Hans H. Seamann

That Hans H. Seamann occupies a prominent place among the agriculturists of Dallas county is a uniformly accepted fact, and that his labors have been of a character that have contributed to general progress and prosperity as well as to individual success is also known. He is the owner of three hundred and thirty acres of land, situated in Beaver township and has an additional tract, of eighty acres in Boone county, this state. He is a native son of Iowa, born in Jackson county, April 7, 1830, where he was educated in the common schools. He started out upon his own resources by working as a farm hand by the month, being thus employed for a few years in Jackson county. During the time that he was thus engaged he carefully husbanded his resources, hoping that in time he would be able to engage in business on his own account. Eventually his ambition was gratified and his hopes realized, for in 1879, when a youth of nineteen years, he came to Dallas county and rented a tract of land, which he operated for two years.  In 1851 he purchased fifty-nine acres of land, on which stood a small house.

Mr. Seamann further made arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage on the 27th of November, 1881, to Miss Luella Gill, who was born and reared in this county, a daughter of Stephen Gill, one of the early settlers here. The young couple began their domestic life upon the farm which he had recently purchased. As time passed and his financial resources increased he further improved his property, and from time to time added to his original possessions until his home place now embraces three hundred and thirty acres, which constitutes one of the highly improved and valuable farms of this section of the state. In addition to the home place he also owns another tract of land in Boone county, his landed possessions now comprising four hundred and ten acres. He is engaged in raising wheat, corn and oats, each year harvesting good crops as a result of the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields, and he also raises some stock.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Seamann has been blessed with six sons: Henry S., who follows farming in Beaver township, is married and has one daughter, Luella; Walter, William, John, Fred and Eddie, all of whom are under the parental roof and are assisting their father in the operation of the home farm.

Mr. Seamann gives his political support to the republican party but is not active in local political affairs, preferring to give his undivided time and attention to his private business interests. Although reared in the faith of the Lutheran church he is not now identified with any denomination but attends the services of the various churches. Though starting out in life in the humble capacity of a farm hand, Mr. Seamann has through his energy and perseverance, and the able assistance of his estimable wife, worked his way upward until he is now in possession of a good property, surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

William T. Sharp, a prominent attorney of Dallas county, now practicing his profession in Dexter, was born in Dane county,Wisconsin, on March 19, 1856, a son of John W. and Harriet M. (Place) Sharp.  John W. Sharp was born in Westerville, Ohio, about 1826, being there reared to manhood and married.  Soon afterward he removed to Dane county, Wisconsin, where he was identified with merchandising for many years in the town of Door Creek, twelve miles east of Madison.  In 1871 he came to Iowa, locating at Masonville, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He came to Dexter in 1890, living retired here until the time of his death in 1903. For many years he was one of the leading factors in the republican party and in the early days was a radical abolitionist, being later chosen to represent his district in Wisconsin in both the lower house and in the senate. He was not an aspirant for public office after coming to Iowa, though he served for some years as a member of the board of supervisors in northeastern Iowa and always took an active part in his party's  councils.  The  Methodist  Episcopal church long found in him a stanch supporter and when he was called from this life the county mourned the loss of one of its influential and leading citizens.  Mr. Sharp is still living and now makes her home with her sons.  There were three children in the family, two of whom survive: Dr. Preston H., a medical practitioner of Madison, Wisconsin; and William T., the subject of this review.

William T. Sharp was reared under the parental roof and supplemented his early education by a course in Lennox College at Hopkinton, Iowa.  He then entered the law department of the State University of Iowa, and on the completion of his course, in 1884, he located for practice at Independence, Iowa. After a year at that place he removed to Cherryvale, Kansas, where he remained about two years, returning at the end of that period to Independence.  He again practiced his profession there for about a year and then came to Dexter, where he has since been located. The zeal with which he has devoted his energies to his profession, the careful regard evinced for the interests of his clients and an assiduous and unrelaxing attention to all the details of his cases, have brought him a large business and made him very successful in its conduct.

In 1873 William T. Sharp was united in marriage to Miss Libby A. Palmer, of Stoughton, Wisconsin, and to this union have been born three children. Edward Floyd is a graduate of the law department of the State University of Iowa and practiced with his father for a time, but later became identified with the banking business, and is now acting as cashier of the Marston Savings Bank of Marston, Missouri.  Hattie L. is the wife of W. C. Harvey, a railroad agent at Walcott, Iowa, and has one child, Leola.  Verne Sharp, the other member of the family, has passed away.

In his political affiliations Mr. Sharp is a stanch republican and that he is prominent in the local ranks of his party is indicated by the fact that he served for one term as mayor of Dexter and for three terms as town treasurer.  Fraternally he is connected with Dexter lodge, No. 215, I. O. O. F., and with Dexter camp, No. 1662, M. W. A.  Mr. Sharp is widely recognized

Edward Shaw, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres on section 31, Union township, was born in Woodford county, Illinois, April 9, 1858, a son of Joseph and Margaret (Ashenhurst) Shaw.  The parents were both natives of Brown county, Ohio, the father having been born in 1832 and the mother in 1828. Joseph Shaw came to Illinois in 1855, remaining there until 1881, when he removed to Pierce county, Nebraska, his death there occurring in October, 1901, his wife also passing to the home beyond from the same place, in January, 1901.  This worthy couple were the parents of ten children, five of whom are still living: Edward, the subject of this review; Emma, the wife of A. C. Simpson, who lives in Illinois;  Eldavelda, who married F. C. McWhorter and resides in Pierce, Nebraska; John A., a resident of this county; and Jonathan Henry, living in South Dakota.

Edward Shaw received a common-school education and has followed farming as his life occupation.  He first located a homestead in Nebraska, where he remained for eleven years, after which he removed to Mercer county, Illinois, here conducting a rented farm for twelve years.   In 1901 Mr. Shaw came to  Dallas county, Iowa, and purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres on section 31, Union township. He makes a specialty of
dairying and also of the raising of hogs, his farming and stock-raising interests bringing to him a gratifying measure of success because of the progressive methods he follows in their conduct.

On December 29, 1881, Edward Shaw was united in marriage to Miss Emma Postlewait, who was born in Mercer county, Illinois, June 27, 1859, a daughter of J. C. and Rebecca (Pightal) Postlewait, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in 1820 and the latter in 1828.  They removed to Illinois in the year 1854, both parents passing away in that state, in the years 1895 and 1863 respectively.  They have become the parents of seven children, five of whom are still living: B.W., who now resides in Holt county, Nebraska; W. J., a resident of Warren county, Illinois; Ada, the wife of Charles Barrick, living in St. Joseph, Missouri; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Wilkinson Moore and now resides in Adair county, Iowa; and Mrs. Shaw.  Mr. and Mrs. Shaw are the parents of two children: Philip L., who was born July 1, 1891, and is a graduate of the Dexter high school; and Arthur C., whose birth occurred March 14, 1897.

In his political affiliations Mr. Shaw is a republican and served as road commissioner in Illinois for five years.  He is now a member of the board of directors of the Dexter high school, and fraternally is connected with Dexter camp, No. 1682, M. W. A.  Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church at Dexter, and are highly esteemed people of the community because of the sterling characteristics they have displayed in their daily lives.  Mr. Shaw is numbered among the progressive and enterprising agriculturists of this county and as a citizen whose support can always be counted upon to further any movement or measure instituted to promote the general welfare.

Benjamin H. Sherman, M. D.

Dr. Benjamin H. Sherman, a well known medical practitioner of Dexter, Dallas county, was born in Anamosa, Iowa, May 16, 1879, a son of Perry H. and Jerusha (Smith) Sherman. The father was born in Yorkshire Corners, New York, in 1838, being a son of James P. and Sarah Sherman, both natives of Vermont. Perry H. Sherman was reared in the place of his nativity until he had reached his nineteenth year, when he came west to Iowa, locating on a farm near Anamosa, Jones county. The place comprised four hundred acres and he resided thereon until 1891, when he removed to Rolfe, Pocahontas county, Iowa, purchasing a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He successfully conducted this tract of land and resided thereon until within a few years of his death, when he removed to the village of Rolfe, his death there occurring on May 18, 1900. He was a republican in his political views but never an office seeker, though he served for many years as a member of the schoolboard. He was unassuming and unostentatious in manner, of a quiet and retiring disposition, but nevertheless a man of genuine personal worth and one who was highly esteemed by all with whom he came in contact. Mrs. Sherman was born in Yorkshire Corners, New York, in the year 1839, and was of Scotch-English ancestry. She was a daughter of Daniel Smith, a prominent agriculturistof his community. In early life she became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church but later became connected with the Presbyterian faith. She passed away on October 6, 1905, and, like her husband, was deeply mourned by an extensive circle of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Sherman were the parents of eight children, six of whom survive: James P., who is engaged in business in Rolfe, Iowa; Mary E. the wife of O. B. Fuller, of Rolfe, Iowa; Frank H., also engaged in business in Rolfe, Iowa; Nellie, the wife of Nelson Mayer, living in Mitchell, South Dakota; Fred, an attorney of Rolfe, Iowa; and Benjamin H., the subject of this review.

Benjamin H. Sherman was reared at home, supplementing his early education by attendance at the Rolfe high school, from which he was graduated in 1897. For about a year and a half following his graduation he was employed as a clerk in the Globe Clothing Store in Rolfe and afterward spent one year in a clothing store in Cherokee, Iowa. In the latter year he returned to Rolfe and began reading medicine under the direction of Dr. E. W. Wilson. In the fall of 1899 he entered the medical department of the Iowa State University, which he attended for two years, after which he became a student in the medical department of the Northwestern University of Chicago, being graduated from this institution in the class of 1904. In July following he located for practice at Dexter, Iowa, and from the very beginning his success has been phenomenal, having in two years built up an enviable and profitable practice as a physician and surgeon. His skill in the application of remedial agencies is widely recognized, and he commands the respect and esteem of his patients, fellow-citizens and members of the medical fraternity.

On September 1, 1904, Dr. Sherman was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Loar, of Monroe, Iowa, a daughter of Thomas and Sadie (Frye) Loar. Her father was a school professor for more than twenty-five years and throughout almost his entire life was associated with educational work, though during the latter period of his active career he was a pharmacist.

That Dr. Sherman has won a prominent place in his chosen calling is indicated by the fact that he is now president of the Dallas-Guthrie Medical Society, and a member of the Iowa State Medical and the American Medical Associations. He is a republican in politics and fraternally is connected with Mt. Tabor lodge, No. 293, A. F. & A. M.; the Eastern Star; Dexter lodge, I.O.O.F.; the Modern Woodmen of America; and the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. The humanitarian principles on which these various organizations are founded find exemplification in the Doctor's material support of all church and charitable work. Dr. Sherman is an enthusiastic automobilist and this affords him the needed recreation from the arduous duties devolving upon him in the prosecution of his profession. He possesses a pleasing personality and is warm-hearted and genial, therefore well deserving the popularity which he has gained as town physician of Dexter.

John Shirley

The prosperity which generally prevails throughout Iowa is indicated by the size of the farms. This is not a state of small holdings but on the contrary the agriculturists of Iowa own large tracts of land, which is constantly increasing in value, until to own a farm of one hundred acres or more is to be comfortably situated in life. Mr. Shirley now has a property which comprises two hundred and thirty acres on section 19, Sugar Grove township, and, moreover, he is a self-made man whose labors have constituted the strong element in his present prosperity.

His birth occurred in Derbyshire, England, on the 2d of April, 1841, and in that country his minority was passed, his education being acquired in the common schools, although he is largely self-educated as well as self-made financially. In 1865 he came to the United States, attracted by the favorable reports which he had heard concerning its business conditions and opportunities. He resolved to seek his fortune here and first located in Springfield, Illinois. There he secured employment with a fellow countryman at gardening, spending three years in that service, after which he began gardening on his own account. He first rented and later bought land adjoining the city of Springfield, where he devoted his attention to the raising of garden products for twenty-six years, finding a ready sale in the city market for what he produced. That his labors brought him prosperity as the years passed is indicated by the fact that he was not only able to purchase his land there but also built a good house and added all the modern equipments and accessories necessary to carry on his business.

Mr. Shirley continued a resident of Illinois until 1891, when he sold his property in Sangamon county and came to Iowa. In 1884 he had purchased seventy-eight acres of land on section 19, Sugar Grove township, Dallas county. Afterward he bought more land until he owned one hundred and eighty acres, upon which he took up his abode in 1891. There were no buildings upon it at that time but he erected substantial structures and fenced the fields. He has put up a comfortable residence and two good barns and has also set out fruit and shade trees. In fact the farm in its modern appearance of progressive development and improvement is the visible evidence of his life of thrift and carefulness. He has also bought fifty-seven acres in addition to his previous holdings and although he started out in life empty-handed he is now a prosperous man.

Mr. Shirley was married at Springfield, Illinois, on the 22d of September, 1875, to Miss Margaret Hailstone, who was born in Scotland and came to the new world when a maiden of fourteen years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shirley have been born four sons and four daughters, namely: Professor William Shirley, who is principal of the city schools of Swea City, Kossuth county, Iowa; Professor Thomas Shirley, who is assistant superintendent of schools at Farmington, Iowa; Walter S., at home; McClaren, a student in the home school; Ruth, who is teaching in the home school; Anna, who is attending Drake University at Des Moines, Iowa; and Laura and Jessie, both at home.

Politically Mr. Shirley is independent, supporting candidates regardless of party affiliation. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world. He found that the reports of business conditions had not been exaggerated here and that the opportunities which he sought were to be enjoyed. An analyzation of his life and its work shows that his success has come through no fortunate combination of circumstances but has resulted from earnest labor, carefully performed day after day. Any man may win success under such conditions but it is the man of resolute spirit and commendable ambition that works his way upward.

John S. Shoeman

Iowa with its splendid agricultural possibilities offers excellent opportunity to him who wishes to earn his living in the tilling of the soil. Washington has said that "Agriculture is the most useful as well as most honorable occupation of man," and history gives evidence of the fact that it is the basis of all success. Devoting his time and energies in successful manner to the cultivation and improvement of a farm, John S. Shoeman has become well known as a prominent and progressive citizen of Walnut township, where he owns and operates three hundred and twenty acres of excellent land. He also has fifty acres in addition to this. He has been a resident of Iowa since 1876, and of Dallas county since 1877. He was born in Blair county, Pennsylvania , in 1858, and his father, Henry Shoeman, was also a native of that county, where he was reared. He was a shoemaker by trade and thus provided for his family. In the place of his nativity he married Louisa Smaltz, a, native of Germany , who came with her parents to the new world, settling in Blair county, Pennsylvania .

John S. Shoeman is the third in order of birth in a family of eleven children. His opportunities for attending school were very meagre and he is largely a self-educated man. When eighteen years of age he came westward to Iowa and worked by the month at farm labor in Polk county for one year and then came to Dallas county, where he worked by the month for three years.

In September, 1880, Mr. Shoeman was married to Miss Amanda Hawbaker, a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania , and a daughter of Daniel Hawbaker, who came to Iowa from Pennsylvania in 1879. After his marriage he continued to work by the month for six months and then began farming on his own account on rented land. Sixteen years passed in this way and during that time he saved from his earnings a sum of money sufficient to enable him to purchase land. Since 1880 he has made his home upon the farm which is yet his place of residence and after renting it for seventeen years he made purchase in 1897 of the tract of three hundred and twenty acres which he had been cultivating. In the previous year, however, he purchased fifty acres at Waukee, which was the first land that he ever owned. He is now one of the substantial and prosperous citizens of the county, with well developed business powers and keen discernment. Everything about his place is neat and thrifty in appearance and in 1903 he built a good two story frame residence, while upon the farm there are also two good barns, cribs and outbuildings. He has been feeding and raising cattle and hogs for thirty years and markets from eight to ten carloads of cattle and two carloads of hogs annually. He feeds all of his grain and his stock-raising interests are very remunerative, bringing him an excellent return as the years have gone by. In all his business interests he is practical and enterprising, and his success is well merited.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shoeman have been born six children: Henry I., who is now operating the home farm; Walter H., who operates a farm adjoining his father's place, and who married Effie Campbell, by whom he has one daughter, Florence; Mary, the wife of Earl Burkett, a resident of Waukee; Robert M., Eva and John D., all at home.

Mr. Shoeman votes with the republican party where national issues are involved but casts an independent local ballot. He has never sought or held office, preferring to give undivided attention to his business affairs, and he has justly earned the proud American title of a self-made man. He started out in life empty-handed but he realized that labor is the basis of all success, and his close application and unfaltering diligence have given him rank with the leading farmers of his county. He was among the first to tile the land and has thoroughly drained his place, which is now among the best improved farms of Walnut township, and is the visible evidence of his life of thrift and industry. His record should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, showing what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do.

S. B. Shumway, a merchant of Woodward and the president of the Woodward Mutual Telephone Company, is thus conducting business interests which constitute a force in the development and progress of the city and make him one of the representative men of the town. He was born in Illinois--a native of Lee county--Angust 28, 1853, but became a resident of Iowa in 1854, his parents removing with their family to Hardin county. He is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Robbins) Shumway. The former was born at Spring Hill, New York, in 1823 and died in Hardin county, Iowa, in June, 1856. The latter, born near Trenton, New Jersey, in 1823, died in Hardin county, Iowa, in December, 1904. Thomas Shumway bought two hundred acres of government land in Hardin county, Iowa. He made few improvements on the farm, as his death occurred in less than three years after his arrival. Mrs. Shumway continued to reside on the farm until her death and the improvements were all made under her supervision. S. B. Shumway was the third of four children, three of whom are living: Bertha, wife of Jacob Hutzel, of Steamboat Rock, Iowa; S. B.; and Lucretia, wife of Frank McNut, of Perkins, Oklahoma.

Upon the home farm in Hardin county S. B. Shumway grew to manhood, his experiences being similar to those which most farm boys experience. He acquired a good public-school education and later had the advantage of a course in Grinnell College. For five years he successfully engaged in teaching in Grundy county, and in the spring of 1875 came to Dallas county, settling on a farm just south of Perry, where he engaged in general agricultural pursuits for a number of years or until 1878, when he took up his abode in the town. He then accepted a position with the firm of Lamme Brothers, grain dealers, and later joined John McGraw in a barb wire factory. In 1880 and 1881 he was engaged in clerking for Mr. Parmenter and in the fall of the latter year went into the shop of Beason Brothers, with whom he worked for five years. During the two succeeding years he was with Frank Hayne, a blacksmith, after which he removed to Minburn, where he carried on a shop until 1897. In that year he again located in Perry, where he was connected with a land and emigration business, inducing colonists to go to South Dakota. He was in the employ of the Milwaukee Railroad Company and continued in that service for six years or until 1903. The family removed from Minburn to Perry, where they resided until 1905, and then came to Woodward. Mr. Shumway purchased a store here in 1903 and carries a good stock of general merchandise, having a well appointed establishment. Mr. McCracken acted as his business manager and was in charge of the store until Mr. Shumway located in Woodward, since which time he has been in control of the store. He is doing a good business and is regarded as an enterprising merchant who is a valuable addition to the ranks of the business men of the town. He is also the president of the Woodward Telephone Company and possesses that determination and sound judgment that enables him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

On the 1st of September, 1874, in Ackley, Hardin county, Mr. Shumway was married to Miss Mary E. Springer, who was born in Freeport, Illinois, and came to Iowa with her parents when ten years of age. The year following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Shumway removed to Perry and as the years passed five children were added to the family circle. They lost their first born-Clark Shumway, who died at Minburn when sixteen years of age. The others are: Charles Roy; Grace B., who was graduated as a nurse from the People's Hospital at Chicago and is now the wife of Charles T. Fawcett, who is auditor for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, located at Berkeley, California; Orin Fred, Cecil and Claud, all at home.

Politically Mr. Shumway has been a stalwart republican since casting his first presidential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes in 1876. He filled various official positions while in Minburn, including that of member of the school board. He is now mayor of Woodward and is giving to the city a public-spirited, practical and business-like administration which is highly beneficial. As president of the school board he is serving on the building committee, having in charge the erection of the new school building. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Shumway is a member of the Masonic lodge at Minburn and the chapter at Perry. He joined the Odd Fellows at Minburn but transferred his membership to the Woodward lodge. He was for two years with the degree team, which is the best in the United States and has won international honors.

Aside from all his other interests, Mr. Shumway has made a study of the mining markets and investments for the past eleven years and few men are better informed upon the subject, while his sound judgment and comprehensive knowledge is indicated by the fact that he has never lost a dollar on any investment. He is a man of keen foresight and sagacity and his enterprise is a strong element for success in anything that he undertakes. He has spent almost his entire life in Iowa, and his honorable association with its business life, his support of progressive public measures and his manly qualities have gained him a proud position in the regard of those with whom he has come in contact.

M. W. Siglin

Prosperity in the great majority of cases comes not through inheritance or through any fortunate combination of circumstances but as the direct result of close application and ceaseless activity, and it has been by this means that Mr. Siglin has gained a place among the prosperous farmers, stock-raisers, feeders and shippers of Dallas county, where he owns and cultivates a farm of two hundred and ten acres of well improved land in Beaver township. This farm has been his home since February, 1876. His birth place was near Easton, Monroe county, Pennsylvania, where he first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 28th of September, 1850. His father, Jacob Siglin, was born in the same county and was a son of Jacob Siglin, Sr., also a native of the Keystone state. The great-grandfather Siglin was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and the family comes of English ancestry, early representatives of the name being numbered among the pioneers of Pennsylvania. Jacob Siglin, Sr., was reared to manhood in that state and served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812. He married and spent his entire life in Pennsylvania, while Jacob Siglin, Jr., was there reared. Having arrived at years of maturity, he wedded Hannah Zetzer, also a native of Monroe county, where they lived until 1852, when they went with their family to Illinois, making permanent location in De Kalb county. The father purchased land near Sycamore, where he opened up a farm of two hundred and forty acres and he afterward added to his possessions until at one time he owned seven hundred acres of valuable land in that locality. We was a prosperous and successful agriculturist, conducting his work along practical lines that have brought most desirable results. There he reared his family and made his home until he died in 1902, at the ripe old age of ninety-two years. His wife had passed away some years previously, when eighty-one years of age. In their family were five sons and five daughters, all of whom reached mature years, while three sons and four daughters are yet living. The eldest brother, Hon. Jacob Siglin, enlisted for service in the Civil war, first joining the Thirteenth Illinois Infantry. Later he was discharged and returned to Sycamore, where he and Captain Whitney raised a company, of which Mr. Siglin became the first lieutenant. They joined the Eighth Cavalry and Lieutenant Siglin served with that command for about two years, when he was honorably discharged for disability and returned home. He was a man of superior education and a lawyer by profession. Removing to Nebraska, he spent some time in that state and then went to Missouri but afterward made his way to the Pacific coast, locating at Marshfield, Oregon, where he successfully engaged in the practice of law. He was nominated and elected to the state legislature, serving for one or more terms. The next brother, Joshua Siglin, enlisted in the Union army, joining the Seventeenth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, with which he served through the period of hostilities. He then returned to Sycamore, was afterward married, and settled upon a farm near Genoa, where he spent his last days, his death occurring there in 1905. The next brother, Isaiah Siglin, reached adult age, was married in De Kalb county and later removed to Iowa, settling on a farm in Crawford county. He is now living retired in Dunlap, Iowa. Taylor Siglin resides at Marshfield, Oregon. He is a man of good education and for some years was a teacher. Becoming prominent in the west, he was elected and served as sheriff of his county and also filled the office of custom house officer at Empire City for four years. The sisters are: Mrs. Mary Wright, a widow, living in Woodward, and the mother of J. H. Wright, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; Hannah, the wife of J. H. Barlow, whose sketch appears on another page; and Ella, the wife of William Whipple, of De Kalb county, Illinois.

M. W. Siglin was reared to manhood in De Kalb county upon the old homestead farm, which he continued to assist in cultivating until twenty-two years of age. He then took charge of the farm belonging to his sister, Mrs. Wright, who was a widow, and cultivated that place for three years. Mr. Siglin was married in the Methodist Episcopal parsonage at Genoa, on the 9th of January, 1876 to Miss Charlotte Edna Lawrence, who was reared and educated in De Kalb county. In the fall of 1875, Mr. Siglin had visited Iowa and purchased the land where he now resides, comprising two hundred and ten acres in Beaver township. He then removed to the county in February, 1876, following his marriage, and located on his purchase. He first built a small house, which was his home for a few years, while he was breaking his land and opening up his farm. He later added to and remodeled this and he now has a commodious and neat frame residence. There are also good barns and outbuildings upon the place and he has set out an excellent orchard and many shade and ornamental trees. He has also drained his land after the modern methods of tiling, has fenced his fields and has his farm under a high state of cultivation, it being one of the best in Beaver township. Annually he harvests good crops as a reward of his labors and he has also made a business of the raising, feeding and shipping of stock, which proves to him a profitable source of income. He is an excellent judge of stock and therefore makes his purchases judiciously. Having bought lots in Woodward, Mr. Siglin, in 1903, built a good brick business house there and established a meat market. The following year, 1904, he built a fine brick hotel building adjoining his meat market, known as Hotel Charlotte, being thus named in honor of his wife. This structure is an ornament to the city and is one of the best hotel buildings in Dallas county. It is supplied with furnace and there is steam heat in all of the rooms, which are neatly and tastefully furnished. Mr. Siglin was one of the promoters and stockholders of the Woodward State Bank, and for some time served as a trustee, which position he recently resigned but he is still a director. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company and also in the Woodward Improvement Company. His business ability is such as to make him one of the most successful and valued citizens of his community. His labors have done much to promote public progress as well as individual success and thus he is accounted one of the public-spirited residents of this part of the state.

Mr. and Mrs. Siglin are the parents of nine children, seven of whom are living: Jacob M., the eldest, is married and has three children. He is a man of good business ability and is associated with his father in the conduct of the meat market and hotel. Lawrence, Joshua and Harold are at home. Stella M. is also under the parental roof. Ethel is the wife of Claude Conger, of Kansas City, and Hannah J. is at home.

Politically Mr. Siglin is a republican as are two of his brothers, while two of the sons of the family are democrats. The father was originally an old line whig but also became a stanch republican. Mr. Siglin of this review has been twice elected and served as township trustee and has done effective work in behalf of public education as a member of the school board. He has never desired office, however, but has helped to elect good men to local positions. He and his wife are members of the

Woodward Methodist Episcopal church, to the support of which he contributes liberally and he was also generous in his contributions toward the building of the house of worship. He is a subscriber now for the prospective new church to the amount of five hundred dollars. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen. A man of tried integrity and worth, he has the confidence and esteem of the community and he has found in business life the reward for earnest, well directed and honorable effort. He stands today as one of the leading and successful men of the county and his strong individuality and upright character are widely recognized.

F. J. Slaninger

A most enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of Dallas, his native county, was born May 24, 1867.  He is the son of Joseph and Anna (Kubitscheck) Slaninger, both natives of Austria, who early made their way to the shores of the new world, where they first located in Johnson county, Iowa. Subsequently they removed to Dallas county about the year 1867.  It was here that the husband and father passed away on March 12, 1875, his widow still surviving him.  To their union were born six children:  F. J., of this review; Josephine M., of Des Moines; Anna M., who lives near Waukee, Iowa; Anthony J., Pauline and Jennie, all of this county.

In the hours that could be spared from work Mr. Slaninger picked up what education he could in the district schools.  Having been reared on a farm, he naturally turned to agricultural pursuits for his life work.  For three years he farmed in Nebraska and then returned to Iowa, where he has since lived.  Starting with a small farm, he is now the owner of three hundred and seventy-two acres of land on sections 16, 21 and 22.  His place is known as the Center Stock Farm, which is a most appropriate name, for its owner is an extensive stock-raiser and feeder.

On October 16, 1898, occurred the marriage of Mr. Slaninger and Christine Biederman, who was born in Austria, February 2, 1868.  Her mother passed away in 1902 but her father is still living in Richland township, Guthrie county.  There were four children in this family:  Elizabeth, Anna, Christine and Joseph.  To Mr. and Mrs. Slaninger were born four children: Edward A., August 26, 1899; Joseph F., November 19, 1900; Frances F., May 30, 1905; and Paul V., March 19, 1907.

Politically Mr. Slaninger holds the views of the republican party and has served as township trustee for seven years and as constable.  For seven years he was a most efficient school secretary.  He is a member of the Woodmen lodge, No. 2807, at Minburn, Iowa.  He and his wife are both members and loyal supporters of the Catholic church at Perry.  They have enjoyed an unusual portion of success and thought they have met many difficulties they have overcome them and gone ahead with a persistency that has characterized all of their undertakings.  They are people of strong convictions, lovers of what is right and are most valued citizens in this community, where they have won a large circle of friends.

Alexander Smart

Alexander Smart, who is station agent at Perry for the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad Company, was born in Scotland, December 4, 1835, and although he has passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten he is yet an active factor in business circles. He was educated in the schools of Edinburgh, Scotland, and throughout his entire life has manifested many of the sterling traits of his race. His parents were William and Jean (Johnston) Smart, who were likewise natives of the land of hills and heather. The father, who was born in 1800, was a gardener in Scotland and remained a resident of that country until 1856, when thinking that he could enjoy better business opportunities in the new world, crossed the Atlantic to America on the sailing ship Caroline, of Rockland, Maine, which sailed from Liverpool to Boston. He then established his home in Andover, Massachusetts, where he lived retired. He was a member of the old Free church of Scotland and was a man whose record for integrity and fidelity gained for him uniform confidence and esteem. He died in Andover, Massachusetts, in 1882, while his wife passed away there at the age of fifty-five years. In their family were six sons and a daughter, of whom four are still living: James J., William, John J., and Alexander.

Alexander Smart was a resident of his native land during the period of his youth and when still quite young began learning the machinist's trade, at which he worked for two years. He was afterward in the employ of the North British Railroad for two years as engineer and subsequently was employed in the same capacity between Edinburgh and Berwick. In 1857 when a young man of twenty-one years, he crossed the briny deep to the new world, settling at Boston, where he became superintendent for the firm of Stone & Smart, the junior partner being his brother. They had a, machine shop, which Alexander Smart managed until 1859, when he made his way to Davenport, Iowa. In the vicinity of that city he engaged in farming for about two years after which he removed to Whiteside county, Illinois, where he also carried on farming for five years. In 1866 he went to Malcolm, Iowa, and was agent for the Mississippi & Missouri Railroad Company, which in the fall of that year sold its line to the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad Company, then formed the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company. Mr. Smart built a grain elevator at Malcolm and there engaged in the grain business until 1868, when he removed to De Soto, Dallas county, which was then the terminus of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. When the line was extended as far west as Stuart Mr. Smart took charge of the station there and continued as agent until 1887, when he entered the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad, having the management of its business at Fresno, California. On the 15th of May, 1888, he came to Perry and was agent here for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, remaining at this place until 1891, when he went to Des Moines, Iowa, and with Mr. Williams bought out the Blue Line Transfer Company. There he carried on business for about three years or until 1894, when he sold out and organized the Bazalt Hardwall Plaster Company, carrying on business in that way until 1899, when he again sold out and went to Guthrie Center. Here he took charge of the station for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company, continuing in this position until October 24, 1901, when he came to Perry and took charge of the station for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. In 1905 the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad Company purchased this line and Mr. Smart has been in charge of the business as agent at this place continuously since.

Mr. Smart was married in early manhood to Miss Lucy Ann Sanger, at Cambridgeport, Massachusetts. She was born at Danvers, Massachusetts, and died at De Soto, Iowa, in 1870, when thirty-five years of age. Her father, Richard Sanger, was a native of the old Bay state and conducted an extensive and successful business as a contractor and builder in Massachusetts. He died during the early girlhood of his daughter, Mrs. Smart. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smart have been born a daughter and son: Ida, now the widow of Willard B. Conger, of Seattle, Washington; and Charles, who is cashier of the Merchants National Bank at Fort Smith, Arkansas. Mrs. Conger has one child married to Myron D. Moulton, at Seattle, Washington, and Mrs. Moulton has one daughter about a year old, this being the first great-grandchild. Mr. Charles Smart has two children: a son, Willard, twenty-one years, and a daughter, Gladys, eighteen years of age.

While living in Stuart Mr. Smart served as a member of the school board and he has always been interested in progressive public measures tending to promote the welfare of the community along business and intellectual lines. He was made a Mason in De Soto, took the chapter degrees in Adel and is a charter member of the commandery at Perry. He also belongs to Za-Ga-Zig Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Das Moines and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He has been in the railroad service for half a century--a fact which is indicative of his thorough trustworthiness. As agent he has ever been considerate and reliable, doing all in his power to further the interests of the traveling public, while the companies that he has represented give him their unqualified trust and approval, He is now seventy-two years of age and yet remains one of the world's workers. From an early age he has depended upon his own resources for advancement in life and whatever success he has achieved is attributable to his labors and careful management.

A. F. Smith, of Dallas Center, is a veteran of the war of the Rebellion and an old settler of Iowa.  For twenty-five years he has been numbered among the public-spirited citizens of Dallas county but dates his residence in this state from  1857.   He was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, May 27, 1847, a son of Mark Smith, a native of County Carlow, Ireland, who came to the new world when a young man and settled in Massachusetts.  In that state he married Bridget O'Laughlin and removed westward to Des Moines in 1857. Locating on a farm in Polk county, he began the development of the land, which was at that time wild and unimproved but which in the course of years he converted into an excellent farm. Upon that place he spent his remaining days and became recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of the community. 

In the family were two sons and two daughters, but Squire Smith is the only one now living.  He was reared to manhood in Polk and Dallas counties, having been but ten years of age at the time of the removal of the family to this state.  His education was acquired in the Des Moines schools and he was but seventeen years of age when he responded to the country's call for troops, joining the army as a member of Company A, Third Iowa Cavalry. With his command he went south, participated in the Missouri raid through Missouri and Arkansas and aided in the capture of Warrenton. He was with General Wilson in his campaign and afterward participated in the battles of Columbus, Georgia, and of Selma, Alabama.  He took part in a number of other important engagements and served until the close of the war, being mustered out at Atlanta, Georgia, on the 9th of August, 1865.  He was then honorably discharged at Davenport on the 30th of the same month, having for more than a year faithfully served his country in the defense of the Union.  He was still but a boy when he returned home but he had had all of the experiences meted out to the soldier who takes an active part in the field of battle. 

Following his return home Mr. Smith engaged in clerking for a time in a store in Des Moines and was also employed as clerk in a hotel.  In 1872 he came to Dallas Center, where he accepted a position as salesman in a store, remaining there for eight or ten years.  Subsequently he turned his attention to the real-estate business and is now engaged in that line in the improvement and sale of property.  He has been known throughout the period of his residence in this county as a reliable and enterprising business man and has secured a good patronage in his present field of endeavor. 

Politically Mr. Smith is a republican and cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1864 while in the Cherokee Nation in the Indian Territory serving his country as a soldier.  He has since voted for every nominee of the republican party and is a stanch supporter of its candidates and its principles.  He is a recognized leader in republican ranks in Dallas county and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to office.  He served as constable and later as justice of the peace, being first elected to the latter office in the fall of 1884.  He entered upon the duties of the position on the 1st of January, 1885, and by re-election has been continued as the incumbent to the present time, covering a period of twenty-two consecutive years. He has had many interesting experiences in office and the reminiscences which he relates of his courts are most interesting.  That he is ever fair and impartial in his rulings, basing his opinions upon the law and equity of the case, is indicated by the fact of his long retention in the position. Other political honors have been conferred upon him. He has twice been elected mayor of the city and proved a capable executive officer, discharging his duties in most prompt and businesslike manner. He has frequently served as a delegate to the state, congressional and county conventions of his party and his opinions carry weight in its local councils. 

On the 4th of July, 187l, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Elizabeth McDonald, a native of England, who was born in the city of Liverpool but was reared in Illinois.  Four children have graced this marriage but they lost their second son, Mark K., who died April 2, 1897, at the age of twenty years.  The others are Charles J., who is now in Chicago; Susan E., at home; and Frances, also under the parental roof. 

Alva E. Smith, general manager of the Smith Produce Company of Redfield, one of the   leading industrial  concerns of Dallas county, was born in Redfield, Dallas county, April 29, 1867, a son of Isaac and Ada (Smith) Smith.  The father was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, was reared in that state and in 1856 came to Iowa, locating in Dallas county.  He was a tanner by trade and established a tannery at Wiscotta.   After the close of the Civil war, however, he discontinued the tanning business and settled down to farming in Adams township on a farm about four miles north of Earlham, where he purchased a quarter section of land.  He was rather inclined to migrate, however, and later spent some time in Kansas, but returned to Dallas county and remained here until the time of his demise in 1879. His wife, a native of Ohio, passed away in 1894.  Mr. Smith was a republican in politics and religiously  was connected   with the  Friends church at Bear Creek.  In the family of this worthy couple were six children, as follows: Anna, the wife of T. J. Tice, an agriculturist bf Union township, Dallas county; Alva E., of this review; Edward G., who follows farming in Union township, Dallas county Elbert A., who is connected with agricultural pursuits in Colfax township, Dallas county; Omar W., who is now in the Philippines; and Grace, the wife of C. Barnett, a resident of Des Moines.

Alva E. Smith spent his time under the parental roof until he had attained the age of fourteen years.  He was possessed of a great deal of ambition and had inherited something of his father's migratory spirit, so that he spent the following nine years at various employments, his travels covering the territory between New Orleans and Winnipeg, Manitoba.  He did not anchor himself to any one place for any length of time until the year 1890, when he returned to Dallas county and took up his abode in Redfield, since which time he has been prominently identified with the town's material upbuilding and prosperity.  On his arrival here, in 1890, he became connected with the produce business.  This enterprise was carried on in a moderately successful way until November, 1902, when the necessity of more capital to carry on the increasing business presented itself.  Accordingly, in association with others, Mr. Smith organized the Smith Produce Company, of which he was made general manager.  The business which was formerly carried on in a small way now became one of magnitude, the field of their operations being continually enlarged and extended until at present it amounts to almost three  hundred thousand  dollars  annually.  The prosperity of any community, town or city, depends upon its commercial activity, its industrial interests and its trade relations, and therefore among the builders of a town are those who stand at the head of the business enterprises.   Mr. Smith's activity in business has not only contributed to his individual success but has also been an active factor in the development of the county, and he is widely recognized as one of its representative business men.

Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Clara Lamb, a daughter of Charles Lamb, who was one of the early pioneer settlers of Redfield but is now deceased.   Two children have been born unto our subject and his wife, Walter and Susie.

In his political views Mr. Smith is independent, voting for the candidate who, in his judgment, is best qualified, regardless of party.  He has served for fifteen years on the town council and is still a member thereof.  He is also on the school board, and has been one of the prime factors in every movement tending to promote the advancement of his home town. In his fraternal relations Mr. Smith belongs to Redfield lodge, No. 135, I.0.O.F., and to the Knights of Pythias fraternity.  His  genuine  personal   worth and sterling traits of character have won him the unbounded confidence and esteem of the entire community and the respect and admiration of all with whom he has come in contact.

Lon B. Smith is a leading grocer of Adel, who owns and conducts a well appointed establishment of this character and is meeting with gratifying success because of his honorable business methods, his earnest desire to please his patrons and his close application.

Mr. Smith is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Williamsburg on the 10th of March, 1863.  His parents were Joseph and Melinda (Madaris) Smith, both natives of Pennsylvania.  The father was born in 1815 and died in Ohio at the age of seventy-seven years after having devoted his entire business life to farming.  His wife also died in that state at the age of seventy-six years.  In their family were fifteen children, of whom ten yet survive.

Lon B. Smith, the only one living in Dallas county, remained upon the home farm until twenty years of age.  He came to Adel in 1883 and entered business circles here as a salesman in the grocery store of J. W. Bly, with whom he remained as a trusted employe for eight years.  In partnership with his brother-in-law he then purchased Mr. Bly's interest and for four years the business was conducted under the firm style of Smith & Kain.  Mr. Smith then became sole proprietor and in 1900 he built the brick block in which he is now located.  He carries the most complete line of staple and fancy groceries and queensware in the city, having a store which would be a credit to a city of much larger size.  The neat and tasteful arrangement of the store and the excellent line of goods which he sells have secured to him a gratifying patronage, which has increased as the years have gone by.  In addition to his mercantile interests he owns two residence properties in Adel.

In 1888 Mr. Smith was married to Miss Emma Farlow, a daughter of I.J. Farlow, one of Adel's earliest settlers.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born two sons, Byron and Lowell.

In his political views Mr. Smith is a democrat, interested in the growth and success of his party.  He has served for six years on the city council but has held no other office, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs.  Fraternally he is prominent, being connected with the American Yeomen, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America.  A man of strong individuality and indubitable probity, he has attained a due measure of success in the affairs of life.  Of social, genial nature, he is a man appreciative of the amenities which go to make up the sum of human happiness and at all times he is a genial, courteous, honorable gentleman, much esteemed by those who know him.

George E. Staker, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on section 8, Des Moines township, owns two hundred and forty acres of land, of which eighty acres is in his home place. He has resided in this county since the fall of 1867, or for a period of forty years. He was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, in 1860, and is a son of Peter Staker, a native of Pennsylvania, who removed to New York and subsequently to Ohio. He was a farmer by occupation and thus provided for the support of his family. In Ohio he was married to Miss Susan Yercley, a native of Ashland county, Ohio, where they resided for several years after their marriage. At a later date they came to Iowa, settling in Jasper county, where Mr. Staker bought land, making his home there for two and a half years. On the expiration of that period he came to Dallas county and in 1867 took up his abode in Des Moines township, where he purchased forty acres of land and made a home. As his financial resources increased and opportunity offered he extended the boundary of his place by additional purchases until he became the owner of three hundred acres, and this constituted the excellent farm upon which he made many improvements while the fields were brought under a high state of cultivation.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Staker have been born nine children, seven of whom reached mature years, while four are now living. George, the youngest, was reared upon the home farm and acquired a common-school education. He remained at home with his parents until they were called to their final rest, the death of the father occurring October 5, 1896, when he was seventy-six years of age, while the mother died in 1892, at the age of sixty-eight. They were worthy people and left behind them many warm friends.

As stated, George E. Staker was reared under the parental roof and afterward cared for his parents in their later days. He was married on the 1st of September, 1895, to Miss Minnie Snyder, a native of Polk county, Iowa, and a daughter of Christian Snyder who resided near Polk City. George Staker remained at home but spent one and a half years in the northern part of the state and returned to the farm. He built a house, two barns and other outbuildings, did much fencing and has laid many rods of tile, having now about thirteen hundred rods on his place. He is one of the energetic and successful agriculturists of the community and in addition to tilling the soil he is successfully engaged in raising short horn cattle, draft horses and Poland China and Duroc hogs, fattening about three carloads of hogs each year. He operates and manages his own farm of two hundred and forty acres, which is a valuable property and gives evidence of his careful supervision in its fine fields and well kept appearance.

Mr. Staker has served as director of schools and is president of the school board and has always given his support to the cause of education. He is connected with the Knights and Ladies of Security of Woodward but his time and energy are mostly given to his business interests. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Staker have been born two children: Bertha and Lorna. The parents are highly esteemed in the community where they have long lived and their many good qualities of heart and mind have won for them a large number of friends. Mr. Staker's business operations have gained for him success, for although he started out in life empty-handed he is now numbered among the progressive and leading farmers of Des Moines township.

Albert S. Stephens is classed among the substantial pioneer residents of Dallas county, dating his residence here from 1868. He owns and operates a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on section 32, Lincoln township, where he resides,  and in addition to this property also owns a tract of eighty acres in Linn township, used mainly for pasturage.  

Mr. Stephens is a native of Steuben county, New York, born June 10, 1835. His father, Benjamin Stephens, died when the son was a, little lad of two years, and he was then reared by an uncle. He was educated in the common schools of Steuben county and was reared to farm life. At an early age, however, he was thrown upon his own resources, so that whatever success he today enjoys is due entirely to his own efforts.  

In early life he worked in a mill, manufacturing lumber, and in 1856 removed to Minnesota, which was at that time a territory. There he joined a brother and they secured an ox-team and a breaking plow and for one season engaged in breaking raw prairie.  In 1857, the year of the financial panic, they removed to Stark county, Illinois, locating near Osceola,  where in  company  with  another brother he purchased a small tract of land, which he farmed until 1868, in which year he came to Dallas county and purchased his present farm comprising one hundred and sixty acres.  This was all raw prairie when it came into his possession but with characteristic energy he at once began the development and cultivation of the land.  He built a small house sixteen by twenty-four feet, and this was later replaced by a more commodious country residence, a neat, two-story structure. He has also built two good barns, cribs and sheds, has put up a wind pump and stock scales, has fenced and tiled his land, and now has a well equipped farm, well suited to the purpose to which it is put. In addition to his home place Mr. Stephens likewise owns eighty acres of land in Linn township, this being used for pasturage for his cattle and hogs.  He is engaged quite extensively in raising live stock, feeding and fattening two carloads of cattle and one or more carloads of hogs each year.  

In addition to his farming, Mr. Stephens also is interested in other enterprises, being one of the organizers and now the vice-president of the Linden Bank.  He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company and assisted in the organization of a cooperative store which was conducted for five years and was then sold.  With others he bought the land for the West Linn cemetery, which was later sold to the town and is now known as the Linn cemetery.  He manifests a deep interest in anything which pertains to the benefit of his town and county and is therefore numbered among the substantial citizens of this section of the state.  

Mr. Stephens chose as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Sarah E. Hoage, who was born and reared in Steuben county, where they were also married.  Their marriage has been blessed with three sons, one of whom died in infancy, and four daughters.  Frank D. is married and follows farming in Lincoln township.  His family consists of two children.  Fred E. is a carpenter and contractor and makes his home in Polk county, Nebraska. Laura, the eldest daughter, became the wife of Jarvis Potter and died in Perry, Iowa. She resided on a farm in Dallas county and at her death left a son and daughter: Fred O. Potter, who has always made his home with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Stephens; and Jessie A. Potter, the wife of R. L. Logsdon, an inventor of Council Bluffs, Iowa, who invented the electric railroad signal.  Myra Belle Stephens is the wife of Emerson Green, a farmer of Linn township, by whom she has two children.  Lilly is the wife of Albert D. Dover,  a farmer residing near Stromsburg, Nebraska., and has two boys and one girl.  Lottie became the wife of Mr. Bales, of Linn township, and has two daughters and three sons.  

Mr. Stephens gives his political allegiance to the democratic party where national issues are involved, but at local elections casts an independent ballot.  He has served on the grand and petit juries and has been a delegate to county and state conventions.  He is a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge at Linden, and he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star, of which he is now the treasurer, while his wife has served in several offices.  Mrs. Stephens is a member of the United Brethren church, while Mr. Stephens is an attendant upon its services and is a liberal contributor thereto.  He is well known as a pioneer of the county and is a most industrious and useful man, whose honesty stands as an unquestioned fact in his career.  Starting out in life dependent upon his own resources from an early age, he has steadily worked his way upward and the success which he is now enjoying is richly merited, showing what energy and perseverance can accomplish when one has the will to dare and to do.