Biographies

~ Earley, Carrie L. ~

No history of Jasper county, published in the beginning of the twentieth century would be complete if special mention were not made of the well remembered lady of talent whose name forms the caption of this biographical memoir, whose beautiful and idyllic life has been transplanted to higher planes, but whose influence will long continue to pervade and uplift the lives of her many, many warm friends left to continue the "farce men call life."

Carrie L. Earley was born near Newton, Iowa, February 2, 1880, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George G. Earley, a well-known and highly respected early Jasper county family. Her girlhood years were spent on the farm near Newton and her education was begun in the country schools. Later she graduated from the Newton high school and, having applied herself very assiduously to her text-books, received a good education, and afterward became one of the faithful and popular teachers in the schools of her home city, continuing her work until frail health compelled her to desist. In 1904 she was nominated on the Democratic ticket for county superintendent of schools and reduced the Republican majority of six hundred to one hundred and seventy-five.

The local newspapers reflected from time to time her literary tendencies and her writings were always read with interest and pleasure, for hers was a very versatile and trenchant pen, such as only the truly gifted can wield. Her mind was exceedingly keen; her information was general and her grasp of matters pertaining to the interests of the people was broad and comprehensive. She had a faculty of close analysis and was quick at repartee and unusually strong and apt in debate. Her mind and heart were absolutely pure and very sympathetic. She always aligned herself on the side of right and was completely against oppression of any sort, no matter against whom nor by whom directed.

From girlhood she had a passion for writing verses. She wrote simply because her mind was overflowing with thoughts too big to be retained, yet she was conservative and was seldom heard to speak of her writings, even to intimate friends. It was not until "afterward" that the volumes and quality of what she had written were fully comprehended and that her friends and acquaintances realized that they had had in their midst a soul gifted with poetic fire.

On August 24, 1907, Miss Earley passed into larger life. The splendid beauty of her character and the strong undercurrent of love, which dominated her every impulse were more clearly understood when what she had written was revealed.

A book of her poems, containing eighty pages, has been published and even the closest friends of the author were surprised at the diversity of the subject matter, showing a breadth of thought and comprehensiveness unsurmised. Some of her verses have been set to music and have thus touched the hearts of many.

Although her span of years was short, she wielded an influence that shall be ever widening and deepening and her work will not be finished until the "great book" is closed. Her beautiful Christian character was the finished product of the Master Builder, whose skill she reflected in her work, in school, in church and in literary pursuits.

As a further perpetuation of her sweet memory it may be said that one of her gems of verses has been adapted to a pleasing air and has now been published and adopted in many of the public schools of the state. The words of this popular song are as follows:

IOWA, FAIREST OF EARTH.

You may sing of the glorious mountains
And their snow-capped peaks so high;
I can sing of a sight that is fairer,
That delights while it rests the eye;
'Tis the beautiful rolling prairie
Where the green hills meet the blue sky.

Chorus:

You may sing of the grand old ocean
When the white sails its breast adorn;
I am sure there is a sight that is grander
In the dear land where I was born.
When the warm wind ruffles the green waves
In a field of old Iowa's corn. You may sing of magnificent mansions,
Of the castles on the Rhine;
They can never bring rest to the homesick
For their splendor I do not pine,
But I long for the little old farmhouse

Page 563

~ Earley, George G. ~

The name of George G. Earley is too familiar to the readers of this book to need any special introduction here, for he has long been one of Jasper County's leading citizens, having taken a conspicuous part in the general development of this locality and led an honest and upright life. He was born in Franklin County, New York, October 11, 1841, and he is the son of James and Sophia (Simmons) Earley. The mother was a native of Montreal and the father of Ireland. The latter was in the British army and took part in the War of 1812, then returned to England and was in the Battle of Waterloo against Napoleon in 1815. He later came back to America, through Canada, where he met his wife. He located in Franklin County, New York, where he spent his life on a farm until his death, in 1850, his widow surviving until 1865, dying in Mt. Gilead, Morrow County, Ohio, where the family had moved after the death of Mr. Earley. There were eleven children in this family who grew to maturity, namely: John died in 1871; Thomas died in Michigan; James died in Leon, Decatur County, Iowa; Patrick was accidentally killed in 1850; Dr. William Earley died in Topeka, Kansas; Peter lives in Marion County, Iowa, being a retired merchant; Edward died in Republic County, Kansas, in 1891; George G., of this review; Catherine died in Morrow County, Ohio; Maria, Mrs. McClaine, lives at New Sharon, Iowa; Harriet M. lives in Jefferson City, Missouri.

George G. Earley was ten years old when he moved with his parents from Franklin County, New York, to Morrow County, Ohio, in 1851, and two years later he came to Iowa, driving horses, coming with strangers, and he landed at Keokuk. He had received a meager schooling, and he began his business career when but a boy. He associated with his brother in a store at Keokuk and remained there until 1856, when he returned to Ohio, where he learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked successfully for a period of three years, or until the breaking out of the Civil War. He was quick to respond to his country's call, the first call, in fact, for troops to put down the rebellion, and on April 19, 1861, before the echo of the guns that fired on Fort Sumter had hardly died away, he enlisted in Company I, Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered into service on April 25th. After his three months' term of service had expired he enlisted for three years on June 21, 1861, in the same company and regiment, and he served with gallantry until June 21, 1864. He was in the Battle of Rich Mountain, West Virginia, under McClellan; he was also in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, under General Buell; he also took part in the great Battle of Stone River, under General Rosecrans, and was taken prisoner there, January 1, 1863. He was in prison for about a month, and soon the entire regiment was taken on the General Streight raid at Rome, Georgia, and were sent to Libby Prison, and there they were later paroled and sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, except the officers, who were not paroled. They were then exchanged and returned to the Army of the Cumberland at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the non-commissioned officers commanded the company, Mr. Earley being in command of Company I, which position he held until discharged on June 21, 1864, the commissioned officers having been held as prisoners continuously.

After the war he returned to Mt. Gilead, Morrow County, Ohio, and resumed work at his trade, which he followed until February 14,1865, when Mr. Earley re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served with his usual faithfulness until January 20, 1866. His regiment went as far south as Macon, Georgia, where he received a commission as second lieutenant, and. he was the first commissioned officer put in command at the Andersonville post, and he had the distinction of building the first fence around that place, having entire charge of the work there, performing his duties, as he had previously done at all times in a manner that elicited the praise of his superior officers. After his discharge on January 20, 1866, Mr. Earley returned again to Morrow County, Ohio, and in March 1866, he came west to Mahaska County, Iowa, working at his trade there for six months, when he returned to Ohio, following his trade there for two years. In 1869 he returned to Mahaska County, Iowa, and after working there a short time at his trade he came to Jasper County, Iowa, in March 1872, locating in Palo Alto Township, and engaged in farming, where he developed a fine farm and established a good home, and where he lived until 1888, when he moved to Newton, in which city he has since resided, having a commodious and attractive home; however, he farmed for several years after moving here, making his home in the edge of the city. He then engaged as a clerk in a grocery store, owned by J. W. McLaughlin, with whom he remained four years. He then launched into the real estate business, with W. M. Hill, which lasted for about eight years, the partnership being dissolved about eight years ago, after building up an extensive business.

Mr. Earley was married, first, to Martha Burke, of Knox County, Ohio, their marriage occurring in Morrow County in 1864, and two children were born to this union: Wilbur L., who died in 1891 at Helena, Montana, at the age of twenty-five, his birth having occurred on July 6, 1865; Martha died in infancy. The mother of these children passed away on March 10,1870, and in September of that year Mr. Earley was married to Laura P. Ashing, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, October 30, 1844. To this union these children were born: Ernest L., born August 24, 1871, is associated with his father in the real estate business; Martha H. was born in March 1873; Letta M. was born on June 20, 1875. She is dean of the music department of Adrian College at Adrian, Michigan; Mamie E., who died August 11, 1908, was born in 1877; Carrie L., who was born February 2, 1880, died August 24, 1907. A sketch of her appears elsewhere in this work. Maud E. Earley, born December 22, 1883, died in January 1903; George A., born in Palo Alto Township, this County, February 1884, is a drug clerk in Newton.

Mr. Earley has long taken an abiding interest in the affairs of his city and County, and he was mayor of Newton from 1897 to 1890, during which time he did much for the permanent good of the town and community. Since then he was elected councilman from the second ward, but resigned after four months service. He has served eight years on the board of directors of the independent school district of Newton and he has over a year yet to serve. He was twice the nominee of the Greenbacks and the Democratic Party (combined) for the Legislature, but was defeated by a small plurality. He was also nominated for County clerk on the Greenback ticket. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a man whom to know is to admire and respect, for his life has been exemplary and his services to his country commendable in a high degree. Page 560.

~ Earp, Walter M ~

The descendants of the old settlers, those who cleared the land and first upturned the wild sod to the sun, should see that the doings of those early years are fittingly remembered and recorded. It was once remarked by a great writer that those who take no interest in the deeds of their ancestors are not likely to do anything worthy to be remembered by their descendants.

Could the lives of the first settlers be fully and truthfully written what an interesting, thrilling and wonderful tale it would be. Think of the journey to the west over the roughest of roads, of the hardships of clearing the soil and the trials in establishing a home in a wild country and rearing a family. Think of the pioneer gatherings, of the shooting matches, the old subscription schools, the first churches under the branches of the trees, the camp meetings, the famous old circuit riders, the husking matches, the quilting bees, the coon, wolf, fox and deer hunts, with many another form of diversion, and then presume to say that the old settlers did not live happy lives. Such were the experiences of Walter M. Earp, a highly respected citizen of Elk Creek Township, now living retired.

Mr. Earp is a Kentuckian by birth, having first opened his eyes in the country of the dark and bloody ground in Ohio County, on November 8, 1836. He is the son of Laranzo Dow Earp and Nancy Earp. He spent his early boyhood in his native state and received such education as he could in the pioneer log cabin schools. In 1845 he accompanied the family to Warren County, Illinois, where they lived until 1853, when, with an ox team and an old-fashioned covered wagon, they set out on the slow journey to Warren County, Iowa, where they spent the summer, then moved to Marion County, this state, and wintered there, coming to Jasper County in the spring of 1854. Here the father of the subject entered one hundred and sixty acres in Elk Creek Township, and on this Walter M. Earp spent his young manhood, helping his father develop the place from the wild, helping split the rails with which to fence the farm. They had few neighbors and they endured the usual privations of first settlers, but in time had a good farm and a comfortable home.

The subject began life for himself by renting land, which he continued to operate for six years and thereby got a start. He then bought forty acres, which he sold the following year and purchased eighty acres, to which he later added fifty-five acres more in Elk Creek Township, which he improved into an excellent farm. This he sold in 1881 and moved to Plymouth County, Iowa, where he remained two years on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Then he came back to Galesburg, Jasper County, where he has since spent most of his time. He is now making his home with his son-in-law, Alfred Lust, a farmer of Elk Creek Township. Page 727.

~ Eastman, James ~

It is an axiom demonstrated by human experience that industry is the keynote of prosperity. Success comes not to the man who idly waits, but to the faithful toiler whose work is characterized by sleepless vigilance and cheerful celerity, and it was by such means that James Eastman, late of Newton, Jasper County; forged to the front and won an honored place among the substantial citizens of the locality of which this volume treats. He was widely and favorably known as a man of high character, and for a number of years his influence in the community was marked and salutary.

Mr. Eastman came to us from England, where his birth occurred in 1832, and when sixteen years of age he immigrated to America, arriving on the shores of the United States, but later he went to Canada, and remained at Toronto for five years, then he went to the state of New York, where he spent four years. In 1855 he was united in marriage with Martha Hadley, of Machias, New York, in which place she was born in 1837, the daughter of John and Paulina Hadley, of that place. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Eastman came to Jasper County, Iowa, and located in Newton in the spring of 1856, and there, Mr. Eastman remained until his death. Owing to failing health he retired from active work about four years prior to his death, which occurred on February 20, 1907, at the home where his widow now resides, No. 600 East Temperance Street. His remains were interred in Newton Cemetery. He was among the old settlers and was for years a prominent character here; he was influential in the development of the city and County and played well his part in the same. He devoted his life to contracting both in stone and woodwork, and was very successful. Many of the finest and most substantial buildings, which stand in Newton today, are monuments to his skill as a builder. His services were in great demand owing to his adroitness in his chosen line of endeavor and his honesty in all his contracts. He left considerable valuable property to his widow, including a modern and substantial home in Newton.

Mr. Eastman was a prominent member of the Congregational Church having united with that church when a young man. He was also an active and worthy member of the Masonic lodge and the United Workmen of Newton. Politically, he was a stanch Republican, taking a leading part in the affairs of his party.

To Mr. and Mrs. James Eastman six children were born, as follow; Eva died in Newton when seven years of age; Clarence also died here when ten years of age; Bertha married Harry Moore, of Newton; they moved to Oklahoma, where the wife died, leaving two children, Marian and Florence, who remain with their father, he being a very prosperous farmer there. George Eastman is a large contractor in Omaha, Nebraska; he married Winnie Quinlan, of Newton, and they have one son, Clarence. Florence Eastman married Arthur Joy, of Newton, and they have two children, Lucile and Morris, both attending school at Newton. James H. Eastman married Maud Joy, of Newton, and they have three children, Joy, Harry and Arthur, also attending school at Newton. Page 582

~ Eaton, Frederick A. ~

Jasper County is characterized by her full share of the pioneer element who have done so much for the development of the county and the establishment of the institutions of civilization in this fertile and well-favored section. The biographical sketches in this volume are largely of this class of useful citizens and it is not in the least too early to record in print the principle items in the lives of these hard working and honest people, giving honor to whom honor is due. They will soon be gone and the past can have no better history or memento than these records. Of this worthy class the name of Frederick A. Eaton, long a prominent farmer of the county, but now living in retirement in Newton, should receive specific mention, for during his active years here he has been conspicuous because of his activity and the progressive and enterprising spirit displayed by him in all the phases of our citizenship.

Mr. Frederick A. Eaton was born of sterling old New England parents, in Rutland County, Vermont, November 12, 1829, being the son of Horace and Amanda (Molten) Eaton, both natives of Vermont, who emigrated to Ohio when their son, Frederick A., was eight years old and there they remained, becoming well established, until about 1868 when they moved to Jasper County, Iowa, where they spent the remainder of their lives, the father dying about 1884; he was peddler and collector. There were three children in his family, two by his first wife and one by his second wife, Mrs. Emma Hyatt of Grand Junction, Colorado, a half-sister of the subject, being the other living child. Frederick A. Eaton received a good education in the public schools of his day, and he was twenty-one years of age when he came to Illinois; after remaining there two or three years he returned to Ohio, where he married and remained two years, then came to Jasper County, Iowa, in the spring of 1856, locating on a farm five miles east of Newton, which he developed into an excellent farm and where he established a most comfortable home, in which he remained until 1897, when he moved to Newton. He has lived to see and take part in the wonderful transformation of the County. The present thriving city of Newton was a brush patch when he first came here. He was for a long period regarded as one of our most progressive farmers and stockmen. In 1897 he was elected County Recorder, in which position he served most faithfully and well for four years. He had previously served as trustee of Kellogg Township. He is a stanch Democrat. In 1870 he was commissioned as census taker for eight Townships in Jasper County, which appointment was made without his solicitation or knowledge, the petition having been sent to Washington by a large number of citizens who recognized the peculiar ability of Mr. Eaton for this work, and useless to add that he filled the place acceptably. He was also assessor of Buena Vista and later of Kellogg Townships.

Mr. Eaton was married on October 13, 1853, in Ohio, to Caroline M. Hodges, who was born in New York, her parents removing from that state to Ohio when she was twelve years of age. Their family consisted of twelve children, namely: Frankie died when thirteen years of age; W. 0. lives four miles north of Newton on a farm; Alma is the wife of George Hart, of Newton; Carrie is the wife of Gus Erickson, of Red Oak, Iowa; Arthur T. lives in Newton; Truman lives in Kellogg Township; Harry E., who lives at Shenandoah, Iowa, is one of the three state pharmacist commissioners; Fred lives near San Diego, California; Horace died in Newton about 1906; Sherman is deceased; Addie is the wife of Alton Reynolds, of Denver; Belle is deceased.

Mr. Eaton is in his eighty-first year and Mrs. Eaton was in her seventy-ninth year when, with her husband on a visit to her daughter in Colorado, she died on December 4, 1911. They had traversed through the sunshine and shadow of life's uneven road, hand in hand, for a period of fifty-eight years, this union having been a fortunate and happy one. Mr. Eaton has never been sick and is still hale and hearty. They were a fine old couple whom everybody respected and admired, for their lives were exemplary and they sought to do all the good possible. Mr. Eaton belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and fraternally is a Mason, having attained the Knight Templar degree. Mrs. Eaton was a member of the Methodist Church.

Mr. Eaton handled livestock on an extensive scale for over twenty years while on the farm. Although a man of meager schooling, he was prevailed upon to teach a school in Jasper County in the pioneer days, after he had been here only a short time, teaching in a log house, handling the school with great success; he was later offered license by Superintendent Lufkin. He has always been a loyal supporter of movements having as their object the general good. Page 941.

~ Edmundson, David ~

Widely known as one of the leading citizens of central Iowa during her pioneer history and the subsequent period of her development, the name of David Edmundson stands out conspicuously, and although he has long since been called to a higher plane of action, the influence of his useful life, the many unselfish and charitable deeds he performed will continue to pervade the lives of succeeding generations, and the hearts of those who had the good fortune to be associated with him are warmed and their spirits braced by some faint echo of the words of wisdom and kindness he spoke. His well directed effort in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his business interest and his keen discernment brought him prosperity and his life demonstrated what may be accomplished by any man of energy and ambition who is not afraid to work and has the perseverance to continue his labors in the face of any discouragements which may seem to arise. In all the relations of life he commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he was brought into contact, and a biographical history of Jasper County would certainly lack an important link were a record of his useful and interesting career omitted.

David Edmundson was the scion of a fine old Southern family, many winning characteristics of which he seemed to inherit, and he himself was born on Dixie soil, his birth occurring in Harrison County, Kentucky, June 9, 1811, and there he spent his early boyhood, removing with his parents, William and Mary Emundson, to Indiana, locating at Greencastle in 1827, and then the death of his father occurred, and afterwards David Edmundson came to Burlington, Iowa. He located in Des Moines County in 1836 and there he remained until in March 1841, when he was united in marriage with Temperance Gordon, a lady of many beautiful attributes and the representative of an excellent old family, her birth having occurred in May 1821, in Pennsylvania, she being the daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth Gordon. After their marriage they moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa, having remained in Des Moines County but a short time. Remaining about a year in the former place, they moved, in 1846, to Jasper County, and here purchased one hundred and sixty acres where the County poor farm is now located; after remaining there three years they moved to Newton in 1849 and there Mr. Edmundson assisted in laying out the city, and here he purchased one hundred and sixty acres from the government, he and his wife being among the very earliest settlers of this County and city, and certainly none were more influential or prominent in its early history than they, and none better known or more highly esteemed, for with old-time hospitality and genuine neighborly impulses they performed unnumbered acts of kindness among the first settlers. Mr. Edmundson was active in politics and wielded a strong influence for his party and he was called upon to represent Jasper County in the State Legislature when the capital of the state was located at Iowa City. He was afterwards elected County Judge, the duties of which important office he performed in an eminently creditable manner, as he did those of representative. He had charge of building the old courthouse in 1862, which was only recently torn down.

When the Civil War came on Mr. Edmundson was too patriotic to restrain his impulses to fight in defense of the old flag and he offered his services to the Union, though he was fifty-one years old at the time. He was commissioned second lieutenant of Company D, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and after a very gallant service of two years resigned and returned to this County and for the next fifteen years devoted his attention very largely to the office of justice of the peace. He was one of the brave band who crossed the trackless western plains to the gold fields of California, he and a number of other Jasper County citizens making the long and prolix journey in 1850, the trip requiring three months. The return trip was made by water by way of the Isthmus of Panama and up the Mississippi river. He, in later life, talked most interestingly of this experience in the far West and of other early occurrences. Politically, he was early in life a Whig and after the Republican Party was organized he loyally supported its principles. He made a splendid record as judge, both in this County and at the military post at Columbus, Kentucky.

The death of this excellent citizen occurred at his late residence. No. 520 East Temperance Street. Newton, Iowa, on July 26, 1895, at the age of eighty-four: years. One of his brothers lived to be ninety-two years old and his mother was ninety-four years of age when she passed away in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

To Mr. and Mrs. David Edmundson eight children were born, namely: Arabella, the eldest child, is the wife of S. W. Macy, of Spokane, Washington; Alex lives at Los Angeles, California; David G., lives at Des Moines, Iowa; Ella is deceased; Freda lives at the old home in Newton; Mary is deceased; Charles is deceased; Elizabeth lives with her sister, Freda, at the old homestead mentioned above, and here the mother, who was a woman of gracious personality, passed to her rest on April 2, 1910.

The Edmundson family has ranked in the forefront of Jasper County citizens from the earliest pioneer days to the present, none standing higher socially, and no one has done more for the locality honored by his citizenship than David Edmundson, whose memory is revered by all who knew him personally or of his work. Page 585.

~ Edwards, John W. ~

Among the honored and worthy citizens of Jasper County who have taken an active part in the general development of their community and won an envied reputation for wholesome living is John W. Edwards, who was born in Fayette County, Iowa, May 18, 1858, and he is the son of Elias E. and Abigail M. (Gillum) Edwards, natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a miller and in later years a farmer. They grew to maturity, were educated and married in the East and came to Fayette County, Iowa, in 1855, locating in Auburn, where the father conducted a general store until 1865, when he moved to Jasper County, where he purchased twenty-nine acres of coal lands near Monroe upon which he opened a coal bank, selling to the local trade. In 1898 he sold out and came to Reasnor, where he led a retired life until his death, in 1902, at the age of seventy-five years, the death of his wife occurring in October 1909, when seventy-nine years old. The father was a well-known, substantial and influential citizen, prominent in local politics. He has the good will and respect of all who knew him. In his family were six children, all of whom are living, namely: Mary E. Summey, wife of J. W. Summey, a farmer living in Canada; Emma C. married John M. Dawson, a farmer and carpenter, living near Monroe; Alpharetta M. married Frank Garnant, who resides at Monroe; Ella E. is the widow of John M. Simpson, and lives at Reasnor; John W., of this review; Leota M., wife of J. M. Franklin, a former resident of Missouri.

John W. Edwards received a good education and began life for himself as a farmer in Cass County, Iowa, in 1879, continuing thus for five years. He then operated a coalmine near Monroe for five years, after which he purchased a farm near Reasnor and farmed for two years. He then sold the farm and purchased the general store of Caldwell & Son in Reasnor, which he still conducts, having built up an extensive trade with the town and surrounding country through his honest and courteous dealings and the fact that he always carries a large and carefully selected line of goods, handling a general line of groceries, clothing, shoes, notions, hardware, in fact, almost everything used by the farmer and general public, and, according to the statement of many of the long-time customers of his neatly kept and well arranged store, his prices are always right.

On July 20, 1879, Mr. Edwards was united in marriage with Sarah E. Rater, daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Romans) Rater, natives of Kentucky, both now deceased, after long and active lives on the farm, the father dying in 1904, and the mother in 1910, while living in Reasnor. Their family consisted of ten children, of whom seven are living, namely: W. G. is farming in Adair County, Iowa; G. A. is farming near Reasnor; John P. and Martha, wife of Zoro McCrosky, are deceased; Sarah E., wife of Mr. Edwards, of this review, was born June 26, 1861, and she was called to her reward on September 13, 1909. She was one of the most popular and best beloved women in Reasnor and vicinity, possessing those rare attributes of head and heart that win and retain friends. Her beautiful Christian character was reflected by the numerous kindly deeds she performed for those about her. Upon the eve of her death a most remarkable incident occurred, which indicated her perfect faith. While her husband and family waited about her bed for the final summons of the white-winged messenger to bear her gentle spirit to a higher sphere of action, she clasped her hands together and suddenly uttered these words, while a look of indescribable rapture came over her face: Glory, glory, glory; Don't be afraid; there is nothing to fear. He has answered my prayers. He has put my feet upon the solid rock, Christ Jesus. Glory Hallelujah! Glory Hallelujah! Praise His name, praise His name!

The other children born to Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Rater are Philene, wife of Charles Mortimer, a farmer living in Adair County; Asbury D. is also farming in Adair County; Mary is the wife of James H. Farris, a farmer living near Monroe; Lulu D. is the wife of Peter DeHoet, a farmer living in Minnesota; Florence D. is the wife of William Lufkin, a farmer near Reasnor.

To Mr. and Mrs. Edwards were born three children, all living, namely: Effie May, wife of Fred Minen, who resides in Reasnor, was born May 30, 1880, in Jasper County; Attie Faye, born in Cass County, Iowa, December 27, 1882, is living at home; Laurence E., or Pete, as he is familiarly called, was born in Cass County, Iowa, December 16, 1884, and is living at home.

Mr. Edwards is a member of Jasper Lodge No. 168, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Monroe. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Reasnor, of which he is at present secretary and treasurer, also trustee. He was steward of the same for ten years, and superintendent of the Sunday school for thirteen years; in fact he has always been an earnest Church worker and a liberal supporter of the Church. He is easily one of the very foremost citizens and businessmen of Reasnor and the southern part of the County; politically, he is a Prohibitionist, and he takes the interest of a good citizen in all public movements for the general welfare of the locality. Page 1186.

~ Efnor, Henry S. ~

The veterans of the great Union Army that saved the nation from disruption during its darkest period should be justly proud of what they have done for succeeding generations, having left an inheritance of which we should be very grateful; indeed we owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never pay. Now that the "sunset of life" is upon them and the "Grand Army of the Republic" is continuously marching across the "great divide" to join "the phantom army in the silent land," let us of the aftermath accord them every courtesy and honor, and prove our gratitude for what they have achieved while we have the opportunity. One of this worthy number is Henry S. Efnor, long a well-known businessman and public official of Jasper County now living in retirement in his cozy home in Newton, surrounded by every comfort of life as a result of his former years of industry and right living.

Mr. Efnor was born May 4, 1839, in Saratoga County, New York. He is the son of Samuel S. and Perlexy (Nims) Efnor, both natives of the State of New York, where they grew to maturity, were educated and married. The paternal grandfather came from Germany with two brothers, locating in the United States during the Revolutionary war, and they fought in the famous Battle of Saratoga, one brother being killed there; subsequently another went west and the third, John, settled in New York, and from him sprang the subject's family. In his early life, Samuel S. Efnor, father of Henry S., of this review, was a lumberman. He came west and located in Jasper County Iowa, in 1853, securing eighty acres of raw land in Elk Creek Township; this he improved and here lived until his death, in 1868, at the age of fifty-eight years. His wife, who was a "down East Yankee," died in 1871, being also fifty-eight years old. The father was a man of splendid Christian character of strict morality and integrity, having none of the so-called bad habits, never having used liquor. He was active in church, educational and political work.

Henry S. Efnor was the only son in a family of seven children, five of whom are now living, namely: Electa, widow of Francis Butin, lives in Galesburg, Iowa; Fannie married H. M. Talbot and lives in Fargo, North Dakota, Ella married John Minor and lives in Harlan, Iowa.

Henry S. Efnor was reared on the home farm and secured what education he could in the old time schools. Up to 1860 he worked out as a farm hand and in the coalmines. He then began contracting for coal delivery in Fulton County, Illinois. On April 5, 1860, he was united in marriage with Esther M. Henry, of Pennsylvania, and this union resulted in the birth of seven children, of whom two are deceased; Edwin resides in Newton; Robert lives in Webster, South Dakota; George is farming in Buena Vista Township, this County; Frank is farming in Fairview Township; Ella married Ulysses Brown, and they live in Wayland, Iowa; Henrietta died when eight years of age and Fannie when a baby.

In the winter of 1860 Mr. Efnor came to Jasper County, Iowa, and began farming. He could not be content to remain at the plow when his country was in arms, consequently in August 1862, he left his young wife and child and enlisted in Company K, Twenty-eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. John Meyer. After short stops at Iowa City and Davenport, the regiment was sent to Helena, Arkansas, thence to Oakland, Mississippi, then was sent on the White River expedition to Duval's Bluff, Arkansas, and later took part in the famous Siege of Vicksburg. Mr. Efnor took part in the bitter engagements of Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Edward's Station, Baker's Creek and Champion Hills, having been desperately wounded in the last named engagement, having been shot through the right thigh and, being unable to walk, he was captured, and he was permitted to lie upon the ground with no covering of any kind for two weeks. The wounded prisoners were placed in lines of twenty-five each, and received little or no attention whatever. Their food consisted of but a half pint of thin soup to each man per day. Mr. Efnor's wound was not dressed for three days after the battle; in that time it was in a very bad condition, and then it was merely washed. In the group of twenty-five wounded Federal soldiers in which he was in, all died but Mr. Efnor. Two weeks later the subject was fortunate, enough to be exchanged and was placed on a boat bound for Memphis. His leg and right side were swollen to twice their normal size and were a mass of vermin and clotted blood. After remaining in a Union hospital three weeks, he was taken, along with some Indiana soldiers, to Indianapolis. Later Governor Morton sent him to St. Louis and from there he was sent home on a thirty days' furlough. He was using a crutch and cane when he returned to his regiment at Opaloosa, Louisiana, reaching there just as it was going into battle. Later he participated in the Red River expedition and bought at the Battle of Sabine Cross-Roads. He was then transferred to the Eastern Army, with which he marched over a large portion of the South. He was at the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, and he saw Sheridan make his famous ride. All told, Mr. Efnor was in fourteen general engagements, besides numerous skirmishes, in all of which he acquitted himself most creditably, according to his comrades After being honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa, he returned home and resumed farming, which he continued until 1887, when he began contracting County bridges. This he continued with a large measure of success for fourteen years, building bridges all over the County. Beginning in 1882, he served a term of three years as County supervisor. In 1890 he retired and moved to Newton. He owns considerable farm and city property, all well improved and desirably located.

Mr. Efnor's first wife died about 1906 and he subsequently married Anna Swank, of Jasper County, which union has been without issue.

Fraternally, Mr. Efnor is a member of the Masons and Knights of Pythias. He is a member of Garrett Post No. 16, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he is past commander. He and his wife belong to the Congregational Church, of which he was formerly a trustee and is now a deacon. Page 605.

~ Efnor, Oscar E. ~

For many years Oscar E. Efnor was regarded as one of the leading agriculturists and stock raisers of the vicinity of Reasnor, Jasper County, and he is now living in honorable retirement in Newton after an eminently active, successful and honorable career, maintaining a home that is comfortable, substantial and pleasant in all its appointments and which is regarded as a place of generous hospitality and good cheer by the host of warm friends which his genial disposition and honest relations with his fellow men have won.

Mr. Efnor was born in Fulton County, Illinois, April 9, 1857. He is the son of Oron and Frances (Mudget) Efnor, the father a native of Illinois and the mother of New York. The elder Efnor grew to maturity and was educated in his native state, coming to Iowa in the early fifties, locating among the pioneers in Jasper County, but a few years later he removed to Kansas where he died in 1861, while yet a young man. His wife, who survived him, married again, and is still living in Jasper County. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Oron Efnor, two of whom are living, besides the subject, the other being Mrs. Nettie McGreagor, of Jasper County.

Oscar E. Efnor received a common school education and was reared on a farm, in fact, he has made farming his chief life work and he has been rewarded with a definite and very satisfactory reward, living near Reasnor, this County, most of the time, where he has a valuable, desirable, well-improved and attractive farm of two hundred and eighty acres, which he managed so skillfully from year to year as to bring him in a very substantial competence, so that he retired from active work two years ago, moving to Newton, where, as already stated, he has a fine home on North Farmer street. He has always been a lover of good horses and is regarded as one of the best judges of horses in the County, and he has always kept some good ones on his place, also other varieties of livestock. He is still interested in several large draft horses.

Mr. Efnor was married first to Lita Bell in 1882, and to this union five children were born: Maude died when twenty-one years of age; Grace is the wife of Robert Balis, of Green City, Missouri; Guy is farming in Jasper County; Earl is also farming in this County; Claud is a student in the Newton high school.

The mother of these children passed to her rest in 1895, and on December 16, 1908, Mr. Efnor was united in marriage with Mrs. Lillie M. (Ervin) Morberly, to which union there has been no issue. She is the daughter of William and Elsira (Fittro) Ervin. She was born in Highland County, Ohio, and her parents brought her to Iowa when she was fourteen years of age, and this family soon became leaders in their community, well known and highly respected. Mr. Ervin was a farmer and he was at one time overseer of the poor farm in Jasper County for a period of eight years, during which time he performed his duties in a manner that stamped him as a man of ability and worthy of every trust and confidence.

Mr. and Mrs. Efnor are members and liberal supporters of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and fraternally he belongs to the Newton Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Woodmen of the World; Mrs. Efnor is a member of the Rebekah Lodge No. 227 and the Eastern. Star Chapter No. 100. Politically, Mr. Efnor is a Republican, and he has always supported such measures as made for the general progress of his County. Page 1003.

~ Emery, John M. ~

The highest claim to the crown of good citizenship of John M. Emery, a gentleman too well known all over the state of Iowa to need any introduction here, is his universal dedication of himself to all moral and uplifting public issues. Point out the right side of all questions of vital public and general interest and there you will find Mr. Emery arrayed as an advocate and fighter and his popularity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of unabating energy, unbending integrity, unswerving public spirit and an industry that never flags, having gained the confidence and good will of his fellow men in all the relations of life by his genial address, his straight forward business policy and his unquestioned loyalty to life's higher ideals.

Like many of the best citizens of Jasper County, Mr. Emery hails from the old Empire State, his birth having occurred in Steuben County, New York, July 31, 1849, he being the scion of a sterling old family, the son of A. G. and Alice (Chatfield) Emery, both natives of New York, the mother's parents having come from Massachusetts, and the paternal grandfather served his country under Washington at Valley Forge. A. G. Emery was a Baptist minister and for many years was prominent in that denomination. He grew to maturity and was educated in his native state, and in 1854 he brought his family to Iowa, locating in Fayette County, and the following year he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Clayton County, and there began

farming and preaching. He was successful and to his original holdings he added land until he owned a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres. In 1875 he sold this and moved to Kansas, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres, also took up a timber claim of one hundred and sixty acres, and there he spent ten years, preaching and farming, then sold out and moved to Norton, Kansas, where he lived eight years, thence moved to Boulder, Colorado, where he spent the remaining years of his life, dying when past eighty-seven years of age, and there he was buried. He was a good and useful man and highly honored wherever he went. His wife, a most excellent woman, died at Bennett, Colorado, two years later at the age of eighty-five.

Rev. A. G. Emery was a remarkable man in many ways; he was exceptionally alert, vital and forceful, and possessed the magnetic ability to sway all who came into contact with him. His voice was musical and at the same time powerful and his eloquence impassioned and all-pervading. He was a born leader of men, and, whether from the pulpit or lecture platform, he always carried his audience with him. He took a deep interest in politics and was ever the champion of things worth while. He was a fine example of that sturdy band of pioneer citizens who have made the Middle West the great and prosperous land that it is today. His wife was a woman of sweet and gentle character, bringing into her home life the most benign and uplifting influence and she was of great assistance to her husband in his work. She remained at home and took care of the family while he took a course in Hamilton College, New York, through which institution he worked his way.

They became the parents of nine children, one of whom died in infancy; Ogden L. died at Norton, Kansas, in 1885; Effie married Andrew Gibson and died in Smith county, Kansas, in 1895, leaving five children; Hattie married Charles Frye, and she died in Boulder, Colorado, in 1908; those living besides John M. of this review, are: Charles L., of Bennett, Colorado; Dr. H. G. of Denver, Colorado; R. D. of Des Moines, who is secretary of the Great Western Accident Association; Lettie married William Roundtree and lives at Bennett, Colorado.

John M. Emery received a good education in the home schools and he started out for himself early in life. In 1869 he was married to Ellen L. Lawrence, a native of New York. Her parents spent their lives on a farm and are now both deceased. Mrs. Emery is one of eleven children, six of whom are living, namely: Mary A. is the widow of Benjamin Hunt, of Kensington, Kansas; Estella married T. J. Piper and they live at Greeley, Colorado; Myra is the wife of J. A. Lawrence, living in Wisconsin; A. T. lives at Newton, Iowa; Ellen, wife of Mr. Emery, was the youngest of the family.

After renting a part of his father's farm in Clayton County, Iowa, John M. Emery began farming, but six months later he took up the insurance business, at which he worked steadily for ten years, then sold out and took a position in a store for a year, after which he went on the road as traveling salesman for a gents' furnishing house, with which he continued for five years. He then took his present position with the lrwin-Phillips Company, of Keokuk, having given them his usual high grade service and being regarded as one of their most efficient and trustworthy employees.

Mr. Emery has made a special study of many languages, devoting special attention to the Swedish, mastering the same so perfectly that he can assume the role of a Swede for an indefinite time without being detected, even among Swedes. Added to this accomplishment is a rare sense of humor that is delightful in the extreme, consequently, being a good mixer, he is popular with all classes. He has a happy faculty of making after-dinner speeches, having frequently appeared at banquets and public gatherings, and his company is eagerly sought wherever he goes. Personally, he is a man whom it is a pleasure to meet, jovial, kind, hospitable, unselfish.

To Mr. and Mrs. Emery have been born the following children: Burdett R. lives in Abilene, Kansas; Theodosia married Jesse T. Tripp, and they are living at Bennett, Colorado; Avery lives in Newton.

Fraternally, Mr. Emery belongs to Newton Lodge No. 59, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Newton, and Gebal Chapter No. 12, Royal Arch Masons. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America at Newton. He has a pleasant and well-furnished home at Newton. Page 492.

~ Engle, Perry, M.D. ~

In the political circles of Jasper County, no name has gained greater prominence than that of Doctor Engle, of Newton, the present State Senator from his district. In his professional circles of the county, he is also well known and highly honored, and his abilities are of such a high order that lie is doubtless the most prominent surgeon in central Iowa at the present time. A volume of this character would, therefore, be incomplete were no mention made of the life of a man so eminent and so successful.

On account of the pressure of other duties preventing him from giving the required attention to the paper, the Doctor in 1888 associated with himself William Burney, who has since had the principal charge of the publication of the paper, although our subject still writes the loading editorials and political articles, he has recently become identified with the Union Labor and People's Party, and in 1889 received the nomination on the Union Labor ticket for the State Senate, and received a sufficient number of votes to elect him, although the district was strongly Republican. He is now a member of the Senate from his district, and his loyalty to his friends and party caused the recent dead loch in that body. He has served as a member of many important committees and was Chairman of one. He also has introduced many bills, nearly all being on behalf of the poor and oppressed. Probably the proudest act of his legislative career was the bill introduced in the Twenty-third General Assembly to establish an Educational Blind School for Adults to be located at Knoxville, Iowa. The bill passed, and with it an appropriation for the construction of the buildings, and the institution is now in successful operation, being the third school of the kind in the United States.

Born in Findlay, Ohio, July 16, 1840, the Doctor was the eldest of eight sons comprising the family of Jacob Engle, a native of Somerset County, PA, who was born in 1812. The paternal grandfather was a Prussian by birth, but early in life came to America and settled in Pennsylvania, where he remained until death. Jacob Engle was a mechanical genius and a man of considerable ability. Early in life he went to Maryland, where he married Miss Laura Probst, who was of French and English extraction. In 1838 he removed to Ohio and located in Findlay, where he became a prosperous and well-to-do mechanic. A man of broad views and liberal education, he gave his children the best possible educational advantages up to the time of his death, which occurred in Ohio in 1858. His widow survived him for many years, passing away in Metz in 1884. It is probable that the inventive genius of the family was inherited from him, the Doctor and two brothers now living in Newton having received letters patent on several inventions. Another brother, Theodore, is a prominent physician and surgeon at State Centre, Iowa.

The subject of this sketch completed his literary education in Ohio, and in his youth decided to take for his life work the legal profession, but on account of an annoying impediment in his speech, which in his boyhood days lie hoped to overcome, but which as he grew older became worse rather than better, he was compelled to abandon his first chosen profession. Then it was that he decided to take up the study of medicine and surgery, and soon afterward he entered the medical department of the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor. Two years later, in 1868, he was graduated from that institution, after which he took a postgraduate course at the Long Island Medical College, from which he was graduated.

For the two years following his graduation, the young physician engaged in tile practice of his profession in Brooklyn, NY. In 1872 he married Miss Katie Madison, of Ann Arbor, MI, and during the same year he came to Newton, where he at once became prominent as a surgeon and also acquired influence as a politician. He was formerly a Republican, his first vote having been cast for President Lincoln, and was a strong anti-slavery advocate. His brother Alexander gave up his life on the bloody battlefield of Shiloh, and he himself helped to nurse the wounded from that fearful engagement. In 1876 he cast in his lot with the Greenback party, and at the same time established the Newton Herald to advocate the principles of that party. For twelve years he has given this paper his personal attention. As a writer he is clear and forcible, and his editorials have attracted no small amount of attention.

On account of the pressure of other duties preventing him from giving the required attention to the paper, the Doctor in 1888 associated with himself William Burney, who has since had the principal charge of the publication of the paper, although our subject still writes the loading editorials and political articles, he has recently become identified with the Union Labor and People's Party, and in 1889 received the nomination on the Union Labor ticket for the State Senate, and received a sufficient number of votes to elect him, although the district was strongly Republican. He is now a member of the Senate from his district, and his loyalty to his friends and party caused the recent dead loch in that body. He has served as a member of many important committees and was Chairman of one. He also has introduced many bills, nearly all being on behalf of the poor and oppressed. Probably the proudest act of his legislative career was the bill introduced in the Twenty-third General Assembly to establish an Educational Blind School for Adults to be located at Knoxville, Iowa. The bill passed, and with it an appropriation for the construction of the buildings, and the institution is now in successful operation, being the third school of the kind in the United States.

The Doctor was the founder of, and established the Industrial Union, the motto of which is "Vox Populi, Vox Dei," and in which he now holds an official position. Although at the time of this writing (1893), the order is hut six months old, it has more than one hundred thousand members. Doctor Engle has ever been a friend of the poor and the unfortunate, and while his practice has been very large it has not brought him riches because he has given his attention to a large number of poor patients, from whom he never asked nor expected remuneration. As a politician and newspaperman he is aggressive and unrelenting, and has made some bitter enemies as well as a host of warm friends. In debate, although hampered by his infirmity, he has held his own against his adversary. Socially, he is prominent in the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and tile Knights of Labor.

The union of Doctor and Mrs. Eagle has resulted in the birth of two children, both boys. The older, Harry, is now a medical student at the Iowa State University. The younger, Bert, is a boy of fourteen years, and even at this early age is taking to journalism, having established the Saturday Rumor, a small sheet, which he edits personally. Page 425.

~ Esmeyer, Barney ~

A wealthy man and a man of influence, especially among those of his own nationality, is Barney Esmeyer. Born in Holland on February 25, 1864, he came to the United States in 1892 with no capital except his two hands, and in the eighteen years that he has lived here he has become one of the wealthy farmers of his community. He was the only one of his family that ever left his native country. His father, whose name was also Barney, was a farmer by occupation, and died in Holland in the year 1900, at the age of sixty-four. His mother's name before her marriage was Nellie Johnson, and she departed this life in the year 1889, aged sixty-four. To this couple there were born six children besides the subject of sketch, namely: Minnie, who married Al Middledorf; John; Erades; Dick, who died at the age of thirty-two years, and Bertha, who married a man by the name of Johnson.

Barney Esmeyer, as stated above, was born in Holland in 1864 and came to the United States on July 4, 1892, on the vessel "Spwordan," landing in New York City. Later he came to Iowa and settled in Mahaska County, where he worked on farms by the month for two years, at the expiration of which time he came to Jasper County, and continued working by the month for James Tough for three years. In June 1907, he was united in marriage with Hannah Laskewitz, who was born in Buffalo, New York, on August 2, 1859. Her parents were also native Hollanders, her father having been born in the Netherlands. Two years after he came to America he met and shortly afterwards married his wife. It was a case of love at first sight. She had just come from Holland and had taken the train to Buffalo, and it was while she was getting off the train at Buffalo that Mr. Laskewitz first saw her and fell in love with her. He sought her acquaintance and in less than a year they were married. After their marriage they lived for a while in Buffalo, about two years, and then removed to Lancaster, where the father kept a grocery store. Later Mr. Laskewitz came to Pella, Iowa, and engaged in the same business, but about a year later he removed to a farm. Three or four years later he bought land in Richland Township and moved there. At the time of his death, which occurred on October 4, 1899, Mr. Laskewitz owned two hundred and thirty acres of land in section 31, Richland Township. He was seventy-seven years of age at the time of his death. Mrs. Laskewitz, whose maiden name was Jenette Tihsan, died in the year 1906, at the age of seventy-four. To this couple were born nine children, of whom Mrs. Esmeyer was the eldest, the others being as follows: Herman, who lives in Grinnell; Henry, living in Richland Township, Iowa; Jap, who died in infancy; John, also living in Richland Township; Alex lives in Newton, Iowa; Rena, wife Grant Murphy, lives in Oklahoma; Edward lives in Minnesota; and Nellie died at the age of three.

After the marriage of Mr. Esmeyer he rented a farm in Richland Township for a couple of years and then bought one hundred and twenty acres land near Killduff in Buena Vista Township. This land he sold three years ago, and two years later bought the two hundred acres on which he now resides.

Besides his general farming he raises cattle and hogs for the market from which he derives a handsome income. His farm is well improved and in a high state of cultivation.

Mr. and Mrs. Esmeyer are the parents of five children, namely: Dewey, born October 10, 1897, died in September 1902, of scarlet fever; Bennett, born December 31, 1899; Jennie and Edward, twins, born April 2, 1912, little girl dying in infancy; Nellie, born September 22, 1902, died September 15, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Esmeyer are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Pleasant View. Page 828.

~ Evans, George and Joanna Valentine ~

The name of this estimable lady is a familiar sound to the people in Washington and surrounding Townships, and the brief record of her life outlined in the following paragraphs will doubtless be read with interest by many friends and acquaintances who have learned to prize her for her beautiful character and useful life, which has been as an open book in which there are no pages marred or soiled by conduct unbecoming true womanhood, and whose influence has always made for the good of the large circle of friends with whom she has associated.

Mrs. Evans was born on January 28, 1839, in Warren County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Edmund and Hannah Valentine, her father a native of Pennsylvania and her mother of New York. Mr. Valentine grew up in Pennsylvania and there engaged in the lumber business, working in the timber many years, cutting, rafting and sawing. He is now deceased.

The daughter Joanna grew up and was educated in Pennsylvania and she was married in Warren County, that state, on June 3, 1855 at Enterprise, to George Evans, who was born March 21, 1828, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and there he grew to manhood and when young followed teaming in the town of Franklin. The week after his marriage he and his bride moved to Henry County, Illinois, locating in the town of Cambridge and there farmed in the edge of town for three years; then Mr. Evans managed a hotel in the town of Atkinson, Illinois, for several years. Later he teamed for different companies in Geneseo, that state. He hauled telegraph poles for the Rock Island Railroad Company when they built through Iowa. In 1875 he and his wife came to Polk County, Iowa, and conducted a hotel in the town of Mitchellville for a year, and also followed teaming there. The next year he bought one hundred and fifty-three acres in Washington Township, Jasper County, and moved to the same. Although he had to pay seventeen per cent interest on the money with which he paid for the land and met with various drawbacks, he persevered and succeeded, living on the place ten years. Then he bought three hundred and twenty acres in Washington Township, just west of the city of Colfax, for which he paid twenty-six dollars per acre. It is now worth one hundred and fifty dollars per acre. He met with increasing success as a general farmer and stock raiser. He always kept a great number of dairy cows and made large quantities of butter. He established a pleasant home and left a comfortable competency.

Mr. Evans was a Democrat, but he was not an aspirant for public office. He was a man whom everybody liked, being sociable, honorable and neighborly. His death occurred on March 4, 1905.

Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. George Evans, named as follows: Mrs. Mary De Long, Mrs. Georgia Rose, Mrs. Mattie Rose, Mrs. Lou Stonehawker, Mrs. Ida Stamper, John and Fred. The youngest son, Fred, lives with his mother on the home place and has the active management of the entire farm, successfully carrying out the plans inaugurated there by his father. They have gone extensively into butter making during the past few years. During the year 1910 they made two tons and eight hundred pounds from their cows. They have a separator and churn run by gasoline engine, in fact, have every modern convenience about the place.

Fred Evans is a progressive, energetic and capable young farmer, for whom the future promises much. He attended school in Colfax, but has been managing the home place since 1912. He is a Democrat, a member of the Eagles Lodge and the Improved Order of Red Men. He was married on May 24, 1905, to Mary Carroll, who was born at Council Bluffs, Iowa, the daughter of John Carroll, a railroader. Page 741.

~ Eyerly, Josiah B. ~

But recently the gentleman whose name heads this sketch was a familiar and prominent figure in Newton, where his business relations for many years had been such as to make him known to many people and to gain for him a standing as one of the foremost business men of the County. He had reached an honorable age and lived a life full of usefulness and activity, never giving up to the messenger of disease as long as it was in human power to resist, and his taking away left a void in the hearts of friends and members of his family which can not be filled, for there can never be another Josiah B. Eyerly.

Josiah B. Eyerly was a native of Ohio, and was born at Lexington, in Richland County, October 28, 1834, and at the time of his death, on March 11, 1907, had reached the age of seventy-two years, four months and fifteen days. Eight of his brothers and sisters survived him: Rev. E. S. Eyerly, of Nortonville, Kansas; D. H., of Hershey, Nebraska; Harlan, of North Loup, Nebraska; George W., of Winterset, Iowa; Mrs. J. H. LaPella, of Earlham, Iowa; Mrs. Alice Ferrin, of Welmore, Kansas; Mrs. Hattie Gamble, of Oklahoma, and Mrs. Mollie Low, of Stuart, Iowa.

The parents of Josiah Eyerly came to Keokuk County, Iowa, in 1845, where they resided on a farm until 1855, when they moved to Monroe, Jasper County, and their son, not then twenty-one, came with them. For a time served as postmaster at Monroe, during the first year of the war. In 1861, when the third company was organized in Jasper County, he enlisted as Private under Capt. Thomas H. Miller, in Company B, Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was soon promoted to sergeant, and in April 1862, was made sergeant major of his regiment, on May 28th of the same year being commissioned as first lieutenant of his company. For more than three years served gallantly in the army, always doing his duty as a soldier and an office and taking, part in many of the hardest engagements of the war. On November 1, 1864, he was mustered out, and he then spent nearly a year in the service of the government in reconstruction work. He then returned to his home.

In 1865 Mr. Eyerly was elected Treasurer of Jasper County, on the Republican ticket, and served for two terms, with a high record for efficiency. He moved to Newton when his term commenced. On October 1, 1867, he was united in marriage to Charlotte Piper, who died on February 26, 1878, leaving one son, William Eyerly, now living in Newton. On the 27th of August 1879, he was married to Zerua Townsend, who died on April 24, 1886. On September 24, 1889, he was married to Celia Grandrath, who bore to him four sons, Joe G., Fred S., Frank R. and John B., all living.

After retiring from the County Treasurer's office in 1880, Mr. Eyerly remained in Newton, and for a time was engaged in banking, then for a number of years served as city clerk. After retiring from this latter office he engaged in the real estate business. In all his operations he was successful and was in all his dealings actuated by the highest honesty and uprightness, which gained for him the full confidence of the people. To him the word friend had a sacred meaning, and to any one whom he called by that name he gave the highest devotion and was loyal to him at whatever cost. But admirable as were the characteristics which this man showed in his more public life, in his home the best qualities of his heart and soul were most manifest in the tender love and care which he gave to his wife and children, whom he almost idolized and who returned his affection in like degree. Truly they suffered a great loss when this best of husbands and fathers was taken from them, but they hope to meet him hereafter and to renew their old association where parting shall be no more.

Mr. Eyerly was a loyal Mason, being a member of all the degrees from the blue lodge to the Commandery, and in his life he exemplified the noble principles of that order. He was one of Newton's men of influence, and that influence was always exerted on the side of right and justice. Generous to a fault, he always responded freely and bounteously to the appeals of the need. In his life he left a high example and manly fortitude and virtue to his sons, and even better than the heritage of wealth which he left them is the heritage of the memory of his noble character. Page 688.