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.

M

Francis A. Maddy - page 209

Francis A. Maddy, a worthy native son and enterprising agriculturist of Marion county, is a representative of an honored pioneer family that was established here sixty years ago. His farm, lying on section 16, Indiana township, comprises one hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land, and thereon he has resided continuously since his natal day, February 9, 1862. He is a son of Thomas Maddy and a grandson of Thomas Maddy, Sr., the latter being the first of the name to locate in this county.

Thomas Maddy, Sr., was born in 1797, and on the 8th of February, 1816, in Marion county, West Virginia, wedded Miss Rhoda Miller, whose birth occurred in 1796. He brought his family to this county in 1854 and here he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, encountering all the hardships and privations of existence in a frontier region. Thomas Maddy, Sr., passed away on the 9th of June, 1876, while his wife was called to her final rest October 7, 1861, and both lie buried in the cemetery near our subject's home in Indiana township. Their son Thomas was born in Shelby county, Indiana, on the 7th of August, 1838, and was a youth of sixteen years when the family home was established in Marion county, Iowa. He received a meager education in his native state and continued his studies after coming to this county, though methods of instruction were yet necessarily primitive and schoolhouses crude and few in number. In May, 1861, he wedded Miss Harriet Rogers, a daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Adkinson) Rogers. To them were born the following children: Francis A., of this review; William G.; Samuel T.; Augustus L.; Anna Rebecca; Clara A.; and Nettie, who is deceased. Thomas Maddy, Jr., passed away on the 31st of August, 1909, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which he took a most active and helpful interest. He gave his political allegiance to the republican party, held a number of minor township offices and was much interested in public affairs. His fellow townsmen paid tribute to his genuine personal worth in unqualified confidence and warm regard and he was frequently called upon to settle estates. The period of his residence in this county covered fifty-five years and his loss was deeply felt. His widow, who survives, is also very widely and favorably known throughout the community.

Francis A. Maddy, whose name introduces this review, attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education. General agricultural pursuits have claimed his time and energies throughout his entire business career and he is the owner of a well improved and valuable farm embracing one hundred and twenty acres in Indiana township. Success has attended his undertakings, so that he has been long numbered among the representative and substantial citizens of his native county.

On the 25th of February, 1883, Mr. Maddy was united in marriage to Miss Glycie A. Mason, a daughter of David and Melissa (Tovrea) Mason. Their children are two in number, namely: Grant E., who wedded Miss Stella Van Loon, by whom he has one son, Alvin; and Effie M., the wife of S. J. Rankin, by whom she has one son, William A. In politics Mr. Maddy is a republican. His life has been actuated by a spirit of progress, advancement and improvement and he does everything in his power to promote the moral, intellectual, political and social as well as material welfare of the community in which he makes his home.

James W. Manhardt - page 308

Among the enterprising and reliable dealers in real estate in Knoxville must be numbered James W. Manhardt, who was born on the 18th of May, 1868, in Marion county, a son of Frederick and Sarah (Gregory) Manhardt. The former was born in France but when four years old was brought by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Manhardt, to this country, the family home being established in Pennsylvania, but in 1846 Frederick Manhardt came to Marion county, Iowa. At one time he owned the lot where the Knoxville National Bank now stands, and some idea of the early realty values can be obtained from noting that he received it and two hundred dollars in trade for a span of mules. He made the journey to this county with the Bobst family, who settled at Marysville, where he lived for a time. In his early life he was a carpenter but eventually devoted his time to farming. He passed away in 1906. His wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Sarah Gregory, was born in Indiana, a daughter of James T. and Harriet (Ridlen) Gregory. In 1849, when but a child of four years, she accompanied her parents to this county. Her father entered government land on sections 35 and 36, Clay township, but later removed to a farm in the vicinity of Knoxville, where he lived for many years, and then took up his abode in Knoxville, where he passed away on the 13th of September, 1913. His wife died on the 24th of April, 1914. Their daughter, Mrs. Manhardt, survives. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was Mr. Manhardt, who was a prohibitionist in politics. To their union were born the following children: Mary L., now Mrs. G. E. Gregory and a resident of Kansas; Emma, who is also living in the Sunflower state and is the wife of C. I. Rose; James W., of this review; and Minnie, who married C. A. Koenig, a resident of Knoxville.

James W. Manhardt is indebted to the public schools of the county for his educational advantages and as a boy also learned the principles of farming under the instruction of his father. He followed agricultural pursuits for a number of years after arriving at maturity, but in December, 1901, removed to Knoxville and entered the real-estate business, in which he has since engaged. He has a thorough knowledge of realty values in the county, both as regards town property and farm lands, and has negotiated many important transfers of title. The volume of his business has increased steadily from year to year and yields him a good income.

Mr. Manhardt was married in October, 1891, to Miss Ella V. Druet, a native of this county and a daughter of Dr. S. and Rosa (Abbott) Druet. They were early residents of Davis county, this state, and about 1870 removed to Marysville. They now reside at Anamosa. To Mr. and Mrs. Manhardt were born five children as follows: Charles W., Clara, Minnie, one who died in infancy, and Sarah.

Mr. Manhardt is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and exercises his right of suffrage by supporting the candidates of the republican party. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. He owns two fine farms but rents them to others, concentrating his energies upon his real-estate business, which returns to him gratifying profits. He is one of the well known and highly respected residents of Knoxville, esteemed alike for his business ability and for his integrity of character.

Arthur B. Marsh, a farmer and stock-raiser owning and operating two hundred and ten acres in Knoxville township, is a native son of that township, his birth occurring in the Daniel Marsh home on section 9 on the 28th of July, 1858. A sketch of his father, Daniel Marsh, is found elsewhere in this work.

Arthur B. Marsh has resided in Knoxville township during his whole life and since 1885 has lived upon the farm which is now his home, comprising two hundred and ten acres in sections 8 and 9. His early training as an agriculturist upon the homestead prepared him well for operating his farm and since reaching maturity he has continued to devote his time to the cultivation of the soil and the raising of stock. He is alert and enterprising and well deserved success rewards his industry.

On the 14th of April, 1885, Mr. Marsh was married to Miss Jennie Courtney, who was born in Ohio, January 13, 1860, a daughter of Thomas and Mahala Courtney. The mother, who was born in 1832, is still living at Pleasantville, but the father has passed away. Mrs. Marsh died on the 28th of September, 1911, leaving two children. Ira, born on the 10th of October, 1889, married Miss Artie Brouse, of Knoxville, by whom he has two children, Doris and an infant. Daniel E., born on the 7th of November, 1891, married Miss Carrie Long, a daughter of B. M. Long, a farmer of Knoxville township. The first born, Chester, whose birth occurred on the 21st of April, 1886, died on the 10th of May, 1909.

Mr. Marsh is a republican and is stanch in his support of the policies and candidates of that organization, believing that its success at the polls means the welfare of the country. He has served as township trustee and as school director and is at all times interested in the community welfare. Fraternally he belongs to the Masons, holding membership in the lodge at Knoxville. Since pioneer times the name of Marsh has been intimately associated with the agricultural development of Marion county and the subject of this review has by his successful and upright life added to the esteem in which the family is held here.

Daniel Marsh, who was a well known farmer of Knoxville township, was called to his reward on the 26th of February, 1900, after an illness dating from the 28th of July, 1899, when he was stricken with paralysis. He was born in Washington county, Indiana, on the 9th of August, 1824, of Scotch descent. His parents, Cyrus J. and Elizabeth (Goss) Marsh, passed away in Morgan county, Indiana, the father when Daniel was but a small boy and the mother on the 27th of November, 1857, at the age of sixty-three years. Cyrus J. Marsh was a farmer by occupation and well known in his locality. There were seven sons and three daughters in his family, namely: Osbin, Daniel, Cyrus J., Erasmus, Franklin, Fielden, Martin Luther, Mary, Elizabeth and Catherine. Osbin, the eldest, came to Marion county about 1849 and found the county as yet undeveloped.

When seven years of age Daniel Marsh was taken by his parents to Morgan county, Indiana, and remained there until 1850, when he came to Iowa, joining his brother Osbin in Marion county. He made the journey westward with a party but left his companions at Red Rock, this state, and walked to his brother's home, arriving there on the 10th of May. He continued to reside with his brother until he had entered land of his own and erected a house thereon. He energetically began the improvement of his claim, which was on sections 8 and 9, Knoxville township, and continued to cultivate and develop it during his active life. From time to time, however, he added to his holdings until he owned a large farm which he eventually divided among his children.

On the 14th of October, 1852, Mr. Marsh was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Butcher, who was born near Greencastle, Indiana, on the 21st of July, 1830, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Smith) Butcher. Her father's birth occurred August 6, 1803, and her mother's on the 12th of March, 1805. Mrs. Butcher was called to her reward on the 2d of August, 1832, leaving two children: William, who died on the 11th of February, 1849; and Mrs. Marsh. Mr. Butcher was again married and his second wife died leaving a son, John, who died in June, 1864, while in the Union army and was buried in the National cemetery known as Arlington Heights. Jacob Butcher married a third time, Miss Mildred Woodall becoming his wife. She was born April 27, 1811, and became the mother of five daughters: Melissa, born December 10, 1834; Rebecca, whose birth occurred March 30, 1837; Keziah, who was born January 3, 1840, and died January 10, 1840; Nannie, born October 14, 1842; and Melvina, born August 22, 1845.

To Mr. and Mrs. Marsh five children were born: Annette, born August 27, 1853, now the widow of Robert Morrow and a resident of Knoxville township; Sheldon Jay, who birth occurred on the 14th of October, 1855, and a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Arthur B., whose natal day was the 28th of July, 1858, and who resides in Knoxville township; Laura A., born September 29, 1862, now the wife of W. F. Burnett; and Mary Edna, who was born on the 12th of August, 1867, and died on the 29th of July, 1876.

Mr. Marsh was a republican and reared his sons to allegiance to that party. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his wife belongs to the Christian church, being a charter member of the organization in Knoxville. He was one of the most liberal contributors to the Methodist church and gave the land for and helped to build the edifice for the Eden Methodist church, four miles west of Knoxville. He was a veteran of the Mexican war, having enlisted on the 5th of July, 1847, in Company B, Fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry under Captain J. Alexander and Colonel Garmand. He participated in a number of battles and was mustered out July 16, 1848. For many years he was an esteemed resident of this county and while gaining individual success as a farmer he also contributed to the agricultural development of his locality. Those who knew him recognized his public sprit and integrity and honored him accordingly

James P. Marsh came to Marion county when but ten years of age and has remained within its borders continuously since or for about a half century. He devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and is still the owner of one hundred and twenty-five acres of valuable land but now lives retired at Tracy. His birth occurred in Decatur county, Indiana, on the 1st of May, 1855, his parents being Prince B. and Zerilda (Ryan) Marsh, who were likewise natives of the Hoosier state. The former passed away in 1854 and in 1858 his widow gave her hand in marriage to James B. Means, of Indiana. They came to Marion county, Iowa, in 1865, locating on a farm in Clay township on which they spent the remainder of their lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Prince B. Marsh were born three children, two of whom survive, namely: Lewis T., who is now a resident of Kansas; and James P., of this review.

The latter acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until twenty-two years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. He cultivated rented land for a period of six years and then bought fifty-five acres, subsequently extending the boundaries of his farm by additional purchase until it now embraces one hundred and twenty-five acres. The property is highly improved in every particular and in its operation he has won a gratifying competence that now enables him to live retired.

In 1877 Mr. Marsh was united in marriage to Miss Delilah J. Scott, who was born in Marion county, Iowa, in 1855, her parents being William and Elizabeth (Smith) Scott, natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. They came to this county in 1844 and located on a farm which remained their place of abode until death. Their three children are all yet living. To Mr. and Mrs. Marsh have been born five children, as follows: William P., who is now a resident of Nebraska; Roy E., living in Clay township, this county; Anna E., who is the wife of Rev. C. E. Pettit, of Chicago, Illinois; Homer S., of Clay township; and Archie M., who is now attending college at Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

Mr. Marsh gives his political allegiance to the republican party and served on the school board for several years, while during eight years he held the office of justice of the peace, making a highly commendable record in that connection. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 568 at Tracy, in which he has filled all of the chairs, and he is likewise a member of Camp No. 1695 of the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. They are widely and favorable known throughout the community, enjoying the warm regard and esteem of a host of friends.

Sheldon J. Marsh, a prosperous farmer and stockman residing in Knoxville township, was born on the 14th of October, 1855, in that township, and is a son of Daniel Marsh, mentioned more at length elsewhere in this work. He has resided in Knoxville township during his entire life and gained his early education by attendance at the public schools. He was also a student in Professor McKee's Academy at Knoxville in 1875 and 1876. His home training prepared him well for the work of an agriculturist and upon arriving at mature years he decided to follow that occupation. He owns two hundred and fifty-five acres of productive land on sections 3, 4, and 8, Knoxville township, and has made many improvements upon his place, which is lacking in none of the equipments of an up-to-date farm. He follows general farming and his practical knowledge of the best methods of agriculture, coupled with his energy, insures him good crops annually.

On the 10th of January, 1889, Mr. Marsh was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Griffith, who was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of February, 1860. Her parents, Samuel and Juliana (Burris) Griffith, were both born in the vicinity of Morgantown, West Virginia, the former on the 30th of September, 1814, and the latter on the 9th of January, 1829. Their marriage occurred at Mount Morris, Pennsylvania, on the 11th of November, 1847. Mr. Griffith gave his time and attention to agricultural pursuits in the Keystone state until 1868, when he came west with his family, arriving at Pella, Marion county, on the 14th of September of that year. The following December a removal was made to Wayne county and there he farmed for three years. At the end of that time he returned to this county and in 1876 he purchased the farm now owned and operated by his son, Samuel Ross Griffith. The place is on section 5, Knoxville township, and is a valuable property. Mr. Griffith served in the Civil war, enlisting in Company F, Seventh Virginia Volunteer Infantry, on the 18th of September, 1861. He participated in the battles of Winchester, Romney and Harrison's Landing and a number of other engagements. At Harrison's Landing he contracted a severe cold which eventually affected his eyes and he was sent to a hospital in New Jersey. The care which he received was unavailing and he was sent home totally blind. He lived twenty-six years after this, his death occurring on the 6th of August, 1888. He was of Welsh descent, his parents coming to this country from Wales. His wife was of Irish and English lineage, her maternal ancestors coming to this country from the Emerald isle in the seventeenth century. Her father, William Burris, was an Englishman and married Miss Sarah Donley, a daughter of James and Susanna Donley. Mrs. Burris lived to a remarkable age, lacking but a month of rounding out one hundred and two years. Mr. Burris died April 19, 1850. The family were Methodists in their religious belief. Mrs. Griffith died on the 7th of July, 1907. Her daughter, Mrs. Marsh, is one of seven children, the others being: William Burris, deceased; Sarah, the wife of A. F. Conn, of Garden City, Kansas; Charles M., of Knoxville township, this county; James Donley, deceased; Edward F., of Denver, Colorado; and Samuel Ross, living upon the old home place in Knoxville township.

Mr. and Mrs. Marsh are the parents of five children: one who died in infancy; J. Howard, who was born December 1, 1893; Lila Gertrude, born April 13, 1895; Sheldon Perry, who was born January 12, 1897, and died when a year and a half old; and Forrest Burris, born May 19, 1900.

Mr. Marsh is a republican, and fraternally belongs to the Masonic order and is a member of the Eastern Star, as are his wife and daughter Lila. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and manifest in many ways a keen interest in the grown of the organization. The high opinion which their neighbors entertain for them is the best testimony to the high standards of conduct that guide their lives and their friends are many.

Benton A. Mathews - page 28

Business enterprise in Marion county finds a worthy representative in Benton A. Mathews, who is today conducting one of the oldest nursery businesses of the state, established sixty years ago. He has the largest pear orchard in Iowa and the products of his nurseries are shipped over a wide territory, finding ready sale because of well known excellence and also by reason of the thorough reliability of the proprietor. The nursery is pleasantly and conveniently located a half mile from Knoxville and Mr. Mathews still occupies the old home that was erected by his father about 1855, much walnut lumber being used in the construction, while the shingles were brought from Burlington. At the time of its erection this residence was one of the best in Knoxville. It is surrounded by pine trees and is yet an attractive, comfortable home in which the spirit of hospitality reigns supreme.

Benton A. Mathews was born in Coschocton, Ohio, on the 4th of January, 1840, and is a son of James and Mary A. (Conley) Mathews, the former a native of Trumbull county, Ohio, and the latter of Goshen, New York. They were married, however, in the Buckeye state. The paternal grandfather, Alexander Mathews, was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and was a son of James Mathews, a native Ireland, who became the founder of this family in the new world. He crossed the Atlantic to the United States with his two brothers, William and Thomas, and all three rendered valiant service to the colonies in the Revolutionary war, while the grandfather, Alexander Mathews, was an equally loyal soldier of the War of 1812. The same spirit of patriotic devotion to country was manifest by James Mathews during his service in the Ohio legislature and during the two terms in which he represented his Ohio district in congress. He arrived in Marion county in 1854 as one of its pioneer settlers and purchased land where Knoxville now stands. He laid out the Mathews addition to the town and also the Mathews new addition and was in various ways prominently connected with the upbuilding and progress of city and county. He was a lawyer by profession and, opening an office in Knoxville, successfully engaged in practice here until his death, which occurred in 1887 when he was eighty-three years of age. His wife passed away in 1899, at the age of eighty-five years. They were everywhere recognized as people of sterling worth and became leaders in the community in which they made their home.

Mr. Mathews was the oldest Mason in the county at the time of his demise and was ever a loyal representative of the craft which has as its basic element a recognition of the brotherhood of mankind. When serving in congress from Ohio, Mr. Mathews voted to admit Iowa into the Union, and it was not long afterward before he became identified with the new state, remaining an active factor in its development and substantial improvement for more than three decades. To him and his wife were born twelve children, as follows; Morton, who died in infancy; Mary, James, Louisa and Hannah, all of whom are deceased; Caroline, who has likewise passed away and who was the wife of Governor William M. Stone, of Iowa, also deceased; Benton A., of this review; Augusta, deceased, who was the wife of Dr. Foote, of Philadelphia; Matilda, who now resides in Washington, D. C., and is the widow of F. C. Barber, for many years editor of the Knoxville Journal; Addie, who has passed away; Helene, deceased; and one child unnamed who died in infancy.

Benton A. Mathews acquired a public-school education in Ohio and Iowa, accompanying his parents to this state when a lad of fourteen years. The year which witnessed the outbreak of the Civil war was the year in which he attained his majority, and on the 22d day of May, 1861, only about six weeks after the first guns had been fired at Fort Sumter, he enlisted as a member of Company B, Third Iowa Infantry, becoming second lieutenant. He went to the front and was on active duty for a year and a half and was wounded at Shiloh, his injuries being of such a nature that he was discharged on the 15th of October, 1862. He then returned to Knoxville and embarked in the nursery business, in which he has since been continuously engaged. His father had established this business in 1854, so that is has now been in continuous existence for six decades and is one of the oldest in the state. He engages in the production of nursery stock of all kinds suitable to the soil and climatic conditions of the temperate zone, and he has the largest pear orchard in Iowa. He has studied the business from every angle, acquainting himself with the scientific principles and with all the practical phases until his opinions are largely accepted as authority upon questions concerning the production and care of nursery stock and the further propagation of the trees. His business has reached large and gratifying proportions, bringing to him a substantial annual income. It was Mr. Mathews and his father who introduced evergreens into this county and, as previously stated, his home is surrounded by a beautiful grove of murmuring pines.

In 1878 Mr. Mathews was united in marriage to Miss Cynthia J. Lindley, a daughter of Judge Lindley, of Newton, Iowa, who came from southern Ohio to this state in the early '50s. A lawyer by profession, he successfully engaged in practice and his ability led to his selection for judge of the circuit court, in which position he remained for many years. He afterward removed to Nebraska, where he was again elected to the bench and later he returned to Ohio, where he passed away in January, 1896. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah McCracken, was also a native of Ohio and is now deceased. Our subject and his wife have two children, namely: Alice, the wife of John M. Weaver, who follows the profession of teaching and makes his home in Lawrence, Kansas; and Mary, at home.

In his political views Mr. Mathews is a democrat but has never been ambitious for office. He belongs to John C. Ferguson Post, G. A. R., and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. His life has been preeminently that of a business man, careful, reliable and energetic in the conduct of his interests, yet at all times his influence has been on the side of progress and improvement in affairs relating to the county in which he has now made his home for almost two-thirds of a century.

James M. May is now living retired at the venerable age of eighty years, making his home in Columbia, where he has resided for more than a quarter of a century and where for a number of years he was actively and successfully identified with mercantile interests. His birth occurred in Indiana on the 25th of July, 1834, his parents being G. W. and Mary (Wood) May, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. They were married in Indiana and continued to reside in that state until called to their final rest. G. W. May went to the Hoosier state as early as 1814 and took up his abode in the timber, living in log cabins for many years. He was an agriculturist by occupation and undertook the arduous task of developing a farm, first grubbing out the stumps and performing the other difficult labor necessary in a new district. To him and his wife were born two children.

James M. May received a common-school education in his youth and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. Subsequently he bought a farm in Indiana and devoted his attention to its operation until 1861, when he removed to Monroe county, Iowa, there purchasing and locating on a tract of land comprising eighty acres. He cultivated the property until 1887 and in that year came to Columbia, Marion county, where he has resided continuously since. He was first engaged in business as a general merchant for three years, on the expiration of which period he sold out and embarked in the hardware business, enjoying a gratifying patronage in that connection until he disposed of the enterprise and retired. He still owns sixty-three acres of land on sections 6 and 27, in Washington and Cedar townships, and is widely recognized as one of the substantial and respected citizens of his adopted county.

In 1856 Mr. May was united in marriage to Miss Susan Harned, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Real) Harned, who were born in Indiana and passed away in Marion county, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. May became the parents of six children, as follows: G. W., who is engaged in business as a merchant of Columbia; Thomas V., an agriculturist of this county; John H., who is a resident of Ringgold county, Iowa; Elizabeth, who is the wife of W. S. Long, of Lucas county, Iowa; William B., living on the old homestead; and Rachel, who gave her hand in marriage to Buel Maddy. Both Mr. and Mrs. Maddy are deceased.

Mr. May is a republican in his political views and has ably served as justice of the peace for eighteen years, while for twenty years he has acted in the capacity of school director, making a most creditable record in public office. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Tyre Lodge, No. 185, A. F. & A. M., of which he has been treasurer since 1894. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served as class leader for years and to which his wife also belong. They are widely and favorably known throughout the community, having won the unqualified confidence and regard of all with whom they have come in contact.

J. F. Mentzer - page 396

J. F. Mentzer is well known in Marion county as one who for a number of years has been in public office and at all times has discharged his duties in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents. On the 1st of January, 1903, he was appointed postmaster of Knoxville by President Roosevelt and has since occupied that position, making an excellent record in office.

Mr. Mentzer was born in Kosciusko county, Indiana, on the 31st of August, 1863, and is a son of Cyrus and Nancy (Erb) Mentzer. The father was born in Pennsylvania, as was his father, Jacob Mentzer, who came of Pennsylvania-Dutch ancestry. The mother was a daughter of Abraham Erb, of Ohio, and it was in Indiana that she gave her hand in marriage Cyrus Mentzer. After living for some time in Kosciusko county, Indiana, they removed in 1873 to Pleasantville, Iowa, where Mr. Mentzer engaged in business as a contractor and builder. In later life he took up his abode in Knoxville, where he passed away in 1912. His wife survives. She holds membership in the Methodist church, of which Mr. Mentzer was also a loyal adherent, and he belonged likewise to the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In their family were five children: Ida A., the wife of W. E. Johnson, a resident of Kansas; Ellis, who was engaged in the commission business and died in New York city in 1898; J. F., of this review; Salome E., the wife of Dr. M. C. L. Wright, of Des Moines; and W. C., who is judge of the district court at Cheyenne, Wyoming.

J. F. Mentzer was a lad of ten summers when his parents brought their family to Iowa, since which time he has made his home in Marion county. His education, begun in Indiana, was continued in the public schools of Pleasantville and he engaged in farming in early manhood until twenty-four years of age, after which he turned his attention to the harness business in Pleasantville, continuing in that line for five years. In 1895 he was called to public office, being elected sheriff of Marion county, to which position he was reelected, serving for four years. He has the distinction of being the first republican sheriff every reelected in the county, a fact indicative of the faithfulness and capability with which he discharged the duties of the position. On the 1st of January, 1903, appointment of President Roosevelt made him postmaster of Knoxville and he has since remained in that office, carefully and systematically directing the care of the mails and their distribution.

On the 23d of November, 1885, Mr. Mentzer was married to Miss Mollie Spalti, who was born in Denver, Colorado, a daughter of F. F. and Sarah (Caffrey) Spalti. The father, a farmer by occupation, was a native of Canton Glaras, Switzerland, and in 1848, when nine years of age, came to the United States with his father, Fridolin Spalti, who located near Pleasantville, Iowa, where he entered government land. F. F. Spalti remained in Denver for only two years, after which he returned with his family to Marion county. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Mentzer had three brothers who came to the United States, Henry, John and Yost. Henry and Yost removed to California, while John became a merchant of Pleasantville, where he also filled the office of postmaster. F. F. Spalti, a brother of Mrs. Mentzer, is now a retired farmer, having for many years carried on agricultural pursuits and therein won a measure of success that now enables him to rest from further labor.

Mr. and Mrs. Mentzer have become the parents of two children: Roche A., who was graduated from the State University at Iowa City in 1913, having completed the law course, since which time he has engaged in practice as an attorney of Knoxville; and L. Cleaves, at home. In politics Mr. Mentzer has always been a stalwart republican and no one is in doubt as to his position, for he stands firmly by his convictions. He has belonged to Oriental Lodge, A. F. & A. M., since 1897 and he likewise has membership with the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, having held all the chairs in the local organizations of the two last name and having also been a member of the grand lodge of both. He was likewise the first presiding officer in the camp of the Red Men at Pleasantville. His wife attends the Presbyterian church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mentzer are widely and favorably known in this county and have a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance.

John Metz, a well known and well like merchant of Marsyville, was born in St. Clair, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, on the 13th of January, 1845,a son of Jacob and Ann (Guinn) Metz. The family is of French lineage and two brothers of the name came from Metz, France, to the United States, at an early period in the colonization of the new world. They were the progenitors of those of the name in America. The brothers, however, became separated on the Jersey coast, so that one line of ancestry has been lost.

Jacob Metz was born in Pennsylvania, as was Ann Guinn, and they were married in that state, where they continued their residence until 1856, when they started for the west with Marion county, Iowa, as their destination. They settled in Marysville and the father, who was a carpenter, worked at his trade there until his death, which occurred in 1886, while his wife passed away in 1881. Both were laid to rest in the cemetery here. Mr. Metz planted the first dandelions seen in Marion county. He was a republican in his political views, capably and efficiently filling the office of justice of the peace, and was generally interested in public affairs, his aid being always on the side of progress and improvement. He had four sons in the Union army during the war of the Rebellion: Theodore, who was a member of Company B, Third Iowa Infantry, and died in the service; Charles who was a member of Company G, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, and also died in the service; Henry, also a member of Company G, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry; and John, a member of Company G, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry. Mrs. Metz and a Mrs. Klein were the first to observe Decoration day in this county, decorating the graves of the soldiers in 1862, long before the present Memorial day had been established.

John Metz was one of a family of nine children, six of whom are yet living, and was quite young when brought by his parents to Iowa. His education was acquired in the public schools of Marysville and in August, 1862, when a youth of but seventeen years, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company G, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry, as previously stated. He was wounded at Spanish Fort on the 28th of March, 1865, after which he was sent home and was honorably discharged on the 24th of June of the same year. His was a creditable military record and he participated in a number of hotly contested engagements which featured prominently as factors in winning the ultimate victory that came to the Union troops.

In early life Mr. Metz learned the carpenter's trade under the direction of his father but after several years' identification with that occupation turned his attention to commercial pursuits in 1877 by embarking in merchandising, in which he has since been engaged. He is now proprietor of one of the leading general mercantile establishments, not only in Marysville but in this section of the state, and he is enjoying a liberal patronage. He bears, too, an unassailable reputation for integrity and straightforward conduct in all trade relations.

In 1871 Mr. Metz was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina Liike, a daughter of John A. and Johanna Liike, who came to America from Germany at an early day and were pioneer settlers of Marion county. Mr. and Mrs. Metz have become the parents of six children: Charles and Lafayette, who are in business with their father; Roy, is engaged in farming in Idaho; Jacob, who is a farmer and painter and resides in Marysville; John, also residing in Marysville; and Archie, of Melcher.

The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Metz gives his political allegiance to the republican party, of which he became a stanch advocate on attaining his majority. Again and again he has been called to public office, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. He served for twelve years as postmaster of Marysville, has been trustee and assessor, and in 1895 and 1896 filled the office of county recorder, during which period he resided in Knoxville, while his sons conducted the store in his absence. He has also been a member of the school board and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. A resident of the county from early boyhood, he is numbered among its pioneer settlers and has been an interested witness of the growth and development of this section from an early day, his memory forming a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. There have been no spectacular chapters in his life record and enterprise in business combined with public-spirited citizenship and fidelity to duty in every relation have won for him the prominent place which he occupies in public opinion.

Jesse M. Mickle has been actively engaged in business as a merchant of Tracy for the past eight years and also holds the office of postmaster, making a creditable record in that connection. His birth occurred in Clark county, Iowa, on the 3d of October, 1881, his parents being W. T. and Sarah (Worley) Mickle, the former a native Pennsylvania and the latter of Lucas county, Iowa. They are now residents of Montrose, Colorado. Their children were seven in number and six survive.

Jesse M. Mickle attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and remained at home until eighteen years of age. He then entered the service of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, being employed as operator for five or six years. On the expiration of that period, in 1906, he embarked in the mercantile business at Tracy, where he has since enjoyed an extensive patronage, for he is widely recognized as a reliable, enterprising and progressive merchant. He owns an attractive and substantial residence as well as his store building and is well entitled to recognition among the prosperous and representative citizens of the county. He also holds the position of postmaster at Tracy, discharging the duties devolving upon him in a most satisfactory and highly commendable manner.

In December, 1903, Mr. Mickle was united in marriage to Miss Cora Smith, a native of Mahaska county, Iowa, and a daughter of W. T. and Nancy (Locke) Smith, who were born in Ohio and Virginia respectively. They came to Iowa in an early day and in this state spent the remainder of their lives. Two of their seven children survive. Our subject and his wife have a daughter, Nancy E., whose birth occurred on the 17th of July, 1914. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Mickle has supported the men and measures of the democracy, while fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his wife attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church. In all of his dealings he has been thoroughly reliable and in matters of citizenship helpful and progressive, giving his aid and influence to many movements for the public good.

Newton F. Miller - page 51

Newton F. Miller is a progressive farmer residing in the vicinity of Knoxville and is well known in Marion county. He was born in Highland county, Ohio, in 1849, a son of Jacob and Eliza (Weir) Miller, natives of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and Highland county, Ohio, respectively. The father was born in 1816 and the mother in 1823. Their marriage occurred in Highland county, Ohio, and the mother passed away there in 1867. The father removed to Warren county, Iowa, in that year and in 1868 came to Marion county, purchasing land in Pleasant Grove township, which he farmed until about 1888. He then went to Pleasantville and lived retired until his death, which occurred in 1890. He was a democrat in politics. Following the death of his first wife he married Mrs. Ducksworth, by whom he had one child. Newton F. Miller was the third in order of birth of the six children born of the first marriage.

Mr. Miller of this review accompanied his father to Iowa in the late '60s. His education was mainly acquired in Ohio, but he studied for a term in the Central University of Iowa at Pella after the removal to this county. When twenty-one years of age he married, and began farming for himself, previous to which time he had taught school in the winter and assisted his father in the work of the home farm during the summer. The first year that he farmed for himself he rented land, but at the age of twenty-two years he had saved sufficient to enable him to purchase forty acres in Pleasant Grove township. He subsequently purchased a farm in Franklin township and in 1899 bought the farm where he now resides, which is situated on section 2, Knoxville township, and consists of fifty-five acres. He also owns two hundred acres on section 3, that township, a part of the last mentioned tract of land being rented and part devoted to pasture. Mr. Miller has about forty head of cattle and also raises Red Jersey hogs, devoting more attention to the raising of stock than to the cultivation of grain, as he believes it more profitable. He has resided in Knoxville township since 1894, although he did not purchase his present home farm until 1899. He has made all of the improvements upon the place and everything is in splendid condition, his residence being large, comfortable, and of attractive appearance. On the 1st of October, 1909, at the suggestion of Judge Crozier he organized the bank in Knoxville which is known as the Guaranty Bank and was cashier of the institution for three years and nine months. At the end of that time he sold his interest to E. R. Jordan, assistant cashier of the Citizens Bank of Pleasantville, and his brother for a consideration of ninety-five hundred dollars, or one hundred and twenty-five dollars a share, as he owned seventy-six shares. Mr. Miller placed the bank upon a sound basis and it is now one of the most substantial institutions of the kind in the county.

Mr. Miller was married to Miss Mary J. Elliott, who was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, about 1846 and passed away in 1870. Mr. Miller subsequently married Miss Candis Marsh, a native of this county, and they have five children: Ruby M., who is a sophomore at Simpson College, Indianola; Ruth Helen, who is a freshman at the same college and who won a scholarship, as she was the valedictorian of the class of 1914 at the Knoxville high school, and Edna Frances, Leon N. and Robert L., all in school.

Mr. Miller is a democrat and from 1896 to 1900 served acceptably as county auditor, being the first auditor who had offices in the new courthouse which was finished in January, 1897. His activities as a farmer have not only won him financial independence but have aided in the agricultural development of the county, and his upright and straightforward life has gained him general respect.

John E. Mitchell is a retired farmer living in Liberty township. He was born at Newport, Kentucky, February 24, 1838, his parents being Henry H. and Sarah (Harrison) Mitchell, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Pennsylvania. They had a family of five children, of whom two are yet living. In the year 1839 they left the Blue Grass state and came to Iowa. Nine years later, or in 1848, the father took up his abode at Hamilton, in Marion county. In the meantime his first wife had died and he married again. He was both a farmer and tanner, following the latter trade in this county for a short time but giving the greater part of his attention to general agricultural pursuits. At the time of the discovery of gold in California he started for the Pacific coast, making the long journey in 1851 with ox teams across the plains, over the hot stretches of sand and through the mountain passes to the mines of the far west. In this county he became the owner of property and upon his land the town of Hamilton was laid out in the fall of 1850. He was always much interested in the welfare and progress of this part of the state and gave helpful support to many measures and movements for the public good. His political indorsement was given the republican party and he served as road supervisor. His death occurred April 20, 1892, while his wife survived him for eight years and was then laid by his side in the cemetery at Hamilton.

John E. Mitchell is one of the two surviving members of a family of five children. He had but limited educational opportunities, for he was reared upon the frontier, being only a little more than a year old when his parents came to Iowa, which was then under territorial rule. He shared with the family in all of the hardships and privations incident to life upon the frontier and he had but little chance to secure an education. In 1856, when a youth of eighteen years, he went to California and after his return took up the occupation of farming, which he followed for twenty years. In the winter seasons he also engaged in the manufacture of brooms and thus he lived a busy and active life which in time brought him a substantial competence that now enables him to rest from further labor. He was also at one time a guard at the penitentiary in Fort Madison for several years and for twelve years acted as mail carrier.

On the 20th of September 1860, Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Carr, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (McGruder) Carr, who in the fall of 1850 came to Marion county, settling in the same neighborhood as the Mitchell family. Her father passed away in 1852, having been permitted to enjoy his new home for only a brief period. His widow long survived him, her death occurring in 1909. To Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell were born eight children, Clara, Lottie, Eddie, Flora, Walter and three who died in infancy.

Mr. Mitchell is entitled to wear the little bronze button of the Grand Army of the Republic, for on the 20th of July, 1861, he responded to the call for troops, enlisting as a member of Company E, Eighth Iowa Infantry, with which he served for three years and twenty-five days. He was wounded in the battle of Corinth and participated in the engagement at Shiloh and in other important battles. He has always been interested in matters of progressive citizenship and yet keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, notwithstanding the fact that he has passed the seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey. He has many good qualities and his friends entertain for him a kindly regard.

Dr. John Calvin Mitten, of Pella, Iowa, is one of the successful dentists of that city and has a representative and lucrative practice. He was born in Newville, Pennsylvania, on the 12th of September, 1869, a son of David and Mary (Koch) Mitten, who were also natives of the Keystone state, the former born in Heggerstown in 1824, while the birth of the mother occurred in 1815. The father farmed in Pennsylvania for many years but eventually retired and passed his last years in ease at Carlisle. He died there in 1908, having survived the mother twelve years, as her demise occurred in 1896. They were married in Pennsylvania and to their union were born the following children: Mrs. Mary Logan, Alfred, Mrs. Helen Hemmenger, William, Frank, James, Robert and John Calvin.

Dr. John C. Mitten was educated in Pennsylvania and after graduating from the Newville high school took a three years' course in the Shippensburg Academy. For one year he studied in the Dental College of the University of Pennsylvania and for two years was a student in the University of Iowa at Iowa City. After completing his dental course he practiced at Columbus Junction, Iowa, for five years and then took post-graduate work in Haskill's Post-Graduate School of Chicago. He returned to Columbus Junction and remained there for twelve more years but in 1903 came to Pella and opened an office. In 1911 he took Dr. Lankelma into partnership and they are today one of the leading dental firms in the county. Dr. Mitten has erected a comfortable residence in Pella and stands high in the community.

On the 17th of December, 1902, the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Gertrude Anderson, a daughter of Charles and Emma (Parkin) Anderson. Her father was born in Ohio in 1850 and her mother in Washington, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburg, in January, 1853. She is still living and resides in Cedar Rapids, but Mr. Anderson passed away in 1897. They were married in Ainsworth, Iowa, both having come to this state at an early age. To their union were born four children: Gertrude, now Mrs. Mitten, whose birth occurred on the 4th of September, 1879; Charles O.; Winifred V.; and Donald J. Mrs. Mitten was educated in Lenox, Iowa, and resided at home until her marriage. She and Dr. Mitten have two children, Harry and Charles, both attending school.

The Doctor is a republican and has been a delegate to county conventions of his party. For six years he served as a councilman in Columbus Junction and has always taken a keen interest in local government. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Rathbun Sisters, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masons. Mrs. Mitten is a member of the local chapter of the P. E. O., and both belong to the Second Reformed church of Pella, being active in support of all good causes. Professionally Dr. Mitten holds the confidence of the public and the respect of his colleagues and in the private relations of life has always shown himself to be a man of high standards of honor.

Alfred Molesworth, who was numbered among the enterprising farmers and pioneer settlers of Marion county, won the high regard of his fellow townsmen by a well spent life and his death was deeply regretted when he passed away. He was born in Harrison county, Ohio, January 26, 1828, and in his youthful days acquired a common-school education. He came to Iowa in 1851 when a young man of twenty-three years and entered land in Lucas county, where he remained for about a year. At the end of that time he returned to Ohio, but after a brief period again came to this state and began the development and improvement of his land, upon which he built a hewn log house.

Mr. Molesworth made further arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage in 1855 to Miss Mary J. Kiger, who was born in Pennsylvania on the 28th of March, 1835, and is a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Kiger, who were also natives of the Keystone state. Her parents came to Iowa in 1848, settling first in Jefferson county, and the following year they removed to Marion county, becoming early settlers of that locality. The father secured a claim in what is now Washington township and began to break the sod and till the fields, at length converting his tract of wild prairie land into a highly improved farm. He made the journey to this county with teams, for there were no railroads at the time. He built log buildings for a home and also for the shelter of his stock, but as the years passed on he was able to supplant these with more modern improvements while the farm work resulted in the annual gathering of good harvests. Upon the farm which he developed he continued to make his home until his death, and his wife also passed away there. In the Kiger family were six children, of whom four are yet living.

Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Molesworth began their domestic life upon his farm in the spring of 1855 and for a half century thereafter he continued to develop the fields and carry on the farm work, being thus actively engaged to the time of his death, which occurred in 1905 when he was seventy-seven years of age. His had been an active and useful life, crowned with a substantial measure of success. He never sought to figure prominently in any public connection but always faithfully discharged the duties devolving upon him and was a loyal citizen and a consistent friend. His widow survives and is now in her eightieth year.

In his political views Mr. Molesworth was a republican but was never an office seeker, preferring to give his undivided attention to his farm interests. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 660 at Columbia, and was a faithful Christian, holding membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, as does his wife. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Molesworth were twelve children, eight of whom grew to adult age, while six are now living. Barbara, the eldest, is now the wife of H. M. Spiker, a resident of Columbia, Marion county, where he owns a fine property and where he is extensively and successfully engaged in dealing in horses, handling all kinds of imported animals. Minnie is the wife of W. F. Carson, of Chariton, Lucas county, Iowa. Lilly M. is the wife of Edgar Wyland, of Des Moines. Lula E. is the wife of Adam Perschbacher, of Lucas county. Elsie J. is the wife of R. B. Bingaman, a resident of Lucas county. E. Lois, the youngest living daughter, is the wife of F. C. Dawson, of Lucas county.

To the eldest daughter, Mrs. Spiker, we are indebted for this record concerning her honored father and mother. Mrs. Spiker was a successful school teacher for about fifteen years, spending most of the time in this county, although for a period she was connected with the graded schools in Malvern, Iowa. She became the wife of H. M. Spiker, a son of J. F. and Adella Spiker, and they are widely and prominently known in Columbia and throughout Washington township, where they make their home. Mr. Spiker belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge. His wife is connected with the Rebekahs and has served as matron of the organization. She is a representative of one of the old pioneer families here and has made several talks at the Old Settlers meetings, relating many interesting incidents of the early days.

Frank A. Monroe is one of the unusually successful agriculturists of Marion county, owning a large tract of land comprising twelve hundred acres in Indiana township and also land in Dodge county, Minnesota. He has largely retired but the supervision of his landed interests requires considerable time and energy. He was born in Indiana township on the 24th of November, 1872, a son of James and Sophia (Allen) Monroe, who were married in 1859 in Marion county, and resided in Indiana township until called to the great beyond. The former passed away in March, 1911, when eighty-one years of age, and the latter in February, 1908, when sixty-seven years old. The father was a carpenter by trade and followed that occupation in his early years but later devoted his attention to agriculture. Both he and his wife were natives of Indiana, his birthplace being Shelbyville. The family was among the pioneer in Indiana and a number of brothers and sisters of James Monroe are still residing in that state, he being the only one to locate in Marion county, Iowa. Politically he gave his allegiance to the republican party and in religious faith was a Methodist, as was also his wife. To them were born five children, all of whom are residents of this county: Mary, the wife of R. A. Hill, of Indiana township; John, also of that township; Annie, who is residing with John upon the home place; Ira, of Knoxville township; and Frank A., of this review.

The last named was reared under the parental roof and attended the country schools in the pursuit of an education. Since reaching man's estate he has continued in the occupation to which he devoted so many hours in his boyhood and youth and has proved prosperous and progressive in an unusual degree. He has added to his real estate from time to time and now owns some twelve hundred acres, part of which is located in Indiana township, this county, and part in Dodge county, Minnesota. This also includes six properties in Knoxville. Four years ago he retired from the active work of the farm and removed to Knoxville but he is still managing all of his extensive business interests and displays the sound judgment that has throughout his life been a strong factor in his success.

Mr. Monroe was married in Indiana township in January, 1900, to Miss Mary Simmons, a daughter of Leonard Simmons, of Columbia, Washington township, who came to this county in its pioneer days, arriving here October 4, 1854, when a young man. He settled in Indiana township and has resided in this county since, with the exception of three years. He purchased land and improved it, becoming the owner of a highly developed and valuable farm. He is now eighty-one years of age and has survived his wife since March, 1899, her demise occurring when she was sixty-three years old. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was his wife, and is honored by those who know him. Three of his four daughters are living, those besides Mrs. Monroe being: Mrs. Joseph Maddy, of Lucas county, this state; Mrs. Sallie Whitlock, a widow, who resides with her father; and Mrs. Cora Welch, who died at Columbia, this county, on the 2d of July, 1914. Mrs. Monroe was reared in Indiana township and for one year attended school in Knoxville. To Mr. and Mrs. Monroe have been born two children, Merna and Marita, both in school. The wife and daughters attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the former is a member. Politically Mr. Monroe supports the candidates and policies of the republican party and takes a praiseworthy interest in everything of public concern. During his life he has contributed in no small measure to the agricultural development of this county and this, coupled with his sincerity and uprightness of life, commends him to the good will and esteem of his fellow citizens.

William Howard Moon is well known in Marion county as a representative of newspaper interests inasmuch as he is editor and proprietor of the Bussey Record. He was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, April 5, 1894, a son of John and Isabel Moon. The removal of the family to Marion county gave William Howard Moon the opportunity of pursuing his education in the schools of Bussey, from which he was graduated on the 21st of June, 1908. Since that time he has been identified with newspaper publication and his advancement in this connection has placed him among the representative young newspaper men of this section of the state. He studies modern methods of journalism, which he readily adapts to the needs of his paper, and in disseminating both local and general news he gives to his patrons a publication which is highly satisfactory.

Mr. Moon is identified with several fraternal organizations, holding membership with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, of which he is the financier; the Woodmen of the World and the Improved Order of Red Men. In the last named he is a past sachem of Elk Tribe, No. 101. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he studies closely the questions of the day, keeping in touch with the policy of the party as outlined by its leaders. He stands for advancement at all times and since reaching man's estate has been an active factor in Bussey in promoting those interests and measures which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.

John L. Morgan is a veteran of the Civil war and a well known and highly respected resident of Marion county, making his home in Hamilton. He was born in Burlington, Iowa, June 14, 1844, and is a son of Joseph V. and Anna (Scott) Morgan, both of whom were natives of Indiana, whence they came to Iowa in 1838 when this part of the country was still under territorial rule. They settled near Burlington upon a farm, and the father later entered this land from the government when it was placed upon the market and a land office opened. The most farsighted could not have dreamed of the great changes which were soon to occur, making this one of the populous and prosperous sections of the Union. The father built a log cabin, which he and his family occupied until 1848, when they removed to Wapello county, Iowa. The following year they came to Marion county and settled upon a farm, where the parents continued to reside until called to the home beyond. In their family were five children, of whom three are now living.

John L. Morgan accompanied his parents on their removal to Wapello county and thence to Marion county and upon the home farm was reared amid the conditions and environment of pioneer life. He shared with the others of the household in all of the hardships and privations incident to the establishment of a home upon the frontier and through the period of his boyhood he worked in the fields and acquired an education by attending the district schools. After the outbreak of the Civil war, however, the monotony of farm life was broken for him, as he enlisted for service in defense of the Union, joining Company C, Seventh Iowa Infantry, with which he served for four years. He participated in the battle of Belmont, Missouri, of Fairfax, Georgia, and also in the battle of Atlanta and the siege of that city. After its capitulation he started with Sherman on the march to the sea. During his long service he was twice wounded and at Belmont, Missouri, was captured and held a prisoner of war for eleven months. He was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, in 1865, after which he returned to his home in Marion county, settling upon a farm here. He has since remained a resident of this county with the exception of a period of eight years spent in Nebraska. His work as a farmer has been attended with a large and gratifying measure of success. He has recognized opportunities and improved them to good advantage, and as the years have gone by his labors have brought to him a well merited reward.

Mr. Morgan has been married twice. In 1866 he wedded Miss Sarah E. Ross, a native of Iowa, who died in the year 1876, leaving two children: Cora, now the wife of G. W. York, a resident of Kirksville, Missouri; and Eva, the wife of J. B. Bolton, of this county. In 1887 Mr. Morgan was again married, his second union being with Miss Flora Schnack, who was born in Hamilton, Iowa, a daughter of P. A. and Susan (Barley) Schnack. Her father was a native of Germany and came to America when a youth of seventeen years. He is now deceased, but his wife, who was born in Indiana, still survives at the age of seventy-nine years. In their family were eight children, of whom six are yet living. To Mr. and Mrs. Morgan have been born four children, but they lost their eldest, Frank A. The others are Keith, at home; and George D. and Grace C., twins, of whom the latter has passed away. In early womanhood Mrs. Morgan engaged successfully in teaching school in this county.

Mr. Morgan is well known as a prominent and influential member of Hamilton Lodge, No. 78, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the chairs. He likewise holds membership with the Knights of Pythias, and his wife is connected with the Pythian Sisters. His political indorsement is given to the republican party, but he never seeks nor desires political office. He has served, however, for a number of years as school director and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart friend who believes in the employment of competent teachers and the utilization of progressive methods in the conduct of the schools. The spirit of advancement actuates him in all things and has made him therefore one of the leading farmers of the community. He is, moreover, one of the pioneer settlers, having been a resident of this county for sixty-five years, in which period he has seen it emerge from the conditions of frontier life and take on all of the evidences of a modern and progressive civilization. He can remember a time when wild game was quite plentiful and when much of the land in this county was still unclaimed and uncultivated. Comparatively few wagon roads had been laid out and only here and there was a cabin to indicate that the work of civilization had been begun. As the years passed on he bore his part in advancing the county and its best interests, and he has left an indelible impress for good upon the development of this section.

Austin J. Morris, who came to Marion county on attaining his majority, has since resided within its borders and is a successful and representative merchant of Bussey, where he conducts a large and well patronized grocery and meat market. His birth occurred in Ohio on the 17th of September, 1856, his parents being John and Lucinda (Doudle) Morris, who were natives of Ohio and Virginia, respectively. Both passed away in the Buckeye state. They had a family of six children, all of whom still survive.

Austin J. Morris attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and spent the period of his minority under the parental roof. When twenty-one years of age he came to Marion county, Iowa, and subsequently took up his abode in Bussey, where he is now conducting a well appointed grocery and meat market, owning a large double store and having one of the best establishments of the kind in the county. An extensive patronage is accorded him that is indeed well deserved, for he studies the wishes of his customers and enjoys an enviable reputation as a courteous, enterprising and reliable merchant. He owns two handsome residences in Bussey and also four hundred and eighty acres of land in Canada.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Morris chose Mrs. Anna (Hazlett) Martin, a native of Ohio and a daughter of John Hazlett, deceased. Our subject and his wife have two daughters: Mabel B., who gave her hand in marriage to Thomas Flockhart, of Bussey; and Winnie L., the wife of Joseph Phoenix, also of Bussey. By her first husband Mrs. Morris had three children, namely: Barbara, who is the widow of Ed P. Adams; Charles, who is a resident of Monroe county, Iowa; and John, deceased.

Mr. Morris is a republican in his political views but has never sought nor desired office as a reward for his party fealty. He and his family attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a man of exemplary habits and strict integrity, and all who know him entertain for him the highest regard and esteem.

T. H. Mullen is now living retired in the village of Columbia. In former years he was actively identified with farming interests in this part of the state and he is well known here because his activities have connected him with the upbuilding of the county and because at all times he has stood for progress and improvement.

He was born in Stewart county, Tennessee, on the 7th of August, 1841, a son of Thomas and Martha (Sims) Mullen, the former of whom was a native of Kentucky and the latter of Tennessee, where they maintained their residence until 1848 and then came to Marion county, Iowa. There were comparatively few settlers living with the borders of this county and much of the land was still in possession of the government. Mr. Mullen entered a claim and the family took up their abode thereon, living in a little log cabin covered with clapboard roof. There was a puncheon floor and clapboard door and on the outside of the door hung the latchstring, save when it was withdrawn at night for safety, thus locking the cabin. There was a mud and stick chimney through with the smoke made its egress from a large fireplace. In that primitive home the family lived for eight years, when it was replaced by a more modern and substantial residence. As time passed on the father continued the work of the farm and converted the wild prairie land into productive fields. His wife passed away in this county, but Mr. Mullen afterward went to Whiting, Iowa, where his last days were spent. In the family were ten children, of whom five are living.

T. H. Mullen remained at home until he attained his majority, being reared in the usual manner of farmer lads who spent their youth upon the frontier. He shared with the family in the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life and early became a factor in the development of the new farm. Following the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted for service in the Union army, joining the boys in blue of Company A, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for thirteen months, when, on account of physical disability he was honorably discharged at Keokuk. He then returned to Marion county and began farming on his own account on a tract of land in Liberty township which he purchased. For about forty years thereafter he owned, occupied and improved that place, converting it into a well developed farm property, from which he annually gathered good harvests. In 1906, however, he sold out and removed to Oklahoma, where he purchased two hundred acres of land, upon which he lived for four years. At the end of that time he disposed of his property in the southwest and returned to Marion county, establishing his home in Columbia, where for the past four years he has now lived retired, enjoying the rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves.

On the 19th of April, 1863, Mr. Mullen was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Harvey, a native of Wapello county, Iowa, and a daughter of Nicholas and Harriett (Williams) Harvey, both of whom were natives of Virginia and in 1845 came to Iowa, settling upon a farm in Wapello county. Later they came to Marion county and afterward removed to Monona county, where their remaining days were passed. Mr. and Mrs. Mullen have a family of seven children: Martha, now the wife of J. P. Hulgan, of Oklahoma; Charles, who is living in Lucas county, Iowa; Ada, the wife of L. L. Bingaman; Della, the wife of M. Essex; Fred, of Appleton City, Missouri; Emmett, who is now in Los Angeles, California; and Lewis, of this county.

Mr. and Mrs. Mullen are members of the Christian Union church and guide their lives by its teachings. In his political views Mr. Mullen is a democrat. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge. He also maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army post at Knoxville. His life has been an active one, characterized by industry and progressiveness in business, by loyalty in citizenship and by devotion to all the duties and obligations which have devolved upon him.

Albert L. Munsell, deceased, was long identified with mercantile interests at Hamilton and made for himself a creditable name and place in business circles. He was born in Alexandria, Ohio, on the 12th of March, 1851, a son of Edward and Cynthia (Devereaux) Munsell, both of whom were born in the east. The family arrived in Marion county in 1858, settling at Hamilton. The father was a broom-maker by trade and in early life followed that pursuit but afterward turned his attention to merchandising, remaining in active business here until his death in 1878, his grave being made in the Hamilton cemetery.

Albert L. Munsell was only about seven years of age when brought to Iowa by his parents and in the schools of Hamilton he pursued his education. He afterward took up the profession of teaching, which he successfully followed in early manhood. Later he went to the west but in 1875 returned to this county in order to engage in merchandising at Hamilton. He established and successfully conducted his store, carrying a large and carefully selected line of goods and continuing in the business until his demise. He was ever found reliable in his trade transactions and recognized the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement.

On the 7th of March, 1877, Mr. Munsell was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Faivre, a daughter of Dr. M. J. and Melissa (Walker) Faivre. To them were born four children, namely: Ella, who is the wife of J. B. Skelton; Edward L.; Lowell and Julian L.

In his political views Mr. Munsell was a stalwart republican and kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He served as notary public, as a member of the school board and was treasurer for thirty-five years. His aid and influence were always given on the side of progress, advancement and improvement, and he never acted with hasty judgment concerning any public move. He was an Odd Fellow for thirty-five years, loyal to the teachings of the organization, and he was equally consistent as a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In a word, his life was ever upright and honorable and won for him the high regard and unqualified confidence of those who knew him, so that his memory is yet cherished by many who called him friend. It was on the 17th of August, 1912, that he was called to his final rest.

Asa S. Murr, a successful and enterprising young agriculturist of Marion county, was born on the farm where he still resides, owning and operating one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 27, Washington township. His birth occurred on the 29th of December, 1885, his parents being Bartley and Malinda (Vance) Murr, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Missouri. They came to Iowa in 1855, locating first on a farm in Monroe county and subsequently removing to Marion county. Here the father continued to make his home until called to his final rest, passing away in 1905, when the community mourned the loss of one of its esteemed citizens and substantial agriculturists. The mother still survives, however, and enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance here. To them were born three children, one of whom is deceased.

Asa S. Murr attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and has always remained on the farm where he was born, devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits since putting aside his text-books. He now owns one hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land on section 27, Washington township, and in connection with the cultivation of cereals devotes considerable attention to stock-raising. Both branches of his business yield him a gratifying annual income, and he enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of the community.

In his political views Mr. Murr is a republican and at the present time holds the office of township assessor, ably discharging the duties devolving upon him in that connection. His success is well merited, for he is capable in management and displays untiring energy in carrying forward his interests.