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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Frank V. Reaver - page 349

Frank V. Reaver was for many years in the bakery and restaurant business but has now sold his interests in that connection and devotes his time to his duties as vice president of the Knoxville Gas Company. He was born in Knoxville on the 23d of April, 1858, a son of John and Mary C. (Sherman) Reaver, natives of Philadelphia and Newcastle, Pennsylvania, respectively. The father brought his family to Knoxville in 1856 from Columbus, Ohio, where he was a baker and candy maker. He opened the first store of the kind in Knoxville and conducted the business personally until he retired in 1879. He had learned his trade in New York in 1851. He passed away in 1894 and was survived by his widow until September, 1912. Fraternally he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. To their union were born eight children, four of whom died in infancy. Those who grew to maturity were as follows: Mrs. R. O. Ayres, deceased; Frank V., of this review; J. O., a resident of Des Moines; and C. A., living in Eldora, Iowa.

Frank V. Reaver attended the public schools, gaining a serviceable education, and as a youth of seventeen became associated with his father in the restaurant and bakery which the latter owned. In 1875, however, he embarked in the boot and shoe business, selling out in 1877, when he again became connected with his father in business. In 1879 he assumed charge of the bakery and restaurant, his father retiring from active life, and he conducted it successfully until 1908. In his restaurant and bakery alike he used nothing but pure materials and great care was exercised at all times to maintain strictly sanitary conditions and to avoid any possible contamination of the food. Since 1908 he has devoted his time to his other business interests, especially to the gas plant, as he is vice president of the Knoxville Gas Company.

In 1881, Mr. Reaver married Miss Hattie M. Taylor, of Burlington, Iowa, a daughter of Colonel J. E. Taylor. Mr. Reaver is a progressive in his political belief and is serving as alderman of the first ward. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He has a wide acquaintance in the city and not only readily makes friends but holds them, as his character is one that commands respect.

Albert D. Reynolds was for many years a prominent farmer and stockman of Pleasant Grove township but is now living in Knoxville and devoting his time to the real-estate business. He was born in this county in 1867, a son of J. M. and Barbara Ann (Shepherd) Reynolds. The former was born in 1837 in Indiana and was brought here by his parents when a child of about six years of age. The latter was born in Indiana and came to this county in her youth. Both survive and live in Pleasantville. J. M. Reynolds followed farming until 1891 and has since bought and shipped stock, though he still owns six hundred and sixty acres of fine land. Mr. Reynolds of this review has two brothers and a sister: Charles, living near Blue Earth, Minnesota; Thomas B., a farmer of Pleasant Grove township; and Mrs. Emma Sutton, who lives in Warren county, Iowa.

Albert D. Reynolds grew to man's estate in Pleasant Grove township and attended the public schools there in the pursuit of his education. Under the instruction of his father he early began to assist in the work of the farm and by the time he attained maturity he was an efficient agriculturist. Upon starting out in life for himself he continued to farm and was so occupied until 1910, when he removed to Knoxville and has since devoted his time mainly to the real estate business. He still buys and sells some stock. While upon the farm he gave as much attention to the raising of high grade cattle and hogs as he did to the cultivation of his fields and also bought and shipped other stock. He has gained material prosperity and is in the possession of a competence which insures comfort for the remaining years of his life. In addition to two excellent farms in this county he owns a good residence in Knoxville. In 1900 Mr. Reynolds assisted in the organization and became one of the directors of the First National Bank of Pleasantville. In 1908 he was made vice president and served as such until 1913, when he resigned.

Mr. Reynolds was married February 23, 1890, to Miss Emma Marsh, a daughter of the late Carey Marsh, a pioneer farmer of Pleasant Grove township. Her mother resides at Pleasantville. To Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds has been born a daughter, Marie, who is attending high school and is a member of the ladies' band at Knoxville.

The family belong to the Christian church. Mr. Reynolds is a democrat in his political affiliation and takes a public-spirited interest in the affairs of government. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the Modern Woodmen of America. His wife is a member of the Pythian Sisters, the Royal Neighbors and the Woman's Relief Corps. The Reynolds family are valued additions to the citizenship of Knoxville and since making their home here have thoroughly identified themselves with the movements that make for progress and advancement.

James M. Reynolds is now living retired in Pleasantville. For many years he was actively identified with farming but in 1891 put aside the work of the fields and took up his abode in the town where he now resides, purchasing five acres of land, on which he erected a comfortable residence. Seven years later he purchased his present fine home, which is one of the most attractive of his section of the county. He still derives a substantial annual income from his two well improved farms, one of which contains four hundred and twenty-one acres and the other two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land. Before retiring from business life he made his home in Pleasant Grove township, where he arrived on the 6th of April, 1846. He accompanied his father, who had taken a claim just south of the present site of Pleasantville and thereon built one of the pioneer cabins of the county.

James M. Reynolds is a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred in Benton county, that state, November 8, 1837, his parents being Lewis and Martha J. (Terwilliger) Reynolds, the former a native of Botetourt county, Virginia, and the latter of Ohio. As young people they removed to Indiana, settling there in pioneer times, and in Benton county they were married. There they began their domestic life, continuing their residence in that county until 1843, when they came to Iowa, settling first at Muscatine, where they lived for a year. They then removed to a place four miles east of Eddyville, in Wapello county, settling at the town of Kirkville. Lewis Reynolds was among the first to file a claim for a farm in this locality and he and his wife spent their remaining days here. He was born May 7, 1815, and died at the age of eighty years, July 29, 1895. Throughout his entire life Lewis Reynolds carried on general agricultural pursuits and at one time was the owner of two hundred and forty acres. His father was a soldier of the War of 1812. Both Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds were members of the Methodist church and Christian principles guided their lives at all times. The latter died about the spring of 1885, when sixty-five years of age.

James M. Reynolds is the eldest in a family of five daughters and three sons, one of whom died at the age of eight years. The surviving members of the family are four daughters and one son, three of the daughters living in Marion county and the fourth in North Dakota. The only son, James M. Reynolds, was a little lad of but six years when the family came to Iowa, so that he has been a witness of the development of the state from pioneer times. His education opportunities were quite limited and he had practically nothing with which to start in business life, but he was ambitious and energetic and those qualities stood him in stead of fortune.

On the 18th of January, 1859, Mr. Reynolds was married at Pleasantville to Miss Barbara Ann Shepherd, who was born in Adams county, Illinois, January 4, 1843, a daughter of John and Polly (Briggs) Shepherd, the former a veteran of the War of 1812 and the latter a native of North Carolina. The father died in Illinois in 1845 and the mother came to Marion county in 1847, settling at Pleasantville. She afterward became the wife of William F. Jordan and died when about eighty years of age. By her first marriage she had two daughters: Mrs. Reynolds; and Mrs. Mary J. Jones, a widow now residing in Denver, Colorado. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan were the parents of two children: Commodore, who is living in Portland, Oregon; and George W., deceased. From the age of four years Mrs. Reynolds was reared in this county and, like her husband, therefore, is numbered among the pioneer citizens. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have been born five children: Carrie J., who died in early life; Charles, a farmer and auctioneer residing in Minnesota, who is married and has children; Albert D., more extended mention of whom is made on another page of this work; Emma, who is the wife of L. O. Sutton and resides in Sandyville, Warren county, Iowa; and Thomas, who operates one of his father's farms.

In politics Mr. Reynolds is a democrat, although largely independent. He does not feel himself bound by party ties and casts his vote as his judgment dictates. He has never sought nor wished for political office but has served in school offices. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and his wife is connected with the Order of the Eastern Star. She is also a member of the Christian church and both are highly esteemed in Marion county. Mr. Reynolds has now passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey and is highly respected as one of the venerable and worthy citizens of Marion county. His carefully managed business affairs, at all times characterized by integrity as well as enterprise, brought to him a creditable measure of success, relieving him in his later years of that toil which should be performed in the vigor and strength of earlier manhood.

During the past five years, beginning in 1909, John Richards has lived retired in Pleasantville, where he owns and occupies a fine home. He is a retired farmer of the county and a representative of one of the prominent pioneer families. His birth occurred in Cochocton county, Ohio, December 28, 1845, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. William Richards, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume. He was but eleven years of age when the family came to Marion county, arriving in 1856. Here he attended the public schools. The school building was of logs, its furnishings were crude and the methods of instruction were also somewhat primitive, but through that early training and also through later experience, observation and reading Mr. Richards has added largely to his knowledge, becoming a practical, capable business man and one well informed on many general questions of the day. He has always followed farming and stock-raising and has met with a substantial measure of success.

Mr. Richards remained at home until seventeen years of age and then enlisted in August, 1863, as a member of Company A, Thirty-third Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war. He was with the western army in a number of important engagements but was never wounded. His brother Josiah was also a soldier, being with the boys in blue of Company I, Thirty-third Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was born July 4, 1843, and died just after the battle of Helena, Arkansas. John Richards remained at the front until after the close of the war and is familiar with all of the experiences of military life. He was mustered out on the 19th of August, 1865, after which he resumed work upon the home farm, assisting his father up to the time of his marriage.

It was in 1870 that John Richards was joined in wedlock to Miss Matilda E. De Haven, who was born in Virginia, a daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Rowe) De Haven. Her mother reached the age of ninety-three years in September, 1914. She is still enjoying good health, is active and reads the daily papers each day without the aid of glasses and is thoroughly informed on current events. She makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Richards. Mr. De Haven passed away in Ohio forty-five years ago. He devoted his life to farming and after his death his widow came to Marion county, where she has spent the past forty-five years. In their family were three sons and three daughters and with the exception of one son all are yet living.

During different periods of her girlhood Mrs. Richards resided with her parents in Virginia, Ohio and Iowa. By her marriage she has become the mother of eleven children, four sons and seven daughters, as follows: Bert, a farmer residing one mile west of Pleasantville, who wedded Miss Nora Silvers, who had been reared in the home of T. R. Brown; Eva, who is the wife of Benjamin Cleveland, of Pleasant Grove township, this county; Thirza, who is the widow of Alfred Hickman and is associated with her brother George in the operation of a farm in Pleasant Grove township; Eunice, who is the wife of E. F. Radloff and resides near Marshalltown, Iowa; Margery, who gave her hand in marriage to B. D. Orcutt, of Pleasant Grove township; Belle, who is the wife of E. E. Rue, a carpenter and builder of Melcher, Iowa; Daisy, who taught school for some years and is now the wife of Cecil Shawver, of Pleasant Grove township; Urias, who wedded Miss George Kerr and follows farming in Pleasant Grove township; Fred, a farmer residing near Pleasantville, who married Miss Ruth Hayes; George, who owns and operates a farm in association with his sister, Mrs. Thirza Hickman; and Nora, at home. The children have all been provided with good educational advantages and in addition to attending the public schools some have attended business college. Mr. and Mrs. Richards have nineteen grandchildren.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Richards are members of the Christian church and their children are all identified with the same denomination save one son, Bert, who is a Methodist. Mr. Richards belonged to the Grand Army post at Pleasantville until it was discontinued and he was formerly identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He continued to own his farm of two hundred and ten acres until January, 1914, when he sold that property. He won a substantial measure of success in his agricultural activities and gained thereby the handsome competence which now enables him to live retired and yet enjoy the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.

Joshua Richards has but recently taken up his abode in Pleasantville, where he is now living retired from further business cares in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He still, however, owns a farm of two hundred acres in Pleasant Grove township and at a former period was the owner of four hundred and fifty-five acres in the same township. He has made his home in Marion county since 1856 and his memory therefore forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. There are few events of importance concerning the history of the county and its development with which he is not familiar and he contributed in substantial measure to the advancement made along agricultural lines.

Mr. Richards was born in Cochocton county, Ohio, March 14, 1837, and is a son of William and Margaret (Thompson) Richards, who were natives of Bedford county, Pennsylvania. Their marriage took place in Ohio, and they subsequently removed to Wabash county, Indiana, where they lived for four years but in 1856 they came to Iowa, settling in Pleasant Grove township, where the father secured land. He spent three or four years in Knoxville township but much of his time in this county was passed in Pleasant Grove township and with the work of general development and improvement he was closely associated. He and his wife traveled life's journey together for more than sixty-eight years and both passed away when over ninety years of age. In their family were ten children, of whom five are yet living: Joshua, James and John, all of Pleasantville; William, whose home is in Montana; and Urias, of Oklahoma.

Joshua Richards was the fourth in order of birth in his father's family and was reared to the age of fourteen years in Ohio, during which period he attended school and mastered many of the elementary branches of learning. Following the removal of the family to Indiana he continued his education there. He was reared to farm life and early became familiar with all the duties and labors incident to the development and care of the fields. When he started out for himself he took up farming and at the age of nineteen years he arrived in Marion county, after which time he was identified with agricultural interests until his recent retirement to private life. Success attended his efforts and as his financial resources increased he kept adding to his holdings until his landed possessions aggregated four hundred and fifty-five acres in Pleasant Grove township. He has since disposed of a portion of his property but is still the owner of two hundred acres of rich and valuable land. He was married on the 31st of March, 1861, and soon afterward located upon the farm which he still owns. There he engaged quite extensively in the raising of Poland China hogs and still has a number of registered animals. He also raised good graded shorthorn cattle and horses, and became well known as a stockman. He had nothing with which to start out in the business world but he displayed careful management, sound judgment and unfaltering industry and it was thus that he gained a place among the substantial farmers of the community.

As stated, Mr. Richards was married on the 31st of March, 1861, the lady of his choice being Miss Frances Shunkwiler, who was born in Indiana, January 25, 1843, and when three years of age was brought to this county by her parents, David and Serilda (Bristol) Shunkwiler, who in 1846 settled in Pleasant Grove township, Marion county, where their remaining days were passed. Her father was killed while serving as a soldier of the Union army in the Civil war and his wife passed away in this county about forty years ago. They were earnest Christian people and enjoyed the esteem and friendship of many. Mrs. Richards had three brothers and two sisters. She was reared in this county and pursued her education in one of the old-time log schoolhouses of the pioneer day. To Mr. and Mrs. Richards were born eleven children, nine of whom grew to maturity and six of whom are still living, namely: James, who is a resident of Pleasant Grove township, this county; Ruann Ellen, who is the wife of Henry Hartman, of Longmont, Colorado; Mary, who gave her hand in marriage to Lawrence Sherman, of Pleasant Grove township, this county; Emma, the wife of James Evans, of Pleasantville, Iowa; Georgia, who is the widow of O. B. Wright and resides at home; and Frankie, the wife of Floyd Shoemaker, of Pleasant Grove township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Richards also have twenty grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

In his political views Mr. Richards has always been a stalwart republican since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He has always marched under the party banner and has been loyal to its interests. Since 1867 he has been affiliated with the Masonic order, having been initiated into the craft at Pleasantville. His wife was formerly a member of the Good Templars Society, which she joined in girlhood, and she is a member of the Christian church. Their lives have been well spent and they are widely and favorably known in the county. Mr. Richards has done a good work in a business way. He has made excellent improvements upon his farm, which is modern in every particular. He has a system of waterworks whereby water is piped into the house and into the barn and every modern facility and equipment is to be seen there. He well deserves the rest which he is now enjoying and equally deserves the confidence and good-will entertained for him by his fellow townsmen.

The student of history cannot carry his investigation far into the pioneer records of this county without learning that the Richards family has been prominently identified with the work of development and upbuilding here for many years. Like others of the name, James Allen Richards was long closely associated with agricultural interests but since 1907 has made his home in Pleasantville, enjoying a well earned rest. He still derives a substantial income, however, from his farm property in Pleasant Grove and Swan townships, where he has three hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land which is cultivated partly by his children. His birth occurred in Coshocton county, Ohio, October 4, 1847, his father being William Richards, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. He was reared under the parental roof with the usual experiences of the farm boy who spends his early life upon the frontier. He attended the country schools and assisted in the arduous talk of cultivating and developing new land. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until his marriage, when he secured a farm of his own and settled thereon, making it his place of residence until 1907.

It was on the 11th of August, 1892, that Mr. Richards wedded Miss Mary A. Fleck, who was born in Prairie City, Iowa, May 29, 1873, a daughter of James E. and Margaret (McCleary) Fleck and a granddaughter of Ephraim and Rachel (Colliard) McCleary, who were Irish people, while the Flecks were of German descent. The paternal grandfather, David Fleck, was born in Germany and became the founder of the family in the new world, his son, James E. Fleck, being born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, whence he removed to Indiana. He was married in that state, at Warsaw, and afterward came to Iowa, settling near Prairie City, Jasper county. His wife died in 1879, at the age of thirty-nine years, when on a visit at Warsaw, Indiana. James E. Fleck went to California in the spring of 1891 and remained in that state for a year, subsequent to which time he located at Crow, Oregon, where he passed away in April, 1899, at the age of sixty-seven years, his birth having occurred March 1, 1832. Throughout the period of his residence in Iowa he followed farming, and while living in this state he also enlisted and served for one hundred days in the Civil war. Mrs. Richards was the seventh in a family of nine children, of whom the two eldest died in infancy. The others are yet living, namely: Alfred, who is a resident of Rockwell City, Iowa; David, living in Pleasantville, Iowa; J. Edward, who makes his home in South Dakota; Joseph, residing in Crow, Oregon; Mrs. Mary A. Richards; Anna, who is the wife of Joseph Power; and William, living in Canada. Mrs. Richards was reared in Jasper county, Iowa, and acquired a common-school education. By her marriage she has become the mother of five children, namely: Jessie Hazel, Ray D., Ralph A., Esta Geraldine and James Albert, all at home.

The family occupy an attractive residence in Pleasantville. It is commodious and tastefully furnished, while its chief charm is its generous and warm-hearted hospitality. Mrs. Richards is a member of the Christian church. Politically Mr. Richards is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office. He has always manifested a public-spirited devotion to the general good and has cooperated in many plans and movements for the upbuilding and benefit of the county.

On the list of Marion county's pioneer settlers appears the name of William Richards, who passed away November 21, 1901, at the home of his son Joshua, of whom mention is made on another page of this work. He was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, July 19, 1811, a son of William and Ann (Rose) Richards. The father was born November 27, 1781, and his life record covered the intervening period to the 13th of December, 1857. He served as a soldier in the Mexican war. The mother was born September 18, 1784, and died August 29, 1853. By trade William Richards, Sr., was a shoemaker. To him and his wife were born nine children, namely: John, Rachel, William, Jr. Juliann, Josiah, Samuel, Melinda, Ruann and Selena.

William Richards accompanied his parents on their removal from the Keystone state to Cochocton county, Ohio, in his boyhood days. He was there reared and married, Miss Margery Thompson becoming his wife on the 23d of December, 1830. She was born May 7, 1808, in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Joshua Thompson, whose wife died during the early girlhood of their daughter Margery. Upon leaving Ohio Mr. and Mrs. Richards removed to Wabash county, Indiana, and there resided for about three years or until the fall of 1856, when they came to Marion county, Iowa. Mr. Richards was a farmer by occupation and his life was a busy and useful one which in the course of years brought him a very gratifying and substantial measure of success. As his financial resources increased he kept adding to his property until his holdings aggregated nine hundred acres of rich and valuable farming land in Pleasant Grove and Swan townships. This he successfully cultivated and his property interest brought to him a gratifying measure of success as the years passed on.

Mrs. Richards passed away January 18, 1899, and the death of Mr. Richards occurred November 21, 1901. Their married life covered a period of more than sixty-eight years and their mutual love and confidence increased as time passed on and they met together the joys and sorrows, the adversity and the prosperity that checkered their lives. They were baptized and joined the Christian church in 1840 and they were thereafter consistent members until they were called to the home beyond. Mr. Richards was also a member of the Masonic fraternity from early manhood. To him and his wife were born ten children, as follows: Eleanor, whose birth occurred October 14, 1831, and who died in Indiana in young womanhood; Ann Jane, who was born January 30, 1833, gave her hand in marriage to David Forst and is now deceased; William T., born May 27, 1835, who resides near Bozeman, Montana; Joshua T., a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work; Samuel V., whose birth occurred January 8, 1839, and who died in Indiana in young manhood; Juliann, born April 1, 1841, who became the wife of Harmon Caffrey and has passed away; Josiah, born July 4, 1843, who died while serving as a soldier of the Union army in the Civil war; John, a sketch of whom is given on another page of this work; James Allen, whose birth occurred October 4, 1847, and who is a resident of Pleasantville, Iowa; and Urias, born September 10, 1849, who resides in Oklahoma.

William Richards gave his political indorsement to the whig party after age conferred upon him the right of franchise and when that party ceased to exist he joined the ranks of the new republican party. His worth and ability were widely recognized by his fellow townsmen and he was frequently called to public office, serving as mayor of Pleasantville for several years. He was prominent and influential as a supporter and promoter of churches and schools and was very active as a member of the Christian church. Both he and his wife lived to be more than ninety years of age and for a long period were the oldest couple of the county, having traveled life's journey together for more than sixty-eight years ere separated by the hand of death. Every phase of frontier life was familiar to them and they bore an active and helpful part in the work of general development. Their influence was ever on the side of right, progress, reform and improvement and their memory is cherished by all who knew them and remains as a blessed benediction to their friends.

Among the extensive landowners of the county is John Rietveld, the owner of six hundred acres in Clay township. He was born at Noordeloos, Holland, on the 21st of January, 1844, a son of Jan and Dierke (Blokland) Rietveld, who three years later emigrated with their family to America. The father was one of the committee having charge of the affairs of the colony which settled at Pella. He located on the Des Moines river, near the present home of his son John, in August, 1847, and there resided until his death, which occurred in 1859 when he was past fifty-five years of age. He became the owner of a half section of land, which was but slightly improved when it came into his possession and which he developed during the succeeding years. In addition to cultivating the soil he raised stock and was very successful in both lines of activity. He was a devout member of the Dutch Reformed church and was held in high esteem by those who knew him. His wife died in February, 1876, when more than seventy years old. She was also a member of the Dutch Reformed church. Ten of their children grew to maturity, but only two are now living, the subject of the review and a sister, Mrs. Langerak, who is the mother of the present clerk of Marion county. Three brothers of our subject, who were farmers, have now passed away and five of his sisters are also deceased.

John Rietveld attended the early subscription schools in this county when his services were not needed at home and received thorough training in the subjects taught at that time. He remained at home until 1864, when he was married, and then began his independent business career. He had practically no capital and began farming on shares. He saved as much as possible annually, as he had determined to purchase land, and when, upon the settling of his father's estate, he received one thousand dollars, he added this sum to the thousand dollars that he had saved and purchased his first farm. Industry and economy enabled him to add other land and he now holds title to six hundred acres in the northwestern part of Clay township. He is an efficient agriculturist and his labors yield him a handsome income.

On the 28th of October, 1864, Mr. Rietveld was married to Miss Christina Van Loon, who was born in Woerden, Holland, on the 28th of July, 1843, a daughter of Gideon and Elizabeth Hendriene (Solsbergen) Van Loon. In June, 1849, she was brought by her parents to this country, the family home being established at Pella. Her father engaged in cultivating a small farm, which he purchased and improved, and he and his wife resided there until called to their reward, he in 1907 at the age of eighty-nine years, and she in 1899 when seventy-three years old. Both were consistent members of the Dutch Reformed church. All of their six children are still living, those besides Mrs. Rietveld being: James, Dierk, Gideon, Mrs. Mary Bogaard and Miss Elizabeth, who resides with her eldest brother, who is unmarried. Mr. and Mrs. Rietveld have ten children: Delia; Mrs. Elizabeth Weirs; Mrs. Jennie Vanderwal; Mrs. Marie Sells; John and Gideon, both of whom are married; Mrs Bertha De Young; and Cora, Katherine and Lois, all at home.

Mr. Rietveld is a stanch supporter of the measures and candidates of the republican party at the polls, believing firmly in the policies of that organization. Both he and his wife are active members of the Dutch Reformed church and their influence is always on the side of moral advancement. Mr. Rietveld deserves much credit for having achieved such a large measure of success and also is entitled to honor because of the unswerving integrity and uprightness of his daily life.

John O. Rinehart, successfully carrying on general farming on section 13, Union township, was born in Frederick county, West Virginia, September 5, 1863, a son of Charles and Rhoda (Slonaker) Rinehart. The former was born in what is now West Virginia on the 29th of November, 1825, and the latter was born in Hampshire county, the same state, on the 5th of September, 1830. Their marriage occurred in West Virginia and the father farmed there until 1863, when he removed with his family to Ohio and remained there for a few years. They came to Iowa in the fall of 1867 and settled near Dunreath, this county, purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of land in Pleasant Grove township. He moved his house across the Des Moines river on a flatboat and immediately began to prepare his land for cultivation. He farmed until his death, which occurred April 8, 1891. His widow survives and lives in Pleasant Grove township with a son, who operates the home place. The father was a republican in politics and his religious adherence was given to the Methodist Episcopal church. Four of his eight children are living. The record is as follows: Edgar, deceased; Howard, a resident of Knox township; Sidney, deceased; Charles, who resides with his mother upon the home farm; Molly, who married W. N. Bacon, a resident of Pleasantville, Iowa; Edmonia, the deceased wife of William Koons; John O., of this review; and one who died in infancy.

John O. Rinehart is indebted to the public schools of Pleasant Grove township for his educational opportunities and to his father's instruction for much of his knowledge of agriculture. He farmed rented land for two years previous to his marriage and continued to operate land belonging to others for about three years. After that event he then purchased his present place, which comprises eighty acres on section 13, Union township, and has since resided there. He is a progressive and successful farmer and raises both grain and stock, finding that in this way waste is eliminated and the course a profitable one.

Mr. Rinehart was married in 1888 to Miss Eliza Jane Ruckman, who was born December 28, 1863, a daughter of E. B. Ruckman, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. She was reared in this county and educated in the district schools of Union township. Mr. and Mrs. Rinehart have become the parents of two children. Eliphalet Benton, born on the 5th of July, 1889, is now assisting his father with the work of the homestead; and Charles William, whose natal day was the 6th of March, 1892, also resides at home. The elder son is a member of Knoxville Lodge, No. 90, I. O. O. F.

Mr. Rinehart is a republican and has served as township trustee, road supervisor and school director. He has also been a delegate to county conventions of his party, and was the successful candidate for township trustee in November, 1914. His energy and ability make him one of the representative farmers of the county and all who know him hold him in high respect.

William Edson Rinehart is serving as city clerk of Knoxville and is a successful business man of the city, owning a department store. He was born in Knoxville on the 5th of April, 1884, a son of S. S. and Alma (Ogle) Rinehart, who were natives of Ohio and Illinois respectively. They were early settlers in the county and the father engaged in blacksmithing for many years.

William E. Rinehart obtained his education in the common schools and subsequently clerked in a dry-goods store belonging to T. H. Heiny. Later he was employed in a similar capacity by J. D. Hanks and by Younker Brothers, of Des Moines. After again working for Mr. Hanks he opened a department store of his own in Knoxville on the 25th of March, 1910. The building is twenty by one hundred feet in dimensions and is located on the south side of the square. His long experience in mercantile houses has thoroughly qualified him for the management of such an enterprise, and the variety of goods offered, the nice balance maintained between quality and price and the courteous treatment given all customers are among the factors that have made his store one of the leading mercantile establishments of Knoxville.

Mr. Rinehart was married on the 8th of November, 1909, to Miss Mary Kinney, of Donley, Iowa, a daughter of J. J. Kinney. Mr. Rinehart is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is well known and popular in that organization. Politically he is a democrat and manifests a keen interest in everything relating to local governmental affairs. In 1908 he was elected city clerk and served for two years. On the 9th of July, 1913, he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the same office and is at present the incumbent thereof. He is a forceful factor in the expansion of the city's business interests and as a public-spirited citizen cooperates heartily in a number of measures calculated to benefit the community as a whole.

John J. Roberts is an important factor in the financial life of Knoxville, as he is cashier of the Knoxville National Bank, one of the leading moneyed institutions of the county. He was born in Crawford county, Ohio, on the 23d of September, 1867, a son of John A. and Susan A. (Moore) Roberts, both natives of that state. His maternal grandfather was James Moore, a farmer of Crawford county. John A. Roberts served in the Civil war, being a member of Company C, One Hundred and First Regiment, Ohio Volunteers, and was wounded in the battle of Murfreesboro. He was a non-commissioned officer, being sergeant. In 1869 he brought his family to Knoxville, Iowa, and for several years was principal of the public schools here. He also taught in other places but later in life was a traveling salesman for a number of years. He lived retired for some time before his death, which occurred on the 1st of April, 1912. His widow survives. He was an active member of the Presbyterian church and held the office of elder. In political affairs he was a republican, and fraternally he belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He had five children, namely: John J., of this review; Della, who married L. B. Meyers, a resident of El Reno, Oklahoma; William L., who lives in Knoxville; Roy M., a traveling salesman living in Knoxville; and Fannie, also a resident of this city and the wife of Ed Butterfield, by whom she has a son, Arthur Edwin.

John J. Roberts was reared and educated in Knoxville, as were his brothers and sisters. After leaving school he went on the road with his father for one winter, but in 1887, when twenty years of age, entered the employ of the Knoxville National Bank as bookkeeper. He proved faithful to trust and apt in learning the banking routine and also displayed a ready understanding of the commercial and monetary principles that underlie the banking business. His ability won him promotion to the office of assistant cashier and on the 12th of April, 1910, he was made cashier. Since that time he has held that responsible position and under his administrative direction the affairs of the bank have prospered and it has served the community well and also paid good dividends to its stockholders. Its policy is one of progressiveness balanced by sufficient conservatism to insure the safety of the funds deposited with it.

Mr. Roberts married Miss Adda M. Myers, a daughter of W. R. and Esther C. (Craddick) Myers, of Knoxville. To Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have been born two children: Esther and Harold, both at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Roberts belong to the Presbyterian church. He is a stanch republican in politics and has served as school treasurer. He is identified with a number of fraternal organizations here, being a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 61, F. & A. M., of which he is past master; and of the Knights of Pythias, in which he has held all of the chairs; and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is past grand. He is also a grand master of the exchequer of the grand lodge of Iowa of the Knights of Pythias. His life has been one of enterprise and of constant striving to increase his efficiency, and the responsible place he holds in banking circles in the county has been won by merit and industry, and the esteem which is entertained for him personally by his fellow citizens is equally well deserved.

The Froggatt Furniture Store is the oldest store of the kind in Knoxville and has a splendid reputation for a high quality of goods and fair dealing. William L. Roberts, now the owner of the store, is fully in harmony with the policies which have governed the business since its establishment. He was born in Knoxville on the 1st of June, 1872, a son of John A. and Susan A. (Moore) Roberts, both natives of Ohio, whence they removed to Knoxville in 1870. The father was for some time superintendent of the Knoxville schools and later was a traveling salesman, but the last years of his life were spent in retirement from the cares of active business life and in the enjoyment of a well deserved leisure. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in an Ohio regiment. His demise occurred on the 1st of April, 1912, but his widow survives. To them were born five children: John J.; Della, who married L. B. Meyers, of Oklahoma; William L., of this review; Roy M., who resides in Knoxville; and Fannie, the wife of Ed Butterfield, also of Knoxville.

William L. Roberts was reared under the parental roof and attended the public schools of Knoxville in the pursuit of his education. After being graduated from the Knoxville high school he clerked in a grocery store for one year and then for seven years was employed in a similar capacity by G. W. Irvin, the proprietor of a furniture store. In 1899 Mr. Roberts severed this connection and in the same year purchased an interest in the W. L. Froggatt Furniture Store, being joined by W. O. Froggatt, a son of W. L. Froggatt, who retired from active connection with the business at that time. On the 1st of January, 1913, Mr. Roberts bought out the interest of W. O. Froggatt and has since been sole owner of the business. It is the oldest mercantile store in Knoxville and is still one of the leading establishments of its kind in the city. Its high standard of commercial integrity and the excellent stock of goods to select from have retained the trade of those who have once given it their patronage and have also gained new customers. Mr. Roberts is thoroughly familiar with the line of goods carried and is efficient and up-to-date in his business methods and under his direction the continued prosperity of the store is assured.

Mr. Roberts was married on the 28th of June, 1899, to Miss Margaret L. Taggart, a daughter of James and Jane Taggart, early settlers of this county. The father was a miller by trade but is now deceased, as is also his wife. To Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have been born two children, Maurine and John.

Mr. Roberts is a member of the Presbyterian church and in politics supports the men and measures of the republican party. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Red Men. He belongs to Oriental Lodge, No. 61, F. & A. M.; Tadmor Chapter, R. A. M.; Melita Commandery, K. T.; and Za-Ga-Zig Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He has given the greater part of his time to the direction of his private business interests but has not been too absorbed in his personal affairs to cooperate with a number of movements that have resulted in good to his city and county.

J. T. Robuck spent his youthful days upon the old homestead, remaining there until he reached the age of twenty-two years, during which time he assisted his father in the work of the fields when not busy with his text-books, his education being acquired in the common schools. On leaving home he rented a tract of land and thus carried on farming for several years, at the end of which time he purchased a farm in Clay township with the money he had saved from his earnings. Upon that place he lived for fourteen years and after selling out he bought a farm in Franklin township, upon which he resided for four years. On disposing of that property he invested in land in Knoxville township and afterward retired from active farming, taking up his abode in the city of Knoxville, where he lived for two years. On the expiration of that period he again turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and for some time occupied and cultivated his farm but eventually sold out and turned his attention to merchandising at Attica, where he is now living. He conducts a general store, carrying a large and carefully selected stock of goods, and he also handles farm implements and wire. His business has grown to gratifying proportions and he is one of the enterprising merchants of the county. In connection with his son he also owns a farm in Franklin township.

In 1878 Mr. Robuck was united in marriage to Miss Ida Force, a native of this county and a daughter of George and Permelia (Wade) Force, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father is now deceased but the mother survives. Mr. and Mrs. Robuck had five children but the first two died in infancy. The third child, Bessie, passed away at the age of fourteen years. The two surviving members of the family are John, who follows farming, owning property in connection with his father, and Mabel, at home.

The parents are members of the Methodist Protestant church and Mr. Robuck belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Knoxville and to the Improved Order of Red Men. In politics he is a democrat, having always exercised his right of franchise in support of that party since attaining his majority. He has served as school director but has never occupied political office. His life has been a busy and useful one in which there have been few idle hours. He has always carefully directed his farm work and his mercantile interests and as the result of his indefatigable energy and sound judgment has met with a gratifying measure of success.

Jackson D. Rogers is extensively engaged in farming in Indiana township, an excellent property of three hundred and forty acres on section 17 paying tribute to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. He was born in this county July 21, 1868, his parents being Benjamin and Mary E. (Ruffner) Rogers, both of whom were natives of Indiana and came to Iowa in 1864, taking up their abode upon a farm which is now the home of their son, J. D. Rogers. The father converted the land into rich and productive fields and lived upon this place until 1890, when he removed to Knoxville, where his remaining days were passed, his death there occurring in 1905. His widow survives and has now reached the age of seventy-six years. In their family were two children but the elder, Rozella, is now deceased.

J. D. Rogers remained under the parental roof during the period of his boyhood and youth and attended the district schools through the winter seasons, while the summer months were devoted to farm work. After reaching adult age he started out in life on his own account by renting the old home farm and after two years he purchased the property. Today he is the owner of three hundred and forty acres of rich and valuable land on section 17, Indiana township, which is all splendidly improved. In the midst of the place stands a comfortable residence and in the rear of this are good barns and outbuildings that furnish ample shelter to grain and stock. All around stretch the broad fields that annually produce good harvests as a reward for the progressive methods of the owner. Mr. Rogers makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock in connection with the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and his stock-raising, like his farming, is bringing to him gratifying financial returns.

In 1890 Mr. Rogers was united in marriage to Miss Ida Whitlatch, a native of this county and a daughter of George and Rachel Ann Whitlatch, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Rogers took up the profession of school-teaching in early womanhood and was thus engaged for four terms. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are members of the Methodist Protestant church and are much interested in its work, aiding in the extension of its influence. Mr. Rogers votes with the republican party but has never filled political office. He is interested in community affairs, however, and is now serving for the thirteenth year as a member of the school board, in which connection he has done much to further the interests of education. He has spent his entire life in this county and is widely known, particularly in Indiana township, where high regard is entertained for him by all with whom he has been brought in contact.

Epp R. Roorda - page 269

Epp R. Roorda, a native son and enterprising agriculturist of Marion county, is the owner of a well improved farm embracing one hundred and five acres on section 32, Clay township. His birth occurred on the 4th of January, 1873, his parents being John and Jane (Van Maren) Roorda, the former born in Holland and the latter born in Marion county, Iowa. It was in the year 1847 that John Roorda emigrated to the United States with a colony of people from his native land. Both he and his wife still survive, residing in Pella, this county, and they are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community. Ten of their twelve children are also yet living.

Epp R. Roorda attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and remained under the parental roof until twenty-four years of age. He then spent one year in the cultivation of rented land and on the expiration of that period purchased a tract of one hundred and five acres on section 32, Clay township, where he has carried on farming and stock-raising with excellent success continuously since. The property is all in a high state of cultivation and is lacking in none of the improvements and equipments of a model farm of the twentieth century. In the work of the fields he follows the most practical and progressive methods, and his labors have been rewarded by a gratifying degree of prosperity which places him in the front rank of progressive and able agriculturists.

In 1897 Mr. Roorda was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia Vanderwilt, a native of this county and a daughter of John and Gertrude Vanderwilt, both of whom were born in Holland and emigrated to the United States in 1849. They took up their abode in Marion county, Iowa, and here spent the remainder of their lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Roorda have been born six children, namely: Jeanette, Gertrude, Robert, John David, Edward and Henry.

Mr. Roorda gives his political allegiance to the democracy and is now ably serving as president of the local school board, having ever been a stanch friend and champion of the cause of education. He is interested in all measures and movements instituted to promote the general welfare and widely recognized as a public-spirited and loyal citizen. For the past five years he has served as superintendent of the Sunday school of the Brethren church, of which his family are devoted members. Mr. Roorda and his wife have always lived in Marion county and have won an extensive circle of friends who esteem them highly for their many sterling traits of character.

George H. Rose, living on section 6, Liberty township, was born on the farm which is still his home, his natal day being April 25, 1872. His parents were Richard and Matilda (Glenn) Rose. In his youthful days he worked in the fields when not busy with his text-books, his education being acquired in the public schools. He early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops and he has engaged in general farming and stock-raising throughout his entire life. He keeps Durham cattle for his own use and he has other good grades of stock upon his place. The farm comprises two hundred acres of rich and arable land practically all cleared and under cultivation. He has made many improvements upon the farm, erecting all of the present buildings save the residence. The barns and outbuildings are substantial and give ample shelter to grain and stock and modern farm machinery and implements are used in the development of the fields. It was in 1904 that Mr. Rose purchased two hundred acres of the old homestead from the other heirs and since that time he has occupied and cultivated the farm.

On the 22d of April, 1896, Mr. Rose was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Hammond, a daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Beard) Hammond. A sketch of the father, a retired agriculturist residing in Clay township, appears on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Rose have four children, as follows: Glenn, who was born February 18, 1899; Irma whose birth occurred on the 29th of July, 1900; Velma, whose natal day was February 27, 1907; and Merle, born August 12, 1909. The family is well known throughout Liberty township and this part of the county and Mr. and Mrs. Rose have a large circle of warm friends, while the hospitality of the best homes if freely accorded them.

In politics Mr. Rose is a democrat and gives to his party stalwart allegiance but does not seek nor desire office. On the contrary, he concentrates his efforts and energy upon the further development and improvement of his farm with the result that he has made it one of the valuable properties of this section of the state.

Thomas E. Rose - page 11

Thomas E. Rose is a representative farmer of Liberty township, living on section 7. He was born on the adjoining section - the old homestead farm of the family - February 24, 1856, a son of Richard and Matilda (Glenn) Rose, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Brown county, Illinois. They were married in the latter district and as the years went on six children were added to the household, as follows: Thomas E., of this review; Catherine, who is the wife of Frank Williams, of Clay township, this county; Sarah, who gave her hand in marriage to Tim Gregory; Elizabeth, who died at the age of eighteen years; Charles I., who is a resident of Harvey county, Kansas; and George H., living on the old home place.

In October, 1855, the family home was established in Marion county, on a tract of land, two hundred and forty acres of which Mr. Rose had preempted a few years before. The father bent his energies to the development and improvement of the old home place and as they became old enough his sons assisted him in the farm work, and there Richard Rose passed away April 6, 1896, at the age of about seventy-five years, his birth having occurred June 1, 1821. His wife, who was born November 2, 1829, died in 1906, and they were laid to rest in Liberty cemetery. During the long years of their residence in this county they had become widely and favorably known and their memory is yet cherished by many. The father was a veteran of the Mexican war. He always carried on farming and stock-raising and his energy and determination enabled him to so successfully conduct his business that he provided a good living for his family. In politics he was a democrat and served as township trustee. He was much interested in public affairs, took a helpful part in advancing the welfare of the community and was among those who laid broad and deep the foundation upon which has been built the present progress and prosperity of the county. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian church and their lives constituted an example that any might well follow.

Thomas E. Rose was educated in one of the old-time log schoolhouses of the pioneer days and he shared with the family in all of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. He assisted in the arduous task of breaking the sod and developing new fields and as the years passed on his labors were attended with substantial success and brought to him the experience that enabled him to carry on his own farm work in a most capable manner. In March, 1884, he located upon his present place and is today the owner of two farms comprising one hundred and fifty-nine acres. He cultivates the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also successfully engages in raising stock.

On the 17th of March, 1878, Mr. Rose was united in marriage to Miss Nancy E. Stephens, her parents being Cumberland and Sarah J. (Ridlen) Stephens, who came to this county in the '50s and spent the remainder of their lives in Liberty township. They had thirteen children, six of whom survive. To Mr. and Mrs. Rose have been born six children, as follows: Myrtle, who passed away in 1906; Seth; Lena, who gave her hand in marriage to Roy Sherman, of Oglesby, Illinois; Ruth, the wife of Worth Phelps, residing in Lyon county, Minnesota; Dwight; and Arminta.

Mr. Rose exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him, as he has always preferred to devote his attention to his farming interests, with the result that success is now his in creditable measure and he ranks with the leading and representative farmers of the county.

Andrew F. Rouze is a progressive and enterprising young agriculturist of Marion county, cultivating a farm of fifty acres on section 25, Clay township. His birth occurred in that township on the 18th of June, 1885, his parents being H. N. and Cordelia (Black) Rouze. The father, a retired agriculturist residing in Tracy , is mentioned at greater length on another page of this work.

Andrew F. Rouze enjoyed the advantage of a college education in his youth and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. Subsequently he cultivated a rented tract of land for one year and then purchased a farm in Clay township which he operated for three years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the property and took up his abode on the farm of his father-in-law on section 25, Clay township, where he has carried on agricultural pursuits with excellent success to the present time.

On March 25, 1908, Mr. Rouze was united in marriage to Miss Bessie E. Hill, a native of Clay township, this county, born March 13, 1884, and a daughter of L. A. and Alice (Scott) Hill, the former born in Clay township and the latter in Mahaska county, Iowa. They still make their home on a farm in Clay township, and three of their four children also survive. Mr. and Mrs. Rouze have one daughter, Freda Hill, whose natal day was June 14, 1911.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Rouze has supported the men and measures of the republican party. He has ably served in the capacity of road supervisor for three years and now holds the office of township assessor, making a creditable record in that connection. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, belonging to Camp No. 1695, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, with which his wife is also affiliated. They have always remained residents of this county and are a popular and highly esteemed young couple.

Homer Rouze - page 170

Homer Rouze owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 35, Swan township. The place presents a neat and thrifty appearance and gives every indication of the careful supervision of a practical and progressive owner. Mr. Rouze was born at the old town of Wheeling, in Marion county, April 13, 1858, a son of A. W. and Sarah (Kavanagh) Rouze, who were married in Ohio and shortly afterward came to Iowa, settling at Wheeling, in Marion county. The father was a teacher and followed that profession for many years. He also followed farming in Swan township in his later years. He had probably taught for a longer period than any other representative of the profession in Marion county and he imparted with readiness and clearness to others the knowledge that he had acquired.

A. W. Rouze was born in the Buckeye state and was educated in Oberlin College. After removing to the west he taught in Wheeling and Pleasantville and also for a number of years in Warren county, at Hartford, Palmyra and other places. He also secured land and improved a homestead, converting his place into a fine farm. The family at first lived in a log house but as the years passed it became possible for him to provide for them a more modern residence and supply them with many comforts of life. Removing to Swan, the family there resided for a number of years, or until the death of Mrs. Rouze in July, 1902, when she was more than seventy years of age. Mr. Rouze then returned to the old home farm, whereon he passed away April 24, 1912, when more than eighty-two years of age. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while his wife held membership in the Christian church. He filled the office of justice of the peace for several years and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial, based upon the law and equity in the case. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he was at one time a candidate for the office of county treasurer. In the family of A. W. and Sarah Rouze were five children, besides the subject of this review: H. H., a farmer now living near Minneapolis, Minnesota; Mrs. Stella Moffatt, residing in Calhoun county, Iowa; Mrs. Sibyl Pyle, of Nebraska; William, who died at the age of sixteen years; and Albert, who died in infancy.

Homer Rouze was reared in Swan township, in which his birth occurred. His experiences were those which usually fall to the lot of the farm lad who divides his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. He was married in this county March 13, 1884, to Miss Clara Spencer, who was born in Michigan, September 9, 1858, a daughter of John and Lucy (Abram) Spencer, who removed from Michigan to Indiana, where the mother died in 1862, leaving six children, of whom three are yet living: J. G., who is now a resident of Kansas City; Mrs. Emma Harmon, of Marshall county, Iowa; and Mrs. Rouze. It was in the year 1864 that John Spencer brought his family to Marion county, settling in Pleasant Grove township. He was a farmer and carpenter, devoting his entire life to those pursuits. Having lost his first wife, he married Mrs. Lovisa Pickett, nee Miner, who is now also deceased. They had two children: William, now living in Kansas; and Mrs. Amanda Gish, of Washington. The death of Mr. Spencer occurred at his home in Pleasant Grove township about 1878, when he was sixty years of age.

To Mr. and Mrs. Rouze were born ten children, of whom five survive, namely: Samuel V. and M. G., both of Minnesota; and Lloyd S., Grace and Loren, all at home. Those deceased were Alva, John Wiley, Ethel and two who died in infancy.

Politically Mr. Rouse is an earnest republican and an active worker in the local ranks of the party, doing all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. His fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, have called him to a number of local offices. His wife is a member of the Christian church at Pleasantville. The family is widely and favorably known and warm regard is entertained for them by their friends and neighbors. For more than fifty-six years Mr. Rouze has resided in this county and is therefore numbered among the early settlers who have seen most of the county's development and progress, taking an active part in all that pertains to the upbuilding of the community in which he lives.

H. N. Rouze, the period of whose residence in Marion county covers a half century, devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and is now living in honorable retirement at Tracy. His birth occurred in Indiana on the 28th of September, 1850, his parents being W. K. and Mary T. (Marsh) Rouze, both of whom were natives of Ohio. In 1864 they came to Marion county, Iowa, settling on a farm in Clay township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Three of their four children survive.

H. N. Rouze was reared under the parental roof and attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education. On attaining his majority he took charge of the home farm in Clay township, continuing its operation throughout his entire business career with such success that he was eventually enabled to put aside the active work of the fields and retire with a comfortable competence. He disposed of his farm property and took up his abode in Tracy, where he has since made his home and enjoys well earned ease. He owns a nice residence and other town property in Tracy.

Mr. Rouze has been twice married. In 1873 he wedded Miss Cordelia Black, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Andrew and Ann (Heubanks) Black, who were likewise born in the Buckeye state. They eventually established their home in Marion county, Iowa, but subsequently removed to Kansas and in that state spent the remainder of their lives. To them were born six children, one of whom yet survives. H. N. and Cordelia (Black) Rouze became the parents of six children, as follows: A. L., who is a resident of Missouri; Ora M., living in the state of Washington; W. V., of Clay township, this county; Andrew F., a sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume; W. H., a resident of Tracy, this county; and one who died in infancy. The demise of the wife and mother occurred in 1892 and her remains were interred in the Bethel cemetery. In 1894 Mr. Rouze was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary E. Durham, a native of Clay township, this county, and a daughter of D. T. and Emeline L. (Evans) Durham, both of whom are deceased.

In politics Mr. Rouze is a stanch republican and has ably served as assessor and also as a member of the school board for several years. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Bellefontaine Lodge, No. 163, A. F. & A. M., at Tracy, while he is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his wife are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church and exemplify its teachings in their daily lives. His career has been such as to give him high standing in the eyes of the community and he is generally recognized as a man whose long years of earnest labor have not only contributed to his own prosperity but have also been a boon to the community at large.

Rev. John Forsythe Rouze devoted thirty-six years of his life to preaching the gospel and his influence was of no restricted order, for he was not denied the full harvest nor the aftermath of his labors. In fact he contributed in large measure to the moral progress of Marion county and he was a man highly beloved and respected by all who knew him.

He was born in Butler county, Ohio, January 1, 1823, and was one of a family of five sons and five daughters who were children of Joseph and Susan (Forsythe) Rouze, both of whom were natives of New Jersey, where they were reared and married. They removed to Ohio and later to Indiana, where their last days were spent.

The Rev. John F. Rouze received only such meager educational opportunities as the schools of that early day in the pioneer district afforded. He was quite young when he started out in life on his own account and prior to the Civil war he came to Marion county and entered land from the government. The fact that property could be secured in that way is indicative of the conditions of the county at the time. He lived to see remarkable changes and bore his part in the material development of this section as well as in the moral progress. He was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church in early manhood but afterward became identified with the Methodist Protestant church, believing that more good could be accomplished through that avenue. For thirty-six years he engaged in preaching and his work was fraught with good results for the benefit of his fellowman.

Mr. Rouze was three times married and his children were all born of the first union. His last marriage was celebrated September 4, 1865, when Mrs. Nancy J. May became his wife. She was the widow of Alexander S. May, who came to this county with his parents when the Indians were here. After the outbreak of the Civil war he offered his services to the Union and served as a member of Company E, Eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. His remains now rest in a cemetery in New Orleans. Mrs. Rouze is a daughter of S. P. and Alsina (Robinson) McCorkle and she became the wife of Mr. Rouze in the old Knoxville courthouse. For a time thereafter they resided upon his farm and he gave considerable attention to its development and improvement, but he never ceased his labors as a minister of the gospel and his efforts in that direction were largely beneficial. At different times he was called to public office by his fellow townsmen, who recognized his worth and ability. He was a member of the Masonic order and also the Knights of Pythias. He died August 28, 1901, since which time Mrs. Rouze has taken up her abode in Bussey, where she still resides. His life, ever honorable in its purpose and high in its ideals, left a deep impress upon many with whom he came in contact and his memory now remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him.

Eliphalet Benton Ruckman is a farmer residing on section 11, Union township, this county, and is well known and highly respected in his community. He was born in Barren County, Kentucky, on the 28th of April, 1837, and his parents, Amos and Amanda F. (Houck) Ruckman, named him after Thomas H. Benton, the great senator of Missouri, and Eliphalet Knott, a famous orator. His paternal grandfather was Isaiah Ruckman and his great-grandfather was Joseph Ruckman. Amos Ruckman was born in Barren county, Kentucky, on the 17th day of February, 1806, the youngest of twelve children, and received his education in Kentucky and Tennessee. In early life he farmed in Kentucky, where his marriage occurred in 1836, but, as he and his wife believed it wrong to hold slaves, they left that state and came to Iowa in 1852. They started on the 14th of October with two yoke of oxen and two horses. It was fine autumn weather and for a time they made good progress. They crossed the Ohio river at Shawneetown and from there went through the cypress swamps in what is now known as Egypt in southern Illinois. They experienced the varied fortunes of the road and while in the swamp encountered a severe storm. In Illinois Mr. Ruckman purchased another yoke of cattle, making three in all. It was the year of the campaign for Pierce and Scott and liberty poles were seen in all the towns passed through. Before they reached their destination snow had fallen and the difficulties of travel increased. Their potatoes also froze. The family stopped near Keokuk, having crossed the river at that place. They were told that it was impossible to proceed farther on account of the rains, but the family continued on their way, however, by a devious route. They first went to Clark county, Missouri, thence to Bloomfield, Iowa, from which place they went to Drakesville, thence to Albia and then to Knoxville. They crossed White Breast creek on the 12th of December, 1852, just sixty days after they had started from Kentucky. They located on section 11, Union township, Marion county, where the father purchased one hundred and sixty-five acres of land. He used his oxen to break the first ground and energetically developed his property. As his resources increased he added to his possessions and became the owner of six hundred and forty acres of good land. He became well known in the county, was justice of the peace in Union township for four years and trustee for ten years. His political allegiance was given to the republican party. He was active in church work and was for some time clerk of the Baptist church in his locality. He passed away on the 26th of April, 1884, and in his demise the county lost a prominent pioneer farmer and a good citizen. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Miss Amanda F. Houck, was a daughter of John and Elizabeth Houck and was born in Kentucky on the 11th of May, 1812. She was educated in her native state and remained at home until her marriage. She was taught the art of weaving by a school teacher and as she was very ambitious became an expert weaver. The loom she used is now in possession of the subject of the review. She taught all of the women in the neighborhood the art and was famous as a housewife. Mr. and Mrs. Amos Ruckman had three children: Eliphalet B., of this review; John Lewis, who was born September 17, 1838, and fell in battle at Jackson, Mississippi, during the Civil war while commanding his company, which was Company B, Third Iowa Infantry; and Joseph, who was born February 4, 1840, and was killed in battle before Jackson on the 12th of July, 1863. He was second lieutenant of the same company of which his brother was captain. Both were single. The mother of our subject died on the 30th of September, 1898.

Eliphalet B. Ruckman accompanied his parents to this state in 1852 and well remembers the erection of their home in 1853. It was made of logs and all of the work necessary in its construction was done by hand by members of the family. The rock to build the chimney was hauled from a nearby quarry and the father and sons broke it into pieces of the required shape and size. The subject of this review attended the school taught by Captain William Blaine, which was the first free school in the county. He taught for three months when in his twentieth year, receiving twenty dollars a month and boarding with the parents of the children whom he taught. He had thirty-six pupils and among them were a number of girls almost grown. Two of them were planning to play a joke upon him and enjoy a laugh at his expense, but he turned the tables upon them and sent them from the room. They were highly indignant and took their belongings and went home. Their mother told him to whip them, but he did not. He subsequently entered Central University of Iowa at Pella and was a freshman in the scientific course there at the outbreak of the war. He left school and was never able to finish his course, as he was obliged to give his time to the work of the home farm for his two brothers had joined the Union army. After his father's death he succeeded to the ownership of the property, which comprises a quarter section of land on section 11, Union township. He does general farming and has been very successful in that occupation, gaining a competence which insures him comfort throughout his life.

Mr. Ruckman was united in marriage on the 17th of March, 1859, to Miss Charity Walker, a daughter of William and Mary (Teter) Walker. More detailed mention of the Teter family is found in the sketch of J. L. Teter, which appears elsewhere in this work. William Walker was the first male child born in Chillicothe, Ohio, and he resided there until April, 1857, when he came to Iowa, settling in Union township, this county. He farmed to some extent, but was a blacksmith and gunsmith and gave part of his attention to those trades. He was fairly successful in his farming and owned sixty-two acres of fertile land. He was also a musician of local note. He was an expert fifer and belonged to the Campbell Clan. He died two years after coming to this state, in 1859. His wife was born in Ross county, Ohio, and there their marriage occurred. To them were born five children, of whom Mrs. Ruckman was the youngest. Her birth occurred in Ross county, Ohio, October 30, 1841, and she died on the 25th of January, 1881. She was the mother of nine children: Robert Quintus, born December 20, 1859; Mary Elizabeth, who was born October 9, 1861, and became the wife of G. J. Jones; Eliza Jane, whose birth occurred on the 28th of December, 1863, and who married J. O. Rinehart; Hannah, who was born February 8, 1866, and died May 25, 1878; John Lewis, born January 25, 1868, who is a lawyer of Aberdeen, South Dakota, and is the representative of Brown county in the state legislature, having been reelected in November, 1914; Joseph Independence, who was born in the 4th of July, 1870, and is a resident of Union township; Zacheus A., born April 4, 1873, who saw service in the Philippines and who married Bertha Love and resides in Red Rock; Martha S., who was born on the 29th of January, 1876, and is the wife of E. F. Carle; and William Clyde, born May 17, 1878, who married Miss Myrtle Moore and following her death was united in marriage to Miss Nellie D. Bellamy.

Mr. Ruckman is a republican and has held a number of local offices. He has been constable, trustee of his township, secretary of the school board, county surveyor, county supervisor and county auditor, and has been school director of sub-district No. 4 or Blaine district. He held office the greater part of the time for fifty-five years and has also served as a delegate to various county and state conventions of his party. For forty-one years he has been trustee of the Central University of Iowa at Pella. He is a Baptist in his religious belief and aids materially in the work of the church. He has lived in the county since pioneer times and has not only witnessed but has also furthered the development that has made this one of the most prosperous counties of the state.