Past and Present of Guthrie County, Iowa - 1907 - C

Guthrie County >> 1907 Index

Past and Present of Guthrie County, Iowa
Chicago: S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1907.

C - D


Unless otherwise noted, biographies submitted by Dick Barton.

Mrs. Sarah Caltrider greatly esteemed in Grant township, where she makes her home, the family residence being on section 16, was born in Perry township, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, on the 14th of July, 1848. Her parents were David and Catherine (Brownwell) Leidigh, who were of German and English descent. The father was a farmer by occupation and continued his residence in the Keystone state until 1848, when he removed from Pennsylvania to Knox county, Ohio, where he resided for a short time. He afterward became a resident of Morrow county, Ohio, where he remained until his death on the 6th of November, 1856. Not long afterward his widow removed with the family to Williams county, where she reared her children to adult age.

It was there that Sarah Leidigh gave her hand in marriage, on the 18th of October, 1872, to Samuel Caltrider, who was born in the state of New York December 14, 1827, and in early manhood went to Ohio with his brother John. Together they purchased land in Williams county and subsequently they made their way to the frontier of Michigan, where Samuel Caltrider entered a homestead. The Indians were still numerous in that part of the country and every evidence of pioneer life was to be found there. Mr. Caltrider continued in that locality for only about two years, after which he returned to Ohio, where he lived until 1869. He then came to Iowa with his family and purchased two hundred and eighty acres of land on section 6, Thompson township, forming a part of the Dalmanutha settlement. To the south there was but one house ere reaching Casey. His first wife died in 1870 and, as stated before, on the 18th of October, 1872, he wedded Miss Sarah Leidigh, who accompanied him to her new home in Guthrie county.

Mrs. Caltrider was educated in the public schools of Ohio and in the Normal School at Bryan, that state. She began teaching prior to her seventeenth year and taught nine terms of school before her marriage. For some time after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Caltrider lived upon a farm and his time and energies were successfuly given to general farm work. Late in the '90s he removed to a farm in Grant township, where he made his home up to the time of his death on the 28th of August, 1902, while his widow still resides upon that place. He was a very energetic and prosperous business man. In the early days of Iowa's history the prairies were unfenced and his herds roamed at will over the range. His careful supervision of his business interests, his keen discernment and his enterprise brought him a goodly measure of prosperity and his judicious investment made him the owner of twelve hundred acres of valuable farm land in Iowa. He was, moreover, a man of influence as well as of wealth and his opinions carried weight among his friends and also in the councils of the republican party. He was a most ardent champion of that party and while never an office seeker he held most of the local township offices. His many excellent traits of character won him the warmest regard, so that his death was uniformly regretted throughout the entire community.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Caltrider were born three children: Addis J., who is living on the old homestead in Thompson township; Sumner S., who is operating the home farm in Grant township for his mother; and Nellie N., at home. Mrs. Caltrider is a consistent Christian woman and in early life was a member of the Baptist church but in later years has not been identified with any denomination. She is a lady of culture and refinement and the studious habits of her earlier years have largely continued through her life, making her a well informed woman. she is, moreover, a lady of many natural graces of character and is greatly esteemed by all with whom she has come in contact.

Warren A. Caltrider owns and operates an excellent farm of one hundred and fifty acres which is divided by the Thompson and Grant township line. This property came into his possession through purchase in 1892. It is one of the old historic farms of Guthrie county, having been included in the Dalmanutha settlement, and one of the early houses built thereon stood on the site of Mr. Caltrider's residence. He also owns a farm of two hundred acres about a mile east of the home place, which is a part of his father's original holdings, and he likewise has ten acres of timber in Thompson township, so that his landed possessions aggregate three hundred and sixty acres.

Mr. Caltrider was born in Williams county, Ohio, January 7, 1864, his parents being Samuel and Mary (Dohner) Caltrider, who had three children, all yet living, namely: Laura F., the wife of Sylvester McClaran, of Des Moines; Warren A.; and Della F., the wife of Jesse Gingery, of Thompson township. The father was born in the state of New York about 1827, and in early manhood went to Ohio with his brother John. Together they purchased land in Williams county and were identified with the pioneer development of that locality. Some time afterward Samuel Caltrider made his way to the frontier of Michigan, where he entered a homestead. The Indians were still found in that locality and the country was in the condition in which it was left by the hand of nature. He remained there for only about two years and then returned to Ohio, where he continued to reside until 1869. In that year he brought his family to Iowa and purchased two hundred and eighty acres of land on section 6, Thompson township, Guthrie county, constituting a part of the Dalmanutha settlement. South of this there was but one house between him and Casey. His wife died two years following the removal of the family to Iowa, and Mr. Caltrider afterward married Miss Sarah Leidigh, by whom he had three children: Addis J., who is living on the old homestead in Thompson township; Sumner S., and Nellie N., both at home. Late in the '90s Mr. Caltrider removed to a farm in Grant township, where he continued to reside until his demise, which occurred in 1902. His widow still survives him and resides upon the farm which he left to her.

Mr. Caltrider was a very successful business man and possessed the energy and determination which enabled him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertook. In the early days of his residence in Iowa the prairies were unfenced, and numerous herds roamed at will over the range. With remarkable prescience he foresaw what the future had in store for this great and growing country and made extensive investments in property, acquiring twelve hundred acres of Iowa's valuable farm land. He was a man of much influence in the community, his opinions carrying weight in public affairs and in business circles as well. In politics he was an ardent and unfaltering republican, and while he never had any aspiration for office he was called to most of the local township positions by his fellow townsmen, who recognized his worth and fidelity and sought his service in behalf of the public. He left to his family not only an untarnished name, but also extensive and valuable farming interests.

Warren A. Caltrider was reared under the parental roof and was a youth of but five years when brought by his parents to Iowa. He acquired his education in the common schools and when nut busy with his textbooks his time was largely occupied with the duties of the home farm. On the 26th of February, 1889, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Cline, a daughter of James Cline, of Cass county, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work.

For four years after their marriage the young couple resided on his father's farm in Grant township, which Warren A. Caltrider cultivated and improved. In 1893 he removed to his present home farm of one hundred and fifty acres, which is divided by the Thompson and Grant township line. He had purchased this property in 1892, and it has since been his place of residence. He also owns a farm of two hundred acres a mile to the east, which was included in his father's original holdings, and this, together with his ten acres of timber land, makes him one of the large landholders of the community. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and made many excellent and modern improvements upon his place, equipping it with all of the accessories and conveniences which are found upon the model farm of the twentieth century.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Caltrider have been born six children: Ivol D., Olan R., Elsie I., Fay M., Charlie M. and Hazel F. Mr. Caltrider is a democrat in politics, and in religious faith is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is regarded as one of the substantial and highly esteemed residents of the county, in which he has made his home for thirty-eight years, and in an active business career he has gained very gratifying and honorable success. An analyzation of his life work shows that he has ever followed straightforward, honorable methods and that his business dealings have been guided by sound judgment.

Albert Carrick, at one time closely associated with the business life of Guthrie county as an agriculturist, owning and cultivating a good tract of land, is now living retired in Bayard. He was born August 17, 1845, in St. Joseph county, Indiana, his parents being Elijah and Nancy J. (Ireland), Carrick. The father was born in Ohio, and in the year 1854, after a considerable residence in Indiana, he brought his family to Guthrie county, Iowa, making the journey overland with wagons. He located in Cass township, where he secured a farm, continuing in its cultivation until his death, which occurred in 1894. His wife had passed away in 1855, not long after their arrival in this state. They were early pioneer settlers here and the family experienced all the hardships and privations incident to life on the frontier. When they located in Cass township the nearest school was at Panora, three and a half miles distant, and in consequence Albert Carrick acquired a very limited education, but in the school of experience he has learned valuable lessons and through reading and observation has greatly broadened his knowledge. His time was largely occupied in breaking the raw prairie, in planting the first crops and in gathering the harvests. In fact he became familiar with all of the labor of developing and improving new farm, continuing active in the work of the old homestead until the spring of 1864, when he offered his services to the government in defense of the stars and stripes. Joining Company C of the Fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, he devoted eighteen months to military service and participated in a number of important battles and skirmishes. He was on the firing line in the engagements at Smoke Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta and others and was in the campaign with Sherman on the march to the sea. Although he was often in the thickest of the fight he was never wounded and returned home with a creditable military record.

When the was was over Mr. Carrick again came to Guthrie county and took his place behind the plow as though nothing had happened to break the quiet of farm life. For almost forty years thereafter he was actively engaged in the work of the farm, and in all his methods was practical and progressive. He brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and from time to time secured the latest improved machinery to facilitate his work. In 1901 he removed from his farm to Bayard to enjoy the fruits of his former toil in well-earned rest, but he still owns one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land in Highland township, second to none in the county. He also has a good residence in the village.

On the 30th of July, 1866, Mr. Carrick was married to Miss Sarah Jane Hess, whose parents were among the early settlers and well known citizens of Guthrie county. Eight children were born of this union: Charles W., a resident farmer of Seely township; Elijah Lincoln, who follows farming in Jackson township, Guthrie county, Iowa; Julia E., of Guthrie Center; Sarah Alberta, living in Highland township; George, who is deceased; Ernest Eugene, of Highland township; Otis Albert, who operates his father's farm; and Elmer M., who departed this life at an early age.

Mr. Carrick is a republican in his political views, having stanchly endorsed the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served as school director, but otherwise has never sought or desired office. He and his wife are members of the Christian church and are greatly esteemed by a large circle of warm friends. He belongs to Robert Henderson post, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he has been commander, and in all duties of citizenship he is as loyal to his country and her best interests as when he followed the stars and stripes upon southern battle-fields.

Elijah Carrick, one of the settlers of 1854, was born in Darke county, Ohio, on the 10th of May, 1810, and is the son of Henry and Eleanor (Shreves) Carrick. In 1832 he removed to St. Joseph county, Indiana, where he was married, on the 24th of July, 1834, to Miss Nancy Ireland, by whom he had seven children, Margaret, Martha, Edgar, Clarinda, Albert, William T. and Francis M. On the 7th of August, 1854, he came to this township, taking up a claim of section 23. His wife died here in the spring of 1855, and in his loneliness he was again married on the 2d of May, 1861, to Miss Isabel Shanks Peterson. This latter union has been blessed with four children, Marion B., Jane, Catherine and Clarinda. This old settler is still a resident of the old homestead.
 
Joel H. Clark is one of the influential and highly respected citizens of Thompson township and his record therefore cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers.  He was born in Wood county, Ohio, on the 25th of October, 1850, his parents being John and Eliza (Hale) Clark. The father's birth occurred in Pennsylvania and soon after his marriage he removed westward to Wood county, Ohio, where he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, making that farm his home until his death, which occurred, however, when he was still a young man.  He passed away in June, 1857, and was survived for eighteen years by his wife, who died on the 11th of June, 1875. She remained true to his memory and never married again.  Five years after her husband's death she sold the farm in Ohio and removed to La Grange county, Indiana. Eight years later she broke up housekeeping there and came to Iowa, after which she made her home with a sister in Iowa county until her demise.  She had six children but only three are now living:  George, a resident of Stuart, Iowa; Joel H.; and Alva J., living at Ladora, Iowa county.
 
Joel H. Clark was only seven years of age at the time of his father's death.  He was reared by his mother and was sent to the public schools, where he acquired his education, but his opportunities in that direction were somewhat limited from the fact that an older brother went to the war and the work of the farm largely devolved upon him. He bravely assumed the responsibility and continued the active management of the farm until the home was broken up in 1870. He then came to Iowa with his mother and younger brother.  For four years thereafter  he was engaged in general agricultural pursuits in Keokuk county, this state, after which he married and removed to Iowa county, settling on a farm near Ladora, where he engaged in the tilling of the soil for eleven years.  On the expiration of that period he disposed of his business interests ther3 and took up his abode in Palo Alto county, where he purchased a quarter section of land.  There he lived for eleven years and on the expiration of that period he removed to Menlo, Guthrie county.  His investment there made him owner of eighty acres of land adjoining the corporation limits and the place continued his home for five years.  After two years spent as a renter on the Hiram Johnson farm east of Casey he purchased his present home place of eighty acres in Thompson township. Since his removal to Guthrie county he has devoted much of his time to the organization of farmers' co-operative creameries and has established creameries in Menlo, Howe, Casey, Greenfield, Arbor Hill, Adair, Guthrie Center, Victor, Bayard, North Branch and Deep River.  In this work he has made history in Guthrie county and has done much for the farming interests, providing an excellent market for those who have dairy products for sale.
 
On the 14th of January, 1874, Mr. Clark was married to Miss Ida L. Woods, of Aurora, Keokuk county, Iowa, and this union has been blessed with seven children:  Alberta E., now the wife of C. L. Knox, a grain merchant at Casey; Eva, deceased; Leona, at home; Hattie, who has also passed away; Harry, Emmer and Velma, also at home.
 
Mr. Clark is interested in politics to the extent of giving active support to the republican party at the polls, although he has never been an office seeker.  He belongs to Stuart lodge, No. 217, I. O. O. F., and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, which finds in him a stalwart champion of its interests. Starting in life at an early age, he has made an excellent record in business circles for diligence and trustworthiness and is now one of the honored and worthy residents of Thompson township.

James A. Cline

The farming interests of Thompson township find a worthy representative in James A. Cline, and, moreover, he is a native son of the county, having first opened his eyes to the light of day in Panora on the 27th of June, 1861. His parents were James and Susan (Lenon) Cline. the father was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, on the 24th of October, 1824, and with his parents removed to Carroll county, that state, in his boyhood days. He was reared in the latter county, where he lived for many years. He was a volunteer soldier under General Zachary Taylor in the Mexican war. He enlisted at the age of twenty-one years under Captain Robert Milroy in the First Indiana Regiment, enrolling his name at the call for troops in Carroll county. He was one of the first to arrive upon the scene of conflict after the declaration of war by President James K. Polk and was among the last to leave. He was one of the fifty men who volunteered to carry the dispatch announcing the surrender of the Mexican army and the completion of the treaty of peace through a hostile country for a distance of six hundred miles to the governor of Texas. Though fifty men started on that hazardous undertaking, Mr. Cline and but ten others reached their destination. Thirty-nine of the number were captured by guerrillas, but the little band of eleven determined to go through or perish. Being well mounted, they made a dash at the enemy, who, mistaking them for the skirmish line of a large body of Texas rangers, fled and let the little band pass on their way. Soon realizing their error, however, they rallied and started in hot pursuit, but their steeds were too slow and they were soon left far in the rear. No other incident of moment occurred on this perilous journey. The men carried with them discharge papers to take effect when they should deliver their message at Austin, the seat of Texan government. Mr. Cline then returned home and entered upon the peaceful pursuit of farming in Carroll county, Indiana.

It was not long after his return that James Cline, Sr., was married to Miss Susan Lenon, and unto them were born eleven children, six sons and five daughters, all of whom survive. On the 4th of July, 1854, Mr. Cline met with a terrible accident. He was deputized as the principal cannoneer on the celebration of the national birthday, but through the carelessness of the thumber the ordnance was prematurely discharged, tearing his right hand in a shocking manner and badly burning his left arm. Recovering sufficiently to get about, he sold his little home and emigrated to Iowa, arriving at Panora about the 1st of November, 1854. Here he bought the land which is now the farm of G. H. Moore. In 1856 he was elected sheriff of Guthrie county, which office he filled in most satisfactory manner for two terms. As stated, he arrived in Guthrie county in 1854 and after securing a claim near Panora he returned to Indiana for his family and brought them to Guthrie county in the spring of 1855. He lived upon this place for ten years, but during that time he went to Panora and built and operated a woolen mill. About 1857 he also embarked in merchandising with his brother, bringing their goods by wagon from Council Bluffs and Keokuk. He continued merchandising until the spring of 1865, when with several others he emigrated to Oregon. On the 8th of May of that year he started overland with his family and a party, who, driving cattle teams and horse teams, proceeded to Oregon. On reaching Omaha he was elected captain of the wagon train, numbering sixty-five wagons, which he commanded across the plains, reaching the Sunset state early in the following October. There Mr. Cline resided on a farm for nine years, and during that period he received the nomination of the greenback party for the legislature, but as the party was largely in the minority he was not elected. In 1874 he traded his Oregon farm for a tract of land in Keokuk county, Iowa, and in that fall returned to this state. He resided in Keokuk county until 1882, when he sold his farm there and purchased a farm near Anita, Cass county, Iowa, upon which he took up his abode, making it his place of residence until his death, which occurred on the 29th of December, 1886. He was a man respected and honored wherever known and most of all where best known. His wife was born near Dayton, Ohio, on the 10th of February, 1827, and survived her husband for several years, passing away on the 22d of June, 18983. Mr. Cline was a kind husband, an indulgent father, a dutiful and accommodating neighbor. He made a splendid record in military circles and rendered equally valuable aid to his country in settling up the frontier and planting the seeds of civilization in wild western districts.

The record of the children is remarkable in that the circle remains unbroken by the hand of death. Of the sons and daughters born unto Mr. and Mrs. James Cline, John L., is now living in Portland, Oregon; Samuel J. is a resident of Butte City, Montana; Robert P. is a farmer of Enid, Oklahoma; Mathew R. is living near Menlo, Adair county; Mary is the wife of Charles W. Blaylock, of Woodward, Oklahoma; James A. is the nest younger; Charles F. resides in Frederick, Oklahoma; Elizabeth A. is the wife of Warren Caltrider, of Thompson township, this county; Margaret A. is the wife of William House, of South Dakota; Sarah V., twin of Margaret, is the wife of George Smith, of Casey, Iowa; and Emma is the wife of Patrick Mitchell, of Grant township, this county.

James A. Cline was reared on the home farm. He sojourned for a short time with his parents in the northwest, but the greater part of his life has been passed in Guthrie county. His education was acquired in the common schools, and he has followed the occupation of farming for many years. On the 5th of March, 1885, he was married, and soon afterward he took charge of the old homestead property, which he managed until about three years following his father's death. He then removed to a farm of his own, comprising eighty acres in Cass county, Iowa, which had come to him as an inheritance from his father. There he resided until 1894, when he sold out and came to Thompson township, Guthrie county. Here he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he has converted into one of the best improved farming properties of the county. He has been very successful and is today one of the leading agriculturists of this part of the state, his labors bringing to him gratifying success.

Mrs. Cline in her maidenhood bore the name of Sabina F. Wagner and was a daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth (Funk) Wagner. Her father was one of the early settlers of Grant township, Cass county, Iowa, where he resided upon a farm for many years. He is now living retired in the village of Anita. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cline have been born seven children, of whom six are yet living: Warren E., who is employed in the Casey creamery; Franklin P., Albert E., Ollie F., Ernest L. and James F., all at home. One son, Eddie, is now deceased.

Mr. Cline belongs to Casey lodge, No. 256, I. O. O. F. He usually votes the democratic ticket, but is liberal in his views and at local elections frequently casts his ballot without regard to party association. His life has been a busy and useful one, crowned with success, and he is now numbered among the prosperous farmers of Thompson township, his property being a monument to his thrift and diligence.

A. C. DODGE

Augustus C and Katie Wilhelme Dodge

[photo submitted by Judith Boles]
 
A. C. Dodge is the owner of an excellent tract of rich and productive land of one hundred and sixty acres on section 26, Bear Grove township, and in his farming operations is meeting with success that is proof of the capable and practical methods which he follows in tilling the soil.  His life record began in Muscatine county, Iowa, on the 10th of May, 1865, his parents being John and Flora Dodge.  The father was born in New York in the year 1812 and the mother's birth occurred in Germany in 1838. John Dodge arrived in Iowa in 1834.  The state had not yet been admitted to the Union, but was still under territorial government, and comparatively few settlements had been made aside from those along the Mississippi river.  He located in Muscatine county, where he continued to reside for more than a half century, his death there occurring in 1889.  He is still survived by his wife, who by her marriage became the mother of seven children.
 
A. C. Dodge was reared upon the old homestead farm in Muscatine county, and at the usual age began attending the public schools, wherein he mastered the common branches of English learning.  He received ample training at farm work under the direction of his father, whom he assisted to carry on the labors of the fields until he started out in life on his own account.  The occupation to which he was reared he has always pursued as a means of livelihood, and in the year 1896 he arrived in Guthrie county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 26, Bear Grove township.  Here he has since resided, and in addition to the cultivation of crops best adapted to soil and climatic conditions he is also engaged in the raising and feeding of stock, and is well known in this connection.
 
In 1889 Mr. Dodge was united in marriage to Miss Katie Willhelme, who was born in Muscatine county, Iowa, March 26, 1868, while her parents were of German descent.  Her father, who birth occurred March 28, 1843, died in 1901, and the mother, who was born on the 28th of September, 1843, is still living.  In their family were none children, including their daughter Katie, who in 1889 became the wife of A. C. Dodge. This marriage has been blessed with seven children:  Bertha L., born July 5, 1890; Grover A., born June 25, 1892; Pearl E., born April 14, 1895; Elmer A., August 22, 1897; Verda B., September 6, 1899; Floyd A., October 1, 1902; and Vernon E., July 13, 1905.
 
Mr. Dodge is a democrat, but while he regards it the duty as well as the privilege of a citizen to exercise his right of franchise and thus support the principles in which he believes, he has never been an office seeker.  He has served, however, as school director and both he and his wife are members of the Christian church and are highly esteemed people.