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Washington County >> 1909 Index History of Washington County, Iowa from the First White Settlements to
1908 R ALFONZO Z. RAWSON submitted by Dick Barton
Alfonzo Z. Rawson, capably serving as postmaster at Kalona, Iowa, was born in Morrow county, Ohio, on the 16th of November, 1844, his parents being Henry Patrick and Lavina (Stevens) Rawson, the former a native of Boston, Massachusetts, and the latter of New York state. He traces his ancestry back to Edward Rawson, who was born in Gillingham, Dorsetshire, England, April 16, 1615, and his wife was Rachel Pern a niece of Edmund Grindal, archbishop of Canterbury and premier of England under Queen Elizabeth. This couple came to America in 1626. Of their twelve children William Rawson was born May 21, 1651, and married Anne Glover, by whom he had twenty children. Their son Nathaniel Rawson was born December 3, 1689, and married Hannah Thompson. In their family was Nathaniel Rawson, Jr., who was born in Mendon, Massachusetts, in 1715 and married Rachel Daniels, of that place. To them were born thirteen children, of whom Grindal Rawson was born on January 1, 1762, and married Martha Groves. They became the parents of three children: Zabina, Rhoda and Grindale. Their son, Zabina Rawson, was born January 8, 1784, and married Elizabeth Watters, of Boston, Massachusetts, by whom he had eight children, namely: George, Elizabeth, Henry P., Martha, Zabina, Jared, Walters and William, who died in infancy. Their son, Henry P. Rawson, the father of our subject, was born October 31, 1813, and by his marriage to Lavina Stevens had five children, as follows: Oscar Z., Izora R., Alfonzo Z., Orizaba T. and Alba James. Alfonzo Z. Rawson obtained a good practical education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until seventeen years of age, when, his patriotic spirit being aroused by the attempt of the south to over-throw the Union, he enlisted for service in the Civil war as a member of Company G, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He participated in many hotly contested engagements, including the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain, as well as several skirmishes and, though often in the thickest of the fight, escaped harm. He was honorably discharged at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and returned home with a most creditable military record for one of his years. Subsequently he made his way to Tama county, Iowa, where he learned the wagon and carriage making trade, successfully following that occupation for thirty years. The year 1885 witnessed his arrival in Washington county, Iowa, and here he has since continued to make his home, being numbered among the most substantial, respected and public-spirited citizens of his community. He was appointed postmaster at Kalona under the administration of President McKinley and has since continued to fill the office to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. In 1871 Mr. Rawson was united in marriage to Miss Melissa A. Welsh, whose birth occurred in Illinois in 1847, her parents being J. Burton and Amy (Sumner) Welsh, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Rawson was one of a family of ten children and by her marriage has become the mother of three children, namely: Erie A., an electrical engineer residing in Colorado; one who died in infancy; and Lena, who died at the age of nine months. Politically Mr. Rawson is a stanch and unswerving republican and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to various positions of public honor and trust. He has served as county supervisor for three years, has done effective work for the cause of education by fifteen years' service on the school board and has also been mayor of Kalona. For forty-one years he has been identified with the Odd Fellows lodge and he is now a member of Lodge No. 508, at Kalona, and maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army post. Both he and his wife belong to the Baptist church and are well konwn and highly esteemed throughout this county, where they have now resided for almost a quarter of a century. Alvin E. Reeves submitted by Dick Barton Alvin E. Reeves, a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist of Cedar township, is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and fifty acres on sections 1 and 2. He was born in Washington county, Iowa, August 5, 1863, his parents being Abraham and Marie (Cooper) Reeves, the latter a native of Indiana. They came to Iowa at an early day and Abraham Reeves, who was a farmer by occupation, became identified with the agricultural development of this county. On the 30th of April, 1868, he was killed by the accidental explosion of his gun while he was attempting to shoot a chicken hawk. His wife survived him for four decades, being called to her final rest on the 23d of February, 1908. Unto this worthy couple were born three children, namely: Charlotte E., who is the wife of William Benson, of Murray, Iowa; Alvin E., of this review; and Thomas, of Cedar township. Alvin E. Reeves attended the common schools in pursuit of an education and continued to reside at home until twenty-one years of age. He then bought eighty acres of land on sections 1 and 12, Cedar township, which he cultivated for five years, on the expiration of which period he disposed of the property and purchased his present farm of one hundred and fifty acres on sections 1 and 2, Cedar township. The fields annually yield bounteous harvests as a reward for his care and labor and his ability as an agriculturist is manifest in the excellent results which have attended his efforts. On the 2d of February, 1888, Mr. Reeves was united in marriage to Miss Nellie M. Sterling, whose birth occurred in Washington county, March 27, 1869, her parents being John W. and Elizabeth (Bear) Sterling, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Washington county, Iowa. The death of Mrs. Sterling occurred August 30, 1895, while her husband passed away on the 16th of February, 1901. Their union was blessed with seven children, as follows: William, now in the state of Washington; Mrs. Charles Blanden, of St. Louis, Missouri; Gideon, who is a resident of South Haven, Michigan; Mrs. Reeves; Mina, the wife of Frank Ruff, of Seattle, Washington; Joseph, who makes his home at Blue Island, Illinois; and Newell, of Glenwood, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reeves have been born three children: Fern E., whose birth occurred May 30, 1890; Dale S., who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 6th of January, 1896; and Fayette E., born November 22, 1903. Mr. Reeves exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and has served as school director for several years. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America at Kalona, Iowa. Both he and his wife are faithful members of the Baptist church and in this county, where they have spent their entire lives, they have gained the warm regard and esteem of an extensive circle of friends. Reuben Rickey
submitted by Dick Barton Almost a century and a half ago George Washington
said that "Farming is the most useful as well as the most honorable
occupation of man." It is to this work that Reuben Rickey gives
his time and attention, for he is the owner of a farm of one hundred
and thirty-seven acres in Lime Creek township. He has long made a specialty
of raising and feeding stock and although he is now in his seventy-eighth
year he still gives active supervision to his business affairs. His
life record began in Pickaway county, Ohio, December 28, 1831, his parents
being John and Ruth (Dick) Rickey. The father was born in west Virginia,
while the mother's birth occurred in Pickaway county, Ohio. They lived
in the latter state for a number of years after their marriage and on
coming to Iowa in 1848 took up their abode in this county, where they
resided until called to their final rest. The father, however, was not
long permitted to enjoy his new home, for his death occurred in October,
1850, the mother surviving him until September, 1854. In their family
were seven children but five of the number are now deceased. Those still
living are Reuben and Mary, the latter the wife of Henry Nichols, of
Battle Creek, Michigan. Reuben Rickey was sixteen year of age at the time
of the removal of the family from Ohio to Iowa. He had pursued his education
in the common schools and after coming to this state he materially assisted
his father in the development and improvements of the home farm. He
continued on the old home place up to the time of his marriage, which
was celebrated in 1854, Miss Lucy Ayers becoming his wife. She was born
in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1831, and was a daughter of John and Rachael
(Dunick) Ayers, who were also natives of Baltimore. The year 1851 witnessed
their arrival in this county, where they remained until called to their
final rest. Their family numbered seven children. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Rickey began
their domestic life in this county and he has since been identified
with its farming interests. He now owns one hundred and thirty-seven
acres of land on section 33, Lime Creek township, and the place is lacking
in none of the equipments and accessories of a model farm. For a long
period he also engaged in raising and feeding stock and found that branch
of his business very remunerative. He is now, however, living practically
retired, renting his land that he might spend the evening of his days
in the enjoyment of well earned rest. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Rickey has been blessed with
seven children: Victoria, now the wife of William Haller, residing in
Oklahoma; Jennie L., the wife of Henry Schultz of this county; Rachel
Irena, the wife of Isaiah Oldfield, of this county; Allie, the wife
of Samuel Oldfield, of the same county; Viola, the wife of Alva Knox;
Benjamin F., who is married and lives in Washington county; and Laura
A., deceased. The family is widely and favorably known in this part of the state, the members of the household occupying an enviable position in the social circles in which they move. Mr. Rickey has always given his political allegiance to the democratic party and has filled all of the township offices, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity, his course reflecting credit upon himself and his constituents. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his life he exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft, which is based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. C. L. ROMINE submitted by Dick Barton The farming interests of Seventy-Six township find a worthy representative in C. L. Romine, who now owns, occupies and operates a farm of two hundred and sixty-two acres on sections 23 and 24. In its neat and thrifty appearance the farm indicates the careful management and enterprising spirit of the owner. A native of Illinois, Mr. Romine was born in Fulton county on the 16th of June, 1850, and is a son of Levi and Elizabeth Romine. His youthful days were spent in his father's home, and under his direction he was trained to the work of the fields. His education was received in the common schools, and lessons of industry, perseverance and integrity were early impressed upon his mind. He continued to assist his father until he attained his majority, after which he started out in life on his own account, working as a farm hand for five years. Desiring, however, that his labors should more directly benefit himself Mr. Romine then began renting land and thus farmed for a few years, during which time he carefully saved his earnings until his economy and industry had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase property. He first bought a farm in Seventy-Six township, which he later sold. and subsequently he purchased the farm upon which he now resides, comprising two hundred and sixty-two acres of rich and productive land on sections 23 and 24, Seventy-Six township. Here he tills the soil in the production of crops best adapted to the conditions here found and not only raises profitable crops but is also meeting with prosperity as a dealer in hogs and cattle. His work is ever intelligently directed and his unfaltering industry constitutes a splendid basis upon which to build success. On the 8th of May, 1877, Mr. Romine was married to Miss Hortense Cullumber, who was born in Ohio in 1857 and is a daughter of William and Louise (Fleming) Cullumber. Her parents are both now deceased. Mrs. Romine, who was one of a family of five children, has become the mother of two daughters and one son, Cora May, now the wife of Clark Bell, a resident of Seventy-Six township; Elsie, the wife of John Powell, of the same township; and Arthur, who also makes his home in Seventy-Six township. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Romine has given stalwart support to the republican party and its principles. He has served as township trustee and has been school director and treasurer, serving in that capacity until the new law came into effect. He has done good work for the cause of public education, for he believes in the employment of competent teachers and the maintenance of thorough schools. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and because of their many sterling qualities the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them. Mr. Romine belongs to that class of citizens who are termed self-made men, as his own labors have constituted the foundation of his success. He has worked diligently and persistently as the years have gone by, recognizing the fact that there is no royal road to success and also fully understanding that persistency of purpose and unfaltering diligence will win out in the end. J. H. ROMINE submitted by Dick Barton J. H. Romine is ranked among the self-made men of Washington county who, through their indefatigable energy and untiring perseverance, have without any special favoring advantages at the start made their way to positions of comparative affluence and prosperity. He is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Seventy-Six township, this county and has become recognized as one of the substantial and representative citizens of the community in which he resides. He was born in Fulton county, Illinois, August 30, 1844, a son of L. B. and Elizabeth (Taylor) Romine, natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. The parents removed to Illinois in the '30s and thence to Iowa, arriving in Washington county in 1856. Here he purchased property upon which he resided until his death, which occurred in 1888. The mother still survives and resides in Seventy-Six township at the age of eighty-six years. In their family were twelve children, namely: Harriet, the wife of J. V. Housel, residing in Nebraska; Catharine, deceased; Malinda E., the widow of Henry Desing; J. H., of this review; Eliza J., the deceased wife of George Y. Dusenberry; Charles L., residing in Seventy-Six township; Joseph F., living retired in Keota, Iowa; Rachel A., the wife of Alfred Dusenberry, of Washington county; William E., a resident of Lime Creek township, this county; Mary, deceased; N. E., of this township; and Mahala F., the wife of C. E. Beatty, of Washington, Iowa. The youthful days of J. H. Romine were passed in the acquirement of an education as a pupil in the common schools of the neighborhood in which he lived. He remained under the parental roof until eighteen years of age, when, in response to his country's call for aid, he enlisted as a member of Company H, Second Iowa Infantry, and served for two and a half years as a loyal defender of the Union cause. He saw much active service and although he participated in several hotly contested battles was never wounded. He was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea and at the close of his term of enlistment was honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa. Returning to Washington
county, Iowa, Mr. Romine became identified with farming pursuits. For
a few years he rented a farm and then purchased eighty acres of land,
which tract constitutes a part of his present farm. He carefully cultivated
that tract, saved his earnings and from time to time added to his holdings
until today he is the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of as good
farm land as can be found anywhere in the state of Iowa. A fine grove
surrounds the substantial buildings which he has erected upon the farm
and everything about the place indicates thrift and progress upon the
part of the owner. Aside from his agricultural pursuits he has made
a specialty of raising and feeding cattle and hogs, and in this branch
of activity is meeting with substantial success. As he has prospered
he has extended his business interests and is today well known Mr. Romine has been twice married his first union being with Miss Martha A. Frits, a native of Dubuque county, Iowa. Her birth occurred in I844 and she was one of a family of eight children whose parents are now deceased. The wedding was celebrated in 1866 and unto this union were born two children: William L., identified with mercantile business in Wellman, Iowa; and Kinney N., deceased. The wife and mother passed away in 1869 and in 1877 Mr. Romine was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Nancy C. Cochran. She was a native of Ohio. Her parents, who are yet living, now reside in Norton county, Kansas. In their family were eight children. By her marriage Mrs. Romine became the mother of six children, as follows: Leonora A., the wife of C. W. Taylor of Murray, Iowa; E. F., residing in Seventy-Six township; Morris E., also of that township; Essa Iris, a graduate of the Quincy College; Opal R.; and Jessie H., deceased. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and take an active interest in the work of the church. They are well known in the social circles of the community and the hospitality of the best homes in the township is freely accorded them. Mr. Romine has retained pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army Post, No. 112, at Wellman, Iowa, and takes great delight in the camp fires of that organization. For thirty-five years he has served as a member of the school board and the cause of education has found in him a stalwart champion. He has always been a staunch advocate of the republican party and although the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him he is never unmindful of the duties and obligations, as well as the privileges of true citizenship and takes an active interest in all matters pertaining to the material, financial, intellectual and moral growth of the community. His has been a life of continuous activity in which he has been accorded due recognition of honest labor. He has utilized the opportunities that were his to the best of his ability and his success has come to him not through speculation or through any fortunate combination of circumstance but has resulted from his perseverance, his wise investments and his habit of carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
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