Biographies

~ Macmillan, Albert S. ~

Jasper County, Iowa, has been especially honored in the character and career of her public and professional men,but in every community there are to be found, rising above their fellows, individuals born to leadership in the various vocations, men who dominate not alone by superior intelligence and natural endowment, but by natural force of character which minimizes discouragements and dares important undertakings. Such men are by no means rare and it is always profitable to study their lives, weigh their motives and hold up their achievements as incentives to greater activity and higher excellence on the part of others just entering upon their first struggles with the world. These reflections are suggested by the career of Albert S. Macmillan, the able editor and publisher of the Newton Herald, a man who has forged his way to the front ranks in the exacting field of journalism, and who by a strong, inherent force, directed by intelligence and judgment of a high order, stands today among the representative citizens of a community widely noted for the excellence of its professional talent, although he has only recently cast his lot with the people of Jasper County.

Mr. Macmillan was born in Cleveland, Ohio, February 19, 1853. He was educated at the high school in Waverly, Iowa, having come to that city when a boy arid there grew to manhood. Later he attended Cornell University at Ithaca, New York, from which historic institution he was graduated in the class of 1878.

Returning to Waverly, Iowa, well equipped for life's duties, he learned the newspaper business in the office of the Republican of that city, also the Waverly Independent. He went to Vandalia, Minnesota, in 1879 and started the Journal, which he continued to publish with success for a period of fourteen years, then moved his plant to Wadena, Minnesota, and continued the publication of the Journal there for four years. He established the Motley Citizen in 1888, which he published for two years. He moved from Wadena to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1897 and there he resided for a period of ten years during which he conducted a job office and also conducted the Robbinsdale Park Progress (the latter town being a suburb of Minneapolis). This was in 1904 and he continued the publication of the same two years, then purchased the Enterprise at Barlow, North Dakota, in 1908, which he continued three years. He came to Newton, Iowa, on April 1, 1911, and on October 1st of that year purchased the Newton Herald, of which he is now proprietor. He has increased the circulation of this paper, improved it in mechanical appearance and news and editorial efficiency, rendering it a valuable advertising medium. He is a careful, painstaking, progressive and persevering newspaper, man, who is eminently deserving of the high rank, which is accorded him by the newspaper fraternity of the north middle section of the United States where his efforts have been confined.

Mr. Macmillan has long taken an abiding interest in public affairs in the various communities where he has resided, his support having always been on the side of right as he saw and understood the right in all public matters. He was County superintendent of schools in Wadena County, Minnesota, for one term; he was president of the school board at Verndale, Minnesota, for six years. He was speaker's clerk in the House of Representatives of that state in 1889. He was postmaster at Verndale, Minnesota, and at Barlow, North Dakota. As a public servant he performed his duties in an able and conscientious manner, always to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. Religiously, he was one of the first members of the Congregational church at Verndale.

Mr. Macmillan has been employed in the job offices of the Faithorn Printing Company and Donnelly & Sons, of Chicago; the Pioneer Press Company, of St. Paul, and Miller & Davis, of Minneapolis.

Mr. Macmillan was married in 1882 to Eliza Dougherty, daughter of a highly esteemed family of Waverly, Iowa, and a lady of many praiseworthy characteristics. This union has been graced by the birth of three children, namely: Ethel, who was graduated from the University of Minnesota, and is now teacher of English in the high school at Rochester, Minnesota, having formerly been principal and teacher of English of the high school at Sauk Center, that state, for a period of three years; the two sons, Edward D. and Ralph A., are assisting Mr. Macmillan in the publication of the Newton Herald, each giving promise of bright future careers.

Personally, Mr. Macmillan is a genial and companionable, well-educated, public-spirited and honorable gentleman, whom to know is to respect and admire. Page 1004

~ Macy, Charles O. ~

The important facts in the life history of one of Jasper county's intelligent men of affairs are set forth in the following paragraphs, briefly, but we hope correctly. The career of Charles 0. Macy, president of Macy Brothers Exchange Bank at Lynnville and long one of the leading business men of this section of Iowa, illustrates most happily for the purposes of this work the fact that if a young man possesses the proper attributes of mind and heart, he can, though unaided, attain a position of unmistakable precedence and gain, for himself an honored position among the men who are the foremost factors in shaping the destinies of communities and towns. His life proves that the only true success in this world is that which is accomplished by personal effort and consecutive industry. It also demonstrates that the road to position is open to all who possess the courage to tread its pathway and serves as an inspiration to the young of the present and future generations, teaching by incontrovertible facts that true success is ambition's legitimate answer.

Mr. Charles O. Macy was born in this County on December 15, 1866, and he is the son of S. H. and Abigail Macy, an honored old family here, a complete sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. The subject was educated in Lynnville, Lynn Grove Township, later taking a course at Grinnell College. He first started in life for himself as a dealer in livestock, in partnership with his brother, E. B., under the firm name of Macy Brothers, in 1887. They built up a very extensive and lucrative business, becoming leaders in this line of endeavor in this section of the state. Later on they added grain, lumber and coal, maintaining headquarters both at Sully and Killduff. Their operations in these lines reached large proportions and have ever been on the increase, and by judicious management, keen discernment and honest, straightforward dealing with their fellowmen they have made few mistakes and have accumulated a competency, becoming among the substantial citizens of the County. In 1900 they organized the Macy Brothers Exchange Bank at Lynnville, with Charles O. Macy as president and E. B. Macy as cashier. This bank has had a splendid growth and is considered one of the sound, safe and conservative institutions in this part of the state and its business has steadily grown since it was organized. The Macy brothers also own one of the finest farms in Jasper County, consisting of two hundred and eighty acres of well improved and productive land and here they carry on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. In addition to this they have an interest in about seven hundred acres of valuable and well-located land.

Politically, Mr. Macy votes independently, and he belongs to the Friends Church.

Mr. Macy was married in 1912 to Anna Newby, a lady of many commendable attributes of mind and heart, a native of Indiana and the daughter of John T. and Martha Newby, an influential old family. The beautiful home of the subject and wife has been blessed by the birth of three children. Carroll, Ward and Willis.

Personally, Mr. Macy is a man whom it is a pleasure to meet, for with all of his capacity for the management of large affairs he is plain and unassuming, the kind of character everybody likes. By courageous persistence he has surmounted all obstacles, attaining a position of prominence in the community and comparative affluence, having ever maintained a high order of living, dealing fairly with his fellowmen, and it would be hard to find a man in Jasper County who stands higher in general public esteem. He has never sought public office, although well qualified to fill most any in the gift of the people, but he has preferred to devote his attention to his large private affairs; however, he has ever assisted in furthering the interests of his community whether in a political, moral or social way. Page 879

~ Macy, E. B. ~

In the respect that is accorded to men who have fought their own way to success through none too favorable environment we find an unconscious recognition of the intrinsic worth of a character which cannot only endure so rough a test, but gain new strength through the discipline. The gentleman to whom the biographer now calls the reader's attention was not favored by vast inherited wealth or the assistance of powerful or influential friends, but in spite of this, by perseverance, industry and wise economy, he has attained a comfortable station in life, making his influence felt for good in his community in Lynn Grove Township where hi life has been spent. Because of the honorable career he has known here and also because of the fact that he is a creditable representative of one of our sterling pioneer families, the name of Macy having been a familiar one in Jasper County for over a half century, the members of this worthy household having played no inconspicuous part in the up building of the county, and setting an. example for the younger generation that might be very profitably followed.

E. B. Macy, well-known banker and general businessman of Lynnville, this County, was born on June 18, 1864, the son of S. H. and Abigail (Gause) Macy, who came from Indiana in the early fifties and located in Poweshiek County, Iowa, where they bought a farm, began life amid primitive conditions, and in due course of time had a good home and a splendid farm on which they lived for a period of twenty-five years. They then moved to Jasper County, where Mr. Macy began dealing in livestock, in fact, he was the first man in this County to engage exclusively or extensively in this line of endeavor. He prospered and became a leader here, as he had been in Poweshiek County. He was one of the principal citizens here in securing the railroad that first penetrated Jasper County. He became the owner of a valuable farm here and made this his home until his death, on March 16, 1902. He was a man of sterling characteristics, courageous, broad-minded and of exemplary habits, so that his example was ever a wholesome one. His widow, a woman of beautiful traits, is still living, having attained a ripe old age. Their family consisted of four children, all living at this writing.

E. B. Macy grew to manhood on his father's farm and there assisted with the general work during the crop seasons and, in fact, assisting his father in his general affairs. He attended the public schools, later taking a course at Grinnell College. He started in life for himself by launching into the live stock business, which he learned under his father, and this has been his chief life work. In 1887 he and his brother, Charles O., formed a partnership, under the firm name of Macy Brothers, and they soon were doing a very satisfactory business in livestock, later adding grain, lumber and coal. Their business grew under their judicious management by leaps and bounds, extending over a wide territory, this firm becoming one of the best known and most popular of its kind in central Iowa. It became necessary for them to establish several branch houses in order to properly handle their several branches and meet the requirements necessary in carrying onward their vast volume of trade. In 1912 they organized the Macy Brothers Exchange Bank at Lynnville, with Charles O. as president and E. A. as cashier. They have been most successful as bankers, enjoying the confidence and good will of the community, and now few banks in this locality enjoy the prestige of this one, which has been managed in a safe and conservative manner and has ever increased in power and importance. The capital stock of the bank is ten thousand dollars, and they use fifty thousand dollars capital in the grain, lumber and coal business.

Politically, Mr. Macy is a Democrat and he was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends. He belongs to Lebanon Lodge No. 222, Masons, of Lynnville, and Newton Commandery No. 22, Knights Templar; he also belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star and the Yeomen. He takes an active interest in Masonry and is popular in fraternal circles in central Iowa.

The domestic life of Mr. Macy began in 1902 when he was married to Julia Whitlock, a lady of refinement and pleasing personality. She was born in this County, but spent a part of her life in Carroll County. She is the daughter of James and Elizabeth Whitlock, a highly honored old family. To Mr. and Mrs. Macy five sons have been born, namely: Rosco, Russell, Earl, Dwight and Howard.

Mr. Macy is a straightforward, unostentatious, genial citizen of sterling qualities and is highly respected by all who know him as a result of his honesty in business, his public spirit, his advocacy of wholesome living and his support of all movements looking to the betterment of his community, town and County. Page 921

~ Maggard, George A. ~

To such a man as George A. Maggard, successful farmer of Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, life is so real that he finds no time to plot either mischief or vice. Such men constitute the foundation of our republican institutions and are the pride of our civilization. Their lives are bound up in their duties; they feel the weight of their citizenship, and take pleasure in sowing the seeds of uprightness. Such has been the career of the subject, who, not alone for these reasons, is eminently entitled to a place in his country's history, but partly because he is one of the worthy native sons of this vicinity arid the representative of one of the hardy pioneer families of the same. Thus he has lived to see and to play no inconspicuous part in the development of this favored section of the great Hawkeye state from the days of the seemingly interminable wild prairies to the opulent present with its fine residences and productive fields.

Mr. Maggard was born in Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, Iowa, August 29, 1860, and, as intimated above, he grew to manhood here, was educated in the home schools and he has always been identified with the agricultural interests of this County. His father, Adam Maggard, was born in Indiana in 1832, and he died in Jasper County, Iowa, January 25, 1909, having come to Jasper County in 1845, when he was eighteen years of age. He was one of the earliest pioneers, having settled here before the County was even surveyed and when settlers were many miles apart, when there were numerous Indians and much wild game. He started in a humble manner, worked hard, underwent many hardships, and finally became well established and influential. He married Elizabeth Cuthbert, who was born in England, from which country she immigrated to the United States in early life and here met and married Mr. Maggard. She is still living, making her home with her son, George A. of this sketch, being now advanced in years.

There were seven children in the elder Maggard's family, namely: George A., of this review; H. H., who resides in Baxter, is represented on another page of this work; Mary Neal, born August 21, 1864, lives at Adel, Iowa; Charles H., born November 17, 1866, lives in Canada: Sarah Jane, born August 3, 1869, died March 13, 1879, William C., born June 25, 1870, lives on the old home farm in Clear Creek Township; Laura May Mark, born October 6, 1875, lives in Missouri; Walter A., born October 28, 1880, lives at Ashland, Oregon. These children were all born in Clear Creek Township and reared here.

Mr. Maggard of this sketch owns sixty acres of rich and well-kept land in Clear Creek Township, living in Ira with his mother, where he moved in 1911. He has a pleasant home which he keeps well supplied with current literature, consequently he is a well-informed man. He is independent in politics and has been school director.

The Maggards started in life here with no worldly goods, but they persevered and have made a comfortable living. They recall the days when oxen were used in farming and life in nearly every respect was different. Page 1214

~ Maggard, Henry H. ~

Among those persons who have by virtue of their strong individual qualities earned their way to a high standing in the estimation of their fellow citizens, having by sheer force of character and persistency won their way from an humble beginning to a place of influence and prominence in the community where they are active in industrial affairs, Henry H. Maggard, well known business man and public-spirited citizen of Baxter, Jasper County, is entitled to specific mention in a volume of this character, partly because of his praise worthy efforts in promoting the general up building of his locality, partly because he is the scion of a well-known old pioneer family and partly owing to the fact that his entire life has been spent on his native prairies.

Mr. Maggard was born in Clear Creek Township, this County, August 26, 1862. He grew to manhood in this community, assisted with the general work about the home place and was educated in the local schools, and he has identified himself with various enterprises during his long residence. As stated, this family was among the earliest settlers in the County. His father, Adam Maggard, was born in Ohio and died at Colfax, Iowa. He married Eliza Cuthbert, who was born in England and who is now residing in Clear Creek Township, this County. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Adam Maggard, namely: George lives in Clear Creek Township; Henry H., of this review; Mary Neal, who lives at Adel, Iowa; Charles lives in Canada; William lives at Ira; Sarah Jane, deceased; Laura Marks, who lives in Missouri; Walter lives in Washington. These children were all born and reared in Clear Creek Township.

Upon leaving the farm, Henry H. Maggard moved to Baxter and for twelve years engaged in the draying business. Later he successfully operated a grocery store and restaurant for some time.

Mr. Maggard was married on November 30, 1887, to Harriet Savers, who was born at Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois, July 22, 1869, the daughter of Matthias and Mary (Robey) Sayers. The father, who was born in Ohio, is now deceased; her mother was born in Maryland and is now residing in Tampa, Florida. Children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sayers as follows: Addie, deceased; Harriet, wife of Mr. Maggard, of this sketch; Mrs. Hiler, of Lincoln, Nebraska; Hannah is deceased; Emma is also deceased; James and Laura Ramey live at Tampa, Florida, with their mother.

One child, a daughter, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Maggard on March 17, 1891, and died in April 1892.

Mrs. Maggard has conducted a millinery store at Baxter for a number of years, which is patronized by hundreds of patrons from all over this part of the County, for here is always to be found a large, up-to-date and carefully selected stock of goods, tastily displayed and prices are always right. Mr. and Mrs. Maggard have worked hard and by thrift and economy have laid by a competency. Mr. Maggard is at present caring for the city's gas plant, besides his official duties as marshal, street commissioner and constable, the duties of which public positions he is discharging in a manner that reflects much credit upon his ability and to the entire satisfaction of the people. He has also been a member of the town council. They own a substantial and neatly furnished home in Baxter, besides a business house. Mr. Maggard has always taken a deep interest in the development of the little -city and has been found active in all that pertains to the best interests of he public. He is a member of Baxter Lodge No. 168, Knights of Pythias, and has held chairs in the same. Page 1315

~ Malmberg, Ed P. ~

One of the most deserving young men in Iowa, a man who has earned the rewards that come as a result of carefully regulated lives and unflagging zeal in whatever is undertaken, working his way unaided from none too favorable environments at the start to a conspicuous position in one of the most exacting of professions, is Ed. P. Malmberg, of Newton, Jasper County.

Mr. Malmberg is a native of the city where he now resides, having been born here on January 14, 1878, the scion of a worthy and highly respected family, being the son of N. K. and Nellie (Stinson) Malmberg, both natives of Sweden, where they grew to maturity and were educated. They immigrated to America in 1867 and were married at Knoxville, Illinois, where they remained until 1875, when they came to Jasper County, Iowa. After living a few months at Kellogg they moved to Newton, where they have since resided, the father being now seventy-six years of age. He has been a tailor for sixty-six years and is a very skilled workman in this line. He is a quiet, unassuming man, whose life, though uneventful, has been useful and highly honorable. His wife is also living, having reached an advanced age.

Six children have been born to them, those living besides Ed P. of this review, being Mrs. Ida E. Day of Chicago; J. O. and C. A. of Newton.

Ed P. Malmberg grew to maturity in Newton and received his early training in the local schools, graduating from the Newton high school in 1895 when seventeen years of age, having made an excellent record, and in 1897 he was graduated from the Newton Normal College. During these school days he worked at odd jobs and after graduation he began to learn the cigar-maker's trade, at which he worked until he earned enough money to warrant his entering the State University at Iowa City. Having for some time fostered the laudable ambition to enter the legal profession, he had been bending every effort to that end, consequently he entered the law department of the last mentioned institution, made a brilliant record and was graduated from the same in 1905, and at once he began the practice of his profession at Newton, having been admitted to the bar immediately after graduation. He did not have to wait long for clients, his abilities being recognized from the start and he made friends easily who were glad to assist him. His abilities being quickly recognized by party leaders, he was nominated in 1906 by the Republican Party for county attorney. This was an exceptionally hard-fought contest as there were three tickets in the field, but Mr. Malmberg was elected. Something of his popularity is gained from the fact that he was the only Republican elected on the county ticket. Useless to add that his selection proved the wisdom of his constituents, for his record was indeed a splendid one, eliciting the hearty approval of all concerned, irrespective of party alignment, and he was re-elected to the same office in 1908, leading his ticket. In 1910 he was chosen as the Republican nominee for state senator, his nomination being regarded by everyone at all conversant with his career as a most fortunate one. He was duly elected at the ensuing election and was a conspicuous member of the thirty-fourth General Assembly.

Mr. Malmberg is regarded as a painstaking, accurate and conscientious attorney, well grounded in the principles of jurisprudence; and as a speaker he is logical, forceful and often eloquent, having great power Over a jury. He believes in thorough preparation in the trial of cases and overlooks nothing of benefit to his clients. Judging his future by his past excellent record, there seems to be much in store for him. Mr. Malmberg has remained unmarried. Fraternally, he is a Mason and Odd Fellows. Page 720.

~ Mark, Samuel and Frances A. ~

Frances A. Mark, widow of Samuel Mark, was born March 26, 1843, in Fayette County, Ohio, and is the daughter of William and Katherine (Bush) Baughn, both natives of Ohio. She lost both parents by death when she was but a small child and her uncle, Jacob Bush, took her into his family and cared for her as one of his own children. Mrs. Mark had two brothers and two sisters, namely: Charles, who died while in the service of the Union Army from quick consumption in a hospital in Tennessee; Leonard died at the age of seventeen; Simeon died in infancy; Martha, wife of Abraham Dawson, who was killed while in the service of his country in the Civil War.

On March 17, 1863, Mrs. Mark was united in marriage to Samuel Mark, the son of Jonathan and Susanna Mark. Samuel Mark was born in Ohio and when the call came for men to go forth and help put down the rebellion, he enlisted and went to the front. At the expiration of his term of enlistment he returned home, married and settled down to a quiet life, but seeing the sore need of his country for help, he again enlisted and went to the front, leaving his young wife at home. He was a member of Company F, One Hundred Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was twice captured by the enemy, once at Harper's Ferry and once near Cynthiana, by Morgan. All his life Mr. Mark suffered from heart trouble due to exhaustion from a forced march while a captive of Morgan. Many of the prisoners were overcome at that time and fell by the wayside. After the close of the war he returned to his home in Ohio, where he engaged in farming. Two years later the family removed to Marion County, Iowa, where they pursued agricultural pursuits for twelve years, at the expiration of which time they came to Jasper County, where they purchased eighty acres of land in Buena Vista Township. Here they established a home and have resided there continuously ever since, Mr. Mark dying there on December 5, 1893. While living in Marion County, Iowa, Mr. Mark had his ankle broken and for a few years he was unable to follow the plow, and learned the carpenter's trade, but after his ankle became strong again he resumed agricultural pursuits, carrying this on during the summer, while working at the carpenter's trade in the winter months. Mr. Mark has one brother living at this time, I. N. Mark, living near Moberly, Missouri. Two of his brothers served in the Civil War.

To Mr. and Mrs. Mark were born seven children, four of whom survive, namely: Rose, born August 2, 1864, wife of William H. Drake, living in Jasper County, Iowa; Armada died in childhood; Lucy J., born September 16, 1868, wife of Charles Scoville, living in Jasper County; Olive died in childhood; Ada, born April 10, 1875, married George P. Sampson (deceased) and lives in Jasper, County; Georgianna, born in 1878, died when small; Daisy B., born December 17, 1880, wife of Charles J. Sampson, lives in Emmett County, Iowa. The daughter, Ada, mentioned above, is widowed and lives at home with her mother. Her husband, George P. Sampson, was overcome by foul air while assisting in the digging of a well, and was dead when taken out. He was the son of D. W. and Mary (Drake) Sampson; his brother, Charles married Daisy Mark.

Mrs. Mark is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Pleasant View, Iowa, as was also her husband before his death. He was also a member of Garrett Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Kellogg, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Kellogg, Iowa.

Mrs. Mark is of German descent on her mother's side; German and French on her father's. Her father's people came from Carolina, her grandfather Baughn being a slave driver there before the Civil War. Page 1302

~ Marshall, George F. ~

One of the successful farmers and stockmen of Jasper county who is eminently deserving of the success he has achieved and also of the high esteem in which he is universally held is George F. Marshall of Fairview Township, who hails from the faraway banks and braes of bonnie Scotland, and those who know him best will acquiesce in the statement that he has many of the sterling traits of character of those rugged people, who have done so much for the general good of our new republic. His life has been consistent both in motive and action and while he has labored for his own advancement he has not neglected his general duties as a neighbor and citizen.

Mr. Marshall was born ten miles east of Glasgow, Scotland, on June 15, 1858. He is the son of Robert and Mary (Forsyth) Marshall, the father born in the same vicinity as was the subject on November 10, 1831, and the mother was born in Ayreshire, Scotland, on October 17, 1837. They grew up, were educated and married in Scotland, and there the elder Marshall worked in the coal and iron mines. He went to New Zealand in 1863 where he prospected for gold, and was very successful, finding a fortune in nuggets, but unfortunately it was stolen from him, and he was then compelled to work a year in order to get money enough to pay his expenses home. He returned to Scotland in 1866 and in June of that year he immigrated with his family to Monroe, Iowa, and bought forty acres in Fairview Township, Jasper County, and eight years later he bought two hundred acres farther east and there he and his son George F. operated a coal mine for fifteen years, often employing twenty men. They enjoyed a good income from this source, but later Mr. Marshall turned his attention to his farm. He raised large numbers of Poland China hogs. He was a union labor man and politically a Democrat later in life. He was a member of the Methodist Church.

Accumulating a competency, he retired from active life in 1906 and moved to a commodious home in Monroe where he still resides. His family consisted of six children, namely: Maggie, Mrs. Robena Nolin; Mrs. Betsy DeMass and Mrs. Mary Smith; William J., of Fairview Township, this County, and George F., of this sketch. Only the sons and Robena live in this Township.

George F. Marshall being the eldest of the family, he had to work hard when a boy assisting in developing the mine and farm, but he found time to attend the Enterprise district school and the Monroe high school. He remained under his parental rooftree until he was twenty-three years of age. Then he rented his father's place for three years, then bought sixty acres in Elk Creek Township in l885. Selling this, he bought sixty acres in Fairview Township and moved thereto and here he still resides. He has added to his original purchase until he now has one hundred and ten acres. He has kept his place well improved and under a high state of cultivation, and in connection with general farming he has raised thoroughbred Poland China hogs for the past thirty years. He won the grand sweepstakes silver loving cup for best hogs, open to all breeders, at the Iowa state fair in 1899 and 1900. Winning two years in succession entitled him to keep the cup. No one else has been able to do this. He has bred Poland China hogs longer than any other man in Jasper County and he is one of the largest breeders of this famous blood in Iowa. Some of the blood of his herds has entered nearly every herd in Iowa of Poland China stock and he ships to every state in the corn belt. He raises about one hundred and fifty stock hogs annually. Owing to the superior quality of his hogs they always find a very ready market whenever offered for sale. No small part of his competency has been earned thereby, and he is today one of the substantial men of his locality.

Politically, Mr. Marshall was a Republican, then a People's party supporter, and now he votes with the Democrats. He is a member of the Methodist Church.

Mr. Marshall was married on March 3, 1883, to Ulissia A. Tool, who was born September 21, 1864, in this Township, the daughter of James A. Tool, a native of Virginia, who came to this section in pioneer days with his father, Adam Tool, one of the first three white settlers in Jasper County, this being in March 1843. The father of Mrs. Marshall died on October 15, 1910. A full history of the Tool family is to be found on another page of this work.

Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Marshall, namely: Florence; Mrs. Beatrice Balmer, of Fairview Township; Ada R., deceased; Winifred; James R. is at home; Frances, Geneva and Hubert. Page 904

~ Marshall, William J. ~

Mr. Marshall was born in the Township where he still resides on August 31, 1868. He is the son of Robert Marshall, an extended mention of whom is to be found in another part of this volume in the sketch of G. F. Marshall.

William J. Marshall grew up on the home farm and there he began working about the place when but a small boy. He attended, during the winter months, the district school at Cottage Grove. He remained with his father until he became of age. When his twenty-first birthday arrived he began renting land, the home place, and soon had a start, for he worked hard and was economical. In the fall of 1902 he bought one hundred and twenty acres three and one-half miles west of Monroe and there he lived for four years, then bought the home farm of one hundred and ninety-five acres, and soon moved thereto. He has kept the place well improved and well tilled and has made a success as a general farmer and stock raiser. He has a fine home and is very comfortably situated.

Politically, Mr. Marshall is a Democrat, and he is at present school director in his district.

On September 25, 1889, Mr. Marshall was married to Ellen Lillian Crane, a native of Monroe, Iowa. She is the daughter of Edward Crane, a native of Ireland, who ran away from home when a boy and crossed the Atlantic to New Orleans, and finally came to Iowa. Two sons have been born to the subject and wife, Roy Meek Marshall and Burton Lee Marshall. Page 895

~ Mason, George E. ~

One of the progressive young farmers of Hickory Grove Township, Jasper County, is George E. Mason. Reared to agricultural pursuits, he early became familiar with the details of farm labor, and in the public schools, which he attended at intervals during his minority, he received an education which has enabled him to transact successfully the duties of an active and useful, life, and, judging from the excellent start which he has made so early, the future must needs be replete with large success in his chosen field of endeavor, for he has never allowed obstacles to stand between him and the goal sought and he believes in doing well whatever is worth doing at all.

Mr. Mason was born in Keopah, Nebraska, October 21, 1885, and he is the son of Thomas S. and Laura Gertrude (Gasseburg) Mason, the father born in Davenport, Iowa, and the mother in Richland Township, Jasper County, Iowa. The father has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, and he came to Jasper County when a lad and bought a place in Hickory Grove Township, one hundred and sixty acres. He soon had it under proper improvements and cultivation and here established a very comfortable home and there he remained until I908, when he bought a farm, one hundred and sixty acres more, a mile northwest of Grinnell, Iowa. He is a member of the Methodist Church. His family consists of three children, George E., of this review, who is the oldest; Muriel H., and Winnifred Margaret.

Besides the common school education mentioned above, which the subject obtained in Hickory Grove Township, he later went to the high school at Newton and for one year studied at the University of Iowa at Ames. After finishing his schooling he returned home and took up farming in 1908 and has since managed the homestead for his father in a manner, that reflects much credit upon his ability and his industry, for he is always employed, finding little time for other things than the affairs on the farm, and that is the reason that the place has such a clean, up-to-date appearance and produces such abundant harvests from year to year.

Mr. Mason was married on May 6, 1908, to Martha McGee, who was born in Newton Township, the daughter of Robert and Dorcas McGee, early settlers of Jasper County and a highly respected and well-known family here. One child has been born to this union, Marjorie. Mr. Mason is a member of the Congregational Church. Page 1247

~ Matteson, Frank E. ~

The people who constitute the bone and sinew of this country are not those who are unstable and unsettled, who fly from this occupation to that, who do not know where they stand on political questions until they are told how to vote, and who take no active and intelligent interest in affairs affecting their schools, Church and public property and general civic affairs. The backbone of this country is made up of families who have made their homes; who are alive to the best interests of the community in which they reside; who are so honest that it is no trouble for their neighbors to know it; who attend to their own business and are too busy to meddle with that of others; who work steadily on from day to day, taking the sunshine with the storm and who rear an industrious family to an honest name and a comfortable home. Such people are always welcome in any country and in any community. They are wealth producers, and Jasper County is blessed with many such. Among them is the family represented by Frank E. Matteson, of Rock Creek Township, the name having figured more or less conspicuously in the affairs of this vicinity since the early pioneer days.

Mr. Matteson was born in Rock Creek Township, this County, November 25, 1865, and he has been content to spend his life in his native community. He is the son of Harry and May Fannie (Altig) Matteson, the father born in the state of New York in 1819 and the mother in Kentucky in 1826. The elder Matteson grew up in his native state and in 1849 came overland to Iowa and located in Rock Creek Township, Jasper County. The country was wild and sparsely settled, in fact, there was not a house within twenty miles of where he settled. But he had the sagacity to foresee a great future here and he set to work with a will, beginning life in typical pioneer fashion and took up one hundred and sixty acres from the government, on which he built a cabin, began work and soon had his land under cultivation. Although he was compelled to undergo the usual hardships incident to a life in a new country, he was not a man to be discouraged and he became well established in due course of time. He added to this until he owned one of the choice farms of the Township, which consisted of two hundred and twenty acres. He was a hard-working, honest, hardy frontiersman, whom everybody respected, for he was strictly honest and hospitable. He always supported the Republican Party, but never sought public office. His family consisted of ten children, named in order of birth as follows: Henry, James, Harvey, Mary M., William N., Ida N., George M., Charles L., Frank E. and Allen L.

Harry Matteson, father of these children, lived on the place he settled here continuously until his death, in 1902, at an advanced age. The son, Frank E., had little opportunity to obtain an education owing to the fact that he was compelled to work hard on the home place, assisting in the support of the large family of which he was a member, but he improved such chances as he had, and remained on his father's farm until his marriage, then he rented land for one year in order to get a start. The following year he bought a splendid place of one hundred and twenty acres, on which he has resided continuously to the present time, having worked hard and kept his farm well improved and well tilled and he has put on practically all the buildings himself and he has a very pleasant home.

Politically, Mr. Matteson is a Republican and he has held several of the Township offices, always satisfactorily.

On October 9, 1891, Mr. Matteson was united in marriage with Alta A. Aakins, a native of Rock Creek Township, this County, her people well known and highly respected. This union has resulted in the birth of two children, Velva H. and Mina M.

Personally, Mr. Matteson is a jovial, neighborly gentleman who enjoys a wide acquaintance and friendship. Page 1270