Charles
Magel is a self-made
man who, without any extraordinary family or pecuniary advantages at the
commencement of life, has battled earnestly and energetically, and by
indomitable courage and integrity has achieved both character and fortune.
By sheer force of will and untiring effort he has worked his way upward
and is now one of the substantial farmers and stock-dealers of Fremont county.
He claims Iowa as the state of his nativity, his birth having occured in
Des Moines county, March 16,1846. His
parents, Sibert and Mary (Lee) Magel, were both natives of Germany and in early
life came to the United States. The
father located in Iowa in 1833 and the parents were married in this state.
Both were descendants of influential families, representing important
farming interests in Germany.
On reaching Iowa the father
found a wild, open country, only a few settlements having been made, the work of
improvement and cultivation being scarcely begun. Like many pioneers, he had very limited capital, but, was
hopeful and not afraid to work, and his energy and financial ability enabled him
to advance steadily on the road to prosperity.
He secured a claim and when he could not find profitable labor in the
service of others he gave his time to the cultivation of his land, making good
improvements upon it as the years passed. He
completed the arrangements for a home by his marriage, and both he and his wife
labored earnestly and underwent many deprivations and hardships incident to
pioneer life in order to gain a good start in the world.
At that time Burlington contained but a few cheap houses and was too
small to be called even a village; but the steamers made a landing there.
When the government survey was completed and the land was placed upon the
market, Mr. Magel attended the sale
and purchased his claim. He had not
been able to save enough to make the entire payment, but found a friend who lent
him the money, for which he paid fifty per cent interest until his indebtedness
was discharged. His first farm was
located about six miles from Burlington and he made it a highly improved
property. As claims were
established he placed his crops on sale and success followed his efforts. about 1850 he moved within three miles of Burlington.
He made many substantial improvements upon the homestead and there reared
his children, spending his remaining days upon the old farm, where he passed
away on the 9th of August, 1897. His
wife preceded him to the home beyond, dying on the 5th of December, 1896.
Both had been reared in the Lutheran church and held membership therein
throughout their lives.
Mr Magel was known as a very
prominent and influential citizen of Des
Moines county proving a very important factor in the work of improvement and
upbuilding there. After placing his
home farm in good condition he purchased land and improved other farms, which he
sold, becoming quite an extensive real estate dealer.
He also aided materially in the development of Burlington, building
houses and dealing in property in that city.
At the time of his death he owned some very valuable real estate there.
He lent money and all of his efforts in a business way were crowned with
success. He was an excellent
financier, energetic, determined and persevering and those qualities enabled him
to advance steadily on the progressive path of prosperity.
He was an intelligent, broad-minded man, of sterling integrity and honor,
and among all by whom he was known he commanded uniform confidence and respect.
He had no near relatives in this country, but his wife had two brothers,
Conrad and William Lee, both of whom were farmers and are now deceased.
Sibert and Mary (Lee) Magel
were the parents of ten children: Elizabeth, the deceased wife of
W. Hillgartner; William and Henry, who are living in Des Moines county;
Charles, of this review; Conrad, a prominent farmer of Fremont county; Peter who
makes his home near Burlington; Mary, the wife of J. Schafer, of Burlington;
Margaret, wife of H. Steyh, of the same city; Theodore S., who became a
prominent citizen of Fremont County, where he followed farming until he was
accidentally killed by a horse February 23, 1895, leaving a wife and five
interesting children; and Benjamin of Des Moines county.
The family is an influential one, the members being leading citizens of
the various communities in which they reside.
Chrles Magel remained under
the parental roof throughout the period of his minority, and practical training
at farm work well fitted him for agricultural pursuit when he entered upon his
business career. In 1869 he and his
brother, Conrad, made a prospecting tour to Fremont county in order to look
after some land which his father had entered.
They returned by way of Nebraska, and in the spring of 1870 again came to
Fremont county and began the improvement of the father's land.
They broke the wild prairie, erected a house and employed a man and his
wife to care for the home and assist in the work of the fields.
They got a good start at farming and stock-raising and soon took their
place among the substantial agriculturists of this portion of the state.
In 1880 Charles Magel was married and by mutual agreement a division of
the property was then made. Our
subject obtained possession of the improved portion of the land and Conrad
purchased a claim adjoining, upon which were some poor improvements.
Both became substantial residents and their homes are still within sight
of each other. They have reared
large families and have well improved farms in the valley of the Nishnabotna
river.
Mr. Magel of this review owns
nearly one thousand acres of land, all under a high state of cultivation, while
well kept fences divide it into fields for the raising of grain or into meadows
and grazing pastures. His residence
is a modern, two story house, built in a modern style of architecture and
supplied with all the late conveniences. There
is also a large barn and outbuildings and the home is surrounded by a beautiful
grove of ornamental and forest trees. A large orchard yields its fruits in season, the fields are
well tilled and in the pastures are found excellent grades of cattle and hogs.
The farm is conveniently located five miles east of Sidney, and Mr. Magel
is successfully carrying on farming and stock-raising.
He also lends money to his neighbors and friends, on good security, and
has become one of the leading and prominent business men of his section of the
state. He is widely and favorable
known, commanding the confidence and respect of those with whom he is
associated. An excellent business
man and financier, he has labored not only for his own advancement but is also
enterprising and public-spirited and gives his supposrt to many measures for the
general good.
The lady who bears the name of
Mrs. Magel was in her maidenhood Miss Lizzie Schultize, who was born in Des
Moines, Iowa, September 19, 1858, a daughter of William and Margaret (Kitzer)
Schultize, both of whom were natives of Germany and became early settlers of
Iowa. Her father purchased land and
improved a farm, and later, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he
crossed the plains to the Pacific coast. where he engaged in mining for five
years. Returning then to the
Mississippi valley, he resumed farming, which he carried on until 1864, when
death ended his labors. His wife
still survives and resides on the old homestead.
Both were worthy and exemplary members of the Lutheran church.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schultize were born four children: Henry, who is living
in Fremont county; Lizzie, now Mrs. Magel; John, of Des Moines county, and Mary,
the wife of William Diehl. After
the death of her first husband, Mrs. Schultize became the wife of N. Helt, also
a native of the fatherland, and they had seven children; Kate; Anna, the
deceased wife of William Brown; Christina, the wife of
I. Avery; Emma, the wife of H. Kingsolver; George, a farmer; Julia, the
wife of E. Baumgardner; and William, who is yet at home.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Magel has been blessed, with six interesting
children: William C., George, Lee, Lulu, Grover, and Freddie, all still with
their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Magel
are earnest members of the Methodist church.
He was reared in the faith of the Democracy but is now a Republican.
He, however, does not seek office, preferring to give his attention to
his farm work, which has brought to him an excellent, financial return, so that
he is now numbered among those who may well be proud of their success, as it has
come to him through his own labors, his keen enterprise and his perseverance.
Conrad Magel
The Magels are numbered among the pioneer families of Iowa. In the early days when Iowa
was still under territorial government the parents of our subject took up their abode
within its borders, and in Des Moines county, near the city of Burlington, on the 22nd of
November, 1847, Conrad Magel was born, a son of Sibert and Mary (Lee) Magel. The parents
were both natives of Germany and on the same vessel they crossed the Atlantic to the new
world and were married in Iowa. They belonged to prominent families in the fatherland and
became frontier settlers in the new world. It was in the year 1833 that Sibert Magel cast
in his lot with the pioneer settlers west of the Mississippi. He left his home full of
hope, true-hearted and determined to make the best of his opportunities in the land of the
free; and though he had no capital to assist him, his resolute spirit, energy,
perseverance and economy have enabled him to advance steadily toward success. Although he
met many hardships and trials, he was not discouraged but worked hard to carry out his
earnest purpose to gain an honest living and provide a good home for his family. His
labors were crowned with prosperity and when he was called to the home beyond he left a
very large estate.
Near Burlington, which was then a collection of cheap houses, constituting a small
hamlet, he located a claim and began improving it. He also worked at other employments
that would bring to him some ready money. When he married he found an able assistant in
his wife and together they labored to establish a home. When the land was put upon the
market he attended the sale, and though he had not been able to save enough to purchase
his claim, he found a friend who lent him the money, on which he paid fifty per cent
interest until he was out of debt. From the claim he developed an excellent homestead,
upon which he remained throughout the remainder of his days, passing away on the 9th of
August 1897. His wife preceded him to the home beyond, being called to her final rest
December 5, 1896. Throughout their lives they were consistent members of the Lutheran
church, in which they had been reared. He was a very important factor in the development
and improvement of the section of the state in which he lived, and while promoting his
individual prosperity also added to the general prosperity. He possessed superior business
and executive ability and was an excellent financier, so that he was enabled to carry
forward to successful completion whatever he undertook. He dealt quite extensively in real
estate purchasing and selling much farm land and city property. He was one of the leaders
in all movements calculated to promote the improvement and upbuilding of Burlington and at
the time of his death his realty possessions in that city were extensive and important.
When he came to Iowa there were no mills in Des Moines county, and he aided in erecting
the first one within its borders. He lived to see the county settled up by progressive and
prominent people, and every line of business, agricultural, commercial and professional
represented there. Towns and villages sprang up and Burlington developed from a few cabins
to a city of splended proportions and importance. Mr. Magel withheld his support from no
movement or measure calculated to prove of general good, and just a year before his death
gave one thousand dollars to the Burlington Hospital. He also reared a large and
interesting family who are now well established in life, carrying forward the work he
inaugurated. Elizabeth is the widow of William Hilgartner; William and Henry are living in
Des Moines county; Charles is a prominent farmer and stockraiser of Fremont county;
Conrad, the subject of this review; Peter is living near Burlington; Mary is the wife of
J. Schafer, of Burlington; Margaret is the wife of H. Steyh, also of that city; Theodore
S., who was a prominent farmer, died January 23, 1895, being killed by a horse, and left a
wife and five children; and Benjamin, who is living in Des Moines county, where he is a
prominent and influential man.
Conrad Magel acquired his education in the country schools near his home and was reared
to habits of industry and economy on the home farm. When twenty-two years of age he left
the parental roof and went out into the world to fight life's battles, and in 1869 came to
Fremont county with his brother Charles on a prospecting tour. They also visited Nebraska,
making the western trip in order to look after lands entered by their father. Returning
home they completed arrangements to take up the work of cultivating the Iowa land and in
1870 located permanently in Fremont county. They had means to prosecute the work, erected
a house on the prairie, which they began breaking and soon were busily engaged in farming.
A man was employed to assist in the work of the farm, while his wife did the housekeeping,
for both Mr. Magel and his brother were unmarried at the time. The location of the farm
was most favorable, being in the valley of the Nishnabotna river and extended back to the
bluffs, the rising ground affording an excellent building site, upon which the brothers
erected their house. At the time there were no farms near, and they could ride in any
direction without hindrance. There were no fences in the locality and so they had to fence
their entire property without the assistance of division fences. Their first crop was sod
corn and soon their land was placed under a high state of cultivation and brought to them
an excellent return. The brothers continued the business together until 1880, when they
married and their property interests were divided by mutual consent, Chrles retaining the
first improvements, while Conrad Magel purchased an adjoining farm of one hundred and
sixty acres upon which he took up his abode. The work of improvement had been carried
forward there to only a very slight degree, but with characteristic energy he labored
early and late, and, being successful, he added from time to time to his property until he
now owns nine hundred and twenty acres of land in this county and valuable tract in
Nebraska. He has made many excellent improvements, including the erection of a fine
two-story residence and supplied with all modern conveniences. A large barn furnishes
shelter for grain and stock and other substantial outbuildings have been erected. The home
is seen through the vista of forest and ornamental trees, which have been planted by Mr.
Magel, and an excellent orchard yields its fruit in season, and the place, pleasantly
located five miles east of Sidney, is one of the finest country seats in the county. Mr.
Magel also has business property in Malvern, is a stockholder in the Sidney bank and lends
money on security, but devotes the greater part of his attention to the management of his
farming and stock-raising interests. He is an extensive feeder and shipper of cattle and
hogs and in all lines of his buiness he is meeting with creditable success. His
investments have been judiciously made and his enterprise and sound judgment have
continually added to his income.
In 1880 Mr. Magel was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Newlon, who was born in Fulton
county, Illinois, July 30, 1855. She is a lady of energy and culture, belonging to one of
the honored early families of Illinois, her parents being William H. and Margaret
(Schafer) Newlon. Her mother was a widow at the time she married Mr. Newlon and was a
daughter of Jacob Linkenfelter, of Pennsylvania, and was of German descent, and at an
early day emigrated westward, taking up his abode in Fulton county, Illinois, where he
followed farming. His children were: James, of Washington, D. C.; William, of Altoona,
Pennsylvania; Mrs. Margaret Newlon; and Mrs. Jane Feathers. After attaining womanhood
Margaret Linkenfelter gave her hand in marriage to Jacob Schafer, a native of Germany, who
crossed the Atlantic to America in early manhood with his father and family. They located
in Pennsylvania and after a number of years removed to Fulton county, Illinois, where his
father followed agricultural pursuits. Jacob Schafer learned the tailor's trade and was
engaged in that line in Pennsylvania, but in Illinois he turned his attention to farming.
He died in 1852, in the faith of the Lutheran church, in which he was an earnest worker.
He left to his wife and four children a good farm. His children were; L. D., now a
merchant of Sidney, Iowa; Henry E., who was an insurance agent in Chicago and died in
1898; L. A., a prominent agriculturist of Fremont county; and Louisa, the deceased wife of
D. Morehead.
A few years after the death of her first husband Mrs. Schafer became the wife of
William H. Newlon. They subsequently sold the homestead and lived in Fremont county, where
they purchased a farm upon which they lived until old age, when they sold that property
and took up their abode in Sidney, where they lived until called to the home beyond. Mrs.
Newlon died in February 1897, and Mr. Newlon in March of the same year. He was a plain,
unassuming but honest farmer, and both he and his wife were consistent members of the
Methodist church. He had one brother, Hardy, who is now living in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs.
Newlon had but three children, namely: Mrs. Magel; Edward F., of Nebraska; and D. C., a
carpenter of Sidney. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Magel has been blessed with four
children: Sibert W. settled on a farm in Fremont county; Margaret, who died at the age of
nineteen years and was deeply mourned by her family and friends; and Frank and James G.,
who are yet with their parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. Magel were reared in the Lutheran faith
to which he still adhered, but his wife now belongs to the Methodist church. In his
political affiliations he was a Democrat until 1896, when he joined the ranks of the
Republican party, of which he is now an earnest advocate. His worth is widely acknowledged
and his life record furnishes an example tht may well be emulated, for through an
honorable career he has gained a handsome competence and at the same time has kept
untarnished the family name.
Mrs. Mary D. Magel, the widow of the late Theodore Magel and one of the highly
respected citizens of Fremont County, was born in Peoria county, Illinois, January 13,
1857, and is a daughter of Henry P. and Mrs. J. (Heaton) Brown. Her father was a native of
Pennsylvania, and her mother of Peoria, Illinois, in which latter place they were married.
The grandfather, Christian Brown, was also a resident of Pennsylvania and followed
farming. Emigrating westward he became one of the pioneer settlers of Peoria county,
Illinois, there making his home throughout the remainder of his days. His religious faith
was in harmony with the Presbyterian church. His children were; Elizabeth, the wife of J.
Fisher; John, who died at the age of twenty-two years; Henry P., the father of Mrs. Magel;
Mary, the wife of C. L. Stoner; Christian, a mechanic; Aaron, and Reuben, who follow
agricultural pursuits; and Salinda, wife of H. Pearce.
Henry Brown, the father of Mrs. Magel, was a cooper by trade, but devoted much of his
life to farming. He was reared and married in Peoria county, Illinois, and then took up
his abode on a farm, where he remained until 1866, when he removed to Iowa, locating in
Prairie township, Fremont county. There he purchased a tract of raw prairie land, which he
transformed into a good farm. It was located in the valley of the Nishnabotna river, and
upon it he made substantial improvements, and it became his permanent home. He was very
systematic in all his work and was an energetic and enterprising man who acquired a
handsome property. The poor and needy found in him a friend who freely assisted them, and
among those who knew him best he was held in highest regard because of his noble traits of
character. In his political views he was a stalwart Democrat, but never cared for the
honors or emoluments of public office. He died February 25, 1887, and his wife, who still
survives him, is hale and hearty. She has since married John B. Furbush, a native of New
York, who for many years has resided in Sidney, engaged in various business pursuits, but
at the present time he is living retired from active labor, having no business cares save
the management of his property interests. His wife was a daughter of Henry J. and Deborah
(Griffin) Heaton, both of whom were natives of New York city, where they were married and
where the father followed the carpenter's trade.
In the pioneer days of Illinois they located in Peoria county, where Mr. Heaton
purchased land and improved a farm in connection with the work of his trade. He was also
an inventor of note and invented the first corn sheller. His business ability and keen
sagacity enabled him to acquire a valuable property and his real estate in Peoria was
extensive. He also owned a number of farms. His wife died in Peoria, in 1849, after which
he sold his property in that city and in 1866 came to Fremont county, where he purchased
land and improved a farm. He also bought farm land in Nebraska and the labor and
improvement which he put upon it made it very valuable. His investments were judiciously
placed and his business judgment was rarely at fault. In his political views he was an
earnest Democrat, who always kept well informed on the issues of the day and had a broad
general knowledgeof all questions of public interest. In the evening of life he sold his
homestead and found a good home among his chidren. Returning to Peoria to visit a
daughter, he there died, January 10, 1889. Both he and his wife were attendants of the
Episcopal church. Their children were: Mary L., who became the mother of Mrs. Magel;
Margaretta, the wife of J. Armstrong; Richard, who married and followed farming in Fremont
county, and there died in July 1885, leaving a wife and four children; William Y., who
also was a farmer of Fremont county and died in 1888 leaving a wife and two children;
Harriet S., now the wife of William G. Randall, an attorney at law of Chicago, Illinois;
and Henry, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Brown had four children; Mary D., the subject
of this review; Nettie, who died at the age of twenty-one years; William H., who died at
the age of twenty-seven, leaving a widow to mourn his loss; and Mrs. Emma L. Maxted. The
mother was a member of the Episcopal church.
Mary D. Brown was born in Peoria county, Illinois, and with her parents came to Fremont
county, where on the 24th of April, 1878, was celebrated her marriage to Theodore Magel.
He was born in Des Moines county, Iowa, near the city of Burlington, and belonged to an
honored pioneer family of the state. His parents, Sibert and Mary (Lee) Magel, were
natives of Germany, and on the same vessel they crossed the Atlantic to America, locating
in Iowa, in 1833. In this state they were afterward married. Among the pioneers they
resided, experiencing the usual hardships which fall to the lot of the frontiersmen.
Burlington was little more than a steamboat landing, containing only a few houses and no
market. Mr. Magel secured a claim three miles from Burlington and after some time
established a good home there. He worked at any employment that he could secure that would
bring him some ready money, and when not thus engaged his time and attention were given to
reclaiming the wild land and transforming it into a productive farm. When the land was
placed upon the market he had to borrow money at fifty per cent interest in order to pay
for his farm; but he worked hard and soon cleared his place of all indebtedness. He found
in his wife a faithful companion and helpmeet on life's journey, and as the years passed
he prospered and purchased other lands, becoming the owner of various farms which he
improved. He also bought and sold city property and became a money lender. Prosperity
crowned his efforts and he entered claims in various localities, his realty possessions
becoming extensive. He aided in erecting the first mill in Des Moines county and witnessed
the development of the county into one of the most progressive and prosperous sections of
the state, bearing his part in its advancement. He never sold his first purchase, keeping
that as the homestead and thereon all of the children were born and reared. Death came to
him on the 9th of August 1897 and his wife passed away December 5, 1896. Two of her
brothers, Conrad and William, came from Germany to America and followed farming in Iowa,
but Mr. Magel had no relatives on this side of the Atlantic. Through life they were
earnest adherents of the Lutheran church, in which they had been reared. They had ten
children: Elizabeth, now the wife of W. Hillgartner; William and Henry, who reside in Des
Moines county; Charles and Conrad, who are prominent farmers of Fremont county; Peter, who
makes his home near Burlington; Mary, the wife of J. Schafer, of Burlington; Margaret, the
wife of H. Steyh, who is also living in the same city; Theodore S., who became the husband
of Mrs. Magel; and Benjamin, also of Des Moines county. The family was a well known and
prominent one and the various members are now well located in life.
Theodore Magel was reared in Des Moines county, where he was early trained to habits of
industry and economy, and in the public schools he acquired his education. Two of his
brothers, Charles and Conrad came to Fremont county in 1870 and later Theodore established
himself there. He secured a tract of land upon which he made permanent improvements and in
this county he was married, after which he turned his attention to farming and stock
raising. His progressive methods and practical work were indicated in his business career,
making him one of the leading agriculturists in the community. He was a well known and
prosperous farmer of Prairie township when his death occurred. He was accidentally killed
by an unruly horse, January 25, 1896, leaving a wife and five interesting children besides
many friends to mourn his loss. In his political views he had been a Democrat and in
religious faith was a Lutheran. His life was in harmony with his professions and all who
knew him respected him for his sterling worth. Mr. and Mrs. Magel became the parents of
six children; Henry S., born May 11, 1879; Nettie, August 13, 1880; Edith L., September
28, 1882; Lucy born November 17, 1884, and died August 20, 1886; Cara B., born September
9, 1890 and Paul, June 6, 1893. The devoted mother keeps her children together and
superintends the management of the home place. She is a most estimable woman, possesses
excellent business ability and enjoys the high regard of many warm friends. While the
family bear the loss of a loving and devoted husband and father, they have every reason to
be proud of the untarnished name which he left them. The Magels have ever been prominent
people in Fremont county since they joined the first settlers here, and the present
representatives of the name here are no exception to the rule.
Albert
G. Malcom
The name of Malcom has long figured on the
pages of the history of Fremont county, for the family to which our subject
belongs was established in this locality when it was a wild western
district, situated on the borders of civilization. His birth occurred February 2, 1860, on the old family
homestead where he yet resides, and he was reared to the honest toil of the
farm.
His parents, McCoy and Sarah (Jones) Malcom,
were married in Indiana, of which state the father was a native, while the
mother was born in Ohio. They
began their domestic life upon a farm in the Hoosier state and there resided
until 1856, when they came to Fremont county, settling on land which Mr.
Malcom entered from the government, thus securing a tract of eighty acres in
section 28, Prairie township, in the Nishnabotna valley.
At that time there were but few permanent settlers in the county and
the country was wild and unimproved. Broad
stretches of land were still unclaimed, wild game was plentiful; and various
kinds of wild beasts roamed through the forests or over the prarie at will. Mr. Malcom was an excellent shot and his trusty rifle secured
to the family much venison and other meat.
He built a cabin upon his claim, fenced his farm with rails, and with
characteristic energy began to plow and plant his fields from which he soon
gathered rich harvests. When he
first came to the county, in order to get some corn for meal, he rented a
piece of land across the river from his home and there raised a crop.
The following winter he and his thirteen year old son took an ox team
and went to the field for a load of corn.
The place was situated about four or five miles from the house.
They had completed the task of gathering the corn when a blizzard set
in. They started for home and
crossed the river on the ice, but the storm raged so violently and the snow
became so blinding that the oxen refused to proceed.
So Mr. Malcom unhitched them and let them seek shelter as they
wished, while he and his son started for the house, but the boy soon became
exhausted. Protecting him as
well as he could, Mr. Malcom then had to leave him in order to go for help. The neighbors came to his assistance and they started to
carry the boy home, but he was so badly frozen that he died on the way, and
Mr. Malcom also suffered so greatly from that storm that he was unable to
work for a year following and never fully recovered.
Such were some of the trials which the early settlers had to
encounter in opening up this region to civilization.
In those early days people had to go long distances to mill, mostly
to Council Bluffs, but Mr. Malcom found a home market through selling his
products to emigrants. Soon the
country began to be settled and he lived to see the vast prairies
transformed into beautiful homes and farms, the white houses standing in the
midst of green fields and forming a very attractive landscape.
In politics he was a Democrat, but never
aspired to office. Of the
Christian church he was a worthy and consistent member and died in that
faith, April 26, 1893, at the age of seventy-five years.
His wife yet survives him and is now residing in Sidney. Two
of her brothers, William and John Jones, came to Iowa, but both returned to
Indiana. Mrs. Malcom preserved
her health and strength to a remarkable degree, caring for her home until
her death, February 14, 1901. She
spent the evening of life among friends and children and looked back over
the past without regret and forward to the future without fear, for her life
had been in harmony with her religious belief, as a member of the Christian
church. She had seven children:
Sarah, now the wife of M. Smith; Robert, whose death is referred to above;
James, who died, leaving a wife and four children; John and Isaac, who are
farmers of Fremont county; Albert G., of this review; and George, also an
agriculturist of Fremont county.
Born and reared on the old family homestead,
where he yet lives, the place is endeared to Albert G. Malcom through the
associations of his boyhood, as well as those of later years.
He remained under the parental roof, caring for his parents in the
evening of life. In 1880 he was
married to Miss Martha Hiskey, and brought his bride to the old home.
For a year he carried on farming there and then removed to another
farm, which was their place of residence for seven years; but on the
expiration of that period they returned to the old homestead, where they
have since remained. For twenty years Mr. Malcom has engaged in general farming
and to some extent has raised and dealt in stock.
He also operated a corn-sheller for fifteen years and has been
content to carry forward the work inaugurated by his father, whereby he has
developed a very fine farm that yields to him an excellent return for his
labors.
Mrs. Malcom is a lady of intelligence and
culture and also represents one of the early families of Fremont county.
She was born in Madison county, Iowa, December 17, 1861, and is a
daughter of Jacob and Arminda (Cornwell) Hiskey, both of whom were natives
of Ohio in which state their marriage occurred.
They afterward came to Iowa and the father, who had previously
followed carpentering, turned his attention to the farm, entering land from
the government. He improved the
place and made it his home for a number of years, after which he removed to
Nebraska, where he died July 10, 1869.
He was a consistent and worthy member of the United Brethren church
and in his political views he was a stalwart Republican, but was never an
aspirant for the honors of office. His
wife passed away in Nebraska, February 7, 1892.
Her mother was Lydia Shafer Cornwell, of Ohio, who had three
children: Mrs. Hiskey and Isaac and James, both of Ohio.
The children of the Hiskey family are: Franklin, Albert and Allen,
all of whom are living in Nebraska; Mrs. Martha A. Malcom; Wilbret, who is
living in Nebraska; Caroline, now the wife of B. Stockton; and Margaret,
the wife of F. Huffman.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Malcom has been
blessed with five children, namely; Ethel, born August 17, 1882; Walter,
born January 10, 1884; Orville,
born April 11, 1886; Cora, born September 28, 1889; and Clyde, born August
17, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Malcom
are well-known people of the community in which they reside and have gained
many friends by reason of their excellent qualities. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen at Sidney, but gives little
time to outside interests, his attention being devoted untiringly to his
farm work, whereby he is enabled to surround his family with all the
comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
Mrs. Malcom is a member of the Royal Neighbors, of Farragut, Iowa.
Archibald Mann
A prominent and prosperous farmer of Scott township, Fremont county, Iowa, is Archibald
Mann, the subject of this sketch. He was born in Monroe county, Virginia, in 1828, and was
the third in order of birth in the family of ten children born to Asahel and Elizabeth
(Greenlee) Mann, both of whom were natives of Virginia. The former was born in 1802, the
latter in 1803, and they were married December 1, 1825, removed to Lawrence county, Ohio,
in 1830, and two years later to Hendricks county, Indiana. In the fall of 1850 they
removed to Wapello county, Iowa, and in 1851 they came to Fremont county, Iowa, where Mr.
Mann entered a quarter section six miles northwest of Hamburg. There they passed the
remainder of their lives, and when they died left a farm of the value of ten thousand
dollars.
The large family of Mr. and Mrs. Mann grew to maturity, their names being William, who
lived to be seventy-five years of age; Granville; Archibald; Mary Jane, who became the
wife of S. C. Alsworth, died in this county in 1867; Hiram, deceased; John, who was killed
in the Civil war, dying in the battle of Vicksburg, where he lies buried; James, who is a
reliable and an old established druggist in Hamburg, Iowa; Abner, who resides in Colorado,
a justice of the peace; Asahel, a farmer in Washington township, this county; and Susan,
who is the wife of C. H. Bishop and resides in Oklahoma. The aged parents have both passed
away, the mother in 1891, the father in 1895, and both rest in the old church-yard in
Sidney. Mr. Mann had been a very successful farmer and stock raiser, and also was a good
carpenter. He labored hard all his life, doing his full duty to God and man, and died, as
he lived, a consistent member of the Methodist church.
Archibald Mann, who is our subject, received an excellent primary education and enjoyed
a two-year course at the Asbury University, now DePauw, at Greencastle, Indiana, and
taught school for a few terms very successfully, remaining in his old home until he had
reached his majority.
Our subject was married December 8, 1855 to Miss D. A. Williamson, who was born in
Lynchburg, Virginia, February 29, 1836. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mann settled upon
their present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, bought of the government for one dollar
and a quarter an acre. Two years before this Mr. Mann had commenced improvements upon the
land, and with the assistance of his wife he soon was able to make it a very comfortable
home. He now owns five hundred acres, upon which he farms and raises stock, pasturing from
seventy-five to one hundred head of cattle, preferring short-horn to any other breed. His
stock of hogs brings good prices in the market, it being mostly of the Poland China
variety.
Mr. and Mrs. Mann have had nine children, seven of whom are living; Alonzo G., who
lives at Grand Junction, Colorado; Charles W.; Henry; Mary E., who is the wife of E. R.
Alexander, of Colorado; John B., who lives at Grand Junction, Colorado; Nellie; Asahel;
Louisa; and Warren, who also resides in Colorado. Levi B. Williamson, a brother of Mrs.
Mann, was a soldier in the Fourth Iowa Cavalry, and was wounded three times, while William
and Asahel Mann, brothers of our subject, went through the war, one as a veterinary
surgeon, the other attaining the rank of lieutenant, and both came home without injury.
Mr. Mann is connected with the Masonic order, and in his political opinions he is a
stanch Republican, although he has never accepted any office in the gift of the party.
Both he and his excellent wife are valued members of the Methodist church, in which he is
a steward. The family is much respected in the community where they have so long resided.
In 1878 Mr. Mann erected his present comfortable dwelling and considers it a delightful
privilege to extend hospitality to his friends, making them welcome, for both he and Mrs.
Mann are well preserved in mind and body and are representative citizens of Scott
township.
Mrs. Martha M. Mann
One of the old and prominent families of Scott township, Fremont county, Iowa, is well
represented by Mrs. Martha M. Mann, the subject of this sketch. She is the widow of the
late Granville Mann whose death occurred here May 15, 1886. He was born in Virginia on
September 10, 1826, a son of Asahel Mann, who traced his ancestry to Scotland. Granville
Mann and his father removed from Virginia to Indiana, then to Illinois, where they located
in Knox county, and prior to 1842 moved to Jefferson county, Iowa, where they found the
country still in the possession of the Indians. When they came to Scott township, in 1851,
the Manns and the Rectors were the first settlers.
Mrs. Martha M. Mann was born in Indiana January 26, 1834, a daughter of Cyrus and
Comfort (Irwin) Spurlock, the former of Welsh and Scotch and the latter of Scotch and
Irish ancestry. Mr. Spurlock was a well-known Methodist preacher and also engaged in
farming. The survivors of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Spurlock are: Mrs. Mann; Marshall
Edward, who lives in Missouri; Mary Ellen, who is the wife of J. J. Hochstettler, of
Colorado; Julia, who is the wife of Phillips Potter, of Canyon City, Colorado; and Bascom.
Mr. Spurlock died in Colorado in 1878, Mrs. Spurlock surviving until April 2, 1890, both
being buried near Canyon City.
The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Mann was George Spurlock, who was born in Virginia and
died in Iowa in 1846, his wife, Zilpah (Garrett) Spurlock, dying about the same time. They
were well-known farmers, and their family has been respected wherever known.
The marriage of Mrs. Mann took place November 2, 1854, in Mills county, Iowa, to
Granville Mann, and the surviving children of this union are: James M. Mann, a farmer of
this township, who resides in Thurman, with his wife, who is a granddaughter of Daniel
McPaul; Bascom, who resides in the village with his wife and two children; Frank Elbert, a
farmer, who resides near Thurman, with wife and one child; and Wilber C., who conducts the
farm of one hundred and thirty acres, where Mrs. Mann resides with him and is a part
owner, with his brother Bascom. At the time of his death Mr. Mann owned eight hundred
acres, the greater part of this large estate having been earned by our subject and her
lamented companion. He was a carpenter by trade, and when he had the commodious residence
built, in 1877, he was able to superintend it intelligently and see that everything was of
the best and most lasting kind of lumber.
For thirty-two years Mr. and Mrs. Mann resided in comfort together on this place, and
the old orchard that is now dying from age was planted by his own hand. He was a very
successful farmer and stock-raiser, and his cattle always commanded a good price in the
market. All around the place are evidences of his industry and the competence which his
devoted widow enjoys is a testimonial to his thrift. He was a good man, beloved by his
neighbors, and a consistent member of the Methodist church, which he joined in his eighth
year, and at the time of his death belonged to its official body. Mrs. Mann and sons enjoy
the confidence and respect of the community, where their name has been known so long.
Fred H. Martin, a prominent and enterprising
young farmer, who is meeting with creditable success in his agricultural
labors, represents one of the pioneer families of Fremont county, his parents
having come to this section of the state at a very early period in its
development. He was born in
Sidney township, Fremont county, in the year 1872, a son of A. S. and Harriet
(Phipps) Martin. The father is a
native of Ohio, born in Athens county, on the 2nd of November, 1833. He was only four years of age when, in 1837, he was taken to
Illnois, the family locating in Coles county.
In 1853, near Carmago, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet
Phipps, a native of Putnam county, Indiana, whence her father removed with his
family to Carmago. In 1860 A. S.
Martin and his wife came to Fremont county, casting in their lot with the
early settlers who were engaged in opening up this region to civilization.
They reared a family of thirteen children and are now residing in
Colorado.
On the old family homestead Mr. Martin of this
review spent the days of his childhood and youth.
As soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields,
and his labors proved an important factor in the cultivation and development
of the land.
The public schools of the neighborhood afforded
him his educational privileges and he remained with his parents until his
marriage, which was celebrated in 1893, Miss
Eva Lena Young becoming his wife. She
is a daughter of Robert S. and Emma (Robbins) Young, the latter now deceased.
Her father was a soldier in the Civil war, participating in many
engagements, and passing through many thrilling experiences.
On three different occasions he was taken prisoner, and at one time he
aided a fellow prisoner to escape by giving him his three days' rations, and
thus he was forced to go without food for that length of time.
Two of his brothers, James and John Young, together with a cousin,
Colonel Palmer, were also in the army. The
latter was a gallant officer and is now a railroad commisioner.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Martin is brightened and blessed by the
presence of two little sons, Lyle and Lyman.
Mr. Martin owns and operates a farm of eighty
acres. His land is under a high
state of cultivation and the place is improved with all modern accessories and
conveniences, including the best machinery, good fences, substantial buildings
and high grades of stock. Careful consideration of the political issues before the
country has led Mr. Martin to give his support to the men and measures of the
Democracy, for he believes the principles of that party contain the best
elements of good government. He
and his wife enjoy the esteem and good will of the entire community and well
deserve mention in this volume.
James L. Martin
The farms of Fremont county, Iowa, are noted for their fertility, and the fortunate
owner of a productive tract of two hundred acres is the subject of this sketch. James L.
Martin was born in Madison county, Iowa, in 1856, and was a son of Henry and Martha
(Hodge) Martin, the former a native of Indiana, born in 1839, the latter a native of the
same state, who died thirty-four years ago. She is survived by a brother, J. T. Hodge, of
Sidney, Iowa.
The paternal grandparents of our subject were Henry and Cynthia (McRoberts) Martin, the
former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, served as a soldier in the war of 1812, and spent
his last days in Indiana. The latter was born in Kentucky and died in Fremont county,
Iowa. Henry Martin removed from Indiana to Madison county, Iowa, in 1855, the next year
coming to Fremont county, where he located.
Our subject was reared on a farm and attended the district schools. When he left the
parental roof to engage in business for himself he applied the principles of farming,
which he had learned during youth, and has succeeded so well that at the present time he
is the owner of one of the most productive farms in Fremont county.
Mr. Martin married Miss Amanda Ruse, a daughter of David and Polly Ruse, an old and
prominent Fremont county family. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin: Mrs.
Nellie Myers; Stella, a teacher; Flossie and Jessie, the two older ladies, having
graduated at the Sidney high school.
Politically our subject is a Democrat, being active in support of its principles. He
has efficiently served as school director, and is socially connected with the Modern
Woodmen. The estimable wife of our subject is a valued member of the United Brethren
church, where she is known for her kind and charitable spirit. The family is thoroughly
respected throughout Fremont county.
William
H. Matthews
Among the honored pioneer settlers of Fremont
county is William H. Matthews, who has passed the psalmist's span of three-score
years and ten and receives the veneration and respect which should ever be
accorded those who in the evening of life can look back over a well spent past.
He was born in Ross county, Ohio, December 7, 1825, his parents being
Andrew and Mary (Murray) Matthews, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania,
but their marriage was celebrated in Ohio.
David Matthews, the grandfather, was born on the green isle of Erin, and
after his marriage he emigrated from Ireland to the new world, locating in
Pennsylvania at an early day. There
he spent a number of years and subsequently became one of the pioneer settlers
of Ohio. He lived among the
Indians, who were then numerous in that state, and in Ross county he entered
from the government a tract of wild land, which he afterward transformed into a
fine farm, becoming one of the prosperous agriculturists and prominent citizens
of the community. He was a stone
mason by trade and followed that pursuit in early life, but afterward gave his
attention to the tilling of the soil.
His labors were crowned with a high degree of success and he aided his
children to gain homes for themselves. He
was a member of the Covenanter church and died in that faith in Ross county.
His children were John, Thomas, Andrew, David and Mrs. Peggy Devoss.
Andrew Matthews, the father of our subject was
reared to manhood in Ross county, Ohio, and there spent the greater part of his
life, continuing to make it the place of his abode until called to his final
rest, in 1864. He, too, was a stone
mason by trade, but during the greater part of his active business career
carried on farming, and his last days were spent in retirement from business at
the old homestead. He first gave
his political support to the Whig party and on its dissolution he joined the
ranks of the new Republican party.. He
filled several township offices but never aspired to political preferment,
continuing to devote his attention to the quiet and honorable work of the farm.
In business transactions his name was a synonym for integrity and fair
dealing, and among the consistent and faithful members of the Presbyterian
church near their home he and his wife were numbered.
She survived him some time, and passing away on the old homestead in
1875. Her father was a native of Germany, and on emigrating to the
new world located in Pennsylvania where he followed farming.
His children were John, Ritchey, Robert, William, Mrs. Mary Matthews and
Mrs. Jane Roane. The parents of these children were also Presbyterians in
religious faith. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Matthews were born six children: Isabel, now the wife of J. Robbins; David,
deceased; William H., of this review; Robert, who is living in Ohio; Mrs.
Margaret J. Prizer; and James I., deceased, who was a school teacher and a noted
musician.
William H. Matthews was reared and married in
Ross county, Ohio, the latter important event in his life occurring in
September, 1844. The lady of his
choice was Miss Louisa Taylor, who was born in Ross county, January 13, 1822, a
daughter of David and Abigail (McClure) Taylor, the former a native of Kentucky,
while the latter was born in Pennsylvania. Her grandfather Taylor was one of the early settlers of
Kentucky and was of Scotch descent. He
became a well known and prominent resident of the blue grass state, where he
followed farming and was widely known for his sterling integrity and
trustworthiness. David Taylor was a leading and influential agriculturist of
Ross county, Ohio. At length he
sold his country homestead and removed to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he spent his
last days in retirement from labor, his death occurring in 1857, while his wife
died in 1852. They were loyal
members of the Presbyterian church. Their
children were: Lucinda, the wife of W. McClellan: Margaret, the wife of R.
Pearson; Mary A., the wife of T. Taylor; Jane, the wife of E. Taylor; Elizabeth,
who remained single; Morrison, who died at the age of twenty-five years;
Abigail, the wife of W. Cool; Sarah, who died at the age of seventeen years;
Louisa, the wife of Mr. Matthews; David, a physician, who died in Illinois; W.
J., who died from wounds received in the war of the Rebellion, and left a wife
and five children; and John M., who also served in the Union army during the
Civil war.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Matthews
located upon his father's farm, and there, in connection with the development
and improvement of his fields, he followed carpentering.
Subsequently they lived for a few years elsewhere, but afterward returned
to the old homestead, and Mr. Matthews erected a home on a plat of ground given
him by his father, there remaining until 1864, when he traded his home for one
hundred and sixty acres of land in Fremont county.
This quarter-section has since been his place of residence.
When he took possession seventy acres had been broken and a small cabin
built, while a fence had also been constructed around the tract.
It was in the fall of 1864 that Mr. and Mrs. Matthews came to Iowa, and
through the thirty-seven years which have since come and gone he has been a well
known representative of the farming and stock-raising interests of this portion
of the state. His place is now very valuable for the fields have been
highly cultivated and excellent modern improvements have been added.
Mr. Matthews has also purchased another improved farm which he rents.
since coming to the county he has also worked at his trade to some
extent, taking contracts for the erection of various buildings, including
school-houses and residences.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Matthews has been
blessed with eight children: David, who, when only eighteen years of age,
enlisted in the Eighty-first Iowa Regiment and died in Chattanooga; Frank, a
farmer of Walnut township; Mary A., who became the wife of W. Vancuren and after
his death married John Porter; Abigail, who died in childhood; Isa D. B., now
the wife of L. Gammon; Sophia J., now the wife of William Strunk; William A., a
farmer; and Margaret, the wife of J. J. McMullen.
In his political views Mr. Matthews is a stalwart Republican, unswerving
in his advocacy of the principles of the party, for whose interests he has
labored untiringly in many ways. He
has served as justice of the peace and in other township offices.
during the Rebellion he was a strong advocate of the administration and
participated in the chase after Morgan, when the latter made his famous raid
through Indiana and Ohio. Of the Methodist Episcopal church he is an earnest and faithful
member and formerly took a very active part in church and Sunday school work,
serving as an exhorter and class leader. He
and his wife have now traveled life's journey together for more than fifty-six
years. they are well preserved
people and now in the evening of their days can enjoy the fruits of a successful
career. Through the years of their
residence in Iowa they have won the unqualified regard and confidence of those
with whom they have been associated, for their lives have ever been in harmony
with upright principles.
Herman
McCartney
A well-known citizen and influential factor in
the business circles of Thurman, Iowa, is Herman McCartney,
the subject of this sketch. He
was born in Scott township, Fremont county, Ohio (sic), July 15, 1870, a son of
Milton and Helen (Norris) McCartney. The
father of our subject was born in Ross county, Ohio, January 8, 1828, a son of
M. and Elizabeth (Baylor) McCartney, natives of North Carolina.
Milton McCartney was reared on a farm in Ohio, later in Indiana, where he
obtained a fair education, and grew into an intelligent and influential man.
His first marriage was to Ellen Mansfield, Feruary 11, 1851, she dying in
Scott township, this state, in June, 1858, her four children all dying in
infancy.
The second marriage of Mr. McCartney was February
18, 1863, to Mrs. Helen Norris, a daughter of Daniel McF. Paul, and the children
of this union are: Carrie, who is the wife of Smith Ambler, a merchant in this
town, whose native state is Ohio; Herman, who is the subject of this sketch;
Orman, who is practicing dentistry in Iowa City; and Roy, a young man who is at
home with his mother, conducting a large stock farm in the vicinity, belonging
to the estate.
Milton McCartney came to Scott township, from
Indiana, in 1851, being one of the earliest settlers here.
He bought a claim, cultivated and improved it, and at the time of his
death owned fifteen hundred acres, divided into six farms.
this land still belongs to the family, in connection with residence and
business property of great value. His
death occurred September 9, 1894, but as no will was left, our subject was
appointed administrator of the estate, which was valued at one hundred and fifty
thousand dollars, all of which was accumulated by Mr. McCartney through his
reliable and sensible methods of conducting his farming and stock-raising.
Milton McCartney was what may be truly called a
real agriculturist and stockman, for he followed the business understandingly
and success attended his efforts. He
was one of the largest stock dealers and feeders in this section, feeding as
many as three hundred head at one time. Mr.
McCartney was a level-headed man and knew just how to invest his money to best
advantage so that it would bring legitimate returns.
He was interested in mercantile and banking lines, and was very
influential in all commercial circles of the town or county.
As an active Democrat he was often sought as a candidate for office but
only served as county commissioner,
during which time many improvements in Fremont county received his endorsement.
He was always interested in educational matters and provided his children
with advantages far beyond those which he had himself received.
In his death, Fremont county lost one of its best and most substantial
citizens.
The mother of our subject still survives and
enjoys the comforts of life in the pleasant home erected in 1893, in the
thriving town of Thurman. Her
parents reside with her, at an advanced age, and so kindly has time touched her,
that probably she will long be spared to a devoted family.
She is a valued and consistent member of the Methodist church, and is
known through the neighborhood as a kind and faithful friend and advisor.
Our subject received excellent educational
advantages, and took a business course in the Iowa City College, in 1889,
preparing for a mercantile connection which he entered in 1891, under the firm
name of McCartney & Son, our subject conducting it until the death of his
father, in 1894, when it was closed. In
1894 our subject and his brother, O. E. McCartney, under the firm name of
McCartney Brothers, purchased the hardware business of Woodrum & Company of
Thurman, and prospered until they sold out in the fall of 1899, since which time
the management of the large family estate has been the principal occupation of
Mr. McCartney. The imposing brick block which was erected in Thurman, in
1900, and is known as the McCartney block, is the largest and best finished in
the town, and would do credit to a much larger town. Two of the largest store rooms in this block are occupied by
the general mercantile business of L. S. Ambler & Company, which is
connected with the McCartney estate, this house having been established in 1887,
the firm then being McCartney & Ambler, the name being changed at the demise
of Mr. McCartney.
The marriage of our subject was celebrated on
June 24, 1891, the lady of his choice being Miss Lottie Jones, a daughter of J.S.
and Amanda (Wiley) Jones, residents of Thurman.
Two children have been born of this union, Carrol, who died when sixteen
months old, and Hazel, a charming little maiden of five years, born September
11, 1895.
Like his respected father, our subject votes the
Democratic ticket and has been a member of the common council, and is on the
school board. Socially he is
connected with the Masonic fraternity, being a Royal Arch Mason, of Mt. Gerizim
Chapter, No. 59, at Glenwood, Iowa, and is also a Knight of Pythias, having
passed all the chairs in this organization.
The family of which McCartney is the
representative is one of the old and solid families of the county, and the
sagacity, prudence and discretion shown by Mr. McCartney since assuming the
great responsibilities devolving upon him, have proven that he possesses much of
his father's grasp of business and comprehension of facts which lead to success.
James H. McDonald
One of the most prominent and respected citizens of Sidney, Iowa, is James H. McDonald,
the subject of this review, who owns and conducts the Fremont County Bank. He was born in
Canada, in 1853, a son of Harlem and Sarah J. (Baldwin) McDonald. Our subject's ancestors
were Scotch, but his grandfather, John McDonald, was a native of Connecticut, whose death
occurred in Oneida county, New York, whither he had removed, and where his son Harlem was
born. The latter became a manufacturer of threshing machines, first in New York and later
in Canada, as he removed to Toronto when a young man. About 1858 he removed to Killbourn,
Wisconsin, where he lived many years and where his wife died. He spent his last days with
a daughter in Omaha, Nebraska.
Our subject left his home to face the world alone at the age of sixteen. He had
received the best education possible to be obtained in the public schools, limited means
preventing any hope of a more extended opportunity. His first occupation was in a printing
office in Michigan, but it probably was not very remunerative, for when he reached
Malvern, on his way to Fremont county, Iowa, where he hoped to better his fortunes, he had
just enough money to buy his breakfast. It is inspiring to read of the success of those
who have earned it by unaided effort, and the life of Mr. McDonald furnishes an example to
others of what persistent perseverance will accomplish. He entered a printing office in
Sidney, in the meantime employing his spare moments and nights in study, this resulting in
sufficient preparation for the position of teacher. For three years he successfully
followed this profession, still toiling at his books and strengthening himself by
associating with educated people, until he was able to enter the law office of W. S. Long,
later that of Judge Sawyer, where he finished the course.
Mr. McDonald has never engaged in the practice of law, but considers it indispensable
in his banking business, which includes a complete and exhaustive abstract department,
also loans and insurance. He established this business in 1876 and by the same persistence
that characterized his earlier efforts he has made it a success. He possesses the
confidence of the community and is one of the representative men of the county.
In 1880 Mr. McDonald was married to Miss Willie E. Gray, the daughter of John B. Gray,
who was the county recorder of Fremont county for some time. His family consists of Edna
P., Herbert H., Ollie and Carl H., both deceased, and Louise.
In politics Mr. McDonald is a Republican, his judgment of national affairs carrying
with it much weight. both he and his estimable wife are consistent members of the
Presbyterian church, to which he has been a liberal contributor and supporter.
Joseph
A. McIntire
The efficient postmaster at
Sidney, who in the discharge of his duties has manifested a most business-like
spirit, is Joseph A. McIntire, who was born in Keokuk county, Iowa, August 25,
1848. His father, Alexander
McIntire, was a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, whence he removed to Indiana
and subsequently to Iowa, locating in this state in its territorial days.
He married Lovina Hiatt, who was born about twelve miles from
Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1826. Their wedding was celebrated in 1846, and their marriage was
blessed with six children, of whom four sons and a daughter reached mature
years, namely: Joseph A.; Martin L., a farmer who resides in Marion county,
Iowa; Harvey, a resident farmer of Brooks county, Kansas; Malon L., who also
resides in that county and possesses considerable musical talent, being the
author of a number of musical compositions of note; and Olive M., the wife of
Dayton Greeson, who resides at Pleasant Plain, Jefferson county, Iowa.
All are married and have families. The
father died in April, 1855, at the
age of thirty-one years. The mother
remained a widow for many years and died in Brooks county, Kansas, July 9, 1900,
when nearly seventy-four years of age.
Joseph A. McIntire pursued a
two-years course of study in the Central University of Iowa, and engaged in
teaching at the age of twenty-one. He
successfully followed that profession for many years, being an instructor in
vocal and instrumental music, giving lessons on the piano.
He possesses a remarkably sweet and clear tenor voice and has been the
leader of many choirs. His services are always in demand at local entertainments and
he has done much to promote the musical taste and culture of the town in which
he resides.
In the fall of 1878 Mr.
McIntire was united in marriage to Miss Susan A. Strawn, of Kirkville, Iowa, a
daughter of Nelson and Elizabeth (Rhodes) Strawn, all of Ohio.
Four children were born unto them, but eldest, a daughter, died in
infancy and Bertha died at the age of nine years.
Walter Ray was graduated in the high school in Sidney, and in 1900
matriculated in Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa.
He served in Company E., of the Fifty-first Iowa Infantry, in the
Philippines, for more than a year and participated in fifteen engagements.
He made an excellent record as a soldier and is a good student, being
particularly proficient in mathematics. Elsie
May, the youngest of the family, is now a young lady of fifteen years, attending
the schools of Sidney.
In his political views Mr.
McIntire is a stalwart Republican, unswerving in his support of the principles
of the party. For two years he
served as the postmaster of Sidney, under President Harrison, and since July,
1897, he has been the postmaster under President McKinley's administration.
He is a very efficient, faithful and accommodating officer, always found
at his post of duty and even those of different political belief comment him for
his fidelity and trustworthiness in office.
For eleven years he has made his home in Sidney, at his present place of
residence. Holding membership in
the Baptist church, he has served as one of its deacons.
He has also served as the leader of the choir for a number of years and
takes an active part in church work. As
a citizen he is public spirited and progressive.
Zedekiah
McNew
One of the well-known citizens
and early settlers of Iowa and an honored veteran of the Civil war is Zedekiah
McNew, a native of North Carolina, born January 7, 1845.
His father, William McNew, was of Scotch-Irish lineage and was reared and
educated on the Emerald Isle. When
a young man he decided to try his fortune in America and crossing the Atlantic
to the United States, located in North Carolina.
In Kentucky he was united in marrige to Lucinda Williams, who was born in
that state, and was of Welsh ancestry. Her
father was a soldier in the war of 1812 and fought with General Andrew Jackson
at New Orleans, where the American loss was so small that the engagement became
known as the "tearless" battle. It
was indeed a signal victory for the American army.
In 1854 William McNew removed
with his family to Iowa, locating in Lucas county, north of Sheridan.
This state was then upon the wild western frontier.
No railroads had been built and the most far sighted could not have
dreamed of the wonderful changes which were soon to occur and transform this
portion of the country into one of the leading commonwealths of the Union.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. McNew were born six children, of whom four are living,
namely: Mary, of Peoria, Illinois; Zedekiah; Columbus, who makes his home at
Riverton, Iowa; and William, of Maryville, Missouri. Two sons loyally served their country in the Civil war and
one of them was Carlton of the Thirty-Fourth Illinois Infantry, who was killed
at the battle of Arkansas Post, thus giving his life in defense of his country.
The other member of the family was Mrs. Angeline Atkinson, who died in
Cuba, Illinois. Her husband was a
soldier in the Civil war and is now deceased.
The father of these children was a Protestant in religious training.
He died in 1849 and the mother died twelve years ago, aged seventy-seven
years.
Zedekiah McNew was reared on
the home farm in Iowa and assisted in the work of cultivating and developing the
fields until the 12th of August, 1863, when in response to the President's call
for aid, he offered his services to the government and was assigned to Company
D, of the Thirty-fourth Iowa Infantry. He
participated in the siege of Vicksburg, under General Grant, and took part in
the battle of Arkansas Post, where his brother was killed, and in the battles of
Black River bridge, Fort Gaines, Fort Morgan, Fort Blakely and the Red River
expedition. For a time he was
stationed at Houston, Texas and after the close of the war was honorably
discharged from the service at Davenport, Iowa. He was ever found true and loyal to the banner under which he
enlisted and was a brave and faithful soldier.
Mr. McNew resided in Worth county, Missouri, until 1870, and for some
time was employed by T. O. Morgan, one of the prominent agriculturists of
Fremont county. He made his first
purchase of land twenty-one years ago, becoming the owner of fifty acres, which
has been transformed into highly cultivated fields. There is a new modern cottage upon the place, good barns and
outbuildings and an orchard containing all kinds of fruit.
The farm is conveniently located about a mile from Hamburg and thus the
accessories of city life are easily attained.
In 1874 Mr. McNew was united
in marriage to Mrs. Sarah Mathews, who was born in Ohio, a daughter of Channing
Cowles, who became a pioneer settler of Fremont countuy in 1847 and died here in
1891. Mrs. McNew passed away in
1896, at the age of fifty-two years. By
her first marriage she had two children: John C. Mathews and Ada, who is the
wife of John Crone. They were
reared by Mr. McNew. On the 29th of
April, 1900, our subject was again married, his second union being with Mrs. A.
Donnell, a lady of intelligence and good family.
She holds membership in the Baptist church and enjoys the warm regard of
many friends. In his political
views Mr. McNew is a free-silver Democrat, believing in the principles of
Democracy as presented by W. J. Bryan. Socially
he is connected with Hamburg Post, No. 210, G.A.R., of which he is a charter
member. His life has been well
spent, characterized by industry, honesty and fidelity to duty, and in the
community where he makes his home he is widely and favorably known.
A.
F. Metelman, the president
of the Metelman & Frazer Bank of Sidney, Iowa, is recognized as one of the
leading and influential men of that place. The welfare and the upbuilding of a community is largely due
to the enterprising representatives of commerce, men of resolute purpose and
indomitable energy, and to this class the subject of this sketch belongs.
He is also numbered among the pioneer settlers in this portion of the
state, dating his residence in Fremont county from 1856.
Mr. Metelman was born in the
duchy of Mecklenburg, Germany, June 30, 1833, and is a son of J. C. Metelman,
who was an industrious farmer of that country.
He had eight children, but the subject of this review is the only one who
ever came to America. The public
schools of the Fatherland afforded him
his educational privileges and he remained in Germany until nineteen years of
age, when he resolved to investigate the favorable reports which he had heard
concerning the opportunities afforded to young men in the new world.
Accordingly he bade adieu to friends and family and secured passage on
the ship Washington, which sailed from Hamburg and dropped anchor in the harbor
of New York city on the 1st of September, 1852.
He did not long remain in the east but made his way westward to
Cleveland, Ohio, where he secured a clerkship in a dry-goods establishment.
He retained that position for eighteen months and then went to Detroit,
Michigan, whence he proceeded to Louisville, Kentucky, which was his place of
abode until he came to Sidney, in the year 1856.
During the most of the time
previous Mr. Metelman had earned a livelihood by acting as a salesman in various
stores, but when he arrived in Fremont county he secured a clerkship with the
firm of Tootle & Armstrong, then proprietors of the leading mercantile
establishment here. He continued
with the company as long as it remained in business.
His success in the business world secured to him the capital which
enabled him to embark in business upon his own account in 1862, when he became
the silent member of the firm of Reed, Armstrong & Company.
He continued an active factor in the conduct of the concern until 1867,
when he purchased his partners' interests, carrying on the business alone until
1876, when the firm name was changed to A.F. Metelman & Company, through the
admission of John T. Hodges to a partnership.
This relationship was maintained until 1882, when Mr. Metelman sold out
to the firm of Hodges & Goy. His
career as a merchant was attended with a high degree of success.
But at length he withdrew from
this store to enter upon active connection with banking interests, as a member
of the firm of Brown, Metelman & Company, proprietors of a banking house in
Sidney. This was the oldest
institution of the kind in the place, having been organized in 1875, by Henry
Brown, A. F. Metelman and W. T. Frazer. The
bank was capitalized at twenty-five thousand dollars and business was soon
begun, the three partners retaining their interests until 1882, when Mr. Brown
passed away. After his death the
present business style of Metelman & Frazer was assumed, and were succeeded
October 1, 1900, by the National Bank of Sidney, A. F. Metelman, president, and
W. T. Frazer cashier. The capital
stock has been increased to sixty thousand dollars and the individual estate of
each member of the firm is made responsible for the liabilities of the bank.
Such is the confidence of the public in the integrity and honor of the
interested principals that depositors feel that they have absolute immunity from
loss with such security.
In 1868, in Prairie City,
Illinois, Mr. Metelman was united in marriage to Miss Mary D. Brown, a daughter
of Martin Brown, a prominent farmer of that locality, and unto them have been
born two children: Ella, who was born in 1869 and is the wife of Albert
Wildberger, of Sidney; and Charles A., who was born in 1878 and is yet at home.
Mr. Metelman's religious views are largely in accord with the teachings
of the Presbyterian church, but he is not a member of any church organization or
fraternity. In politics he is a
stalwart Republican. He has indeed been an important factor in the business
development of Sidney and his name is so inseparably connected with its history
that no account of the town would be complete without mention of his career.
T.
O. Morgan
Among the honored pioneers of
Fremont county is numbered Mr. Morgan, whose residence in this portion of the
state covers a period of more than half a century.
The traveler today as he views the country covered with farms, thriving
villages, the many cities and commercial concerns, the schools and churches,
indicating the mental and moral development of the people, can scarcely realize
that a few decades ago this was an unsettled region, its lands in their
primitive condition and the work of progress and improvement scarcely begun.
The most far-sighted could not have dreamed that within a comparatively
brief period the county would be crossed and re-crossed with a network of
railroads connecting it with all parts of the country, that telegraph and
telephone lines would be covering the country, and that all of the comforts and
conveniences known to the older east would here find a place; but a brave band
of pioneers took up the work of development and progress here and the
progressive Fremont county of today is the result.
With the work of advancement
Mr. Morgan has been actively identified through more than fifty years. He was
born in Sangamon county, Illinois, near the capital city of Springfield,
December 16, 1833. His father, Evan
Morgan was a native of Ohio, and a son of Thomas Morgan, who was of Scotch
descent and spent his last days in Illinois.
Evan Morgan was reared to manhood in Ohio, and on emigrating westward
cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of the Prarie state.
He married Elizabeth Ditson, who was born in New York and was a
representative of one of the old New England families.
She proved to him a faithful companion and helpmeet on life's journey.
When the Indians rose up against the white settlers in Illinois in the
Black Hawk war, the father of our subject took up arms and served as a soldier.
He died in early manhood, leaving a widow and four children, namely:
Lyman, who died at the age of twenty-one; Thomas O., of this review; Mrs. Anna
O'Neal, of Fremont county; and Mrs. Jane Wolf, who died in this county.
After the death of her first husband the mother became the wife of M. S.
Skidmore, and in 1849 they came to Fremont county, bringing with them her
children.
Mr. Morgan of this review, was
but fifteen years of age at the time the removal was made.
His early life was a period of industry, for in his youth he began work
by the month, receiving from six to seven and a half dollars per month in
compensation for his services. He engaged in breaking prairie with an ox team and in hauling
brick and farm produce to Council Bluffs for the Mormons and for emigrant
parties en route for Colorado. In
this way he got a start in life. As
a companion and helpmeet on the journey of life he chose Miss Eliza Simmons,
their marriage being celebrated on March 17, 1857, since which time they have
traveled life's journey happily together. She
was born in Ohio, a daughter of a widow, Mrs. Sarah Simmons.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Morgan took up his abode on the Bartlett
farm, which he operated for two years and then purchased forty acres of land,
which was the first property he ever owned.
He lived in Madison township and successfully engaged in farming and
stock-raising until 1899, when he purchased the Woods farm, just west of Hamburg
- one of the best farming properties in the county.
It is improved with a substantial and attractive residence and with all
modern conveniences. As the years
have passed and his financial resources have increased, Mr. Morgan has extended
his realty possessions until the aggregate is nearly forty-nine hundred acres. He is indeed a self-made man, for, depending upon no outside
aid or influence, he has steadily worked his way upward, prompted
by a laudable ambition, earnest purpose and unfailing perseverance.
To provide for his family has been an added incentive, for unto Mr. and
Mrs. Morgan have been born eight children, namely: Sarah Elizabeth, now the wife
of John Finell of Fremont county; Lina A., who is the widow John West and
resides with her parents; Martha J., the wife of Fountain Finell, of the same
county; John E., who is the president of the Hamburg Banking Company; Thomas A.,
who resides in Madison township, Fremont county; Marcena, of the same county;
Charles E., who is living in Hamburg; and Fannie A., who is with her parents.
The children have been provided with good educational privileges, fitting them
for life's practical duties. The
daughters are ladies of refinement and the sons are intelligent and enterprising
business men, occupying important positions in trade circles.
In his political belief Mr.
Morgan is a Democrat, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give
his entire attention to his business affairs. He belongs to that class of representative American citizens
who, while promoting individual success, also contributed to the general welfare
by hearty co-operation with all measures for the public good.
He is a man of unquestioned integrity, his word being as good as his
bond, and among the honored pioneers of southwestern Iowa he well deserves
mention.
William W. Morgan is one of the honored and esteemed residents of Sidney, Iowa, where
for eight terms he has occupied the position of mayor. His control of municipal affairs
has been a great practical benefit, and that his fellow townsmen have the utmost
confidence in his ability and trustworthiness is shown by the fact of his long retention
in office.
Mr. Morgan was born in Weathersfield, Windsor county, Vermont, March 30, 1832, and in
1846 he accompanied his parents on their removal to Miami county, Indiana. At the age of
seventeen he left home and came further west. He made several trips across the plains in
the years 1851-2-3 and in the year 1854 established a claim in Doniphan county, Kansas,
but on account of the troubles then existing between the free state and pro-slavery
parties he sold his property there, in 1856, and left the territory, returning to the home
of his parents who then resided in Twin Grove, McLean county, Illinois.
While residing there Mr. Morgan was united in marriage on the 10th of September, 1857
to Hannah J. Rinehart, of Long Island, New York, and in the year 1858 he removed with his
young bride to Nebraska, settling in Richardson county, where he engaged in farming until
1861. The need of his country then aroused his patriotic spirit and he "donned the
blue" in defense of the Union, joining the Second Nebraska Volunteer Cavalry in 1863.
The regiment was engaged in the Indian war in the northwest under General Sully. In the
year 1864-5 Mr. Morgan was first assistant clerk of the territorial council of Nebraska,
and in 1866 he removed to Fremont county, Iowa. In 1869 he was elected sheriff and was
re-elected for four consecutive terms, being a most capable incumbent of the office. His
name was as a tower of strength and safety to the law-abiding citizens.
Preparing for the bar, Mr. Morgan was admitted to practice in 1878 and followed the
profession for some time. In 1881 he owned and published the Fremont Democrat, but
afterwards sold out to a party who removed the press to Nebraska.
On the 20th of July, 1880, Mr. Morgan was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife,
who died on that date, leaving three children who are yet living. In 1882 he was again
married, his second union being with Mrs. S. J. Haining, but in 1886 they secured a legal
separation. He has retired from active business and his attention is given almost
exclusively to the conduct of the duties of his office. He has made a close study of the
needs of the city and its possibilities, and has introduced many desirable reforms and
improvements. His administration has been a progressive one and he receives the
commendation of men of all parties. Socially he is connected with the Masonic fraternity,
in which he has taken the chapter degrees, and is also a member of Joe Ross Post, G. A. R.
of Sidney.
