Biographies

~ Talbot, Warren N. ~

In examining the life records of self-made men, it will invariably be found that indefatigable industry has constituted the basis of their success. True there are other elements which enter in and conserve the advancement of personal interests, perseverance, discrimination and mastering of expedients, but the foundation of all achievement is earnest, persistent labor.

At the outset of his career Warren N. Talbot, well known stockman Lynnville, Jasper County, recognized this fact and he did not seek any royal road to the goal of prosperity and independence, but began to work earnestly and diligently in order to advance himself and the result is that he is now numbered among the progressive, successful and influential citizens of his community.

Mr. Talbot was born in Illinois, February 7, 1854, and he is the son of David Franklin Talbot and Caroline (Munger) Talbot, the father a native of the State of New York and the mother of Massachusetts. The elder Talbot was a carpenter and contractor, which trade he learned in his native state, and, coming to Illinois early in life, he followed the same. In 1859 he and his family came overland with a half dozen teams and wagons, several extra horses and many yoke of oxen and located in Jasper County, Iowa, when this section was new. The father bought three hundred and twenty acres in Elk Creek Township, in the vicinity of Dairy Grove, an old settlement. Here he prospered, becoming one of the county's largest landowners and leading farmers, becoming the owner of what was commonly called The Bottom Farm, which consisted of one thousand and fifteen acres, He kept his land under excellent improvements and tilled it on an extensive scale. He was also a great cattle feeder, in fact, was for years one of the leading stockmen of the county. He was a man of considerable influence in his community and for some time he discharged the duties of postmaster at Dairy Grove in the days when the mail was carried from Newton on horseback. He also served as revenue tax collector and justice of the peace. He was a stanch Republican and later a Greenbacker, and in the days when the slavery question was a paramount issue he kept one of the stations of the underground railway, aiding in many instances families of runaway slaves from their Southern masters, for he was bitterly opposed to slavery and, in this as in all questions of importance, he was ready to show his colors, being a man of strong convictions and broad minded. His family consisted of the following children: Edwin deceased; Hiram; George; Mrs. Alice Derringer, who died December 19, 1911, at Cherokee, Iowa; Eugene; Warren N., of this review, being the youngest of the family.

Warren N. Talbot grew to maturity under pioneer conditions and he obtained his common school education under difficulties, walking miles through the deep snow and in all kinds of weather, wearing heavy cowhide boots, and during the summer months he assisted with the general work on the farm, and after he left school he assisted his father with the farm until he was twenty-two years old when he started in life for himself by renting land, which he continued for four years and then bought one hundred and forty-seven acres in Lynn Grove Township, known as the Elisha Flaugh estate. Selling that later, he bought one hundred and forty acres just west of the village of Sully in 1892 and here he has carried on general farming and stock raising in a most successful manner. He keeps full-blooded Percheron and Clydesdale horses and roan shorthorn cattle, his fine stock, because of their superior grades, always finding a very ready market.

Politically, Mr. Talbot is a Republican and active in local affairs. He has been justice of the peace; which office he filled most creditably. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church.

In October 1881, Mr. Talbot was united in marriage with Ida Flaugh, who was born in Linn Grove Township, the daughter of Elisha Flaugh, one of the earliest settlers of this county, having come here in 1845 and he was well known among the pioneers.

The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Talbot: Albert, Perry L., Mrs. Minnie Tice, Nina and Alta. Page 1028.

~ Taylor, Merritt E. ~

Merritt E. Taylor, present assessor of Richland Township, now engaged in farming, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, Aug. 22, 1864. He is the son of Edward and Ellen (Atwood) Taylor, natives of Ireland and Connecticut, respectively. His father came to America in 1850, and for a time was a resident of Rhode Island. He later came to Ohio, where he was married. The family came west from the Buckeye State when our subject was 18 months old and located in what is now Palo Alto Township, Jasper County, later removed to Richland Township, where his father still owns a farm of 70 acres, but resides in Newton. Our subject started for himself when 21 years of age, and for the next two years worked out by the month as a farm hand. He then rented land for about six years, and in 1892 purchased his present farm. Laura J. Adams became his wife in 1887. She is the daughter of W. J. and Levina Adams. By this union five children have been born: Floyd A., Jessie A., Zenia G., Mabel E. and Blanche. Socially he is a member of Modern Woodmen of America. They are members of the M. E. Church. p. 48

~ Terpstra, Dow W. ~

That period of the nineteenth century embracing the decade between 1850 and 1860 was characterized by the immigration of the pioneer element, which made the great State of Iowa very largely what it is today. These immigrants were sturdy, heroic, sincere and, in the main, upright people, such as constitute the strength of the commonwealth. It scarcely appears probable that in the future another such period can occur, or, indeed, any period when such a solid phalanx of strong-minded, brawny-armed men and noble, self-sacrificing women will take possession of a new country. The period to which reference is made, therefore, cannot be too much or too well written up and the only way to do justice to such a subject is to record the lives of those who led the van of civilization and founded the institutions which today are the pride and boast of a great state and a strong and virile people. Among those who braved the obstacles of Jasper County in its early period of development were the late Dow W. Terpstra and family. The subject was known as a man of extraordinary characteristics, who, by reason of years of indefatigable labor and honest effort, not only acquired a well-merited material prosperity, but also richly earned the highest esteem of all with whom he was associated.

Mr. Terpstra was born in Friesland, Holland, June 11, 1842, and he was the son of Watson and Sietska (Zuidma) Terpstra, both born in the same locality as was the subject and there they grew up and were married. In the year 1850 they emigrated to the United States, locating in Lancaster, New York, where they maintained their home for a period of five years, engaged in farm work; then the family came to Iowa, selecting Marion County as their future place of abode, Watson Terpstra purchasing eighty acres there. His son, Dow W., of this review, being the eldest child, began working in the fields when very young, assisting his father clear up the timber and otherwise get the raw land in shape for crops, consequently he had little opportunity to obtain an education, indeed there were few schools and they were poorly managed and their sessions were brief; but this lack of textbook training was later made up through extensive miscellaneous home reading and actual contact with the business world.

Mr. Terpstra was married in Marion County, Iowa, and he moved to Jasper County in 1860 with his wife and here bought a fractional eighty acres near Killduff. Later he traded this for one hundred and twenty acres in Elk Creek Township. He was a man of excellent ideas and he managed well, and, naturally a hard-working, industrious man, he forged rapidly ahead and added his place here until he became the owner of four hundred and fifty acres of as valuable land as the Township afforded. This he kept well improved and well tilled, in fact, made it one of the model farms of his community, and here carried on general farming and stock raising on a large scale. He was one of the largest cattle feeders in the county and no small part of his handsome competency was realized from this source. He had a pleasant home and convenient outbuildings; everything about his place indicating thrift and that a gentleman of good taste had its management in hand. Having laid by a competency, Mr. Terpstra and wife retired from active life in 1905 and moved to an attractive residence in the town of Sully, Iowa, and that was their home until Mr. Terpstra's death, on July 11, 1906, after a successful and honorable career. He was a man of considerable influence in his community and was well liked by all who knew him, being a man of kindly impulse and exemplary character who inspired confidence and respect. Mrs. Terpstra subsequently returned to the country and is now living on a part of the old home place. She is a woman of praiseworthy attributes and she enjoys the friendship of a very wide circle of acquaintances.

Mr. Terpstra aided in the public affairs of his community in whatever manner possible. For some time he was president of the school board of his district and after moving to Sully he became a member of the town council. Politically, he was a Democrat, and was always true to the tenets of his party. He attended the Reform Dutch Church and was liberal in his support of the same.

Mr. Terpstra was united in marriage on February 14, 1867, to Rosa Napjus, who was born in Friesland, Holland, on September 23, 1848, and she was eight years of age when she immigrated with her parents to the United States, and she therefore grew up and received her education in this country. She is the daughter of John and Rosa (Plantenga) Napjus. This family came on to Iowa and settled near Red Rock in Marion County, in 1856, and there lived for one year when they moved to Pella where they established a home.

To Mr. and Mrs. Terpstra were born eight children, named as follows: Watson Valentine, Mrs. Sietsk George, of North Dakota; Harry B., a farmer of Elk Creek Township, this county; Albert L., Mrs. Rose Dick, Mrs. Yetta Romans and Martin.

Mr. Terpstra was a true pioneer, one of the best representatives of the Hollander people who cast their lots with us in the early days. He found here a wild, undeveloped country, but had the sagacity to see in it a great future; consequently he here persisted in his efforts, having faith that the future would bring rich rewards if today was properly lived. He played no inconspicuous part in the transformation of this nature-favored land and, as was natural and right, he received a fitting earthly reward and is now sleeping the sleep of the just, after life's fitful fever, leaving behind him not only the evidences of material achievement, but what is more to be prized by his family and host of friends, a worthy example and an irreproachable name. Page 992.

~ Terpstra, Harry D. ~

To a great extent the prosperity of the agricultural sections of our great country is due to the honest industry, the sturdy perseverance and the wise economy which so prominently characterizes the foreign element, both those who have come direct from the European nations and their American-born children. All will agree, after so much as a mere cursory glance over our forty-eight states, that they have entered very largely into our population. By comparison with their "old country" surroundings these people have readily recognized the fact that in the United States lie the greatest opportunities for the man of ambition and energy. And because of this many have broken the ties of home and native land and have entered earnestly upon the task of gaining in the new world a home and a competence. Among this class may be mentioned the Terpstra family, of whom Harry D., a farmer of Elk Creek Township, is a worthy representative; but he, being of the first generation in America, had the good fortune of being born here, thus avoiding many of the trials of his father, who had to master our language, get acquainted with our strange customs and be assimilated, as it were, into our civilization.

Harry D. Terpstra was born in Elk Creek Township, Jasper County, September 11, 1873, near Kellogg, and there he spent his boyhood and attended the McKinney district school. He is the son of Dow W. and Rosa (Napjus) Terpstra, both born in Friesland, Holland, and the father on June 11, 1842, and the mother on September 23, 1848. The latter came to America with her parents, John and Rosa (Plantenga) Napjus, and they established their home near Red Rock, Marion County, Iowa, in 1856 and there became well known. Dow W. Terpstra was the son of Watson and Sietska (Zuidma) Terpstra, both born in Holland. The paternal grandparents of the subject of this sketch emigrated to the United States in 1850, and located in Lancaster, New York, and there they remained five years engaged in farm work, then the family emigrated west, settling in Marion County, Iowa, when that country was receiving its horde of settlers from the Empire and other Eastern states. Watson Terpstra became the owner of eighty acres of land in Marion County, which he developed into a good farm. His eldest son, Dow W., began to work on the place when but a mere lad and there he grew up and married, later, in 1869, moving to Jasper County, this state, and here bought eighty acres near the hamlet of Killduff. Later he traded this for one hundred and twenty acres in Elk Creek Township. Here he prospered and finally became the owner of four hundred and fifty acres. He farmed on a large scale and was a cattle feeder and stock dealer. Accumulating a competency, he and his faithful life companion moved to the town of Sully in 1905 and retired from active life, living there until his death, on July 11, 1906, after a successful and well spent life, during which he gained the respect of all with whom he came in contact by reason of his model characteristics. Mrs. Terpstra now lives on part of the home place. The father of the subject of this sketch was prominent in the public affairs of his community. He was a Democrat and in religious matters supported the Reform Dutch Church.

Dow W. Terpstra and Rosa Napjus were married on February 14, 1867, and to this union eight children were born, named as follows: Watson Valentine, John N., Mrs. Sietsk George, of North Dakota; Harry D., this sketch; Albert L., Mrs. Rosa Dick, Mrs. Yetta Romans and Martin.

Dow W. Terpstra was a true pioneer, locating here in the days of wild prairie, which he saw transformed into a rich agricultural region, taking a conspicuous part in the same.

Harry D. Terpstra, of this sketch, early in life knew the meaning of hard work, starting to drive a team when only fourteen years of age. When twenty-one he began life for himself, and he remained under his parental roof-tree, working for his father until 1898, then moved to Sully and conducted a livery barn there for two years.

On November 22, 1900, he was married, and at that time he moved to Colfax where he opened a restaurant, which he ran for six months, then moved on one of the farms owned by his father-in-law in Palo Alto Township, which he rented for two years. In 1903 he moved on one of father's farms in Elk Creek Township, where he rented for five years. In 1908 he moved on part of the old farm which he had previously bought. This excellent farm, which consists of one hundred and sixty acres, has been kept under a high state of cultivation and improvement by him and here he has met with encouraging success as a general farmer and stock raiser. He feeds four or five carloads of cattle annually, no small part of his income being derived from this source.

Politically, Mr. Terpstra is a Republican, and while he takes an abiding interest in the affairs of his community, he is not a seeker after public favors, preferring to devote his attention to his farm and stock.

On November 22, 1900, Mr. Terpstra was united in marriage with Augusta L. Brodersen, who was born on February 26, 1874, in Palo Alto Township, Jasper County, Iowa, and here she grew to womanhood and was educated in the common schools. She is the daughter of Peter and Caroline (Wulf) Brodersen, the father born on February 20, 1842, in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, which province was formerly a part of Denmark. The mother was born on March 11, 1848, at Ratzewig, Germany. Mr. Brodersen spent his boyhood in his native land and in 1865 he emigrated to Davenport, Iowa, and three years later he came to Jasper County, locating in Palo Alto Township. Mrs. Brodersen came to Newton, Iowa, in 1868 and she and Mr. Broderson were married on December 17, 1869. They are now living in section 34 Palo Alto Township, where they have a pleasant home. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Harry D. Terpstra: Leslie Dow, born December 27, 1901; Leah Irene, born November 11, 1903.

Mr. Terpstra is one of the best informed men and one of the most progressive citizens of his locality, keeping well abreast of the times and keeping his home well supplied with good current literature. He believes in adopting the most modern methods of agriculture, farms on the intensive plan and therefore gets the largest returns for the least outlay of labor. He is an excellent example of the thrifty second generation of Hollanders in the United States, and he has the confidence and esteem of all who know him, being a man who believes in following as far as possible, in his daily life, the Golden Rule. Page 962.

~ Terpstra, Watson Valentine ~

One of the worthy citizens of Elk Creek Township, Jasper County, who has long followed agricultural pursuits is Watson Valentine Terpstra, who, by close application when a boy, established those habits of industry and frugality which insured his success in later years. Only a cursory glance at his well-tilled fields, well-cared-for buildings and fences and the comfortable buildings on his place is necessary to demonstrate his successful management and the characteristic thrift of his family, for since the pioneer days of this section of the Hawkeye state the Terpstras have been admired for their enterprise and honesty. In every relation of life they have been regarded as representative citizens, discharging every duty devolving upon them with commendable fidelity and proving themselves worthy in every way of the large measure of respect with which they have been treated by all who know them. Their lives have been as an open book, the pages of which are singularly free from blot or blemish, and citizens in whom all classes have been pleased to repose the most implicit confidence and trust, so that we are glad to give the readers of this work a review of their careers, although somewhat brief and imperfect.

Watson V. Terpstra was born in Marion County, Iowa, on February 14, 1868. He is the son of Dow W. and Rosa (Napjus) Terpstra, both natives of Friesland, Holland, the father born on June 11, 1842, and the mother on September 23, 1848, and from there they emigrated to America, the mother when she was eight years of age, with her parents, John and Rosa (Plantenga) Napjus; they settled near Red Rock, Marion County, Iowa, in 1856, where they lived one year and then moved to Pella. There the mother of the subject grew to womanhood and attended school, marrying Mr. Terpstra on February 14, 1867. Dow W. Terpstra was the son of Watson and Sietska (Zuidma) Terpstra, natives of Holland, who emigrated to America in 1850 and located in the state of New York, engaging in farm work there for a period of five years, then moved to Iowa, locating in Marion County, and there bought eighty acres of land and there the father of the subject grew to manhood and helped develop the farm from the raw prairie. After his marriage he moved to Jasper County in 1869 and bought about eight acres of land near Killduff, which he later traded for one hundred and twenty acres in Elk Creek Township. Here he worked hard and forged ahead and became one of the substantial and influential men in his community, finally becoming the owner of four hundred and fifty acres on which he carried on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale, being known as one of the largest cattle feeders in the county. Laying by a competency, he retired from active life in 1905 and he and his good wife retired to their pleasant home in Sully, Iowa, and there they continued to enjoy the fruits of their earlier years of industry until Mr. Terpstra's death, on July 11, 1906, Mrs. Terpstra subsequently returning to the farm and she is at present living on a portion of the old homestead.

Politically, Dow W. Terpstra was a Democrat and he took a great deal of interest in the affairs of his community, holding several local offices with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. He was a man of fine personal characteristics, a typical pioneer, having found in Iowa a wild, new country, and here he bore the hardships and worked hard to develop himself and eventually wrenched success from a resisting nature and, passing from the arena on to his reward, left behind a clear record.

To Mr. and Mrs. Dow W. Terpstra eight children were born, named as follows: Watson Valentine, the immediate subject of this sketch; Mrs. Sietsk George, of North Dakota; Harry D. is farming in Elk Creek Township, this county; Albert L., Mrs. Rose Dick, Mrs. Yetta Romans, Martin and John.

When Watson V. Terpstra was about a year old his parents moved to Jasper County and here he grew to manhood and received his education in the McKinney district school. When he was sixteen years of age he went to Pella, Iowa, and, having had a desire to enter the mercantile field, found employment there and learned the business, clerking in a general merchandise store for two years. But not taking to this line as kindly as he had anticipated he returned to his father's farm and there assisted with the general work or the same until he was twenty-one years old. Then for two years he clerked in the store of August Wendt at Newton, Iowa. Shortly after this he took charge of the clothing department in the large department store at Boyden, Iowa remaining there two years, giving his usual high-grade service and general satisfaction. Then, in 1899, after having spent several years in the mercantile business, he traded his property in Newton for a restaurant in Prairie City; in southwest Jasper County, and he lived there one year, then traded his restaurant for a farm in Decatur County, Iowa. In 1900 he began renting a farm of his father, a part of the old Jonathan Black place and also a part of the old Nels Alloway place, Mr. Alloway having been the picturesque character well known in this part of the state as the mail carrier between Marshalltown and Newton before the days of railroads. The subject still lives on this place, now owning eighty acres there on which he is making a very comfortable living, and he also rents other land. He built a new commodious and convenient dwelling in 1904 and he has improved the place generally. He keeps good livestock, making a specialty of Poland China hogs.

Politically, Mr. Terpstra is a Republican and an active worker for his party in a Democratic Township, and his influence always helps to lower the majorities of the opposing party. Fraternally, he belongs to the Woodmen of the World and he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. Terpstra was united in marriage in 1892 with Anna Luella Holmes who was born in Cass County, Nebraska, on March 5, 1870. She is the daughter of Frank T. and Hannah (Dove) Holmes, the father born in Cape May County, New Jersey, on July 7, 1837, and he was the son of Theophelus and Mary Holmes, both natives of New Jersey, in which state this family has long been more or less prominent.

Theophelus Holmes was a wheelwright by trade and during the latter part of his life he was quartermaster and ship carpenter in the navy and was regarded as a very skilled mechanic by the department. Frank T. Holmes, father of Mrs. Terpstra, grew up in his native state and was educated there, and in 1855 he came west to Sangamon County Illinois, where he remained until 1858, when he went overland to Colorado and worked in the Pike's Peak gold mines. The Civil War coming on while he was in the West, he enlisted, in 1861, in Company F, First Colorado Cavalry, and he served very faithfully until October 1864. In 1866 he came to Marion County, Iowa, and farmed on different rented lands until 1876, when he moved to Galesburg, Elk Creek Township, Jasper County, and there worked at the carpenter's trade. He is now living in the town of Galesburg retired, an aged, well-known and highly respected pioneer.

The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Watson V. Terpstra: Ina, born September 14, 1893; Blanche, born May 15, 1895; Forest, born November 14, 1900: Harold, born January 7, 1903.

Mr. Terpstra is a well-informed man, having been a student all his life and his home is well supplied with good literature. He is a very versatile man, speaking four languages fluently, English, Dutch, German and Friesland. This accomplishment has been a big asset to him in a business way. Personally, he is a pleasant gentleman to meet, straightforward and genial enjoying a reputation for fairness in all the relations of life. Page 707.

~ Tharp, John W. ~

The world is always ready to give credit to whom credit is due, or at least such an aphorism is qualifiedly true, and the man that accomplishes definite goals and does large things is always given credit by his fellow men; especially is this true if one attains a high rung on the ladder of success despite unfortunate environment or overcomes insurmountable obstacles, refusing to be downed or thwarted by adversity. Such a man is John W. Tharp, one of the sterling citizens of Jasper County, who was born January 12, 1857, in Adair County, Missouri. Both his parents died when he was a baby, and he was reared by John Stover, with whom he remained until he was twelve years of age, when he set out alone to make his way in the world. He has no recollections whatever of his parents; thus, without their solicitous care and guidance, he was compelled to forge ahead as best he could. Until he was twenty years of age he built grades for the Iowa Central Railroad, with the exception of one winter, which he spent in school. When eighteen years of age he was studying the second reader, but, being determined to get an education, he put forth every effort in this line and by close application, which has been continued to the present time, he has been enabled to gather a vast fund of general information by miscellaneous home reading and study; in fact, it was but a few years until he was qualified to teach. Leaving the Iowa Central Railroad, he worked with a bridge gang on the Wabash road and also part of the time in the railroad yards in St. Louis.

On December 24, 1882, he was united in marriage with Melvina Earp, daughter of L. D. and Serena (Iler) Earp, the father a native of North Carolina and the mother of Kentucky; they spent their lives on a farm and came to Jasper County, Iowa, in 1847, settling among the early pioneers near where the town of Galesburg now stands, entering three hundred and twenty acres of land from the government. Prior to his death the father sold all his land and moved to Galesburg, where he lived retired until his death, in December 1893, at the age of eighty-three years; his widow survived until September 1906, reaching the age of eighty-two years. They became well known and prominent in Galesburg and vicinity where they so long resided. Mr. Earp was fearless and outspoken for the truth and right and he was an ardent church worker, it being largely through his efforts that the Methodist Episcopal Church at Galesburg was built. He was twice married, Mrs. Tharp being a child by the second marriage; her brothers and sisters are, Eveline, wife of George Talbot, of Sac City, Iowa; Thomas lives at Newton; John lives in Utah; Milton lives in Dorchester, Nebraska; Phoebe is the wife of Marion Butin, living near Reasnor; those deceased are, Rozelia, who married Philo Linfoot; Sarah Lincoln, who died at sixteen years of age; an infant that died at six months and one in younger infancy.

To Mr. Earp's first marriage were born nine children, of whom five are still living, namely: Peter lives in California; Walter lives near Reasnor, this county; Adeline is the widow of John Her and lives in Grant City, Iowa; Jonathan lives in Montana; Nancy dark is the widow of Oren Clark and lives in South Dakota: those deceased are, Philip, James, William (died in the army) and Mariah, wife of William Apliss.

Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Tharp: Herbert Milton, born November 17, 1883, lives at Newton, Iowa, is married and has one child, a daughter; Homer Weston, born July 25, 1885, lives near Reasnor on the farm owned by his father, is married and has one child, a son.

After his marriage John W. Tharp worked in a coal bank, on a farm, as cream buyer for the Newton Creamery Company and, in fact, did whatever he could to earn an honest living. At one time he and his wife moved in with her father and cared for him for two years. At another period of his life he lived in Newton and owned and operated a transfer line. During three winters he was compelled to go to Cherokee, Iowa, for medical treatment, but at all times he has worked most persistently and faithfully, and his industry has been very satisfactorily rewarded for he is the owner of a very valuable farm of one hundred and sixty-four acres, besides town property of considerable value. He is deserving of a great deal of credit for his large success in material affairs, owing to the fact that he has been compelled to go it alone, and having always led an honest and clean life he has won the respect of all who know him.

During the past eight years Mr. Tharp has very ably and conscientiously served his county in political and public capacities, always to the entire satisfaction of the people, most of the time as superintendent of roads, being considered one of the best road builders in the county, this being his present occupation.

Everybody knows and respects John Tharp and at one time he was candidate for sheriff on the Republican ticket, and notwithstanding his popularity he was defeated, but solely owing to a split in his party. He is a member of Newton Lodge No. 59. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Mrs. Tharp is an active member of the Methodist church at Reasnor and is a most excellent and kindly woman, well liked in all circles. Page 880.

~ Thomas, Henry A. ~

Among the many German citizens who have come to Jasper County to make their homes and their fortunes, and there have been quite a goodly number, we find none who seems to have led a more consistent life or been truer to the trusts reposed in him than H. A. Thomas, well known hotel proprietor of Colfax, for his motto has been to live and let live, and he has, while advancing his own interests, not been neglectful of the interests of those about him. For these happy qualities he has won the esteem of all who know him and today highly regarded by a wide circle of acquaintances among the traveling public and local citizens.

Mr. Thomas was born in Silesia, Germany, on July 20, 1857. He is the son of Henry and Augusta (Skobel) Thomas, both natives of Germany, where they grew up, were educated and married and there they spent their lives on a farm, both being now deceased. Their family consisted of thirteen children, only two of whom ever came to America, the one besides the subject being Robert Thomas, who lived in Davenport, Iowa, for ten years, but who now makes his home with the subject in Colfax.

H. A. Thomas was reared and educated in the fatherland, taking a course in the gymnasium, consequently he has always been robust and enjoyed excellent health. In his youth he took up farming there for himself, which continued until 1882, when he came to America, believing that here were to be found greater opportunities. After remaining in New York City five days, he came on to the Middle West and located in Jasper County, Iowa, and he engaged in farm work for some time, then turned his attention to the hotel business which he has followed for a period of twenty-eight years, having taken a position as night clerk at the Mason House in Colfax in 1883. He remained in that capacity, at intervals, for about four years, then in July 1890, he became day clerk. Upon the death of the proprietor, Mr. Croft, in 1900 he assisted Mrs. Croft in management of the hotel until her death, in February 1907, when he became proprietor, Mrs. Croft having willed the hotel to Mr. Thomas in appreciation of his faithful services. He is managing the Mason House in a most satisfactory manner and is extending its prestige among the traveling public, which has long since shown its appreciation of the good management and courteous and considerate treatment always to be found here.

Politically, Mr. Thomas is a Republican, and in his fraternal relations he belongs to the Masonic blue lodge, the chapter and the Commandery, also the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he stands high in lodge circles.

Mr. Thomas was married in May 1891, to Mary E. Wharton, a native of Iowa, and to this union four children were born, three of whom died in infancy; Henry Thomas, Jr. is living at home. Page 669.

~ Thompson, Clarence Emmett ~

One of the citizens of Baxter, Jasper County, who is deserving of representation in this history, is Clarence Emmet Thompson, a man who always possessed energy, resolution, determination and in early life acted according to the motto, "I will find a way or make one." His good common sense, caution, foresight and accurate powers of observation, together with the traits named above, enabled him to overcome the common obstacles met in the path of life by everyone and become very comfortably established, at the same time winning the good will of those with whom he came into contact by reason of his integrity.

Mr. Clarence Emmet Thompson was born in Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, Iowa, January 20, 1873. He is the son of David H. and Sarah (Pentico) Thompson, the father born in Huntington County, Indiana, April 5, 1846, and the mother in Pennsylvania, December 5, 1848. The father came with his parents to Jasper County in 1854, grew up with the same, saw its development and was a continuous resident here for a period of forty years. The mother of the subject came with her parents to Iowa in 1853, settling in Davenport, Scott County; later the family moved to Jasper County, locating at Newton, and the parents of the subject were married in Clear Creek Township, this county. In 1865, here established a good home and farm, and they are now spending their declining years in a well furnished home in Rhodes. The father formerly owned a part of the famous Oswalt Mill in Clear Creek Township.

There were ten children born in the Thompson family, nine of whom are living at this writing, named as follows: Mrs. Emma Lowry, born December 7, 1866, resides at Morrill, Nebraska; Mrs. Phoebe Ellen Mowry, born November 22, 1868, resides in Nevada, Missouri; Harvey J., born in Madison County, Iowa, October 28, 1870, lives near Eldora, Iowa; Clarence E., of this sketch; Mrs. Jennie Mowry, born April 11, 1875, died March 22, 1893; Walter G., born July 24, 1877, is living at Rhodes; Millard A., born October 10, 1879, lives at Margo, Canada; Mrs. Mary Girton, born June 26, 1881, resides near Academy, South Dakota; Amos R., born August 3, 1883, lives in Rhodes; Guy M., born February 2, 1889, lives in Butler, Missouri. With the exception of Harvey J., these children were born and reared in Clear Creek Township.

Clarence E. Thompson lived in Clear Creek Township, this county, until he was nineteen years old, received his education in the common schools and helped his father about his work. At the age just mentioned he moved north of Collins and spent two years farming, then returned to Clear Creek Township and spent two years, thence to Independence Township, where he followed farming for six years. He then moved to the town of Baxter, where he engaged in the farm implement business. He is at present teaming here. He owns a neat and well-furnished home in Baxter.

Mr. Thompson was married on February 10, 1897, to Anna Phipps, who was born in Kentucky, February 11, 1873. Her parents, James and Mary (Upchurch) Phipps, were born in Kentucky, he on June 14, 1837, and there they grew to maturity, obtained such education as the early schools afforded and there they were married and began life on the farm, remaining there until about 1880, when they brought their family to Jasper County, Iowa, and here the mother's death occurred at the age of forty-two years; the father survives and is making his home in Marceline, Linn County, Missouri.

Seven daughters and two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Phipps, namely: Theodosia died in infancy; Felix lives in Kellogg, Jasper County; Lizzie Amy lives in Colorado; Fannie married George C. Butler, of Baxter, Iowa; Emma Perrin lives in Independence Township; Anna, wife of Mr. Thompson, of this review; John is deceased; Mary Jane, born August 23, 1877, died June 18, 1889; Ellen Wolfe is living in Colorado.

To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson three children have been born, namely: Maude, born in Polk County, Iowa, September 12, 1898; Harold, born in Independence Township, February 18, 1902; Lola, born in Independence Township, June 2, 1904. These children are attending the public schools in Baxter.

Politically, Mr. Thompson is an independent voter. He is a member of Baxter Lodge No. 168, Knights of Pythias, and of Baxter Camp, Modern Woodmen of America. Mrs. Thompson is a member of the Royal Neighbors at Baxter. They are both worthy representatives of fine pioneer families of this county, and they number their friends by the scores throughout the county. Page 1188.

~ Thompson, John W. ~

Among the successful agriculturists and stock men of Jasper county whose efforts and influence have contributed to the material up-building and general business activity of their respective communities, J. W. Thompson, of the vicinity of Collins, Clear Creek Township, occupies a conspicuous place. Early in his career he realized the fact that practical industry, wisely and vigorously applied, never fails of success; that it carries a man onward and upward brings out his individual character and acts as a powerful stimulus to the efforts of others; that the greatest results in life are often attained by simple means and the exercise of the ordinary qualities of common sense and perseverance; that the everyday life, with its cares, necessities and duties, affords ample opportunities for acquiring experience of the best kind and its most beaten paths provide a true worker with abundant scope for effort and improvement, consequently Mr. Thompson has ever been alert to seize the small opportunities that he has encountered on the rugged hill that leads to life's better things.

Mr. Thompson was born in Collins Township, Story County, Iowa, November 25, 1866, but nearly all his life has been spent on the fine farm which he now occupies in Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, whither his parents, Samuel and Catherine H. (Deeter) Thompson, brought him when he was a child, this family being one of the earliest to settle in this township, in 1855. Owing to the prominence of these parents here and in Marshall County, where the elder Thompson now resides, the biographer deems it best to devote some space here to them, before continuing with the immediate subject.

Samuel Thompson, farmer of State Center Township, Marshall County, was born in Venango County, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1830. When ten years old he moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and remained there until 1851, in which year he removed to Jasper County, Iowa, and has made this section of the Hawkeye State his home ever since, living to see the wonderful development of the same from the wild prairie to one of the richest agricultural sections in the Union, and he has taken no small part in this development. William Thompson, his father, was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and he came to Iowa in an early day and died here. He was a member of the famous band of "forty-niners" who crossed the great Western plains in search of gold in California. The mother of Samuel Thompson was known in her maidenhood as Margaret Morehead, who was born in Pennsylvania and who died in Iowa. To William Thompson and wife there were born nine children, namely: Mrs. Nancy Jones, deceased; James died in Des Moines; Samuel, father of J. W., the subject of this review; Mrs. Sarah Parker died in 1910; Joseph lives in Nebraska; Mrs. Margaret Taggart died in Ohio; John lives at Collins, Iowa; William lives in California; Mary Ann married Commodore P. Kintz, he being now deceased, and she is living on a farm in Clear Creek Township, Jasper County

Samuel Thompson was married in 1852 to Harriet Deeter, who died in 1853, and he was subsequently married to a sister of his first wife, Catherine H. Deeter, who was born in 1833 and whose death occurred at Rhodes, Iowa. By the first union one child, Mrs. Margaret Ellen Dodd, was born November 19, 1852, and she is residing in Jasper County. To the second union eleven children were born, named as follows: Mrs. Mary Aluia Norris, living at Valley Junction, Iowa; Mrs. Anna Capron, who was born March 1, 1861, died July 14, 1900; Samuel lives in Mapleton, Kansas; Mrs. Lillie Walker is deceased; Mrs. Jennie Signs is a resident of Olathe, Kansas; Mr. Rose Hand lives near Colo, Iowa; Mrs. Sadie Corbett lives in State Center, Iowa; John W., subject of this review; a son died in infancy.

Samuel Thompson is the owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and eleven acres in Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, but being retired from active life he is making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Corbett, of State Center, Iowa. He is a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in Company F, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, at Newton, and he served for two years and eight months in the Army of the Potomac under Gen. A. J. Garrett, of Newton, seeing much service, including the Battle of Wilson's Creek, and he was wounded at Brownsville, Tennessee.

Politically, he is a Democrat and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Church at Rhodes. He belongs to the Van Pelt Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at State Center; also belongs to Eden Lodge No. 466, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Rhodes. He talks interestingly of the pioneer days and of his experiences in coming overland from Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio, before the days of railroads in Iowa, and also of his trip in wagons to Pike's Peak, Colorado, in 1860.

John W. Thompson, the immediate subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in Clear Creek township and was educated in the public schools there, and with the exception of three years spent in Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska, having homesteaded in the last named state, and three years spent in the hardware business in Rhodes, Iowa, he has been identified with the agricultural interests of this community all his mature years, having been very successful in this line of endeavor. He farms two hundred and eleven acres of the old homestead in Clear Creek Township in a manner that stamps him as a progressive twentieth-century farmer, having kept the old place well improved and well tilled, carrying on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. He is also the owner of one hundred and sixty acres in Texas. He has a modern and well-furnished home. He has always taken a deep interest in local affairs.

Politically, he is a Democrat. He has been a member of the town council of Rhodes. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of J America, Camp No. 2358, of Collins.

On November 28, 1894, Mr. Thompson was married to Linnie Snook, who was born in Collins Township, Story County, Iowa, March 7, 1873, the daughter of William and Sarah (Fisher) Snook, The father who was a native of Maryland, died in Illinois, May 31, 1899, at the age of seventy-four years; the mother was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 25, 1838, and her death occurred on November 15, 1902.

Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Snook, and were reared in Story County, all still living, namely: Mrs. Lottie Trauger is living at Whiting, Iowa; James lives in Kansas; Mrs. Mary Hampton lives in Nebraska; Ed. lives in Washington; William lives in Illinois; George is a resident of Ames Iowa; Linnie, wife of Mr. Thompson, of this review, is the youngest.

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, namely: Vilda, born August 13, 1895, is attending high school at Collins; Loveda, born July 27, 1899; John, born in Rhodes, August 10, 1905; Jessie, born December 6, 1907; all but John were born in Clear Creek Township. Page 1321.

~ Thorp, W. T. ~

Among the men of Jasper County who have appreciated present-day opportunities and have profited by their ingenuity and perseverance in the business world as a result of the favorable conditions existing in this locality is W. T. Thorp, well-known and extensive grain dealer of Baxter, Independence Township. Although the major part of his busy and useful life has been spent in localities other than this, since coming here he has made a host of friends by his industry, his honest dealings and his manifest desire to assist in all worthy public movements.

Mr. Thorp was born in Plano, Illinois, August 22, 1858, and when ten years old he removed with his parents to near Jefferson, Greene County, Iowa, and there, in Franklin Township, he grew to maturity, assisting on the home farm during the summer months and attending the rural schools in the wintertime. He is the son of O. L. and Jane (Welch) Thorp, the father born in Oswego, New York, on April 14, 1827, and the mother was born near Little Rock, Illinois, October 23, 1836. They are now living at Cooper, Iowa; they are now advanced in years and are spending a serene old age after an industrious, honorable and successful career, and they enjoy a large friendship there. They are the parents of the following children: George, born February 27, 1836, died at Mt. Pleasant, in 1901; W. T., of this review; C. L., born in 1860, lives at Long Beach, California; Etta Winkelman, born December 25, 1868, lives in Jefferson, Iowa.

Mr. Thorp, of this review, was married on December 14, 1880, to Nettie Colbert, who was born in Montpelier, Ohio, March 10, 1862. When sixteen years old she came with her parents to Iowa and settled in Greene County. She is the daughter of Jesse and Mary (McDonald) Colbert, both natives of Ohio; the father, a veteran of the Civil War, died in Audubon County, Iowa, in February 1910, at the age of seventy-four years; the mother, who still resides in Audubon County, is now seventy-two years old. Mrs. Thorp's grandmother reached the remarkable age of one hundred and four years. There were ten children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Colbert, all born in Ohio except the youngest, Mrs. Thorp of this review being the eldest; the others are, Cash E., of Greene County, this state; Celesta Thorp lives near Cooper, Iowa; Oral lives near Coon Rapids, Iowa; Anna Caswell also lives near the last named place; Robert lives on the home farm; Clarence lives west of Scranton, Iowa; the youngest were triplets, all living, Wilkie, of Hastings, Nebraska; Wilson lives near Coon Rapids, Iowa; LeRoy lives on the home farm with his mother. All these children were reared in Audubon County, but it is the birthplace of the triplets only

To Mr. and Mrs. Thorp four daughters have been born, also one son, namely: Lulu Buchanan, born in Greene County, December 10, 1881, is a graduate of the high school at Baxter and is now living in Valley City, North Dakota; Lena Rose, born June 6, 1885, lives in Baxter; Jay E., born February 2, 1886, is assisting his father in the coal and grain business in Baxter; Margaret, born in Baxter, October 20, 1895, attended high school in her native town; Irene was born in Baxter in 1901 and is now attending school.

Mr. Thorp and family moved to Bondurant, Iowa, in 1892 and there successfully conducted a grain business until 1894, in which year he moved to Baxter and has been engaged in the same business continuously to the present time, becoming widely known in this part of the county and enjoying a large and constantly growing business, earning for him a very comfortable income. Aside from the vast amount of grain fed by the farmers in the vicinity of Baxter annually, Mr. Thorp shipped, during the year preceding this writing, forty-three carloads of corn and fifty-two carloads of oats, besides disposing of fifty-two carloads of coal.

Politically, Mr. Thorp is a Democrat. He is a charter member of Active Lodge No. 516. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Baxter, having occupied all the chairs of the same, and he has been its treasurer for the past few years; he is a member of Encampment No. 224, at Baxter; he also belongs to Baxter Lodge No. 168, Knights of Pythias, and has occupied all the chairs in the same and is at present keeper of records and seal of the same; he is a member of Baxter Camp No. 5642, Modern Woodmen of America, at Baxter, having occupied all the chairs, and for the past eight years has been its efficient clerk.

Mr. and Mrs. Thorp have a pleasant and attractive home in Baxter, selling their original dwelling in 1911 and purchasing another soon afterwards. They have given their children the best educational advantages and keep their home well supplied with choice current literature, being broad-minded, liberal and hospitable, and are in every way deserving of the esteem in which they are so widely held. Page 1081.

~ Tice, Madison ~

Mr. Tice was born September 28, 1827, near Wheeling, West Virginia, and he was the son of Jacob and Jane Tice, who lived on a farm there, and who later in life, moved to Illinois, locating in Menard County on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which they purchased in 1847, in which year their son. Madison, of this review, came to Jasper County, Iowa, and located on one hundred and sixty acres, near Monroe, being among the pioneers. Here he set to work with a will and, although beset with many obstacles, he developed a good farm and home, which he sold in 1850 and moved to Mahaska County, this state, where he purchased three hundred and twenty acres which is now owned by his widow. It is very well located, being four miles from Pella. There Mr. Tice lived until his death, April 30, 1896. He developed an excellent farm by hard work and good management and accumulated a competency.

On September 5, 1854, Mr. Tice was united in marriage with Nancy Mays, who was born March 8, 1836, in Highland County, Ohio, near Chillicothe. She was the daughter of Charles and Mary Mays, who came to Iowa in an early day and were living on a farm near Oskaloosa when their daughter Nancy was married.

To Mr. Tice and wife eleven children were born, namely: One died in infancy; the ten living are, Theopolus D. married Harriet A. Godby, and they have five children, Lester C., William M., Delia J. May B. and Veda G.; Manella Tice married J. E. Hull and they have five children, Madison, O. K., Homer H., Pearl and Frank; Mary Tice married J. W. Straughan, but this union has been without issue; Louisa Tice married Luther Lawrence, and they have three children, Lucy I., Nancy M. and Harvey T. Minnie Tice married E. N. Grimes, and they have two children, Gladys C. and Ruth W.; C. G. Tice married Lovina Jarard, which union has been without issue; Cora Tice married F. P. McAdoo and they have four children, Avis C., Irene E., Frances C. and Beulah K.; Hattie M. Tice married O. L. McAuley, which union has been without issue; Daniel T. Tice married Gertrude Williamson and they have one child, Ruth J.; Lottie Tice has remained single and is living with her mother and assisting in keeping their beautiful and well-furnished home at No. 319 North Mechanic Street.

Madison Tice held to the creed of the Christian Church, which he attended, although he was not a member. He was active as a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Peoria, Iowa, and in political affairs he was always a stanch Democrat. After his death, Mrs. Tice remained on the farm near Pella, Mahaska County, for seven years, then came to Newton on March 10, 1902, and purchased the home where she now resides, mentioned above. Mr. Tice was a successful and enterprising farmer and he was a man who was popular among his neighbors, being charitable, hospitable and always honest. Page 488.

~ Tice, William Madison ~

This is an age in which the farmer stands preeminently above any other class as a producer of wealth, and there is a rapidly growing sentiment among the dwellers of the great cities that the rural districts are the best, so they are going back to the soil in ever increasing numbers, for there they not only find a greater independence and really have more of the good things of life, not the least of which is better health of both body and mind. The farmer does not have to put forth such strenuous efforts to feed himself and his family. He simply takes advantage of the winds, the warm air, the bright sunshine, the life-giving rains, and, handling nature's gifts rightly, reaps the rewards that always come to patient, persistent toil. One of this number is William Madison Tice, a young farmer of Linn Grove Township, Jasper County.

Mr. Tice was born in Marion County, Iowa, on October 9, 1880, and he is the son of Theophilus Dunbar Tice and Harriet (Godby) Tice, the father born in Mahaska County, four miles east of Pella; the mother was also a native of Mahaska County, and there they grew to maturity, were educated and married, and they began life on the farm, prospered through hard work and good management, finally becoming the owners of five hundred and fifty acres, two hundred and forty of which were in Jasper County. The elder Tice became one of the leading agriculturists of his community and was a man of excellent characteristics. Politically, he was a Democrat. The paternal grandfather, Madison Tice, was a very early settler in Mahaska County, coming from Illinois to that locality in 1847 when the county was undeveloped and neighbors were few and far between. The father of the subject moved to Pella in 1907 and retired. His family consisted of the following children: Lester is living in Mahaska County; Ella Jane; Mrs. Bertha May Wallace is living in Minnesota; Veda Grace, and William Madison, who was the second child in order of birth.

William M. Tice, of this review, attended school at the Sand Bridge schoolhouse in his native community in Marion County. After leaving school he assisted his father with the general work about the place until he was married, and in 1907 he began operating his father's farm of two hundred and forty acres in Jasper County and here he has continued to the present time, keeping the place well improved and well cultivated and becoming one of the leading young farmers of Linn Grove Township. He pays special attention to live stock and keeps seven head of full-blooded Percheron mares for breeding purposes.

On October 19, 1904. Mr. Tice was united in marriage with Minnie May Talbot, who was born in Jasper County, the daughter of Warren N. Talbot, a complete sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Tice have one child, Harold J, who was born July 10, 1907. Page 1278

~ Tiffany, Fremont Lincoln ~

Upon the roll of representative citizens and energetic agriculturists of Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, appears the name of Fremont Lincoln Tiffany, who has been a resident of this community since his advent into "the struggle which men call life," having never cared to risk the caprices of fate and fortune in other countries, well knowing that right here at home existed as good if not better opportunities than could be met with elsewhere. He has, practically unaided, worked his own way to a position of precedence in local affairs, while his conduct has ever been such as to inspire the confidence of those who have been thrown into contact with him.

Mr. Tiffany was born in the township where he still resides on August 18, 1860, and here he grew up on the home farm and was educated in the local schools. He is the son of Sylvester and Esther (Campbell) Tiffany, the father born in Erie County, New York, March 11, 1825, and he came to Dubuque, Iowa, in 1842, and for a number of years worked in the lead mines of that place. In 1849 he came to Jasper County, but continued this journey, went to California, a member of that famous band of gold hunters, being one of thousands. He returned to Jasper County, Iowa, in 1853, and here continued to make this his home until his death, which occurred in Clear Creek Township, August 30, 1910, having reached an advanced age. He had outlived his wife over twenty years. She was born on November 21, 1831, came to Jasper County in 1855, and her death occurred at Colfax, this county, on April 3, 1889. Their family consisted of four children, two sons and two daughters, namely: Mrs. Martha R. Tripp, born May 27, 1858, lives at Colfax; Fremont L., of this review; Franz Sigel, born July 4, 1864, lives in Clear Creek Township; Mrs. Mary Eliza Leonard lives in Boulder, Colorado. These children were all born at the homestead now occupied by the subject, who owns one hundred and twenty acres of the home farm and two hundred and thirteen acres near the hamlet of Clyde, known as the R. R. Hampton place. He has kept them both under a high state of improvement and cultivation and for a long time successfully carried on general farming and stock raising on a large scale. He has a pleasant home in the midst of attractive surroundings.

On February 18, 1880, Mr. Tiffany was united in marriage with Mary Ellen Stock, who was born in Clear Creek Township, this county, December 13, 1863, and here she was reared and educated, her mother and grandmother being among the earliest settlers of this vicinity, having come here in 1851. Her father, Joseph Stock, was born in Ohio, August 30, 1842, and his death occurred in Colfax, August 7, 1908. His wife was known in her maidenhood as Rachel DeWitt, and was born in Bradford County, Indiana, February 9, 1847, and she is still living at Colfax. There were three children in this family, of which Mrs. Tiffany is the eldest; Joseph Riley Stock died in this township, October 23, 1888; Mrs. Leecy Ann Smith lives at Carpenter, Wyoming.

Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Tiffany, named as follows: Clara V., born March 23, 1882, was graduated from the high school at Colfax in the class of 1900, and she was graduated from Drake University in 1904; she is still with her parents on the farm; Carl Tiffany was born May 9, 1884 and lives on his farm in Clear Creek Township; Emma Alta, born May 21, 1886, who attended the Colfax high school, was taking, a training course when she died at the Methodist Hospital at Des Moines, while acting as nurse; Ray was born July 31, 1888, and is living in Collins Township; Joseph Sylvester, born January 25, 1897, is at home, assisting his father with the farm work. Miss Clara Tiffany is in possession of the plat of Palmyra, an embryo city to be located on the E. H. Keyes farm, south of Clyde. This instrument is signed by Elias H. Keyes, William Southern and Emeritta Southern, and Joseph Dodd, Jr., justice of the peace. It was signed September 8, 1855. They also possess an "Arnold's Vocabulary," published in 1784.

Politically, Mr. Tiffany is a Republican, and he has been a member of the school board in his district. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Mingo. p. 1261

~ Tiffany, Carl ~

This sterling young man is the owner of one of the choice farms in the locality of which this history treats and he is favorably looked upon as an upright and honest man, as well as an industrious agriculturist whose success is well deserved. Carl Tiffany was born in Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, on May 9, 1884. He grew to manhood here and has always been identified with the farming interests of the community and he received his education in the local schools. He represents one of the oldest families of the northwestern part of Jasper County, members of which have been active in the general development of the same for some three generations, the Tiffanys having ever stood for progressive citizenship wherever they have located.

The subject is the son of Fremont L. and Mary Ella (Stock) Tiffany, both natives of Clear Creek Township, this county, each representatives of early families. The paternal grandfather, Sylvester Tiffany, emigrated to Jasper County in 1849 and that year joined the famous band of gold seekers in California, returning here in 1855, where he remained until his death, in 1910, at an advanced age, having outlived his wife, Esther Campbell, twenty years and more, her death having occurred at Colfax in 1889. The father of the subject grew up on the farm here and worked hard when a boy in the new country. He married Mary E. Stock upon reaching manhood and to them five children were born, namely: Clara V., who was born in 1882, received an excellent education at the Colfax high school and Drake University and is living at home with her parents on the farm; Emma Alta, horn in 1886, became a professional nurse and died in the Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, in which she was employed; Ray is living in Collins Township, Story County; Joseph Sylvester, born in 1897, is at home; Carl, of this review.

Fremont L. Tiffany owns the old homestead in Clear Creek Township, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres; the place originally consisted of three hundred and sixty acres. He has been successful as a general farmer, and is one of the influential men of his community. For a full history of the Tiffany family the reader is referred to the sketch of the subject's father appearing elsewhere in this work.

Carl Tiffany was married March 9, 1904, to Susan Mae Patterson, who was born in Jasper County, Iowa, on December 21, 1879. Her parents, Gillian F. and Sarah Ann (Logsdon) Patterson, were early settlers of Jasper County; they were both natives of Kentucky, in which state they spent their early lives. The father enlisted for service in the Union Army from Illinois. These parents now reside in Sherman Township, Jasper County.

The Patterson family consisted of twelve children, eleven of whom are living, namely: Edward lives near Baxter; Mrs. Arminda Spencer lives at Weeping Water, Nebraska; William also lives in Nebraska; Leander lives in Delta, Iowa; John lives near Newton, this state; James lives in Newton; Thomas lives in South Dakota; David lives in Weeping Water, Nebraska; Susan Mae, wife of Mr. Tiffany, of this sketch; George lives at home with his parents in Sherman Township; Mrs. Julia Hurst is deceased; Alexander lives at Clyde, Iowa.

To Mr. and Mrs. Carl Tiffany have been born one son and one daughter, Harold Carl, born April 17, 1907, and Sarah Mae, born February 23, 1910. They were both born in Clear Creek Township, Jasper County.

Politically, Mr. Tiffany is a Republican. He is secretary of the board of education in his home district. He is the owner of an excellent farm in Clear Creek Township, which he has placed under good improvements and by thrift and good management has secured a competency. He has many of the modern conveniences and luxuries, including an automobile.Page 1314.

~ Tiffany, Ray ~

One of the industrious and promising young men of the locality of which this history deals is Ray Tiffany, who has fully appreciated present day conditions and has profited by his ingenuity and persistency in the business to which he has given his close attention, as a result of the favorable agricultural and stock raising conditions existing in this favored section of the great Hawkeye commonwealth. He is a successful breeder of shire draft horses and Duroc Jersey hogs. Ray and Clara Tiffany are the owners of a fine five-passenger touring car, which they and their daughter, Myrtle May, greatly enjoy.

Mr. Tiffany was born in Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, on July 31, 1888. There he grew to manhood, received his education in the common schools and has always identified himself with the agricultural interests of his home community. He is the son of Fremont L. and Mary Ella (Stock) Tiffany, both natives of this township and each representing old and highly honored families of the county, the Tiffanys and Stocks having come here when this was a wild, uncultivated prairie, overrun by coyotes, Wolves and other kindreds of the wild. The subject's paternal grandparents were Sylvester and Esther (Campbell) Tiffany, who emigrated here from the East in 1849, he going on to the Pacific coast gold fields soon afterwards, but returned in about five years and spent the balance of his life here, dying at a very advanced age. His wife also died in this community.

Fremont L. Tiffany spent his youth on the home farm and still lives on a portion of the same, which he has kept well cultivated and is one of the best-known farmers of Clear Creek Township.

There were five children in the Tiffany family, named as follows: Clara V., born March 23, 1882, was graduated from the high school at Colfax, later from Drake University at Des Moines, and she is now at home with her parents; Carl, born May 9, 1884, is living on a farm near the village of Clyde, this county; Emma Alta, born May 21, 1886, died in the Methodist Hospital at Des Moines, where she was employed as professional nurse; Ray, the subject of this review; Joseph Sylvester, born January 25, 1897, is living at home.

Ray Tiffany was married on February 22, 1907, to Clara A. Skinner, who was born in Clear Creek Township, this county, June 26, 1889, and there she grew to womanhood and was educated in the local schools. She is the daughter of Hon. Herbert K. and Mary A. (Edwards) Skinner, the father born in Lawrence County, New York, April 2, 1849, and the latter born in Jasper County, Iowa, on March 29,1855. To this union eight children were born, five of whom are living, namely: Elsie M. died in early life, as did also George M.; Charles H., born May 2, 1883, lives in Clear Creek Township; Mrs. Bertha H. Borts, born May 20, 1885, lives on the old Skinner homestead in Clear Creek Township; Clara A., wife of Mr. Tiffany, of this sketch; Arthur L., born December 6, 1892, lives with his parents; Lena, born June 4, 1896, at home; Howard Otis, born March 12, 1899, died March 24th of the same year.

Herbert K. Skinner has been successful as a businessman and is the owner of over five hundred acres of valuable land, mostly in Jasper County and some in Texas. He has long taken an abiding interest in political affairs and is a leader in his party, having held a number of local offices and he is now ably representing his county in the state legislature.

To Ray Tiffany and wife one daughter has been born, Myrtle May, whose birth occurred on June 2, 1908.

Mr. Tiffany is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and fifty-three acres, which he has kept well improved and under a high state of cultivation. His land lies in Collins Township, three miles east of Collins, Story County. They have a competency and, being people of correct ideals, they have not reached that period, as have many, when money getting interferes with their mental edification and the progress of their better natures. Politically, Mr. Tiffany is a Republican. Page 1309.

~ Tipton, David G. ~

Standing for upright manhood and progressive citizenship, David G. Tipton, long one of Jasper County's active agriculturists who is now leading a retired life in his cozy home in Baxter, has been an influential factor not only in the material welfare of his township, but also the moral welfare of the same. He is one of the loyal boys in blue, having fought for his country's honor in its hours of direst need in the great rebellion of the sixties. He comes of an old and highly esteemed Ohio family, the genealogy of which is traceable to an early period in the history of that commonwealth, his paternal grandfather being one of the very earliest settlers of Harrison County, Ohio, when that was a mere wilderness, the haunt of wild beasts and scarcely less wild men, and his oldest son was captured by the Indians, but effected his escape after three days of continuous travel, enduring many hardships, and finally found his way back to his people.

David G. Tipton was born in Harrison County, Ohio, August 4, 1836, the son of William Tipton, who was born, reared and died in that county, this being also the history of the subject's mother, who was known in her maidenhood as Catherine Gregory. Their family consisted of ten children, one of whom died in infancy, nine growing to manhood and womanhood, named as follows: Mrs. Mary Farmer died in Kansas; Samuel died in Pennsylvania; Mrs. Eliza George died in Ohio; David G., of this review; John is living in Quaker City, Ohio; Mrs. Ann Vickers died in Ohio; Aquilla died in Ohio after he left the army; William's residence is unknown.

David G. Tipton grew up on the old homestead in Harrison County, Ohio, and there received such education as the early schools afforded. During the last year of the Civil War he served very faithfully as a private in Company H, One Hundred and Eighty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and at the close of the war was honorably discharged. After the war he returned home to again take up the pursuit so abruptly broken by the conflict, and there he continued farming until the fall of 1867, when he came to Jasper County, Iowa, and here he has resided continuously to the present time. Here he became the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Independence Township. His wife also owns fifty-six acres of good land in this township, part of the old Scott homestead, all of their land being well improved and productive. A few years ago they transferred the cares of the farm to their son, John, and purchased a pleasant home in Baxter, where they are now spending their declining years, enjoying the fruits of a well-earned competency. There is a marked contrast in the aspects of this locality now and when they arrived here forty-four years ago in an old-fashioned covered wagon, the prairies then having been improved but very little.

Mr. Tipton's wife was known in her maidenhood as Levina Jane Scott, who was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, March 23, 1847, and there she grew to womanhood, received her education in the old-time schools and there she and Mr. Tipton were married on November 20, 1862. She was the daughter of John G. arid Isabel Jane (Smith) Scott, both natives of Ohio, the father having died in Jasper County August 7, 1905. Mrs. Scott died in Newton, Iowa, February 25, 1910. This family arrived here in the fall of 1867. The Scott family consisted of the following children: Robert Alexander, of Newton; Levina, wife of Mr. Tipton, of this review; Mrs. Frances Miskimins, born October 20, 1850, died in Independence Township, this County, on June 18, 1908.

To Mr. and Mrs. Tipton have been born four children, all but the eldest first seeing the light of day in Independence Township, this County. They are: Mrs. Isabella Poage, born in Ohio, April 26, 1864, is living in Kingsbury County, South Dakota; Alonzo, born January 14, 1869, is residing in Baxter, Iowa; Mrs. Catherine Poage, born February 14, 1872, is residing in Malaka Township, this County; John, born November 10, 1874, is successfully operating his father's farm in Independence Township.

Politically, Mr. Tipton is a Republican, and he has been school director in his district. He has been a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and he and his wife belong to the Congregational Church, at Baxter. Page 1117.

~ Tool, John H. ~

The subject of this sketch is a worthy representative of one of the oldest and best known families in Jasper County and since his childhood, which was passed amid the stern experiences of the pioneer period, he has been actively identified with the growth and development of this locality. He has not only worthily upheld an honored family name, but has won a reputation for public spirit, honesty in politics and the home and his material success is well deserved. He is the grandson of Adam Tool, the first white settler in Jasper County.

John H. Tool, farmer of Elk Creek Township, was born in Fairview Township, this county, on May 23, 1854. He is the son of James A. and Sarah (Fouch) Tool, the father born on June 12, 1825, in Virginia, and the m other was a native of Indiana. In an early day the father came to Fairfield, Iowa, and from there to Jasper County. For a complete history of the Tool family the reader is directed to the sketch of Quinn H. Tool, brother of the subject, which appears in another part of this volume.

John H. Tool, of this sketch, grew to manhood on the home farm and when but a boy he assisted with the general work in the fields and about the place. In the winter months he attended school in the Oak Grove district and one winter in the Monroe High School. He remained under his parental rooftree until he was twenty-one years of age, when he bought sixty acres where he still resides. He has made a good living here, keeping his place well cultivated and well improved and he has a cozy home and excellent outbuildings. By good management and close application to his affairs he has prospered and added to his place from time to time until he now owns four hundred and twenty acres in Elk Creek and Fairview Townships.Good livestock are always to be found in his fields and everything about him indicates good management.

Mr. Tool was first a Greenbacker in his political belief, and he now votes the Democratic ticket. In religious matters he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he takes much interest. He believes in carrying his religion into his everyday life and is therefore known as a mild-mannered honorable, straightforward gentleman, eminently deserving of the confident and respect which all freely accord him.

Mr. Tool was married on November 6, 1875, to Rebecca Wood, who was born near Warsaw, Indiana, December 2, 1855, the daughter of Wesley Wood, who came to Jasper County, Iowa, in 1855 and who is now living at Monroe. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Tool, namely: George A. who married Marie Broderson; Bernice; Clarence C., who married Dora Trout, and Lillian. Page 714.

~ Tool, Quinn H. ~

Among the earnest men whose enterprise and depth of character have gained a prominent place in the community and the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens is Quinn H. Tool, of Fairview Township, Jasper County, where he has spent his life, being the representative of one of our most prominent pioneer families. A farmer and stock raiser and a man of decided views, his influence has ever been for the advancement of the community.

Mr. Tool was born here on July 6, 1852, the son of James A. and Sarah (Fouch) Tool, the father born in Virginia, June 12, 1825, and the mother in Indiana, December 14, 1826. The paternal grandfather, Adam Tool, was one of the three first, if not the first white settler in Jasper County, a Mr. Highland probably preceding him a few months. The elder Tool settled at Tool's Point, near where the town of Monroe stands, in 1843, and in the fall of that year the father of the subject came here with the rest of the family. Adam Tool entered one hundred and sixty acres where Monroe now stands, and his son, James A., owned three hundred and twenty acres four miles east of there. The latter took a leading part in the affairs of his community, and for many years he was trustee of his township. He was a Republican and later a Greenbacker. He belonged to the Methodist Church. He was a pillar in the church, and no man ever did more for the early churches here than he, being a very earnest and devout man and conscientious in all that he undertook. He was a local preacher and did an incalculable amount of good in that connection. He was universally esteemed for his excellent qualities of head and heart. He remained on his fine farm here until his death, on October 10, 1910, at an advanced age, his wife having preceded him to the grave in 1890. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom three died in infancy. Those who grew up are, Charles W., Mrs. Cynthia Rigoulot; Quinn H., of this sketch, was the third in order of birth; John H. is living in Elk Creek Township; Mrs. Sarah E. Oldham, of this county; Oscar N. is living at Lebanon, Kansas; Harrison F. L. is a resident of Atkin, Minnesota; Mrs. Ulysses A. Marshall, and Flora A.

Quinn H. Tool grew up on the home farm and attended the Oak Grove district school. But being one of the older members of the family he had to assist with the work at home when he was a boy. When twenty-two years of age he bought eighty acres in Fairview Township, where he now lives. He has added to his original purchase until he owns two hundred and ten acres in this and Elk Creek Townships, which he has placed under modern improvements and kept well tilled, having one of the best farms in the locality. He keeps a good grade of livestock. He has a pleasant home and his labors as an agriculturist have been amply rewarded. Part of his land lies in Fairview Township and part in Elk Creek Township. He is independent in politics. For two years he was assessor of his township. He belongs to the Methodist Church.

of Joseph Oldham, who was born in Cheshire, England, and who came to Jasper County, Iowa, in 1866.

The following children have been born to the subject and wife: Arthur A. is attending school in Germany; Alvin S. is living in Des Moines Township; Mrs. Pearl J. Foster. Page 987.