed away on his farm near Swan, May 22, 1862. In 1859 he had wedded Martha E. Smith and to them were born two children, one of whom died in infancy, while the other is Mrs. Luella Goss, a widow with two children, now living on a claim in Montana. To Mr. and Mrs. Camp were born four children. Jacob H., residing at Miles City, Montana, is a forest ranger in the employ of the government. He is married and has four children. Lizzie is the wife of Oscar Whaley, a son of Wilson Whaley, of Clay township, Marion county. They now reside at Mountain View, California, where Mr. Whaley is assistant cashier of a bank. They have one son who is twenty years of age. Anna, the next of the family, died July 18, 1888, at the age of sixteen years. Wilbur, residing in Santa Clara county, California, is the cashier of a bank at Mountain View, although he was in the railway mail service for several years. His education was acquired at Highland Park College in Des Moines and he entered the army as a member of Company B, Fifty-first Iowa Infantry, and went to the Philippines, serving throughout the Spanish-American war. He then returned home and reentered the railway mail service, running between Burlington and Omaha and a part of the time to Chicago over the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Later he resigned and organized a bank at Mountain View, California, of which he is the cashier and active manager. He is still the owner of a farm new Swan. He has a wife and two children.

Mr. Camp was a democrat in his political views and held some local offices. He read law in his younger days and although he never practiced, his knowledge of the law proved of benefit to him in the conduct of his business affairs. He was reared in the Dunkard faith and afterward became a member of the church. He was highly esteemed throughout the community and enjoyed the warm regard and friendship of many with whom he came in contact. His business integrity was above question and in all of his business dealings he was found thoroughly reliable. There were substantial elements in his character that gained him high regard and his memory is yet cherished by many who knew him while he was still an active factor in the world’s work. Since her husband’s death Mrs. Camp has built her present comfortable home in Swan, where she has resided for the past sixteen years. For a number of years she was a member of the United Brethren church but of later years has observed the seventh day Sabbath.

Fred Farley Carpenter, M. D. – page 166

One of the popular and up-to-date physicians of Pella is Dr. Fred Farley Carpenter, who was born in Adams county, Illinois, October 28, 1869, a son of L. J. and Sarah (Rood) Carpenter. He resided there until he was a child of seven years and then accompanied his parents upon their removal to Jasper county, Iowa. The father practiced medicine at Galesburg until a few years ago, when he removed to Pella, where he has since been associated with the subject of this review. There are three sons in the family, the brothers of Dr. Carpenter being: Oscar, a physician of Sully, Iowa; and Frank, a physician of Jasper county, this state.

Dr. Fred F. Carpenter obtained his general education in the public schools and took his professional work at Drake University, from which he was graduated in 1897 with the degree of M. D. He served for sixteen months in the United States army as hospital steward in the Philippines and subsequently practiced his profession Galesburg, Iowa. About eight years ago he came to Pella, where he has since resided and where he has built up an enviable reputation as a physician of ability and conscientiousness. He has the confidence alike of the general public and of his professional colleagues and is considered one of the representative physicians of the county.

On the 30th of June, 1897, Dr. Carpenter married Miss Mina Pahre and to their union has been born a daughter, Freda, who is attending school. The Doctor is a democrat and takes an intelligent interest in public affairs, being well informed on all questions of general concern. His fraternal affiliations are with the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias and the Oskaloosa Lodge of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He has won unusual success in his profession and has many warm personal friends who value his favorable opinion highly.

Frank Carruthers – page 216

Frank Carruthers, who founded and is the president of the Columbia Savings Bank of Columbia, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, January 3, 1850, a son of Lemuel and Margaret (Phillips) Carruthers, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. In 1854 they arrived in this county and cast in their lot with the early settlers who came to this district when it was still a frontier region. They took up their abode in Washington township upon a farm which Mr. Carruthers entered as a claim from the government and he also bought out two other men. For a time he lived in a log cabin and the family experienced all of the hardships and privations of pioneer life, but later these gave way before the advantages of civilization. The family resided in this county for a long period and here Mrs. Carruthers passed away, but Mr. Carruthers afterward went to the Indian Territory, where his death occurred. In the family were nine children, but only two are now living.

Frank Carruthers remained at home until he attained his majority and afterward he worked at the carpenter’s trade for a number of years. Subsequently he took up the occupation of farming and stock-raising and so carefully and wisely directed his efforts in that connection that he won a substantial measure of success. In 1902 he organized the bank of Columbia known as the Columbia Savings Bank and became the president, with his daughter, Miss Claudie Carruthers, as the cashier. The institution has prospered from the beginning and has proven of great convenience to the townspeople and farmers of this locality in the transaction of their business. Mr. Carruthers is still one of the extensive landowners of the county, his possessions aggregating ten hundred and sixty-five acres of land in Washington and Indiana townships, from which he derives a very gratifying annual income. He gives general supervision to his farms and his investments have been most judiciously made.

In 1877 occurred the marriage of Mr. Carruthers and Mrs. Mary E. (Rudisill) Stauts, who was born in Virginia and is a daughter of John and Elisheba (Johnson) Rudisill, who about the year 1856 came with their family to Iowa and settled in Lucas county, where the father entered a claim from the government and began the development of a farm. He continued the cultivation of that place until his death. His widow afterward went to Nebraska and there passed away, but her remains were brought back to Iowa for interment by the side of her husband. To Mr. and Mrs. Carruthers have been born seven children: Claudie, who is now acting as cashier in the bank; Erma, who is now in business in Des Moines; Chauncey, deceased; Louis, who is a resident of Colorado; and Frankie, Marion and Dwight, all at home.

In his political views Mr. Carruthers is an earnest republican, voting for the men and measures of the party and keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has served as township trustee and in other local offices and has also been school director. He stands at all times for progress and improvement in public affairs. He is a forceful and resourceful man and has led an active, busy, and useful life. His plans are well formulated and carried forward to successful completion and as the years have gone on his labors have brought to him a most gratifying measure of success, which is the direct and merited reward of earnest, persistent labor guided by intelligence.

William J. Casey – page 13

For thirty-eight years William J. Casey has been connected with the Knoxville Express, which was known as the Marion County Democrat in 1876 when he learned the printer’s trade in that office. He has been one of the owners of the paper for many years and has had great influence in determining its policy. It has always maintained a high standard and has a large subscription list, while it is extensively used by the merchants of the city as an advertising medium.

Mr. Casey was born in Cambridge, Ohio, on the 28th of August, 1861, a son of James K. and Hannah J. (Carlisle) Casey, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. They were married in the latter state and remained there until March, 1867, when they came to this county. The father was a lawyer of ability and took a lively interest in public affairs. For several years he served as mayor of the city and his political allegiance was given to the republican party. He held membership in the Universalist church and fraternally belonged to the Masonic order. He passed away on the 9th of July, 1886, and is survived by his widow, who has reached the ripe old age of eighty-three years.

William J. Casey is the only child of his parents and was reared at home, receiving a good education. After completing the course in public schools he entered McKee’s Academy and in 1876 left school and began learning the printer’s trade in the office of the Marion County Democrat, which for many years has been known as the Knoxville Express. He soon mastered the trade and after serving his apprenticeship continued with the paper in other capacities and eventually became half owner of the same. Altogether he has been in the newspaper business for thirty-eight years and his long experience is a potent factor in securing the continued success of the Knoxville Express. He has exact and detailed knowledge of the typographical work involved and also understands the larger problems of management, and his opinion on any matter connected with the business carries great weight. He is well known among the newspaper men of the state and has the respect of his colleagues in the profession.

Mr. Casey was married on the 15th of June, 1887, to Miss Lena D. Parks, of this county, a daughter of J. H. Parks. To them have been born three sons: James C. and William D., both associated with their father in business; and John H., who is a high-school student.

Mr. Casey is a democrat in politics and is quite prominent in local party circles, having been a delegate to the Baltimore convention which nominated Woodrow Wilson. He was at that time as now a stanch supporter of Mr. Wilson. For nearly four decades Mr. Casey has resided in Marion county and in that time he has witnessed its wonderful development and has done his share in securing the advancement of his community, especially through his connection with the Knoxville Express, one of the leading weekly papers of this county.

James Isaac Chambers – page 80

James Isaac Chambers is a prosperous and representative agriculturist of Marion county, owning and operating a valuable farm of three hundred and sixty acres in Indiana and Knoxville townships. He came to this county with his parents in the fall of 1856 and has resided continuously within its borders save for a period of three years spent in Nebraska.

The birth of Mr. Chambers occurred in Montgomery county, Indiana, on the 24th of January, 1851, his parents being Robert H. and Ellen T. (Dixon) Chambers, the former of Scotch and the latter of English descent. Both were natives of Maryland and their marriage was celebrated in Ohio. In the fall of 1856 they came to Marion county, Iowa, settling in Indiana township, where Robert H. Chambers purchased a tract of land. Throughout his active business career he successfully devoted his attention to the pursuits of farming and carpentering and at the time of his demise he owned a quarter section of land. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company K, Third Iowa Cavalry, remaining with that command for thirteen months or until discharged because of illness. In politics he was a republican and in the office of constable he made a commendable record. His religious belief was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the faith of which he passed away in 1894, while his wife was called to her final rest four years later. Both lie buried in this county. They celebrated their golden wedding here, and this was the only occasion when all of their children were together. They have five sons and nine daughters and nine of the family are yet living.

James I. Chambers, who was a little lad of five years when brought to this county by his parents, began his education in the state of his nativity and continued his studies in a log schoolhouse of Indiana township, Marion county. When twenty years of age he started out in life on his own account and throughout his entire business career, with the exception of three years spent in Nebraska, he has devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits here. Success has attended his efforts and he now owns three hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land in Marion county. He has made many substantial improvements on the property and in connection with the cultivation of cereals devotes considerable attention to the raising of graded stock, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income.

On the 25th of December, 1872, Mr. Chambers was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Rankin, a daughter of J. C. and Nancy Rankin. To them have been born four children, as follows: Bertha Ann, who gave her hand in marriage to A. R. Rowland; Stella, the wife of A. C. Tucker; Josephine, who is the wife of Harl Baker; and Cameron, H., who wedded Miss Sarah Suska Woody.

Zephaniah Chambers – page 312

For a considerable period Zephaniah Chambers was actively, honorably and successfully connected with the farming interests of Marion county, his home being on section 11, Liberty township, and in his death the community lost a representative agriculturist. He was born in Indiana in 1844, a son of James and Cassie Chambers, who were married in that state and there reared a large family children to good and useful lives. In the early ‘40s the family came to Marion county, Iowa, driving across the country with ox teams, and on reaching their destination the father preempted a claim in Liberty township. It was entirely destitute of improvements, nor had a furrow been turned or a stick laid upon the place. He resolutely undertook the task of developing the farm and in the course of years his labors were abundantly rewarded with good harvest. He also carried on stock-raising with success and became recognized as one of the leading and enterprising agriculturists of the county. He died February 11, 1882, at the age of seventy-two years and his wife passed away December 31, 1879, at the age of seventy-five years. Their remains were laid to rest in Liberty cemetery. They were pioneers in the broadest and best sense of the term, aiding largely in the development and upbuilding of the county and promoting its progress in every possible way.

Zephaniah Chambers was but an infant when brought by his parents to Marion county and here he was reared amid the scenes and environment of pioneer life, sharing with the family in all of the hardships and privations which are features incidental to the establishment of a frontier home. He acquired a meager education in one of the oldtime log schools but in the school of experience learned many valuable lessons.

On the 15th of February, 1866, Mr. Chambers was united in marriage to Miss Temperance Bonnett, a daughter of William H. and Mahala (Spaur) Bonnett. Her father was born October 13, 1822, and departed this life April 5, 1884, while his wife, who was born April 17, 1824, died during the Civil war. They were married September 28, 1847, and in their family were five children, Lucy, Temperance, Marion, Isador and Matilda Jane. The first name is now deceased. The family were pioneer settlers of Marion county and the father manifested a helpful interest in public affairs of general importance. His life was devoted to general farming and stock-raising and through close attention to business he was able to provide a good living for his family. His political support was given the democratic party.

Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Chambers began their domestic life upon a farm in Liberty township and as the years passed on seven children were added to the household: James William, who married Anna Smith and is now deceased; Stella, the wife of William Way; Austin, who married Allie Johnson and is deceased; Wesley, who married Esta Carmin; John, who married Lizzie Coster; one who died unnamed; and Frank, also deceased.

Mr. Chambers always devoted his life to the work of tilling the soil and raising stock and the result of his labors was seen in well cultivated fields, from which he annually gathered good harvests. At the time of the Civil war, however, he put aside all business and personal considerations and responded to the country’s call for aid, enlisting as a member of Company A, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry, with which he went to the front, taking part in a number of hotly contested engagements. After his return home he resumed farming and was thus busily engaged to the time of his death, which occurred December 7, 1895. He is still survived by his wife, a most estimable lady. She practically reared her younger brothers and sisters after her mother’s death and has been most devoted in the care of her own household. She is highly esteemed wherever known and most of all where she is best known.

Henry Chesnut – page 57

Henry Chesnut, whose widow resides in the village of Columbia, was born in Illinois on the 26th of July, 1858, and in that state was reared and educated. Many years ago he came west to Iowa and at Knoxville, on the 1st of May, 1888, was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, the widow of David Smith and previously the widow of Peter Butterfield. Her parents were John and Rebecca (Kay) Wilson. By her first marriage Mrs. Chesnut had five children, of whom three died in infancy, the others being John Oliver, who died at the age of two years, and George L., who lives near Flagler in this county. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Chesnut removed westward to Keith county, Nebraska, where they had a large ranch and twelve hundred head of cattle. He conducted extensive farming and stock-raising interests and his well managed business affairs resulted in the attainment of a most creditable and gratifying measure of success.

Mrs. Chesnut’s parents came to this county many years ago and are now buried at Newburn. They had a family of twelve children, all of whom reached adult age, but all are now deceased save Mrs. Chesnut. Three of the children, sons, were lost while serving as soldiers in the Civil war. Henry Harrison Wilson was poisoned by water and died from the effects. John Oliver Wilson had his arm shot off and died from gangrene. Jacob was killed at the battle of Shiloh. Another brother, Leonard, enlisted and was never heard from again, so it is supposed that he, too, laid down his life upon the altar of his country.

The death of Mr. Chesnut occurred at Salina, Kansas, July 18, 1906. He was independent in politics but was interest in public affairs and cooperated in various movements for the general good. He was ever a busy man and his life was one of usefulness as well as of activity. While his later years were passed in the west, he is yet remembered by many of the older settlers of Marion county who knew him in youth and young manhood and entertained for him warm regard.

J. B. Chrisman – page 419

J. B. Chrisman is a well known farmer and stockman of Marion county, operating the old home farm that belonged to his father. He also owns and cultivates one hundred and ninety-seven acres adjoining, in the east part of Knoxville township and also across the border in Clay township. Thus he operates altogether about five hundred acres of land, which he devotes to general agricultural pursuits and to stock-raising, making a specialty of Polled Angus cattle and Poland China hogs. He is a very energetic, enterprising young man, persistent, determined and capable, and in his business affairs displays splendid ability. He was born in Clay township, this county, on the 26th of January, 1880, and is a son of J. H. Chrisman, mention of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. He attended the public schools through the period of his youth and in vacations worked in the fields. The greater part of his life has been devoted to farming and success has attended his efforts. His methods have always been practical and he has ever kept abreast with the progress of the times, which is manifest as strongly in connection with agricultural interests as in other phases of business activity.

On the 6th of April, 1904, Mr. Chrisman was united in marriage to Miss Mamie Blanche Gee, who was born in Knoxville township, February 7, 1881, a daughter of the late Amos and Samantha (Scott) Gee. Her father came to the middle west from Tompkins, New York. When a young man he removed to Mason county, Illinois, and there he enlisted in response to the country’s call for troops, joining Company M, Second Illinois Cavalry, with which he served on active duty until he became ill. He was afterward in a hospital for some time and was then honorably discharged. In the spring of 1868 he came to Marion county, Iowa, taking up his abode in Knoxville township, where he carried on general farming to the time of his death. He passed away on the old homestead December 11, 1906, at the age of sixty-seven years, and there were many friends who deeply regretted his demise because of the sterling traits of character which he displayed and which endeared him to those with whom he was associated. He was twice married. In Illinois he wedded Miss Mary I. Knight, who died in Nebraska, March 15, 1866, leaving a daughter, Lucy, who has now passed away. On the 21st of March, 1869, Mr. Gee wedded Samantha Scott, who is now living on East Main street in Knoxville. They became the parents of nine children, of whom seven survive, as follows: Mrs. J. B. Chrisman; James N., who is a resident of Texas; Mrs. Dora V. Noftsger, living in Knoxville township, this county; Mrs. Bessie I. Amsberry, also a resident of Knoxville township; George W., who makes his home in Raton, New Mexico; Ralph, of Knoxville township, this county; and Benjamin H., who lives at home with his widowed mother. Mr. and Mrs. Chrisman have two children, James Francis and Robert Amos, who are eight and four years of age respectively.

Politically Mr. Chrisman is a stalwart republican, supporting the party which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war and has always been the party of reform and advancement. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church and their lives accord with its teachings. In all business affairs he is thoroughly trustworthy and at the same time is progressive and determined, so that he carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He is today extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising, about five hundred acres paying tribute to the care and cultivation which he bestows upon his fields. He also has a large herd of Polled Angus cattle and many hogs of the Poland China breed and he has done much to improve and raise the standard of stock handled in this county. His success is the merited reward of his labors and the good name which he bears is the legitimate result of a well spent and honorable life.

J. H. Chrisman – page 417

J. H. Chrisman, who some years ago retired from active business life and now makes his home in Knoxville, has been a resident of Knox county for more than half a century, having taken up his abode here in the fall of 1861. He has been an interested witness of the changes which have since occurred and his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present.

Mr. Chrisman was born in Clark county, Indiana, September 1, 1839, a son of David and Elizabeth M. (Robertson) Chrisman, who were likewise natives of Clark county, the former born in 1813 and the latter in 1816. Mrs. Chrisman was a daughter of Eli Robertson, on whose farm was built the first Methodist church in the state of Indiana. When their son, J. H. Chrisman, was but two years of age the parents removed with their family from Clark county to Laporte county, Indiana, settling in the town of New Durham, where the family home was maintained for about eighteen years. In 1859 a removal was made to Missouri and in the fall of 1861 they came to Iowa, becoming residents of Marion county. The father was a strong anti-slavery man. Living close to the Kentucky border, he saw the evil effects of slavery and early imbued his children the same spirit of hatred and opposition to the institution. That his lessons took deep root is shown in the fact that several of his sons served in the Civil war. David Chrisman voted the whig ticket until the organization of the republican party and all of his sons save one have followed in his footsteps. He was ever a man of high and honorable purpose and was for a half century a local minister of the Methodist church, the religious faith of both the paternal and maternal ancestors of J. H. Chrisman being that of Methodism. The father died at his home in Knoxville township in October, 1890, on his seventy-seventh birthday, and his wife survived until April, 1899, passing away in Knoxville. In their family were eight children. W. T., the oldest, enlisted in Company A, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry, on the 11th of August, 1862, and died and was buried at Mound City, Illinois, on the 11th of August, 1863, just a year after he had enrolled as one of the “Boys in blue.” J. H. is the next of the family. David enlisted as chief musician in Company A, Fortieth Iowa Regiment. E. R. is a resident of Fall Brook, California. Mrs. Mary J. Burzett died at Liberty Center, Warren county, Iowa, a number of years ago. L. W., who enlisted for one hundred days’ service as a member of Captain McCormick’s company, formed in Knoxville, served until the close of the war and is now living in San Diego, California. J. F. is a resident of Guide Rock, Nebraska, and H. W. is living at Mojave, California.

J. H. Chrisman spent the greater part of his youth in Laporte county, Indiana, and was a young man of twenty years when the family went to Missouri. Two years later he arrived in Marion county, where he has since remained and he has ever been numbered among the worthy and respected citizens of his part of the state. On the 22d of April, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza A. Hodges, of Knoxville, Iowa, and they removed to a farm six miles east of the town, on the Pella road. Mr. Chrisman bent his energies to the development and improvement of that place and followed that occupation until nine years ago, when he removed to Knoxville and put aside the active cares of business life. He had brought his farm to a high state of cultivation, had added to it many modern accessories and conveniences, and as the result of his careful management had acquired a substantial competence as the years went by. To him and his wife were born four children: W. T., who is now living at Long Beach, California; Ora G., now the wife of M. R. Voorhees, of Kansas City, Missouri; Gertrude, at home; and James G. B., who is living on a farm in Knoxville township.

An important chapter in the life history of J. H. Chrisman is that which covers his service as a soldier of the Civil war. He enlisted as a member of Company A, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry, under Major B. C. Boydston, and was with that command on every campaign save the one to Little Rock. His military history is that of the Thirty-third Iowa and with his command he participated in many hotly contested engagements. Today there is scarcely a member of the old company remaining, four or five living in Knoxville or vicinity. His family have every reason to be proud of his war record, for he was among those who won for Iowa her splendid reputation in connection with the defense of the Union. Mr. Chrisman has adhered to the religious faith of the family. His moral standards are high and he has lived up to them. One who knows him well said: “His word is as good as his bond; he is the soul of honor and the better one knows him the greater the respect and the warmer the friendship. His home life has been beautiful and satisfying and in it he has found his chief enjoyment.”

Citizens National Bank – page 348

The Citizens National Bank of Pella was organized in January, 1906, with L. Kruidenier as president; B. H. Van Spanckeren, Jr., as cashier; and H. D. Wormhoudt as vice president. The capital stock was twenty-five thousand dollars and the institution purchased a building situated at the corner of Franklin and Main streets and remodeled it. It has three stories, the first being used by the bank, the second being given over to offices, while the third is devoted to lodge rooms. The bank is capitalized the same as at its organization and has a surplus of five thousand dollars, while the deposits total one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. The present officers are: H. D. Wormhoudt, president; J. S. Rhynsburger, vice president; and B. H. Van Spanckeren, Jr., cashier.

The bank has prospered steadily in the eight years in which it has been opened for business and has completely gained the confidence of the public as its policy has always been to make the safety of its deposits the first consideration and the earning of dividends secondary in importance. However, due to the excellent business ability of its officers the institution has been a success from the point of dividends declared and its stock has advanced in price. It has correspondents in all of the leading cities and is able to give its depositors and the business men of Pella all of the services of a modern bank.

Captain Alexander M. Clark – page 100

Captain Alexander M. Clark is a retired farmer living in Durham and is also an honored veteran of the Civil war. He has today passed the eighty-second milestone on life’s journey and receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded one of his years whose life has been well spent.

His birth occurred in Belmont county, Ohio, on the 22d of February, 1832, his parents being Samuel and Mary (Morrison) Clark, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was born in the year 1799 and the mother’s birth occurred in 1801. They went to Ohio in early life and were there married, remaining residents of that state for many years or until 1851, when they came to Marion county, Iowa. The father entered land from the government, the possibility of this indicating how sparsely settled was the county at that time. He resided first in a log cabin with a clapboard roof and mud and stick chimney but later built a hewed log house, and the little home had its comforts and its advantages, even though it did not compare with the attractive farm residences now to be seen in the county. This log structure is still standing in Knoxville township. With characteristic energy Mr. Clark began to cultivate his farm, breaking the sod on many an acre and transforming the land into richly cultivated fields. His remaining days were devoted to the further development of his place and thereon he passed away in 1882, having for fifteen years survived his wife, who died in 1867. In their family were nine children, of whom four are still living.

Alexander M. Clark spent the greater part of his boyhood and youth in Ohio and attended its public schools. He also had college training and taught school before entering the army. He was a young man of nineteen years when he came to Iowa and upon the home farm he remained until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when he responded to the country’s call for troops, joining Company E of the Eighth Iowa Infantry, August 13, 1861, as a private, with which he served throughout the period of hostilities until discharged in May, 1866. On one occasion he was captured and was confined in various prisons for a period of six months and eleven days, a part of which was spent at Libby, sharing in all the hardships of military prison life. It was at Shiloh that he was captured and this was but one of the many important engagements in which he took part. He was never wounded, although often in the thickest of the fight, and on the 20th of April, 1866, in Alabama, he was mustered out, and was discharged at Davenport, Iowa, in May, 1866. He came out of the army with two commissions as captain, having worked his way upward from the ranks through valor and loyalty. In command of his company he inspired his men with much of his own bravery and yet he never needlessly sacrificed those who were under his control.

After receiving an honorable discharge Captain Clark returned to Marion county and embarked in merchandising in Knoxville in partnership with John Reed. They continued in business together until 1871, when Captain Clark again turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, purchasing a farm in Clay township, on which he took up his abode. For about thirty-eight years thereafter his time and attention were largely given to the work of the fields, improving his farm according to modern methods. He lived upon that place until 1909, when he came to Durham, where he and his wife now reside.

It was while a soldier in the army that Captain Clark was married April 6, 1864, while at home on veteran furlough, to Miss Sarah J. McMillan, a daughter of Thomas McMillan, and to them have been born six children: Samuel W.; Thomas M., now living in Texas; Charles M., whose home is in Tacoma, Washington; Mary M., at home; Maria, deceased; and one who died in infancy.

In his political views Captain Clark has always been a stalwart republican and has filled several of the township offices, while for three terms he was county auditor, his reelection being proof of his fidelity and capability in office. He was for many years a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and thus maintained pleasant relations with the boys in blue with whom he served on the battlefields of the south. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which they have long taken an active and helpful part, the Captain serving as one of the elders of the church. He owns and occupies a pleasant residence in Durham and is also the owner of two hundred and twenty acres of rich and valuable land on sections 7 and 18, Clay township, together with one hundred and twenty acres in Union county, Iowa. His property is the visible evidence of a life of well directed energy and thrift. He has worked hard and his persistency, determination and honorable dealing have been the chief factors in bringing to him the success that has placed him among the substantial citizens of Marion county and now enables him to live retired.

Frank Clark – page 260

Frank Clark is a retired farmer and stockman residing on No. 2305 West Pleasant street, Knoxville, and is highly esteemed by his fellow citizens. He was born in Dade county, Georgia, on the 26th of April, 1843, a son of James and Minerva (McKeg) Clark, natives of Tennessee and Georgia respectively. The father was born in 1817 and as a young man went to Georgia, where his marriage occurred. He was a farmer by occupation and in 1849 left that state and came to Marion county, Iowa, entering one hundred and sixty acres of land in Knoxville township. He subsequently purchased fifty more acres and devoted his time and energy to the cultivation of his land until his death, which occurred in 1901. His first wife, the mother of the subject of this review, passed away in 1852 and he afterward married Mrs. J. W. Miller, by whom he had five children. Six children were born to his first marriage, all of whom are living but one daughter. He was a democrat in politics and in religious belief was an old school Baptist. He was highly esteemed in his community and his demise was sincerely mourned.

Frank Clark was the second in order of birth in a family of six children and was reared at home. His education was that afforded by the early country schools, but during his boyhood he gained much knowledge that was not learned from books, as he assisted his father in the work of the farm and thus familiarized himself with practical methods of agriculture. After his marriage he operated forty acres of the home place until 1882, when he removed to Richardson county, Nebraska, and leased eight hundred acres of land. He remained upon that place for about ten years and then removed to another farm in the same county, where he resided until 1907. He next went to Lawton, Oklahoma, where he took up a homestead claim and also purchased another quarter section. After living in Oklahoma for three years he sold his landed interests and returned to Marion county. He took up his residence in Knoxville, where he owns six and a half acres of land and where he has continued to live up to the present time.

Mr. Clark was married in 1867 to Miss Martha Sunderland, a daughter of William and Marinda (Miller) Sunderland. He father was born in Ohio and her mother’s birth occurred in Indiana in 1830. Their marriage was solemnized in the Hoosier state and to their union were born two children: Julia E., whose birth occurred in Indiana on the 12th of June, 1848; and Martha J., who was born in Iowa on the 5th of April, 1850. Mr. Sunderland passed away while Mrs. Clark was a small child and his wife died in 1896. Mrs. Clark was educated in the county and remained at home until her marriage. She has become the mother of the following children: Ernest E., who was born on the 23d of April, 1869, and who married Miss Cora Argabright; Owen Otis, born November 23, 1871, who married Miss Odell; Frank Oliver, whose birth occurred on the 13th of September, 1872, and who now resides in Oklahoma; James E., born October 19, 1876, who married Lola Henry and resides in Knoxville, Iowa; Minnie, deceased; Chester E., who was born September 3, 1880, and married Miss Mittie Currie; Pearl, deceased; Maude E., who was born May 10, 1887, and is at home; Walter E., who died at the age of nineteen years; and Ruth Esther, born February 25, 1890.

Mr. Clark is a democrat and is interested in all that has to do with the community advancement and progress. Fraternally he belongs to the Woodmen of the World and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Verdon, Nebraska. His religious belief is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church. While living in Nebraska he engaged in farming and stock-raising on quite an extensive scale and his labors in earlier years made him financially independent, so that since coming to Knoxville he has lived practically retired. Those who have the privilege of his intimate acquaintance value highly his friendship and esteem him as a man of unimpeachable integrity.

Garry D. Clark – page 366

For the past seven years Garry D. Clark has resided at Knoxville, having retired from the active cultivation of his farm, which is located five miles from the city. He was born in Humboldt county, Iowa, October 10, 1857, a son of Albert B. and Elizabeth (Decker) Clark, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father was born in Marion county, that state, in January, 1832, a son of Garry and Salina (Holcomb) Clark, both natives of Hartford, Connecticut, whence they removed to Marion county, Ohio, at an early day in the history of that state. There both passed to their reward. The father, who was a farmer and cabinet-maker by occupation, died in 1857, when over fifty-one years of age, as his birth occurred November 5, 1805. He was married in June, 1828, at Hartford, Connecticut. Both he and his wife were for many years members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he was for a long time superintendent of the Sunday school. His wife died in Columbus, Ohio, about 1901 at the age of ninety-four years.

Albert B. Clark was reared near Bucyrus, Ohio, and in 1854 came to Iowa, first locating in Marshall county. Shortly afterward he removed to Humboldt county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and where he erected two houses, one in town and the other upon his farm. After spending about a year there he returned to Ohio at the time of his father’s death. On again coming to Iowa he made the trip alone and located in this county. He is a cabinet-maker, as was his father before him, and also a carpenter and joiner, and among other things has made many fine coffins. He was early convinced of the value of land and at different times has owned several hundred acres. He purchased a farm in this county soon after the Civil war and lived there for several years. He owned a residence in Knoxville and also one in the country, but for several years past has made his home with his son, Garry D., as he is eighty-three years of age. In addition to following his trade he engaged in the nursery business for a number of years, dealing especially in trees. He is a Methodist in religious faith and has conformed his life to the teachings of that faith. His personal habits have always been most exemplary as he has never smoked, chewed, used liquor in any form nor been profane in his language. His wife passed away on the 20th of February, 1886, on a farm in Knoxville township, when more than fifty years of age. To their union were born two sons: J. B., a farmer in Knoxville township; and Garry D., of this review.

Albert B. Clark cast his first ballot for the candidates of the whig party but in 1856, at the time of the organization of the republican party, he voted for John C. Fremont and has since given his allegiance to that organization. He served as road supervisor and acceptably discharged the duties devolving upon him in that connection. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church and has never departed therefrom, being a consistent member of the local church of that denomination.

Garry D. Clark was educated in the common schools of this county and after arriving at years of maturity he gave his time and attention largely to the work of farming. In 1887 he bought one hundred acres five miles southwest of Knoxville and successfully operated it until 1907, when he retired to Knoxville and in 1910 he sold his farm. He has several residence properties in Knoxville which now require his time and attention as he leases them. He raised stock as well as cereals and was very successful in his undertakings, being progressive and energetic in his work.

In 1881, at Clinton, Vermilion county, Indiana, Mr. Clark was united in marriage with Miss Martha Shew, a native of Edgar county, Illinois, born in 1858, and a daughter of Joel and Lillie J. (Simpson) Shew. Her father was for many years engaged in the grocery business and her mother conducted a millinery shop. About 1863 they removed to Vermilion county, Indiana, and resided there during the remainder of their lives. The father eventually retired from the grocery business because of ill health. His parents were early residents of Indiana, removing there from North Carolina. His father preempted land which was rich in coal near the site of the town of Bunson. He was a native of Germany but came to America in young manhood. Joel Shew lived to be almost ninety years of age for he passed away March 25, 1906, and was born September 23, 1817. His wife survives and is seventy-four years of age as she was born in 1840. She is a member of the United Brethren church and highly esteemed in her community. They had three daughters and one son, namely: Mrs. Clark; William H., the owner of a meat market in Clinton, Indiana; Mrs. Thomas Campbell, the wife of one of the prominent men of Clinton, Indiana, who has extensive real-estate interests and is active in the Business Men’s Association; and Mrs. Emma Van Gundy, a widow residing in Pittsburgh, Kansas. Her husband was an attorney and she was the successful candidate for the office of district clerk of Crawford county, Kansas, in the election of 1914. She is an expert stenographer and has considerable knowledge of legal forms.

To Mr. and Mrs. Clark have been born two children. Mrs. Edith Brown is a widow and resides at home. She engaged in the millinery business at Harding, Nebraska, for a time, and for several years worked in stores in Knoxville. She has a son, Kenneth Brown, who was born in May, 1906, and is also living with Mr. and Mrs. Clark. Gertrude, the second daughter, is the wife of Earl Sutherland, of Knoxville, by whom she has a son, Corwin, born in 1909.

Mr. Clark is a republican and firmly supports the principles of that party. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and both he and his wife belong to the Rebekahs. Both of his daughters are also members of the Rebekahs and the Pythian Sisters. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and take a great interest in the advancement of its work. Their home is at No. 422 Robinson street, and their friends often gather there and are hospitably welcomed.

James L. Clark – page 353

James L. Clark is one of the owners of a modern and well stocked men’s furnishing and clothing store, in which he has had a half interest since 1910. He is a representative business man of Knoxville and is always willing to cooperate with others in securing the commercial expansion of the city. His birth occurred in this county on the 18th of April, 1860, and his parents were James and Merinda (Miller) Clark, natives of Warren county, Tennessee, and Putnam county, Indiana, respectively. His paternal grandfather was Benjamin Clark, who was a Baptist preacher and spent his life in Tennessee. The family is of Scotch-Irish descent. James Clark, father of our subject, arrived in this county in 1849 and took up government land six miles northwest of Knoxville, at which time there were no neighbors within a distance of two miles. He devoted his life to farming and was a highly respected citizen of the county. He died on the 10th of April, 1902. His was wife was a daughter of John and Willa Miller, who about 1848 came to Iowa and settled in Marion county, where they entered government land, their farm being located north of Dallas and becoming in time one of the well developed properties of the county. Mrs. Merinda Clark passed away on the 11th of June, 1896. She attended the Baptist church, as did also Mr. Clark, and the latter was a democrat in his political belief. To them were born six children. Both had been married previous to their union and the father had six children by his first marriage and the mother two by her union with William Sunderland.

James L. Clark received a common-school education and in addition to the lessons which he learned from books was given valuable training in agriculture, as he assisted his father in the work of the farm during his youth. On reaching manhood he continued to follow the occupation to which he had been reared until 1902 and also taught school during the winter months for eight consecutive years. He then went to Webster, South Dakota, where he engaged in the real-estate business for seven years, but in 1909 returned to this state, locating in Rock Rapids, where he entered the mercantile business. After one year he sold his store and came to Knoxville, where in partnership with C. Rouze Hunter he opened a men’s furnishing and clothing store in March, 1910. They are usually able to anticipate the fashions which are destined to be most popular and their stock offers a varied and pleasing line from which to select. As the clothing which they sell is at once correct in line, attractive in weave and lasting in wearing qualities, their customers are many and the volume of their business is steadily increasing. A feature of the store that adds much to its popularity is the courteous treatment given all and the sincere effort to aid customers in choosing that which will be the most permanently satisfying, as the partners realize that it is not enough to merely sell goods, as continued growth in a business depends upon the given of real value and real service.

Mr. Clark was married on the 26th of April, 1893, to Miss Fannie Hunter, a daughter of M. C. and Emily Hunter. They have three children: Lorein, Paul and James, all at home. Mr. Clark and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he has served as its treasurer since 1911. Politically he is an adherent of the democratic party and during 1902-3 he served as deputy county treasurer of Marion county. His social nature finds expression in his membership in Oriental Lodge, No. 61, A. F. & A. M., and in the Knights of Pythias. Throughout his entire life Mr. Clark has ordered his conduct in conformity to the standards of justice and right and his reward is the consciousness of duty faithfully performed and the esteem of his fellowmen.

J. R. Cline – page 248

J. R. Cline was a farmer and breeder of registered cattle for twenty years, but for the last four years has lived retired at Knoxville. He was born on New Year’s day, 1863, in Vinton county, Ohio, a son of Joseph and Jane (Douglas) Cline, both of whom are deceased. The father, who was a harness maker by trade and also dealt in horses and other stock, became a resident of Wilkesville, Vinton county, before the Civil war and resided there continuously until his death. His business is continued by a son. The Cline family is of German and Irish descent and the Douglas family of Scottish extraction. The parents of the subject of this review were Presbyterians in religious faith. To their union were born six children, five of whom are now living. The eldest has passed away and those who survive besides the subject of this review are: Clara and G. A., both of Knoxville; Mrs. W. H. Lucas, who is the wife of a teacher and is a resident of Marysville, this county, but who was for many years a resident of Knoxville; and J. L., who is engaged in the harness business at Wilkesville, Ohio.

J. R. Cline was reared in Ohio and after completing a course in the district schools there attended an academy. His marriage occurred in that state and in the same year, 1885, he removed to this county, locating in Knoxville township, where he became the owner of a fine tract of land and for twenty years he was engaged in the breeding of registered Polled Angus cattle. He was very successful as a stock-raiser, was widely known in this section of Iowa in that connection and his yearly income was a gratifying one. His thorough knowledge of the stock business and the care with which he raised his cattle, providing them with sanitary buildings for shelter and feeding them those rations which have been proved best, were not in vain, for his stock were always in fine condition and brought a high price when sold. In the course of years he accumulated enough capital to give him a comfortable income for the remainder of his days and for the last four years he has lived retired at Knoxville. He owns a fine home in the city and is enjoying his life of leisure.

Mr. Cline was married in Ohio in 1885 to Miss Elizabeth Henderson, a daughter of Almond and Jane Henderson, who removed to this county in 1884. The father was a farmer by occupation and a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in an Ohio regiment. Both he and his wife passed away some years ago. Mrs. Cline was reared in Gallia county, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Cline have been born three children. After completing a course in the Knoxville high school Eulah entered Coe College at Cedar Rapids, from which she was graduated in 1913. She is now a high-school teacher at Walker, Iowa. Estella was graduated from the Kirksville high school and is now a sophomore at Coe College. She is taking a musical course. Ray H. is a farmer in Knoxville township.

The family belong to the Presbyterian church and are among those who can be counted upon to support movements having as their object the betterment of the community. Fraternally Mr. Cline belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Knoxville and his wife and daughters are members of the Rebekahs. In his political belief he is a republican with progressive tendencies. While engaged in the raising of stock and in farming he did much to advance those interests in Marion county and the leisure which is now his is richly deserved.

Frank Cloe – page 218

Frank Cloe, a well known general farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 15, Knoxville township, is a native son of that township, born May 1, 1860, and a son of James H. and Theresa (Conrey) Cloe. The father was born on the 2d of February, 1827, in Clark county, Kentucky, and when a small boy was taken by his parents to Vermilion county, Illinois, where he lived until 1849. In that year he came to Iowa and entered land in this county soon after his arrival here. He had previously visited this state in 1844. He located upon his property in 1852 and lived there until the spring of 1887. He was the owner of what is known as the Spring Hill Stock Farm, which he operated successfully from the spring of 1865 until 1885. He was the first breeder of shorthorn cattle here and shipped the first carload of fat cattle from Marion county to the eastern markets. In 1887 he removed to Rawlins county, Kansas, where he engaged in the feed, flour and live stock business at Blakeman, and he passed away in the Sunflower state on the 17th of March, 1904, when past seventy-seven years of age. While living in Illinois he made several trips on flat boats to New Orleans and back, going down the Ohio to its junction with the Mississippi and thence to the Crescent city. He was also for a time foreman of a department in a packing house at Vincennes, Indiana. His life work, however, was that of a stock raiser and shipper and he was well known in that connection. He was a republican in political belief and in 1880 was elected country treasurer, serving his term with credit to himself. For ten years he was president of the Marion County Agricultural Society and during that time the organization did much to further the interests of the farmers of the county. In 1851 he became a Mason and attained the chapter degrees. He was a member of the Christian church and guided his life by its teachings.

James H. Cloe was married three times, his first union being with Miss Elizabeth Keenan, who became his wife in 1852 and she passed away four years later, leaving a daughter, Charlotte, who is now the wife of James Rice, a resident of Nebraska. Later Mr. Cloe wedded Miss Theresa Conrey, who was born in Ohio or Illinois and was a daughter of John Conrey, one of the pioneers of Marion county, Iowa. He was prominent in public affairs and was a delegate to the constitutional convention from this county. Mrs. Theresa Cloe died in February, 1874, in the faith of the Christian church. She left seven children, of whom the subject of this review is the eldest. The others are: Mrs. Amanda Masteller, a resident of Centerville, Iowa; Edward, of Alliance, Nebraska; James, living in Blakeman, Kansas; John, who is a resident of Fremont county, Iowa; Sylvia, deceased; and Bertha, now Mrs. D. O. Bye, of Alliance, Nebraska. Mr. Cloe’s third union was with Miss Elizabeth McKern, who died leaving two children: Ansel, of Alliance, Nebraska; and Alma, now Mrs. Frank Craig, of Knoxville township, this county.

Frank Cloe passed the days of his boyhood and youth in this township and was a student in Professor McKee’s Academy at Knoxville, thus acquiring a good education. He followed in the steps of his father, becoming a stockman, and shipped cattle extensively from this county and western Iowa for ten years, or until 1889. At that time he was elected sheriff of Marion county on the republican ticket and devoted his entire attention to the duties of that office. Since his term expired he has engaged in general farming and in the stock business. He owns two hundred and forty acres of excellent land on section 15, Knoxville township, where he has resided for the past fourteen years and has made a number of improvements thereon. He has excellent business judgment and manages well his affairs and, as he understands the principles underlying agriculture and is an excellent judge of stock, his activities yield him a good return annually.

Mr. Cloe was married in March, 1884, to Miss Clara B. Wilson, a daughter of Thomas Wilson, who is living at Knoxville at the age of eighty-one years. Mrs. Cloe was born in this county and has passed her entire life here. To her marriage with the subject of this review have been born two children. Carl W., an attorney of Knoxville, is a graduate of the State University of Iowa and of the Chicago University Law School and was admitted to the bar of Iowa in October, 1914. While attending the State University of Iowa he was captain of Company E of the Iowa cadets there and was for four years a member of the National Guard of Iowa. Rhea Lucile is at home. She studied music at Drake University, Des Moines, at the State University of Nebraska at Lincoln and for one semester at the State University of Wisconsin at Madison and has taught piano.

The family are members of the Christian church of Pleasant Ridge, Knoxville township, and are of much help in carrying on the church work. Mr. Cloe is a Knight Templar Mason, holding his membership in the commandery at Knoxville, and his son is also a member of the craft. His daughter belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star and to a sorority of Knoxville. Mr. Cloe has consistently supported the republic party at the polls since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and takes a commendable interest in public affairs. He is one of the substantial residents of his township and in the private relations of life and as a citizen has measured up to high standards of manhood.

Charles N. Cole – page 279

Charles N. Cole is engaged in the wholesale and retail feed, flour and grocery business in Pella and is developing a concern of large proportions. He was for many years connected with various wholesale seed houses and has had a varied and valuable experience in that line. He was born in Pella on the 7th of June, 1850, a son of A. and Henrietta A. (DeBooy) Cole, both natives of Holland who came to Pella in 1847 with the Dutch colony which arrived in that year. Their marriage occurred at Knoxville and they subsequently located near Pella, the father purchasing government land and devoting his time to agricultural pursuits. Both he and his wife have passed away. They were members of the First Reformed church, and in his political belief he was for a time a democrat, but later became a republican.

Charles N. Cole entered the public schools of Pella and in due course of time was graduated therefrom, after which he attended the Central University of Iowa located here. After leaving school he went into the seed business in Pella and later entered the employ of J. C. Vaughan Company of Chicago. Upon leaving that firm he became connected with The A. B. Cleveland Company of New York city. During these years he traveled all over the south, selling seeds, and subsequently represented Ullethorne and Company of Memphis upon the road. In 1889 he came to Pella and established the flour, feed and grocery business which he is still conducting. He is both a wholesaler and retailer and the volume of his trade is constantly growing as the high quality of his goods and the reasonableness of his prices become more widely known. For the past three years he has also been president of the Pella Creamery Company and previous to that was vice president thereof, becoming connected with the concern at the time of its organization in January, 1904.

Mr. Cole was united in marriage in 1883 to Miss Henrietta Kruger, of Pella, whose father died when she was quite young. Her mother, aged eighty-five, is living in California. Mrs. Cole is a member of the Baptist church, and Mr. Cole is fraternally identified with the Knights of Pythias, being a charter member of the lodge at this place. His vote is cast for the candidates of the republican party, as he thoroughly believes in the principles and policies of that organization, and he has served as school treasurer and is greatly interested in the progress of the public schools. As a business man, as a citizen and as a private individual he conforms to high standards of morality and has the unqualified respect of his fellowmen.

Thomas R. Cole, Sr. – page 134

In time of peace and in time of war Thomas R. Cole, Sr., has always proved a man whom one could trust to perform well whatever duty lay nearest at hand. He served in the northern army, defending the integrity and indivisibility of the Union, and the fortunes of war were such that for several months he was confined in southern prisons. He was born in Ashland county, Ohio, on the 4th of May, 1838, a son of Samuel and Sarah (Ross) Cole, both natives of Ohio. The maternal grandfather, Thomas Ross, came to Iowa in 1844 and settled in Mahaska county with his son, who entered government land there. Mr. Ross, Sr., passed away in that county when ninety years of age. Samuel Cole and Sarah Ross were married in Ohio in 1828 and in 1848 removed to Mahaska county, Iowa. The former entered government land and continued to farm his place until his death, which occurred on the 2d of January, 1880. His widow survived him for many years, dying in 1898 when about ninety years old. To their union were born ten children, five of whom survive. Four died in childhood.

Thomas R. Cole was the fifth in order of birth in this family and was reared upon the homestead in Mahaska county, as he was but ten years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal there. He was given a common-school education and was carefully trained in the work of the farm. In 1862 he enlisted in Company B, Thirty-sixty Iowa Volunteer Infantry and served with his command until the close of the war, holding the rank of sergeant when discharged. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Marks Mill and for ten months was confined at Tyler, Texas. After being given his freedom on the 25th of February, 1865, he was granted a furlough. He afterward returned to the army and remained with his command until the close of hostilities. Among the battles in which he participated were those of Fort Pemberton, Helena, Little Rock, Elkinsford, Prairie De Anne, Camden and Marks Mill, where he was captured. After his return to the life of a civilian he attended school and taught for nine years. In 1874 he opened a store in Lovilia, Iowa, and subsequently located in Bussey. In 1878 he went to Marysville, where he established a general store and drug store, which he conducted for thirty-three years. At the end of that time, or in 1911, he located in Knoxville, where he has since lived retired, as, in his long years of connection with merchandising, he had acquired a competence.

Mr. Cole was married on the 18th of March, 1875, to Miss Luella Clark, a daughter of P. R. and Frances Ruby (Deveraux) Clark, who in 1851 came to this state from Ohio. Her father was a physician, but in his later life abandoned that profession and turned his attention to mercantile business. To Mr. and Mrs. Cole has been born a son, Thomas R., who is cashier of the Buxton Savings Bank at Buxton, Iowa. He married Alice Tucker and has a son, Thomas R., who is a child three years of age.

Mr. Cole of this review was for a number of years a member of the Masonic order, but withdrew from that organization. He wears proudly the little bronze button which indicates his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, and is a comrade of John T. Ferguson Post. He is an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal church and in his daily life endeavors to practice the teachings of Christianity. He votes for the candidates of the republican party and has been prominent in political councils. He was always diligent in business and in investing his capital displayed good judgment and now has his reward, as he has an assured income. He makes and retains friends and is highly respected wherever known.

Adgate Ward Collins – page 313

Adgate Ward Collins was associated with his brother, S. L. Collins, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, in mercantile business in Knoxville for a number of years and was also closely identified with banking circles in this county as president of the Knoxville National Bank, which he aided in organizing. He was a pioneer of the county and witnessed the marvelous changes of the past half century brought about here. He was born in Richland county, Ohio, October 30, 1821, a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Adgate) Collins, natives of Springfield, Massachusetts, and Bloomfield, Ontario county, New York, respectively. Their marriage occurred in New York and they subsequently removed to Coshocton county, Ohio, and later to Muskingum county, that state.

Adgate W. Collins learned the potter’s trade, which he followed for a short time. In 1852 he came to Marion county, Iowa, and resided here for more than fifty years, or until 1906, his death occurring on the 18th of April of that year. Soon after coming to this county he located upon a farm near Knoxville and in the early years of his residence here he was engaged in merchandising with this brother, S. L. Collins. He was also president of the Knoxville National Bank, of which he was one of the organizers, and was at the head of the institution until his retirement from business. He achieved greater success than does the average man and was known as one of the prosperous citizens of his county. He was successful as a farmer, merchant and financier and his labors were part of those forces which made for the development of his locality.

In 1846 Mr. Collins was married to Miss Susan Cecilia Olive and they had five children, the three eldest of whom were born in Ohio, the younger ones being natives of this state. Chester Llewellyn, a judge residing at Bay City, Michigan, married Miss Sarah Miller and has two daughters, Emily and Susan. Mina Ellen married John Reed, of Knoxville, Iowa. Emma Jane is the widow of Dr. W. K. Sloan and resides at Moline, Illinois. She has two children, Dr. Chester C. Sloan and Mrs. Clara O. Page. David Olive passed away in 1885, at the age of thirty-one years. He was a lawyer by profession. His son, Ward Olive, is a consulting engineer residing in Chicago. Susan married J. L. Broderick, of Elkhart, Indiana, and passed away in 1896, leaving a daughter, Mrs. Isabelle Rust, of Northampton, Massachusetts. The mother of these children died and Mr. Collins married Miss Sarah Jane Lewis, who was born in 1837 at West Jefferson, Madison county, Ohio, and passed to her reward on the 18th of October, 1913. To this union were born four children: Wilson Lewis, who died in July, 1912, when fifty years of age, at Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he was engaged in the banking business; Frank Weldon, who died in infancy; Bertha L., now Mrs. Walter Brown of Los Angeles, California; and Prudence W., who resides in Knoxville.

Mr. Collins became a member of the Methodist church in early life and was active in securing the new building for the First Methodist Episcopal church here. He was a republican in his political views but never sought office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business interests. These he managed with ability and at the same time that he gained material prosperity he won the unqualified regard of those who were brought in close contact with him.

Saxton La Fayette Collins – page 356

In the demise of Saxton La Fayette Collins, which occurred on Friday evening, August 19, 1904, Knoxville lost one of the men who were prominent in the organization and control of her banking institutions. He was a man of marked financial and executive ability and left his impress upon the business life of the city.

He was born in Richland county, Ohio, December 12, 1830, a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Adgate) Collins, and spent his early life upon his father’s farm. He attended the public schools in the winters and was also for one term a student at the Bellville (Ohio) high school. In 1850, when a young man of twenty years, he accompanied his brother, A. W. Collins, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, to Tipton, Cedar county, Iowa, and there worked for a year upon a farm, receiving fifty cents per day in return for his labor. He did the hardest kind of farm work, splitting rails, making fence, breaking the prairie and many other things. In 1852 he and his brother located in Knoxville and engaged in the mercantile business. In May, 1856, he opened a store in company with others at Gosport and continued in business as a merchant until 1865, when he sold out his interests in that line and, owing to failing health, removed to a farm. In 1871 he became an organizer of the Knoxville National Bank and was for some years its largest stockholder. In 1883, in company with his sons, La Fayette S. and Grant, he engaged in merchandising and in 1885 they purchased the Earlville & Knoxville Coal Company and in 1889 established the S. L. Collins Oil & Tank Line. In 1891, together with J. Ramey, La Fayette S. Collins, L. O. Donnelly, A. J. Hanna and others, he organized the Citizens National Bank. In 1901 he was one of the incorporators of the Peoples Savings Bank of Albia, Iowa, among his associates being B. P. Castner, L. S. Collins and L. B. Myers. In 1903 Mr. Collins of this review was instrumental in founding the Iowa State Savings Bank and served as president for a number of years. He was the largest stockholder in all of the banks in which he was interested and was one of the most powerful men in local financial circles.

In 1854 Mr. Collins was united in marriage with Miss Lavinia M. James, of Ohio, who passed away on the 4th of October, 1860. To them were born three children: Clinton A., now a resident of Wahoo, Nebraska; Mrs. Alice E. Gilson, who passed away at Holyoke, Colorado, in 1899; and Delphine, who died in infancy. On the 4th of October, 1864, Mr. Collins was joined in wedlock with Miss Anna Thompson, of Center county, Pennsylvania. She was born there in 1841, a daughter of Elias and Rebecca (McKain) Thompson, of English and Scotch parentage respectively. Her father died in 1848 but her mother survived him for many years. She passed away more than three decades ago. To them were born seven children and a sister of Mrs. Collins is still residing in the Keystone state. As her father died when she was but seven years of age, Mrs. Collins was reared by a family named Ferguson and in 1861 accompanied them to this state. She taught school several years in Marion county before her marriage and has resided at or near Knoxville for more than fifty years, being highly esteemed in the county. She is a faithful and active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. To Mr. and Mrs. Collins were born the following children: La Fayette S., a resident of Knoxville; Grant, who is connected with the Cedar Rapids Oil Company at Cedar Rapids; Mrs. N. H. McCorkle, of Mountain View, California; June, now Mrs. E. O. Ames and a resident of Omaha; Belle, who married R. H. Jacobs, of New York city; Scott, associated with his brother Grant in the Cedar Rapids Oil Company; Joy, who is employed in the Citizens Bank of Knoxville; Anna, who died in 1870; and Hope, whose demise occurred in 1893.

Mr. Collins was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church from 1853 until his death and contributed liberally of his means to its support, while he was always willing to give his time and efforts to the furtherance of its plan. In 1895, when the present fine church structure was erected, he was a member of the building committee. For several years he served on the board of trustees of the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant and in this way aided the cause of Christian education. In 1858 he became an Odd Fellow and from 1861 was a past grand in that organization, always taking a great interest in its affairs. Although ten years have passed since the death of Mr. Collins his influence is still strongly felt in the financial life of his city and his many friends cherish his memory as they knew him to be a man of high purpose and fine achievement.

Harry H. Conrey – page 231

Harry H. Conrey, a well known contractor and builder of Knoxville, is a native of this city, born on the 25th of February, 1868. His parents, George W. and Emily F. (Harding) Conrey, were natives of Hamilton county, Ohio, and Indiana respectively. The father came to this county in 1854, settling at Spring Hill upon a farm, where he lived for some years. He returned to Ohio and resided there for a time but came again to this county, where he lived until his death, which occurred when he was forty-five years of age. He was a carpenter by trade. The mother came to Marion county with her parents when a young girl and was here married. She is living in Knoxville at the age of seventy years. She became the mother of two sons and a daughter, but the subject of this review is the only one living. After the death of Mr. Conrey she was again married, but her second husband has also passed away.

Harry H. Conrey was educated in the public schools of Knoxville and learned the carpenter’s trade in his youth. Although the greater part of his life has been devoted to following his trade, he farmed for a number of years in this county and also for some time in Nebraska. Since 1911 he has concentrated his energies upon contracting and building and has erected a number of the better houses in Knoxville. He is not only himself an excellent and painstaking workman, but also requires that all men in his employ be skillful and conscientious in their work. He is very efficient in his business; erects a building that will endure for many years and completes it at the time stipulate in the contract. His energy and ability have made him widely known and he has prospered financially.

Mr. Conrey married Miss Lola Collins, a niece of La Fayette Collins, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. To this union three children have been born: Forest, Frances and Fred, all in school. The eldest is a native of Nebraska and the others of Knoxville. Mrs. Conrey is a member of the Christian church, while the children attend the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Conrey is a republican in his political belief and has served as a member of the city council. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic order and his wife is a Rebekah. Their residence, which is at No. 421 First street, is commodious and well planned and friends of the family often meet there. Mr. Conrey has transacted business with many, but there is no one who can accuse him of unjust treatment, as he invariably lives up the highest standards of business ethics and deals justly with all.

Sampson Cooper – page 237

Sampson Cooper, deceased, was for many years a well known and representative farmer of Union township and when he passed away, when about seventy-one years of age, his death was deeply deplored by many of his friends and neighbors. He was born in North Carolina on the 12th of December, 1835, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Cooper. His parents, however, died when he was but a small boy and he always had to make his own way in the world from that time forward. He cast his lot with Iowa’s pioneer settlers at an early period in the development and progress of the state. His attention was given to farm work until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when his patriotic spirit was aroused and prompted his enlistment for service at the front. He joined Company E, Sixth Iowa Infantry, and was honorably discharged at Springfield, Missouri, on account of ill health, after which he returned to his home.

It was on the 8th of December, 1862, that Mr. Cooper was united in marriage to Miss Lydia M. Goodwin, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Vinson and Elizabeth (Empson) Goodwin. The father came to Iowa in 1850 and developed the farm in Union township, on which Mr. and Mrs. Cooper lived. Mr. Goodwin remained in Marion county to the time of his death, being classed with its representative citizens and progressive farmers. Here he reared his family, which numbered five children, two of whom are yet living. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cooper were born six children, the eldest, who died in infancy; Mary E., also deceased; W. V.; G. G., a resident of Nebraska; Carl W., who has departed this life; and Cora, the wife of Clark Stewart, of Buxton, Iowa.

Mr. Cooper followed the occupation of farming and brought his land under a high state of cultivation, while annually he gathered good harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestowed upon the fields. He passed away on the 28th of August, 1906. Mrs. Cooper owns one hundred acres of land in Union township and a fine residence in Hamilton. She has a wide acquaintance in this county and her circle of friends is almost coextensive therewith. She and her husband traveled life’s journey together for almost forty-five years and his death came as an irreparable loss to his family.

Reuben Core, Sr. – page 123

Reuben Core, Sr., owns and operates a quarter section of fine land on section 9, Union township, and also holds title to four hundred and fifty acres in Red Rock and Polk townships, which he rents to others, and is one of the representative agriculturists of the county. He was born in Ross county, Ohio, October 25, 1848, a son of Isaac and Sarah (Himes) Core. The father was born in Maryland in 1799 and the mother’s birth occurred in Ohio. She died when the subject of this review was a small boy. The father came to Iowa in 1854 and purchased land, increasing his holdings until he was the owner of four hundred acres. He passed away in January, 1874, when about seventy-five years of age. He was a republican in his political belief and took a citizen’s interest in public affairs. He and his wife had nine children, four of whom survive. The subject of this review is the youngest in the family and at the time of his father’s removal to Iowa was but a small boy of six years.

Reuben Core, Sr., received the greater part of his education in the country schools here. The schoolhouses were primitive at the time and the modern desks and seats were represented by simple slabs of wood. The schoolhouse itself was built of logs and there was school only a few months in the winter. Mr. Core began aiding with the farm work as soon as large and strong enough to do so and in this way he gained a practical knowledge of agriculture and was an efficient farmer by the time that he was grown. Upon starting out in life for himself he engaged in the mercantile business for four years, but after his marriage, which occurred in 1879, he began farming on his own account. He has since devoted his energies to agriculture and has attained marked success in that line. He cultivates one hundred and sixty acres of land in Union township, where he has resided for about thirty-five years, and also owns four hundred and fifty acres in Red Rock and Polk townships, which he leases. For a number of years he raised full blooded Aberdeen Angus cattle but at present has no registered stock. He formerly fed stock extensively, having usually from seventy-five to one hundred head of cattle on the place. He does general farming and his knowledge of efficient methods, his energy and good management insure him handsome profits annually. He has made most of the improvements upon his place, which is well developed, and has about four acres of orchard, including apple, peach, pear, cherry and plum trees.

Mr. Core was married in 1879 to Miss Catherine Johnson, a daughter of Peter M. and Eliza (Girard) Johnson. The father was born in Ohio in 1819. He was a successful physician and well known in his locality. His demise occurred in 1881. His wife, who was born in Ohio, died in 1860. Mrs. Core was born in Iowa in April, 1857, and in this state her parents had been married about fifteen years before. Her father was married four times and had fourteen children, she being the ninth in order of birth. To Mr. and Mrs. Core were born ten children: Maude, who married B. F. Franks of Marion county; Clarence C., who married Gertrude McGraw of Marion county; Lyde, who married J. R. McGraw; Forest E., deceased; Grace, at home; Blaine, who married Naomi Shawrer; and Reuben, Hazel, Dale and Bernice, all at home.

Mr. Core has supported the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he has taken an active part in public affairs. He has served as assessor, trustee, road supervisor and is at present upon the school board. He has also been a delegate to a number of county republican conventions. In his religious faith he is a Methodist and the integrity of his life is the best testimony to the sincerity of his religious belief.

Thompson Craig – page 116

Possibly no man alive today in Marion county has seen greater changes in the community than Thompson Craig, who for sixty years has lived here, an interested witness and an active participant in the work of transformation that has brought the county out from a pioneer environment and secured for it all of the advantages and opportunities of modern civilization. He was born in Fayette county, Ohio, December 24, 1826, and has therefore passed the eighty-eighth milestone on life’s journey. His parents were John and Sarah Ann Craig, who reared a family of five children, all of whom are now deceased save the subject of this review. The parents lived and died in Ohio, leaving their son Thompson an orphan when he was but six years of age.

He was early thrown upon his own resources and worked as a farm hand in Highland county, Ohio, until he reached the age of fifteen, when he sought the opportunities of the new and growing west, finally arriving in Marion county, Iowa, in 1854. A brother had come to the county a short time before and had entered from the government all of section 6, Indiana township, for five men. Of this Thompson Craig received one hundred and twenty acres and upon the farm has resided continuously since, devoting his life to general farming and stock-raising. As the years passed on he converted the wild prairie land into rich and productive fields. He had to perform the arduous task of breaking the sod and many other difficult labors incident to the development of a new farm. When he arrived here the county was largely unimproved, some of the now thriving towns and villages had not yet sprung into existence and the county seat was but little more than a hamlet. One could ride for miles over the territory without coming to a fence or habitation to impede his progress, but the value of the country was becoming recognized and soon notable changes occurred, for settlers came to claim the wild land, which soon passed from the hands of the government into the possession of individuals and was converted into rich farms. Mr. Craig used practical methods in carrying on the farm work and in the course of time gathered abundant harvests as a reward for his labors.

On the 25th of October, 1849, occurred the marriage of Mr. Craig and Miss Judith Painter, a daughter of John and Phoebe (De Poy) Painter, who lived and died in Ohio. They had a family of nine children, all of whom have passed away with the exception of Mrs. Craig, who by her marriage became the mother of eleven children, namely: Eli A. and Henry S., both of whom are deceased; John O.; Samuel A.; Emma R., the wife of Joseph Geisinger; William S.; Della, the widow of Joseph Jenkins; Benjamin Franklin; Thomas Arman, who died at the age of two years; May, the wife of J. Jenkins; and Noka Valentine.

In his political views Mr. Craig has always been a republican since the organization of the party but has never sought nor desired office and has never served in a public position save that of school director. His time and energies have been concentrated upon his farming interests and his home place today bears no resemblance to the claim upon which he settled more than six decades ago. He and his wife made the journey westward by wagon, ofttimes having to ford the streams. Many of the homes in this locality were log cabins and the work of progress and development seemed scarcely begun. There was a spirit of helpfulness, however, that bound the early settlers close together. They had many mutual interests and they were always willing to assist one another, while the spirit of hospitality reigned supreme. In the years which have come and gone Mr. and Mrs. Craig have enjoyed the friendship of all with whom they have come in contact and they are today numbered among the most highly esteemed and venerable couples of the county, sixty-five years having passed since they started out on life’s journey together as man and wife.

William F. Crew, M. D. – page 255

Dr. William F. Crew is well known in Pella and Marion county, where he has practiced medicine for a number of years. He is an able physician and surgeon and has an especially creditable record in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, in which he has specialized to some extent. In his early manhood he taught school and from 1896 to 1900 filled the office of county superintendent of schools for Marion county.

The Doctor was born in this county on the 1st of May, 1872, a son of William and Martha (Workman) Crew, both natives of Highland county, Ohio, where their marriage occurred. In 1866 they removed to Marion county, Iowa, and purchased land near Red Rock, where they resided until their deaths. The father passed away in 1885, having survived his wife for eleven years, her demised occurring in 1874. To them were born eight children, four sons and four daughters. Those living are: Mrs. John Templeton, the wife of a farmer; J. M., who is following agricultural pursuits in this county; Ellen, the wife of Dr. F. M. Roberts, of Honeywell, Missouri; and William F.

The last named acquired his early education in the public schools in the neighborhood of his home, and continued his academic work in the Central University of Iowa at Pella. In 1903 he was graduated from the school of pharmacy of the Valparaiso University at Valparaiso, Indiana, and in 1904 received his medical degree from Barnes Medical College at St. Louis. He first located for practice in Ralston, Iowa, where he remained for two and a half years, after which he removed to Lorimor, Iowa. He resided there for five years and then did post-graduate work in Chicago. In December, 1911, he came to Pella and has since remained in this city, where he enjoys a large general and special practice. He belongs to the state and county medical societies and to the American Medical Association and finds these organizations invaluable as a means of keeping abreast with the discoveries that are constantly being made in the science of medicine and with the improved methods which are being worked out in its practice. Although he has only resided in Pella for three years, he has gained the confidence of the general public and of his colleagues as well, and his advice is often sought by his brother practitioners upon doubtful points.

In 1903 Dr. Drew was married to Miss Florence Stuart, a daughter of Dr. John and Mary (Grafty) Stuart, natives of Canada, who came to Pella about 1889. For many years Dr. Stuart was president of the Central University of Iowa, which is located at Pella, but is now engaged in the practice of medicine at Monon, Indiana. To Dr. and Mrs. Crew have been born three children, Mary E, Robert Stuart, and Martha Louise. The family belong to the Baptist church and the integrity of their daily lives is the best proof of the sincerity of their religious faith. The Doctor is a democrat in his political views and fraternally belongs to the Knights of Pythias. Those who have once been admitted to intimate friendship with him remain his loyal and enthusiastic friends, as close acquaintance but more fully reveals the genuineness of his character and his many admirable traits.

Charles N. Crouch – page 125

Charles N. Crouch is now engaged in the real-estate and insurance business in Knoxville but was formerly a farmer and stock dealer of the county. He was born in Mason county, West Virginia, October 23, 1851, a son of William and Emily (Hayes) Crouch. Upon both sides of the house he is of German descent. His father came to Marion county on the 10th of May, 1856, and purchased a small farm in Polk township. He disposed of this and during the years that he resided here bought and sold farms several times. He was successful as an agriculturist and gained a competence by his labor. He passed away in 1898 and was survived by his wife for six years, her demise occurring in 1904. Both were members of the Baptist church and people of estimable qualities of character and he aided materially in the erection of the First Baptist church structure at Cold Ridge. Their children number ten, seven sons and three daughters.

Charles N. Crouch attended the public schools as a boy and thus acquired a serviceable education. He engaged in farming after arriving at mature years and was thus occupied until 1899. He paid special attention to raising and dealing in live-stock, breeding Black Polled cattle and Jersey Red hogs. He traded extensively in livestock and found it a very profitable occupation. On the 2d of December, 1899, he removed to Knoxville and has since engaged in the real-estate and insurance business in this city. He buys and sells farms and his practical experience as an agriculturist has proven of great value to him in this connection. He also makes loans and as he is judicious in the placing of money has throughout the years that he has been engaged in business suffered very little loss either of principal or interest. His success enables him to rank among the representative business men of the city and he has gained the confidence of those with whom he has dealt because of his fairness and strict integrity.

On Christmas day, 1873, Mr. Crouch was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Smith, of Marion county, a daughter of Charles and Mary Smith, who came to this county from Ohio in 1856. Her father was engaged in farming during his active life. Mr. and Mrs. Crouch have an adopted daughter, Ruth, who is now eight years of age. Mr. Crouch and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are active in its work and he is captain of the gospel team that holds meetings in various places in the county and thus stimulates church activity. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is always stanch in his support of its principles. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has filled all of the chairs in the local subordinate lodge. The life of Mr. Crouch has measured up to the principles of justice and brotherly kindness which he professes and he is accorded that respect which sincerity always commands.

Cambridge Culbertson – page 192

Cambridge Culbertson has the distinction of having served Knoxville as its mayor for five terms and the record which he has made in office is best attested by his frequent reelection. His service has not been continuous but after his retirement from the position his fellow townsmen, thinking of the excellent work which he had done as the city’s chief executive, again called him to the office, in which he is the present incumbent. Efficiency, loyalty and a public spirit that subordinates personal aggrandizement to the general welfare have been the crowning points in his career as mayor.

Mr. Culbertson was born in Kentucky, May 28, 1845, a son of Cambridge and Charlotte (Jones) Culbertson, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Tennessee respectively. The paternal grandfather, John Culbertson, was likewise born in the Keystone state and was of Scotch-Irish descent. Three brothers of the name came from the north of Ireland prior to the Revolutionary war and established their home in Pennsylvania, and through the period of hostilities with the mother country the great-grandfather of our subject served as inspector general of the Pennsylvania troops. Both the grandfather and the father of Cambridge Culbertson of this review engaged in the manufacture of pig iron in Pennsylvania. Later the father carried on a similar business in Kentucky and in the late ‘40s he removed to Ohio, where he continued in the same line of activity to the time of his death.

His son, Cambridge Culbertson, now of Knoxville, acquired a public-school education and also attended a preparatory school in Marietta, Ohio. He afterward learned telegraphy and joined the United States Military Telegraph Corps in 1862, remaining in connection therewith until December, 1865. He served with the Army of the Cumberland and later with the Army of the Potomac and at different times was stationed at Cairo, Illinois, Memphis, Vicksburg, Nashville and Chattanooga. He also started with Sherman on the march to the sea but discontinued ere the coast was reached. He went into the Department of the Potomac with five others and on the 25th of March, 1865, Mr. Culbertson opened an office in the field for General Grant. He sent the dispatches from General Grant that moved the army into Richmond and Petersburg and while at the front he met President Lincoln. He was a cipher operator and it would be impossible to overestimate the worth of his work. Because of the fact that he was sending dispatches continuously he was in touch with every detail of the operations when Lee surrendered and knew of the surrender long before the news was received in the north. He saw General Lee after he had given over his army to General Grant and says that the intrepid leader of the southern forces was heartbroken. Mr. Culbertson was left at Petersburg and was there when Lincoln was assassinated. He carried the first message of the news into Petersburg. Later he was transferred to Fortress Monroe, where he handled the correspondence relating to the disposal of Jefferson Davis, the orders being transmitted over his wire. Davis was incarcerated on Fortress Monroe and was put in irons while in prison for striking his guard, this being done by order of General Miles, but Secretary Stanton had the irons removed, so that he was only left in irons for a few hours. Mr. Culbertson was afterward sent to Memphis, where he remained as telegraph operator until the conditions of civil life were established in December, 1865. He spent the succeeding winter in New Orleans and during the winter of 1866 was in Atlanta. Mr. Culbertson’s association with Thomas A. Edison during the Civil war is one of his most pleasant reminiscences. While acting manager of the Cairo office of the telegraph company he hired young Edison as an operator and from then on they were thrown together and became intimate chums. They again met forty years later in New York city at a banquet and reunion of the United States Military Telegraph Society and the occasion was one of mutual pleasure.

After receiving his honorable discharge Mr. Culbertson returned to Ohio and in 1868 went to Missouri, where he remained until 1875, when he came to Marion county, where he engaged in teaching school for several years. In 1892 he established his home in Knoxville, where he engaged in the real-estate and loan business. His value and popularity as a citizen were indicated in the fact that in the following year he was elected mayor of Knoxville and made such an excellent record that he was reelected for a second term. He resigned, however, in 1896 in order to take charge of the Industrial Home for the Blind, which he superintended until 1900, when it was closed by order of the state legislature. In 1909 he was reelected mayor of Knoxville and in 1910 was appointed supervisor of the census for the seventh congressional district of Iowa. Again he was chosen mayor of the city in 1911 and once more, in 1913, so that he has held the office of mayor for five terms. For a number of years he was chairman of the republican county central committee, but is now a non-partisan, believing in progress in politics as in everything else. He takes great pride in Knoxville and her upbuilding and works untiringly for her benefit.

Mr. Culbertson lost his arm during his service at the front and he is the only man in Iowa who is a pensioner of Andrew Carnegie for his service in the Civil war. There was no provision made by congress for pensions to the Telegraph Corps but in 1897 congress recognized the military telegraph operators by giving to each a certificate of honorable service, which entitled the holder to a Carnegie pension. In 1861 Mr. Carnegie was assistant superintended of the Pennsylvania Central Railway and, moreover, he was a telegrapher by profession. It was he who received the first order from the government for four operators for the war and thus was started the United States Telegraph Corps for military service.

In 1880 Mr. Culbertson was married to Miss Mary F. Morris, of this county, a daughter of Andrew J. Morris, and they became the parents of two children: Bunnie Iona, who died at the age of eleven; and Mrs. A. C. West, of Marion county.

Fraternally Mr. Culbertson is connected with the Red Men and with the Modern Woodmen of America, and his religious faith is that of the Methodist church. High and honorable in his purpose, he has never deviated from what his judgment has dictated as right between himself and his fellowmen. There is an utter lack of self-seeking in his official service. At all times he is guided by the high civic spirit which seeks the benefit of the majority, while in social relations he has won many warm friends as the result of his unfeigned cordiality and genuine worth.

Edward H. Cummings – page 256

Edward H. Cummings for a number of years has lived in Knoxville in quiet retirement from the cares of active life. He was born in Clay township, this county, October 26, 1860, a son of Hugh and Agnes (Loynachan) Cummings, both natives of Argyleshire, Scotland. The father went to Ohio when about twenty-one years of age and was married to Miss Loynachan near Marietta, that state, she having emigrated to this country with her parents a number of years before. In the ‘50s they left Ohio and removed to Iowa, setting in Clay township, this county. The father secured a fine farm and resided there until his death, which occurred July 14, 1899, when he was seventy-nine years of age. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and a republican in his political belief. His wife was a daughter of David Loynachan and was also a Presbyterian. She died October 30, 1899, when seventy-five years old. To them were born nine children, eight of whom survive, the youngest having died when a child. Those living are: Isabel, the wife of John Dunlap, of Ulysses, Nebraska; Robert, of Fremont, that state; David, residing in Pella, this county; Mrs. Barbara Weir, of Longmont, Colorado; Mrs. Nettie Beard, who is a widow and makes her home in Knoxville, Iowa; Edward H., of this review; William, residing upon the home farm in Clay township; and Mrs. Sarah McVey, who also resides in Clay township.

Edward H. Cummings was reared in his native township and remained at home until he attained his majority. He then removed to Knoxville township and began farming there and so continued until he retired. He had but a small amount of capital when he began his independent business career and the first residence upon his farm was only a log house. The necessity of enduring hardships and of living frugally did not dismay him, however, and as he was industrious and enterprising and a man of sound judgment his resources steadily increased and he became prosperous and well-to-do. He gave especial attention to the raising of stock, breeding registered Polled Angus cattle and also Poland China hogs of good grade. He was recognized as one of the up-to-date and prosperous stockmen of the county. He still owns a farm of one hundred and forty-seven acres of land as well as his residence in Knoxville.

Mr. Cummings was married in this county in February, 1884, to Miss Rachel McClain, who was born in Knoxville on the 21st of August, 1861, a daughter of James and Martha (Huron) McClain. Her parents, natives of Kentucky and Indiana respectively, removed from the Hoosier state to Wapello county, Iowa, where they were numbered among the early settlers, and subsequently came to Knoxville. They eventually located upon a farm in Knoxville township, where the lived until called to their final rest. Here the father died in December, 1910, aged seventy-four years, having survived his wife for almost a year, her demise occurring January 13, 1910. Mr. McClain had three children by a former marriage, Martha, Sarah, and Rosetta, the last named being deceased. Seven children were born of his second union, namely: Mrs. Mary Dennis, of Park Rapids, Minnesota; Mrs. Cummings; Eli and George, both farmers of Knoxville township, this county; Rilla, deceased; and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Cummings was reared in this county and is indebted to the public schools for her education. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children. Roy, who was born December 25, 1884, is operating the home farm. He married Miss Dessie Whitlatch and they have one son, Raymond, aged five years. Fay, born February 16, 1891, is a school teacher in the county. Beryl, born August 7, 1898, and Hugh, whose birth occurred March 10, 1904, are both at home. Mrs. Cummings is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Cummings is a republican in politics and fraternally belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife is a member of the Rebekahs. His life has always conformed to high standards of conduct, and he enjoys the respect and good-will of his fellowmen.

J. D. Cunningham – page 15

A native son of Marion county, J. D. Cunningham has passed his entire life here and has for many years been actively identified with stock-raising interests. He resides in Knoxville, where his birth occurred in December, 1865. His parents were Howard T. and Sarah (Boydston) Cunningham, natives respectively of Rockville, Indiana, and Mount Morris, Greene county, Pennsylvania. The birth of the father occurred in April, 1842, and that of the mother in October, 1844. They were married in February, 1865, in Knoxville, Iowa. The father came here about 1854 and engaged in the hardware business but was also much interested in stock-raising and was the first breeder of Poland China hogs in this county. He later dealt in fast horses. On the 1st of July, 1862, he enlisted at Corinth, Mississippi, in the Fifteenth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, as fife major, under the command of Colonel H. W. Reid. He was given his honorable discharge on the 17th of December, 1864, at Kings Bridge, Georgia, and returned to Knoxville, where he resided for many years, passing away in October, 1904. In his family were three children: J. D., of this review; Mary, the wife of G. W. Baxter, of Denver; and Louise, who married P. H. Donnelly, also of Denver.

J. D. Cunningham was reared in Knoxville and attended the elementary and high schools of this city. Early in life he began to help his father with the care of his fine horses and has never lost his interest in the breeding and raising of horses. The home place comprises ten acres of land in the outskirts of Knoxville and there he raises big type Poland China hogs. As before stated his father was the pioneer breeder of Poland China hogs in the county and Mr. Cunningham of this review profited largely form his experience. He is very successful and the sale of his stock brings him a good return annually. He also owns a number of fine trotting horses.

Mr. Cunningham was married on the 2d of December, 1896, to Miss Hester Amos, a daughter of J. M. Amos, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. They have two children: Howard born February 7, 1898, who is attending the Knoxville high school; and Phillip, born November 22, 1900, a pupil in the Knoxville public schools. Fraternally Mr. Cunningham belongs to Knoxville Lodge, No. 72, K. P., and in politics he is a democrat. He has many sincere friends who have known him from boyhood and who recognized him as a man of sterling character.

M. L. Curtis – page 363

M. L. Curtis has been associated with journalism, with the exception of little more than a year, ever since leaving college and in the intervening fifteen years has added wide experience to his excellent general training and is now one of the most able men associated with the press of the smaller cities of the state. He owns a half interest in the Knoxville Journal, which is a publication of wide circulation and of a high standard throughout.

Mr. Curtis was born in this county on the 6th of January, 1876, a son of Joshua and Margaret E. (Andrews) Curtis, both natives of Ohio. The paternal grandfather, Truman Curtis, was also born in the Buckeye state but eventually became a resident of Iowa, although his arrival was subsequent to that of his son Joshua. Truman Curtis, a cabinet maker by trade, opened a shop at Knoxville in 1859 and continued to reside in this city until his death. The family is of English descent. Joshua Curtis came to Knoxville in 1850 and opened a wagon and blacksmith shop. In 1862 he enrolled in the Union army, becoming a member of Company A, Thirty-third Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served until the end of the war, holding the rank of sergeant during the last of his term of enlistment. After the close of hostilities he returned to this county and began farming, so continuing during the remainder of his active life. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his political allegiance was given to the republican party. On the 4th of October, 1894, he passed away but his widow survives and lives in Knoxville. To their union were born five children: one who died in infancy; George, a farmer of this county; Charles E., a resident of Knoxville; Frederick, who is a farmer of this county and who is married and has three children; and M. L., of this review.

The last named received his elementary and secondary education in the public schools of the county, graduating from the Knoxville high school, and he subsequently entered the State University of Iowa, completing a course there in 1899 and receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In April, 1898, at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, during his term at the university, being a member of Company D, Fifty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Mr. Curtis left school, joined his company and accompanied his regiment to San Francisco. He was a sergeant. After being mustered out, March 4, 1899, on account of physical disability, he returned to school and graduated with honors in his class. His high scholarship also won him election to Phi Beta Kappa, a national fraternity formed for the purpose of fostering a love of learning. For a year and a half he taught school in Knoxville and then, deciding that better opportunities for advancement were to be found in other fields, he purchased an interest in the Daily Republican of Boone, Iowa.

In August, 1901, the Iowa Publishing Company, which issued the Boone Daily Republican and the Atlantic Messenger, purchased the Knoxville Journal, of which Mr. Curtis was made manager. He has since been connected with it and in January, 1902, became the sole owner of the paper, buying it from the Iowa Publishing Company, but late in 1903 T. G. Gilson purchased a half interest in the publication. Mr. Curtis is the editor of the paper and his ability to judge of the news value of a happening of local or general interest and his well developed literary sense have been important factors in making the Knoxville Journal one of the best papers of its size in the state. Especial attention is given to the reporting of local happenings but news of a general character is not neglected by any means and the editorials are timely and are clearly and succinctly written. As the paper has a large circulation list and as its subscribers are the representative people of the city and county it is valuable as an advertising medium and is patronized by such by the local merchants.

Mr. Curtis is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and politically is identified with the republican party. He is an enthusiastic Mason and has been prominently identified with Masonic circles in this part of Iowa. He is a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 61, A. F. & A. M.; Tadmor Chapter, No. 18, R. A. M.; Melita Commandery, No. 64, K. T.; Des Moines Consistory, S. P. R. S.; and Za-Ga-Zig Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is also a member of Zabud Council, No. 2, R. S. M. at Oskaloosa. He is a past master of the blue lodge, past high priest of the chapter and past prelate of the commandery. He is a man fitted by natural ability and training for leadership and as editor of the Knoxville Journal he wields no small influence in the public affairs of city and county and this power is always used for the furtherance of the public welfare and the development of the commercial interests of Knoxville. His activities in the councils and affairs of the republican party of an important character. He has always exerted a strong influence in political matters and his value has been recognized by his party, and in the campaign of 1914 he was one of the five men chosen by Senator Cummings personally to manage his senatorial campaign. Mr. Curtis has never sought nor accepted political preferment as an office seeker. He is held in high respect throughout his native county and has many personal friends, who value greatly his good opinion.