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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W. H. Daniels, M. D. – page 173

Dr. W. H. Daniels is one of the younger representatives of the medical profession in Marion county but as a physician of Hamilton has already attained a position that many an older practitioner might well envy. He is one of the native sons of Iowa county, his birth having there occurred on the 7th of January, 1887. His youthful days were passed in that locality under the parental roof. His father, H. B. Daniels, was a native of Vermont, and after arriving at years of maturity he wedded Elizabeth Listenberger, who was born in Indiana. They are still living and yet make their home in Iowa county, where they have reared their family of seven children, six of whom are yet living.

At the usual age Dr. Daniels entered the public schools of his native county and after mastering the branches of learning therein taught he availed himself of his opportunities for further intellectual advancement, entering the University of Iowa, where he pursued a course in medicine and was graduated. He was afterward for one year connected with the government service in an official capacity and in 1912 he came to Hamilton, where he is now located. He has an excellent general practice and is most faithful and conscientious in the discharge of his professional duties. He reads broadly, thinks deeply and keeps in touch with the trend of general improvement along professional lines.

In 1909 Dr. Daniels was united in marriage to Miss Elouise Dillie, who was born in Johnson county, and to them has been born a son, Harrison W., whose natal day was May 16, 1912. Dr. Daniels and his wife attend the Baptist church and fraternally he is connected with the Masonic lodge at Hamilton and with the Royal Arch Chapter at Knoxville. His profession gives him ample opportunity to embody in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft which is based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. He is most loyal to its teachings and along professional lines his efforts are of great worth.

Augustus Allan Davis – page 338

Augustus Allan Davis has been an important factor in the public life of the community, holding various offices, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity, making a most creditable record. Moreover, he is widely known as a successful farmer and stock-raiser, owning three hundred and sixty acres of valuable land on sections 7, 8 and 18, Liberty township. His life has been characterized by intelligently directed industry and thrift and thus he has gained a gratifying measure of success.

Mr. Davis was born in Brown county, Illinois, August 25, 1846, a son of J. B. and Nancy (Bridges) Davis, the former a native of West Virginia and the latter of North Carolina. They were married, however, in Illinois and in the year 1843 the father came to Marion county, Iowa, settling on a farm in Liberty township, which he later entered from the government when the land was placed upon the market and a land office was opened. It was a tract of wild prairie when it came into his possession, not a furrow having been turned nor an improvement made upon it. He did not immediately take up his abode there but returned to Illinois and remained until 1846, when he again came to this county. In the meantime, however, he had made preparation for establishing his home here by building a little log cabin with clapboard roof and doors. When he returned to the farm in 1846 he immediately occupied that pioneer home and at once began the arduous task of breaking the sod and converting the hitherto wild and unproductive land into rich and fertile fields. He carried on general farming with good success until 1882, when he removed to South Dakota, in which state both he and his wife passed away, the former dying in 1899 and the latter in 1900. In their family were eight children, four of whom are living, while the whereabouts of one of the number is unknown.

Augustus A. Davis was but an infant when brought by his parents to Iowa and in the little cabin home his youthful days were passed. As his age and strength increased he assisted more and more largely in the work of the fields and he remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and was married. The lady of his choice was Miss Laura M. Spurling, who was born in Indiana, a daughter of N. E. and Emeline (Higgins) Spurling, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of New York. They removed westward to Ohio and afterward to Indiana and subsequently came to Iowa, establishing their home in this county, where they remained until called to their final rest.

Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Davis began their domestic life on the farm where they now reside. He had previously taught school for several years, his first school being held in one of the oldtime log buildings of pioneer days. He and his wife began housekeeping in a log cabin, which is still standing upon the farm, but only a few years passed ere he was able to secure a more modern and commodious dwelling. Success has attended his efforts as time has passed and, making careful investment of his earnings, he is today the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of valuable land on sections 7, 8 and 18, Liberty township. His fields have been carefully cultivated according to modern methods and thus it has been possible for him to garner annually large and profitable harvest. He has also made a specialty of stock-raising and thus has added materially to his income. Mr. Davis has several mementos of pioneer life, including the broadaxe with which Jeremiah Gullion helped to hew the logs that were used in the building of the first courthouse of this county. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Davis is a director of the Bussey Savings Bank.

To Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been born twelve children: J. W., at home; G. J., Arthur R. and Rose Lee, all now deceased; Ethan, who is a railroad engineer; Ollie S., the wife of Fred Neifert, of this county; Anna, deceased; Nora E., the wife of William Norris; Cora B., who is now teaching school in Bussey; Jeanette, deceased; May, who is teaching in Hamilton, Iowa; and Horace B., who completes the family and is at home.

The parents attend the Baptist church, and Mr. Davis is a member of Gavel Lodge, No. 228, A. F. & A. M., of Attica, Iowa, in which he has filled all of the chairs. Advancing in the York Rite, he is now a member of the Royal Arch Chapter at Knoxville and in his life he exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. In politics he is a democrat and he has been called upon to fill various township offices, making a creditable record by his prompt and faithful discharge of duty. For six years he served as county supervisor, exercising his office prerogatives in support of many measures for the public good. He has likewise served on the school board for a number of years and has done effective work in behalf of the cause of public education. His influence is always on the side of advancement and improvement. He has lived practically his entire life, covering sixty-eight years, in this county and there is no phase of its history with which he is not familiar and no point of its progress in which he has not been interested. He has given his aid to many measures for the public good and at all times has been classed with the public-spirited citizens of Liberty township.

Ernest J. S. Davis – page 377

Ernest J. S. Davis came to this state in 1876 and resided here until his death, which occurred on the 22d of January, 1909. He was a general contractor and builder of Knoxville and erected many of the representative buildings of the city. He was born near the city of Coshocton, in Coshocton county, Ohio, in December, 1853, a son of James R and Rachel (Kimball) Davis, of English and Welsh descent respectively. The father was born in Hertfordshire, England, but came to the United States when a young man and settled in Ohio, where he farmed until his death. In his family were eight sons. The Kimballs are of Colonial stock, the American branch of the family being descended from a second son of a family of that name in England, who emigrated to America in pre-Revolutionary times. The family was represented in the war for independence therefore its members are eligible to the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. The noted piano manufacturers are of the same family. Five of the eight sons born to Mr. and Mrs. James R. Davis are still living. Another, the late C. K. Davis, was for many years a resident of Knoxville and engaged in the grain and stock business. Before coming here he had lived in Idaho for some time and was very active in politics there, serving with credit in the state legislature.

Ernest J. S. Davis was educated at Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, and subsequently followed telegraphy. For a time he was employed by the old Pan Handle Railroad in Ohio in that capacity but on account of his health abandoned that work and engaged in contracting. In 1876 he came west, locating in Knoxville, Iowa, and remained here for more than three decades, building up a large business in his line and becoming known as a thoroughly reliable and successful contractor and builder. The houses which he erected stand as proof of his thoroughness and ability and testify to his life of activity and usefulness.

In 1882 Mr. Davis was married in Madison county, Iowa, to Miss Sarah T. McCleeary, who was born in that county, a daughter of Charles and Mary (Yost) McCleeary, who removed to Madison county from Ohio in pioneer times. The father went to California in 1849 and in 1852 took up his residence in this state. He was an extensive farmer, owning some five hundred acres of land, and was very successful in his agricultural pursuits. He was married in Coshocton county, Ohio, to Miss Mary Yost, who was born in Muskingum county, that state, and they reared eleven children. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis were born two children: Maude, at home, who is a graduate of the Knoxville high school; and Harry, a civil engineer, now with the Portland Cement Company with headquarters at Philadelphia. He travels through several states, acting as advisory engineer for the company. He received his technical training in the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts at Ames, being graduated from that institution with the class of 1909. For three years he was in the Philippines with the government engineering corps. He married a Miss Roberts, of Marathon, Iowa, also a graduate of the college at Ames, and they have two children, Robert Kimball and Katherine, both of whom were born in the Philippines. The family now reside in Knoxville.

Mr. Davis of this review was a republican in his political views and his church membership was in the Methodist Episcopal church. His widow and children are also Methodists. Mrs. Davis and her daughter Maude reside at their home at No. 428 East Montgomery street, and have many friends who regard them highly. Energy, sound judgment and unswerving integrity characterized Mr. Davis throughout his life and not the least of the heritage that he left his children was a name honored and respected by all in his community.

Fred Ora Davis – page 172

Fred Ora Davis, engaged in the real-estate and loan business in Knoxville, with offices in the I. O. O. F. building, was born in 1877 in this county, a son of J. I. Davis, who came to this county in 1876 from West Virginia. The family is of Welsh descent but has been represented in this country for many years. Three brothers emigrated to America before the Revolution and one of the family served in that war. Members of the family have lived in Doddridge county, West Virginia, for over two hundred years. Both the grandfather and father of the subject of this review came to Marion county, Iowa, the former passing away here, while the latter engaged in farming here for many years but for the past seven years has lived in Wyoming. The mother of our subject was in her maidenhood Matilda Jane Wilson, a daughter of James Wilson, also of Doddridge county, West Virginia. She likewise survives. The family are Methodists in religious belief. The brother and sisters of our subject are: Edgar, a farmer of Lucas county, Iowa; Walter, living in Wheatland, Wyoming; L. W.; Lovie, now Mrs. Johnson and a resident of Wyoming; and Ethel, at home.

Fred Ora Davis was reared and educated upon the home farm in this county and early became thoroughly acquainted with the details of agricultural work. Subsequently he mined coal for some time and was also engaged in the mercantile business. In 1903 he removed to Knoxville, where for the past ten years he has been engaged in the real-estate and loan business with offices in the I. O. O. F. building. He handles land in all sections of the county and annually negotiates many transfers of real estate. He has also placed a great many loans and in both branches of his business has been successful. He sometimes has more deals pending than he can give his own attention to and he then employs other men to act as his agents.

Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Annie Benteima, a resident of this county, and to them have been born four children, Bertha, May, Nora and Elmer. Mr. Davis is a republican in his political belief and loyally supports the candidates of that party at the polls. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to all branches of that organization, and is past grand of his lodge. He likewise holds membership in all branches of the Red Men, including the Haymakers Association, and belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose. His wife belongs to the Rebekahs. They own a comfortable home at the corner of Kent and Pleasant streets. Mr. Davis has contributed in no small measure to the development of Knoxville through his real-estate business and also by cooperating as a private citizen with a number of movements that have worked for the welfare of the community.

Stephanus De Kock – page 389

Marion county owes its agricultural development in no small measure to its citizens of Holland birth or descent, among which number is Stephanus De Kock, whose birth occurred at Gelderland, in the Netherlands, December 14, 1838. For a long period he was closely associated with agricultural interests in this section and is now living retired at Pella. His parents, John and Antonia (Van Arendonk) De Kock, were farming people of the Netherlands and in 1856 crossed the Atlantic to America, making their way to Marion county. They established their home upon a farm near Pella and there reared their family of six children, three of whom are yet living; John, a resident of Pella; Arie, living in Jasper county; and Stephanus.

The last named acquired a common-school education in his native country and when in his eighteenth year accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world. He began farming on his own account in Mahaska county, Iowa, in 1865 and there remained for thirty-seven years, or until 1902, when he retired and took up his abode in Pella. As the years passed on he brought his fields to a high state of cultivation and added many modern improvements to his farm. Moreover, the careful management of his business affairs added to his diligence and determination brought to him a very substantial measure of success and he is now enjoying the fruits of former toil in well earned rest. He is the owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and thirty-six acres in Mahaska county and, although now seventy-six years of age, he still gives personal supervision to the property.

Before Mr. De Kock began farming on his own account he had served for three years as a soldier of the Civil war, having been a member of Company G, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry. With that command he went to the front, participating in a number of engagements, and was wounded at the battle of Saline River. At the close of the war he returned home, began his farming operations, and on the 1st of January, 1867, was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Van Zee, a daughter of S. Van Zee, and they have become the parents of nine children: Antonia, the wife of A. De Gest, a resident farmer of Marion county; Stephen S., who married Minnie Tyselling and is engaged in farming in Mahaska county; Julia, the widow of Frank Adair, who was a farmer of the same county; John F., who married Hattie De Jong and is a resident farmer of Sioux county; Artie, who carries on farming in Mahaska county; Cornelia Marie, the wife of Rev. Muller, of West Saville, Long Island; Rebecca, at home; David A., living in Sioux county, Iowa; and Harry B., at home.

The parents are members of the First Reformed church, in which Mr. De Kock has served as deacon for nine years. His political allegiance is given the republican party and he was a member of the board of supervisors of Mahaska county from 1894 to 1898. He acted as school director in Black Hawk township, Mahaska county, for many years and the cause of education found in him a stalwart champion. He belongs to John Hobbs Post, G. A. R., and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. While born across the water it was soon evident that he was becoming thoroughly American in his ideas and proof of this was seen in his service as a soldier in the Civil war. He has always been interested in the welfare and upbuilding of the community in which he makes his home and wherever known he is esteemed for his genuine worth.

Eugene Dennis – page 373

Eugene Dennis is now living retired at Pella, enjoying a leisure justly won by former years of industry and labor, when he gave his undivided attention to the duties of cultivating the fields and caring for stock. He was born at Peapack, New Jersey, on the 20th of May, 1846, a son of Anthony P. and Mary (Cole) Dennis.

Eugene Dennis entered the common schools of New Jersey upon arriving at school age and completed his education in his native state. In August, 1862, at the age of sixteen he enlisted as a drummer boy in answer to the nine months’ call by President Lincoln. He was with Company A, Thirtieth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, and served until given his honorable discharge in June, 1863. He was at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and a number of other engagements. In March, 1867, when a young man of about twenty-one years, he came to Iowa, where his brother, George J. Dennis, had removed in 1866. Upon arriving in this state Mr. Dennis of this review began farming for himself and was so occupied continuously for more than three decades. He followed general farming and his knowledge of practical methods of agriculture made his efforts effective and the sale of his grain and stock brought him a gratifying return. He gained financial independence and in 1900 retired and removed to Pella, where he has since resided.

In July, 1865, Mr. Dennis married Miss Amanda Perry and of the children born to their union six survive: Mary, who married William Butts, of Pella; Charles, who married Mary Gruddes and is now living at Pella; Warren, who is also married and is a carpenter at Fort Dodge; Sherman, superintendent of bridges on the Minneapolis and Portal division of the “Soo” Line; Minnie the wife of J. C. Largent, of Des Moines; and Bessie, the wife of Dr. Talbot, of Pella, a practitioner of veterinary medicine. The wife and mother was called to her last rest in February, 1900, and in 1903 Mr. Dennis married Mrs. Stomaker. He is fraternally affiliated with Albert Hobbs Post, No. 404, G. A. R., of which he is the commander. He owns two hundred and eighty acres of land in Missouri, the Dennis block in Pella and property in Harvey and is one of the well-to-do residents of the city. The number of his friends and the sincerity of their regard for him testify to the worth of his character and the probity of his life.

George W. Derry – page 105

George W. Derry, residing in the village of Columbia, has been a witness of the growth and development of Marion county for many years and can relate many an interesting tale concerning events which figure prominently in the history of this section of the state. He is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in that state January 23, 1843. His parents were Jacob and Eliza (Wilson) Derry, who were also natives of the Buckeye state and were there reared and married, while the mother died in Ohio. The Derry family was represented in that state from early pioneer times. The great-grandfather of our subject was greatly incensed at the Indians because of a massacre of his friends and relatives and swore eternal vengeance on every redskin who crossed his path. He resolved that other white people should not suffer as his friends and relatives had done if he could prevent it, and thus it was that he used every opportunity to exterminate the red men or drive them to districts further west.

In the family of Jacob Derry and his wife were nine children, of whom two died in early life, while two are yet living: George W., of this review; and Mrs. William Swing. The father came to the west in 1868 and settled in Marion county, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in Knoxville about 1898. After losing his first wife he married Anna Ogden and until them were born nine children, so that altogether he had eighteen children. His widow survives and now lives in Knoxville. Mr. Derry was a democrat in politics but never held office nor desired political advancement of any kind. For many years he followed farming in Knoxville township, contributing much toward making it the rich agricultural district which it is today. In his later years he retired and took up his residence in Knoxville, where he remained until called to the home beyond.

George W. Derry was educated in the schools of Ohio, in which state the first seventeen years of his life were passed. He came to Marion county in 1860 and at once started out to earn his own living. He worked as a farm hand for a brief time but watched with interest the progress of events which marked the beginning of the Civil war, and when it was seen that the two sides were very evenly matched and that the question was not to be settled in a short time, he offered his services to the government, enlisting in Company G, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, on the 24th of October, 1861, although a youth of only eighteen years. He was mustered in on the 21st of November for three years’ service and on the 29th of January, 1864, he reenlisted for the remainder of the war. He was promoted to sixth corporal in May, 1864; to fourth corporal on the 1st of August, 1864; and to second corporal on the 1st of January, 1865. On the 24th of July, 1865, he was mustered out at Louisville, having made a most creditable military record through the almost four years of his active service. He participated in the battle of Shiloh, in the siege and battle of Corinth, the hotly contested siege of Vicksburg, the hard-fought battle of Atlanta on the 21st and 22d of July and was again on duty at Atlanta on the 28th of July and through the siege. He was frequently in the thickest of the fight and he never faltered whatever the duty assigned to him.

When the war was over Mr. Derry returned to Marion county and has since followed farming. For seventeen years he carried on general agricultural pursuits in Washington township and for five years he has lived in the village of Columbia. At different times he has lived in various parts of the county but has always depended upon farming as a means of livelihood and of supporting his family comfortably.

On the 13th of August, 1866, Mr. Derry was united in marriage to Miss Mary Allen, a daughter of George and Elizabeth Allen, and to them five children were born, as follows: Katie, the deceased wife of Don Smith; Norah, who gave her hand in marriage to James Myers; Austin and Oscar, twins, the former deceased; and Stella, who is the wife of Frank Harkins. The wife and mother passed away January 30, 1914, leaving a husband and three children to mourn her loss, and her remains were interred in Columbia cemetery.

Mr. Derry is independent in politics but maintains a general interest in public affairs and gives his cooperation to plans and movements for the welfare of his community. Five years ago he retired from active business life and took up his abode in Columbia, where he is now residing, enjoying well merited rest that has come to him as the direct reward of persistent, earnest labor intelligently directed. He has lived in the county continuously for fifty-four years and many are the changes which have occurred during this period – changes which have placed Marion county on a par with the older counties of the state in all that makes for civilization and improvement.

Samuel H. Doughman – page 258

In a history of the leading business men of Marion county, Samuel H. Doughman deserves prominent mention, for he was a leading figure in agricultural and financial circles. As the years passed he prospered in his undertakings and became the owner of five hundred acres of valuable Iowa farm land, and at all times his business methods were such as would bear close investigation and scrutiny. His worth of character won for him high regard and his death was therefore the occasion of deep and widespread regret when on the 11th of October, 1911, he passed away. He was born in Shelby county, Indiana, August 29, 1838, a son of John T. and Abbie (Higgins) Doughman. The family came to Iowa in 1848, casting in their lot with the early residents of Marion county. The father purchased land where the town of Tracy now stands and upon this farm he and his wife spent their remaining days. His entire life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits and he was never an office seeker or office holder. He lived peaceably with his fellowmen, cooperated in movements for the public good and at all times made an unassailable record as a man and as a citizen.

Samuel H. Doughman was a little lad of but ten summers when the family came to Iowa. He attended the district schools and through the period of his boyhood and youth worked with his father upon the home farm. Later he continued to assist in its further development until he reached the age of thirty years but in the meantime responded to the country’s call for troops, enlisting at Oskaloosa in August, 1862, as a member of Company D, Thirty-third Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and serving until the close of the war, when he was mustered out at Oskaloosa with the rank of second sergeant. He was wounded at Jenkins Ferry but always escaped capture and altogether made a most creditable record.

Upon his return home Mr. Doughman resumed farming and in 1868 he completed arrangements for having a home of his own in his marriage on the 18th of October of that year to Sarah Cooper, a daughter of Charles and Maria (Gitchell) Cooper, of Ohio, who arrived here in 1851 and settled on the Knoxville road, four miles west of Tracy. Mr. Cooper entered a quarter section of land and thereon engaged in farming to the time of his death, which occurred in 1886. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Doughman became the parents of four children, as follows: Rose, who is the wife of Nelson Ruple, of this county; John T.; Annie, who gave her hand in marriage to Charles Johnson; and Fannie, the wife of William Graham, of Twin Falls, Idaho.

Following his marriage Mr. Doughman purchased two hundred and seventy acres of partially improved land and to his holdings added from time to time until he became the owner of more than five hundred acres. He was one of the leading agriculturists of Clay township and employed the most progressive methods in tilling the soil and caring for the crops. Extending his efforts in other directions, he became one of the organizers of the Iowa Savings Bank at Tracy and was elected the second president of the institution, filling that position until the time of his death. His early political allegiance was given to the democratic party but later, on account of his pronounced views on the temperance question, he became a stanch prohibitionist. He was a charter member of Bellefontaine Lodge, No. 163, A. F. & A. M., and remained one of its consistent and highly respected representatives until his demise. The following is an excerpt from “Resolutions of Respect” submitted by the committee of Bellefontaine Lodge:

“Resolved, That in the death of Brother Doughman the lodge has lost a member who was well versed in its work, having been a member from its inception and having filled all the important offices with much credit and earnestness * * * That the community has lost a useful citizen, the church an ardent supporter, a man who has perhaps contributed more than any other in the community to charitable and educational purposes.”

Mr. Doughman was a consistent Christian man, holding membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which Mrs. Doughman still belongs. His life was temperate in all things and his record is a credit to the community. He was devoted to his home and to his church and high and honorable principles and ideals guided him in every relation. Those who knew him, and he had an extensive acquaintance, esteemed him highly and those who came within the closer circle of comradeship were glad to call him friend.

James B. Douglass – page 49

James B. Douglass has been successfully engaged in the lumber business at Harvey since 1900 and also holds the office of city assessor, ably and faithfully discharging his duties in that connection. His birth occurred in Iowa City, Johnson county, Iowa, on the 30th of September, 1867, his parents being William and Lucinda (Dent) Douglass, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively. Their marriage was celebrated in Putnam county, Illinois, to which place the mother had removed with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. William Douglass came to Iowa in the early ‘50s and in this state spent the remainder of their lives. To them were born eight children and all are yet living.

James B. Douglass enjoyed the advantages of a college education in his youth and spent the period of his minority under the parental roof. In 1893 he embarked in the lumber business at West Branch, Cedar county, Iowa, there conducting an enterprise of that character until 1900, when he came to Harvey, Marion county. Here he commenced business as a lumber dealer, handling all kinds of building materials. In 1902 he sold out to the Anthes Lumber Company, managing their business. They in turn sold out to the Pauls Lumber Company, Mr. Douglass continuing as manager. His reputation for integrity is unassailable and his well directed efforts have resulted in success. He owns an attractive resident and also some lots in Harvey, where he is well known as an enterprising, progressive and representative citizen.

On the 2d of January, 1895, Mr. Douglass was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Belle Miller, a native of New Jersey and a daughter of Aaron and Nettie (Taylor) Miller, who were born in New Jersey and Iowa respectively. Both have passed away and one of their two children is also deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Douglass have been born four children, as follows: Dent, whose natal day was February 6, 1896, and who is a graduate of the Knoxville high school; Grace E., who was born February 8, 1902, and died January 3, 1903; Hugh T., whose birth occurred November 3, 1903; and Lois B., born November 10, 1906.

In politics Mr. Douglass is a stanch republican and at the present time acts in the capacity of city assessor, making a creditable and commendable record in that connection. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Lodge No. 381, A. F. & A. M.; Chapter No. 18, R. A. M., at Knoxville; and Chapter No. 164, O. E. S. He is likewise affiliated with Lodge No. 199 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and with his family he attends the services of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Douglass is interested in all the principal phases of life in his adopted county and his influence is ever on the side of progress and improvement.

J. Preston Durham – page 90

Among the native sons of Marion county who have been content to spend their lives within its borders, feeling that the opportunities here offered are equal to those to be found elsewhere, is J. Preston Durham, who owns and operates a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 31, Clay township, known as Iola Stock Farm. He was born upon that farm on the 10th of March 1866, a son of David T. and Lucretia Emeline (Evans) Durham. The father was a son of David Durham, who removed to Van Buren county, Iowa, in the early ‘40s, when Iowa was still a territory, and established Durham’s ferry, which he conducted for years. He also owned a farm and was one of the substantial residents of his locality. He passed to his reward about 1866.

His son, David T. Durham, was born at Belfast, Maine, where the first of the family of this country had settled upon their removal here from Belfast, Ireland. In his boyhood David T. Durham accompanied his father to Van Buren county, Iowa, and there grew to manhood. Upon reaching years of maturity he engaged in farming and stockraising and gained a competence thereby. He was a republican and served as county treasurer and also held a number of other local offices, including that of supervisor. He was given higher honor in his election as state representative and later as state senator. He came to this county May 1, 1843, and continued to reside here until his death, on the 17th of November, 1902, when eighty years of age. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lucretia Emeline Evans, was born in Washington county, Indiana, and the city of Evansville was named in honor of her father, John C. Evans, who was an early merchant of that place. In early life, however, he removed to Wapello county, Iowa, and secured a farm on the Monroe county line. He was one of the pioneers of that section of the state and was held in high honor by all who knew him. Mr. and Mrs. Durham were joined in wedlock in Wapello county, Iowa, May 16, 1847, and their married life was a long and happy one. Mrs. Durham died on the 13th of September, 1892, aged sixty-seven years, eight months and eighteen days, in the faith of the Methodist church. To their union were born ten children, of whom the subject of this review is the ninth in order of birth. The others surviving are: Tolford S., a resident of Bristol, Colorado; Mrs. Mary E. Rouze, of Tracy, Iowa; Mrs. Florence Houser, living near Knoxville, this state; Herbert M., of Fairport, Kansas; Mrs. May E. Derby, of Holdrege, Nebraska; and Mrs. Mattie J. Derby, of Yates Center, Kansas. George A. died in 1881, when a young man of thirty-three years. Mrs. Alice Brown died in 1893, in young womanhood. Laura A. died in 1901, when about fifty years of age.

J. Preston Durham grew to manhood in this county and after attending the common schools was a student at the Central University of Iowa, at Pella. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which occurred in 1901, since which time he has farmed independently. His place is one of the best improved quarter sections in Clay township and the excellent condition in which everything is kept adds greatly to the value of the property. Mr. Durham raises both grain and stock and his labor yields him a good financial return annually.

On the 27th of February, 1901, Mr. Durham was married to Miss Julia A. Welch, who was born October 14, 1866, in the northern part of Marion county, her parents being John B. and Harriett (Caufman) Welch, who came form Illinois and Virginia respectively, but were married in Marion county, Iowa, August 30, 1855. The Welch family came originally from Scotland and the Caufmans from Germany. For many years John B. Welch has been engaged in the lumber business and now resides in Oregon at the age of over eighty-three years. His wife, who was a consistent member of the Baptist church, died in January, 1909, when over seventy-nine years of age. They had five children, namely: Harriett E., now the widow of Peter Adams and a resident of Oregon; John R., of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; George L., of Pella, Iowa; Charles W., a railroad man of Des Moines; and Julia A. Previous to her marriage Mrs. Durham taught school for fifteen years, including eleven years in the city schools of Pella, and was very successful in that profession. To Mr. and Mrs. Durham has been born a son, David E., who is nine years old.

Mr. Durham is a republican and has served in a number of local offices, including those of assessor and trustee. He held the former office for two terms and has invariably given the same attention and care to the discharge of his official duties that he gives to the management of his private affairs. The guiding principles of his life are to be found in the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a member, as is also his wife. The esteem of all who know him is his reward for the integrity, fair dealing and kindliness that have always characterized him in his relations with his fellowmen.