Biographies

~ Wilcox, Edward ~

In such men as Edward Wilcox, one of the well known citizens of Jasper County, there is peculiar satisfaction in offering their life histories as justification for the compilation of works of this character - not that their lives have been such as to gain them particularly wide notoriety or the admiring plaudits of men, but that they have been true to the trusts reposed on them, have shown such attributes of character as to entitle them to the regard of all. "Ed" Wilcox, as he is familiarly known, is a genial and generous soul, ever willing to lend a helping hand when his services are needed, and he experiences no trouble in either making or retaining friends.

Mr. Wilcox was born in Rockford, Floyd County, Iowa, June 8, 1867, and is the son of Joseph and Huldah (Garey) Wilcox. The father was born in Columbus, Ohio, March 1, 1837, and the mother in Smethport, McKean County, Pennsylvania, February 18, 1846; they were married in the latter state on December 7, 1865. The father had come to Iowa with his widowed mother in the early days here, and the Wilcoxes have thus figured more or less prominently in the up building of the county. When the Civil War came on Joseph Wilcox turned from the pursuits of agriculture and in 1861 enlisted in the Third Iowa Battery at Dubuque, in which he served four years and three months as a brave and efficient soldier. After his first enlistment expired he re-enlisted as a veteran and was in the western division of the Union army under Generals Curtis, Siegel and others. Some of the many engagements in which he took part were those of Pea Ridge, Pine Bluff, Ball's Bluff, Fort Smith, Helena and others. He was never wounded, captured or in a hospital, and he was honorably discharged at the close of the war.

Jasper County has had no better citizen than Joseph Wilcox, and his death, on January 27, 1890, caused the many who knew him to mourn the loss of a truly good and useful man. Besides being a farmer, he was a blacksmith and general artificer and was widely and favorably known. His widow is now residing on the home farm in Palo Alto Township. Their family consisted of four sons and two daughters, namely: Mary, who married Alfred Lynn, since deceased; James was next in order of birth; William is now deceased; Harriett married Homer Thompson, lives on a farm in this county, as does also Franklin.

Edward Wilcox grew up on the farm and was educated in the home schools. He has devoted his life to tilling the soil and his efforts have been amply rewarded. He owns a small tract of very productive land, and in connection with this he also operates his mother's homestead adjoining. He is a man of known public spirit and has served Palo Alto Township in many ways; he has been a member of the school board for many years and is president of the same at this writing. He has also served two terms as township clerk, and has held several Township offices, being regarded as a faithful and conscientious public servant.

On November 4, 1891, Mr. Wilcox was united in marriage with Sylvania V. Garey, daughter of Johnson and Ellen Garey, natives of Pennsylvania. They were extensive farmers and well known landowners, both being now deceased; Sylvania, who married Mr. Wilcox, was their adopted child. To Edward Wilcox and wife three children have been born, all living, namely: Letha May, who was born September 11, 1892, is teaching in the county schools; Nina June, born September 13, 1894; Willis Frederick, born April 2,1898.

Mrs. Wilcox is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and their two daughters belong to the United Presbyterian Church, and are active in the general work of the church and serving the local congregation as organists. Politically, Mr. Wilcox is a Democrat, and, fraternally, he belongs to Central Lodge No. 73, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; also Encampment No. 16, of Newton, Iowa. Page 997.

~ Wildman, Charles W. ~

Success is only achieved by the exercise of certain distinguishing qualities and it cannot be retained without effort. Those by whom great epoch changes have been made in the political and industrial world began early in life to prepare themselves for their peculiar duties and responsibilities and it was only by the most persevering and continuous endeavor that they succeeded in rising superior to the obstacles in their way and reaching the goal of their ambition. Such lives are an inspiration to others who are less courageous and more prone to give up the fight before their ideal is reached or definite success in any chosen field is attained. In the life history of Charles W. Wildman, the well known publisher of the Lynnville Star, we find evidence of a peculiar characteristic that always make for achievement, persistency, coupled with courage, fortitude and actuated by lofty traits, and as a result Mr. Wildman stands today as one of the representative citizens of Jasper County, whose interest he has at heart, having ever had an abiding faith in her future, and he is today a potent factor in her up building.

Mr. Wildman, like many of the enterprising citizens of the locality of which this history deals, is a native of the Buckeye State, his birth having occurred in Athens County, Ohio, September 1, 1869, and he is the son of Oliver and Hannah (Bailey) Wildman, the father born in Pennsylvania in 1833 and the mother's birth occurred in 1835. The elder Wildman started in life for himself as a merchant, and for some time he successfully carried on general merchandising in Adena, Ohio, and he was also postmaster there. In 1871 he came to Iowa, locating at New Sharon and there he continued merchandising from 1876 to 1893, then sold out and in 1896 came to Lynnville, Jasper County, and here engaged in general merchandising and built up a large trade with the town and surrounding country, and in 1907 he retired from active life. His family consisted of the following children: Lou; Ada is deceased; Grant is an electrician at Keokuk; Charles W., of this review.

The gentleman whose name forms the caption of this sketch received his education at New Sharon and he started in life as a partner with his father in the mercantile business as soon as he became of age and he was thus engaged until the family moved to Lynnville in 1896. Then he was on the road in the produce business until 1899, in which year he started a furniture and undertaking business, which he carried on with his usual success until 1907, when he sold out. He next engaged in the real estate business until 1909, in August of which year he purchased the Lynnville Star and has continued to edit and publish the same to the present time. He has greatly improved the property and his paper has gradually increased in circulation and in importance as an advertising medium. Its mechanical appearance has been much improved and it is popular with a wide territory, its editorials being ably and convincingly written and its news columns filled with crisp, late, important current news of the world. This paper was established in 1900. Mr. Wildman has been postmaster at Lynnville since 1902 and he was mayor of the town in 1910 and 1911, discharging the duties of these offices in a most faithful and judicious manner, reflecting much credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned, proving himself a most worthy public servant.

Mr. Wildman is a loyal Republican and is one of the local leaders in his party. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic Order.

On February 22, 1899, Mr. Wildman was united in marriage with Grace English, who was born in eastern Iowa, near DeWitt, the daughter of Robert and Cynthia (Hutt) English. This union has resulted in the birth of the following children: Wayne, now thirteen years old; Dale, who has reached the age of five; and Keith, who has seen four birthdays. Page 1041.

~ Willemsenm Henry ~

Henry Willemsen, a prominent farmer and stock raiser residing in section 14, Buena Vista Township, is a native of Holland, having been born in that country on July 6, 1877. He is the oldest in a family of seven children born to John and Jennette (Van Ooigen) Willemsen, both natives of the Province of Guilderland, Holland. The family immigrated to the United States eighteen years ago and located on a farm four miles south of Sully, this county. They bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in that vicinity, and there they have ever since made their home. Mr. Willemsen, Sr., owned a tobacco plantation in Holland. He was born in 1854 and his wife in 1850. The family came to the United States on the vessel Rhinedam. Their children, all of whom were born in Holland, are as follows: Henry, the subject of this sketch; Neil, who married Fanny Emmert (deceased), lives near Sully; Ed., who married Ella Dykens, lives on his farm of one hundred acres two miles north of Lynnville, this county; Jeff J., who married Jennie Vanderwilt, lives on his farm of eighty acres two miles northwest of Tainter; Arie, unmarried, is a telegraph operator at Winterset; Diene lives at home with her parents; Joanna, deceased.

Henry Willemsen was about fifteen years of age when the family came to America, and until he reached the age of twenty-one he lived at home and helped on his father's farm, after which time he started out working for himself. After laboring as a farm hand for about four years, he rented a farm, and began the pursuit of agriculture for himself. A year later, in June 1903, he married Sarah Van Rees, daughter of Laurence and Sarah (De Veries) Van Rees. Her father is a native of Iowa, having been born near Sully, in Lynn Grove Township, this county. He was a prominent stock buyer and was well known all over the county. He was an outspoken, old-fashioned, dyed-in-the-wool Democrat. He died at his home near Sully in March 1907, at the age of fifty-three. Mrs. Willemsen's mother, who is living in Pella, Iowa, is also a native of Holland, but came with her mother to this country at the age of three years, the father having died in Holland. Three days after landing in America the mother died, and the baby was raised by an aunt. To the Van Reeses were born eight children, the seven besides Mrs. Willemsen being as follows: Leonard, the eldest, living three miles southwest of Sully, married Josie Faust; Andrew, living near Sully, married Nettie De Young; Laurence, unmarried, who has no fixed home, was formerly a butcher in Newton; Eddie died in infancy; Joe died at the age of ten; David and Agnes, who are still at home with their mother.

That Henry Willemsen is a man of rare judgment and good management is shown by the fact that four years after he began farming for himself he was the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of fine land, formerly owned by Ira Elscott. Here they have lived ever since.

To Mr. and Mrs. Willemsen have been born three children, namely: Joe Raymond, born December 28, 1904; Laura Hilda, born October 18, 1906; Jeannette Wilma, born September 5, 1908; Sarah Hendrena, born December 3, 1910.

Besides general farming, Mr. Willemsen raises stock quite extensively for the markets. He is a genial gentleman, public spirited and of progressive ideas. In politics, he is independent, but of Democratic sympathies. Page 717.

~ Williams, Samuel Pierce ~

For many years the late Samuel Pierce Williams was actively identified with the life of Johnson County, playing a role of no mean consequence in her affairs and becoming widely known as one of her honored citizens. His well directed efforts in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his own business interests and his sound judgment brought to him prosperity and his life demonstrated what may be accomplished by the man of energy and ambition who is not afraid to work and has the perseverance to continue his labors, even in the face of seemingly discouraging circumstances. In all the relations of life he commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he was brought into contact, as was abundantly evidenced on many occasions, and without a suitable record of his life and achievements this volume would be incomplete.

Mr. Williams was born on February 6, 1838, in Huntingdon, County, Pennsylvania, the son of Thomas and Jane B. Williams, prosperous farmers of that place. In 1843 his parents moved to Centerburg, Knox County, Ohio, where the subject received his education. He remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, then came to Johnson County, Iowa, locating on a farm and the following year, 1860, Mr. Williams was united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth Marhis, of that place. She was born in New Jersey, April 17, 1841, the daughter of Benjamin and Lucinda Marhis. She came to Ohio when she was a small girl, where she remained until she was fifteen years old, then came to Johnson County, Iowa. After her marriage, she and Mr. Williams moved to a farm and there remained several years, later moving to a farm in Shelby County, Iowa, purchasing a fine place of several was a successful farmer and was highly respected, his character being above reproach. To Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Williams five children were born, namely: Berton died in infancy; Lucinda Catherine married Alpheus Leigh, of Shelby County, and she died leaving one daughter, Bessie Lee, who was raised by her grandmother, Mrs. Williams, wife of the subject, with whom she still makes her home. Charles E. Williams married Effie Davis and they are now living in Omaha, Nebraska; Samuel C. is married and lives at Ames, Iowa.

Samuel P. Williams, of this review, was a prominent member of the Christian Church of Shelby County, and he was a stanch Republican, taking an active part in the affairs of his party. He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He was very successful as a businessman and left an ample competency. A few years after his death Mrs. Williams came to Newton and purchased a modern, cozy and neatly furnished home on East South Street, where she has since resided. She is highly esteemed by a wide circle of friends. Page 502.

~ Williams, Wilford ~

Biographies should not be published unless there is something in the life and character of the individual worthy of emulation or imitation by others under like circumstances, certainly not for self-aggrandizement; but sufficient has been drawn from the life-history of Wilford Williams, one of the large landowners of Linn Grove Township and one of Jasper County's most progressive agriculturists, to show that there is something in the inner life of this man worthy of more than incidental mention. He began life practically at the bottom of the ladder, which he has climbed to the top with no help but a brave heart, industrious hands and an intelligent brain, and is a living example of what may be accomplished in this nature-favored country of ours by thrift and perseverance, even under circumstances that are frequently discouraging.

Mr. Williams was born in Orange County, Indiana, August 18, 1845, and he is the son of John and Anna (Landman) Williams, both natives of the same locality in which their son was born, and there they grew to maturity, received what education they could in the early schools of the country and there were married, and there began life on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres which they owned. By hard work they got a good start in life, but they left Indiana in 1855, driving a team through to Jasper County, Iowa, bringing all their household effects, using wagons, two teams of horses and a team of oxen. They settled in Linn Grove Township, where Mr. Williams bought one hundred and sixty acres, which he later sold and, moving to Earlham, this state, bought one hundred and sixty acres near there, and he remained on that place until his death in 1903. He was a member of the Friends Church. His family consisted of the following children: Mrs. Malinda Stanley, Isaac, Isaiah, Wilford, of this review; Stanford, deceased: Richmond is living at Cedar Falls, Iowa; Albert is a resident of Oskaloosa, this state; John; Elmina and Rachael are deceased; Thomas L.; Robert died in infancy.

Wilford Williams had only a limited schooling in the primitive schools of Indiana and Iowa, and during the crop seasons, when a boy, he assisted with the general work on the home farm, later working by the month; then he rented a few years, and in 1867 he bought eighty acres, which he still owns. By close application and good management he prospered and added to his original holdings until he now owns seven hundred and nine acres of very choice and productive land, after giving each of his children eighty acres. He has kept his land under first-class improvements and a high state of cultivation, carrying on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. He has been one of the largest cattle feeders of the county, having fed large numbers of both cattle and hogs for fifty years and no small part of his large competency has been derived from this source. He has been very robust throughout his very busy life, having a capacity for work in excess of the average man. He has pleasant home and neat surroundings.

Mr. Williams is a Republican and he has served his Township as trustee. He is a member of the Friends Church.

In November 1866, Mr. Williams was united in marriage with Anna Graham, who was born in England, and this union resulted in the birth of the following children: Charlie is living west of Lynnville; Eddie is living north of Lynnville; Mrs. Lillie Ratcliffe was next in order of birth; Harry and Earl are both living north of Lynnville. Page 1064.

~ Williamson, Warren A. ~

The gentleman whose life history is here taken under consideration is one of the strong, sturdy characters who has contributed largely to the material welfare of the community where he lives, being a business man of more than ordinary sagacity and foresight, and as a citizen, public-spirited and progressive in all that the term implies, being ranked as one of the leaders in financial circles of Jasper County and one of the most representative citizens of Reasnor, and yet a plain, unassuming, straightforward gentleman whom to know is to admire and respect. But when we consider the excellent quality of his Buckeye blood, drawn from sterling pioneer ancestry, it is not surprising that he has developed into a man that does things.

Warren A. Williamson, cashier of the bank at Reasnor, was born in Thornburg, Iowa, February 6, 1878, and he is the son of Isaac F. and Mary A. (Dunn) Williamson, both natives of Ohio. When a young man the father left his home in the Buckeye State and went to Illinois, where he remained about two years, working as a farm hand. He then came to Keokuk County, Iowa, where he purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land and began farming, developing a good farm there in due course of time, still owning and residing on that place, where he has become very comfortably established and is one of the influential men of his community, being active in public life, and he has held many of the township offices and served as a member of the school board. He is connected with the Thornburg Savings Bank, having been its former vice-president, and he is a man of considerable means, which he has made singly and unaided. While he has never sought county or state offices, he has long taken an abiding interest in political affairs. His wife, who has been a faithful helpmeet in all that the term implies, is still living.

Their family consisted of three sons: William D., born April 30, 1876, died in March 1896; Clyde C., born May 29, 1882, resides in Sigourney, Iowa, being assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Sigourney; Warren A., of this review, was next in order of birth.

After obtaining a good education, Warren A. Williamson began life for himself, in 1899, by entering the State Savings Bank of Monroe, Iowa, as assistant cashier. Six months later his employer sold out his interests there and organized the Reasnor Savings Bank, at Reasnor, Jasper County, which for five years thereafter was run as a private bank, after which it was made a state bank. Mr. Williamson has been connected with this bank since its organization, having entered it at the age of twenty-two years, and much of its popularity and prestige is due to his ability and his uniform courtesy to its patrons. He has served as cashier since becoming connected with it, and in a manner that has met with the hearty approval of all concerned.

Mr. Williamson was united in the marriage vow with Miss Gertrude M. Watson, daughter of J. R. and Margaret (Farrow) Watson, both natives of Iowa and both still living. Mrs. Williamson is the only child of her parents and she was born December 6, 1882, at Thornburg, Keokuk County, and has received a good education. This union has been graced by the birth of three children, one of whom, Paul E., born January 4, 1899, died October 4th following; Keith R., born October 14, 1900, is in school, as is also Dale R., who was born April 20, 1903.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Williamson are members of the Methodist Church at Reasnor, he being one of the stewards and she a member of the Ladies Aid Society. They are active in church affairs. Mr. Williamson, in his fraternal relations, belongs to Monumental Lodge No. 311, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Galesburg, of which he is also treasurer. He is treasurer of the Reasnor school district. In politics he is a faithful supporter of the Republican Party. Page 1291.

~ Wilson, Alfred O. ~

The subject of this sketch early in life realized the fact that success never comes to the idle or dreamer and he has accordingly remembered the aphorism, and devoted himself to ardent toil along lines that cannot but insure success. The property, which he enjoys, has been the result of energy rightly applied and has been won by commendable qualities. In such a man as Mr. Wilson there is especial satisfaction in offering in their life records justification for issuing a biographical compendium such as the one at hand, not necessarily that the careers of such men as his type have been such as to gain them wide reputation or the admiring plaudits of men, but that they have been true to the trusts reposed in them, have shown such attributes of character as entitle them to the regard of all and have been useful in their respective sphere of action at the same time winning and retaining the confidence and good will of all with whom he has come into contact.

Alfred O. Wilson was born in Story County, Iowa, May 14, 1877, and he came with his parents to Jasper County in 1878 and with the exception of a year and a half spent in Rhodes engaged in the livery business, he has been a continuous resident of the same, being now successfully engaged in farming in Independence Township. Here he grew to manhood and received his education in the common schools. He is the son of Elisha and Sarah A. (Barnes) Wilson, the father born in Kentucky. He came to Iowa in an early day, spending the latter years of his life in Jasper County, his death occurring in February 1903, at the age of sixty-two years. His widow is now living in Colorado. They were the parents of seven children, five of whom are living, two having died in infancy; those living are, Mrs. Mary Hand, of Colorado; H. D. also resides in the Centennial state; Mrs. Jennie Nason and Mrs. Laura Goodrich also live in Colorado; Alfred O., of this sketch. The older children were born in Henry County, Iowa, where the parents lived for a number of years upon first coming to this state.

Elisha Wilson was a typical pioneer and he erected the first blacksmith shop in the town of Baxter, this having been the second building there.

Alfred O. Wilson was married on February 20, 1891, to Bessie May Pitcock, who was born in Jasper County, Iowa, on April 25, 1877. She is the daughter of William and Matilda (Tedrow) Pitcock, both natives of Ohio. Her father is residing at Mingo, having come to Jasper County, Iowa, in an early day; his wife passed away in this County on June 28, 1907. They were the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living, namely: Harley resides at Goddard; Mrs. Rosa Hansen lives in Independence Township; Harry lives at Goddard; Bessie May, wife of Mr. Wilson, of this sketch; Mrs. Rilla Ware lives in Jasper County; William lives at Mingo and Edward at Goddard. They were all born, reared and educated in Jasper County, with the exception of the eldest son, who was born in Ohio.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, namely: Helen May, born November 27, 1901; Eddie Beryl, born February 16, 1904; Clyde Herbert, born January 30, 1908. The two eldest children are attending school in the home district.

Politically, Mr. Wilson is a Republican and he is a member of the board of education in Independence Township. Fraternally, he belongs to Unity Lodge No. 520, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons: Baxter Lodge No. 168, Knights of Pythias, of Baxter; he and Mrs. Wilson are both members of Baxter Temple No. 202, Pythian Sisters, of Baxter. He was formerly a member of Baxter Camp, Modern Woodmen of America. Mrs. Wilson is a member of the Christian Church.

Mr. Wilson has been very successful in his business life. During several years that he was engaged in the livery business at Baxter and Rhodes he enjoyed a liberal patronage. Turning his attention to agricultural pursuits, he moved to his newly acquired farm of one hundred acres in Independence Township, Jasper County, on March 1, 1911, and here he has since been engaged in general farming and stock raising in a manner that has brought definite rewards. He is a type of those young men who do not wait for opportunities to come to them, but who go out to the arena of action and made his chance to win success. His farm is well improved and he has a pleasant home.

Mr. Wilson has among his collection of curios a copy of the New York Herald, issued at the time of Lincoln's assassination, April 15, 1865, which graphically describes the events of those stirring times. Page 1131.

~ Wilson, Jeremiah W. ~

An enumeration of those men of the past generation in Jasper County who won honor and recognition for themselves, and at the same time honored the locality to which they belong, would be incomplete were there failure to make mention of the well remembered and highly revered gentleman whose name introduces this biographical memoir, Jeremiah W. Wilson, late of Newton, who has been called to a higher sphere of action by the fate that awaits all mankind, but the good he did during a long and strenuous life will long mould and pervade the lives of those with whom he came into contact.

Mr. Jeremiah W. Wilson was born on August 8, 1834, in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. When a boy he attended an academy at Poland, Ohio, and afterwards entered Mt. Union College, in the same state. Early in life he evinced a laudable ambition to follow the legal profession and began reading Blackstone and other authorities with McSweeney & Given, in the City of Wooster, Ohio, one of the strongest law firms in the north part of the state in those days. He made rapid progress and was admitted to the bar at Medina, Ohio, September 21, 1855. The following year he moved to Newton, Iowa, where he continued to reside until his death on May 6, 1887. His widow has continued to live there in her attractive and neatly kept home, which is regarded by her many friends as a place of hospitality and good cheer.

Mr. Wilson was an attorney who ranked second to none in this part of the state, being well grounded in the principles of jurisprudence and very painstaking and vigilant in his research. He took an abiding interest in public affairs and in October 1861, he was elected County Judge of Jasper County, which high office he held with much credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned until in August of the following year when he resigned to offer his services in defense of the Union, enlisting in Company K, Twenty-Eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He proved to be a very faithful and gallant soldier, and for meritorious service he was promoted to the rank of adjutant of his regiment in 1864, which rank he held until the close of the war, winning the hearty approval of his superior officers and the admiration of his men. After being honorably discharged he returned to Newton and resumed the practice of law. On January 1, 1878, he was appointed aide-de-camp to Governor Kirkwood of Iowa, with the rank of lieutenant colonel, and he remained as such while the administration of Governor Kirkwood lasted, giving, as usual, the utmost satisfaction.

Mr. Wilson had taken a great interest in Masonry. From the annals of the grand lodge of Iowa in 1878 we take the following exactments by Hon. H. S. Winslow, gives the Masonic history of the deceased brother Wilson: His Masonic history is a most honorable one; he was initiated in Newton Lodge No. 59, January 28, 1858; he passed July 31st of that year and joined on August 28th following. The Royal Arch Degree was conferred upon him in Gebal Chapter No. 12, October 21, 1869. He was knighted in Oriental Commandery No. 22, March 22, 1872. His daily life indicated that he attempted to carry out the lofty precepts of this worthy and time-honored order.

Mr. Wilson was united in marriage in 1859 to Mary M. Helphrey, a lady of culture and refinement and the representative of an excellent old family. She was born in Utica, Licking County, Ohio, and she was the daughter of Jacob and Catherine Helphrey, who moved to Newton, Iowa, where they were residing when the subject was married. To this union three children were born, namely: Mrs. W. W. Fenlon, of Clinton, Iowa; Mrs. P. W. Newell, of Los Angeles, California; Mrs. Dollie Baum, of Newton, Iowa. They were all well educated and are very comfortably situated in life and highly respected wherever they are known, each reflecting the wholesome home atmosphere in the midst of which they were reared.

Mrs. Wilson, whose cozy and attractive home is located at No. 221 South Vine Street, Newton, is spending her declining years in the midst of plenty and she has a host of warm loyal friends who delight in her genial company. Page 951.

~ Wilson, John N. ~

The term success is relative, depending often upon mere individual conditions, but it is seldom we find a man whose life work has been of that high character which merits the stamp of human approval. In a material way, John N. Wilson, of Newton, Jasper County, has succeeded to an extent not usually reached by the average man, and, apart from this interesting phase, his life story is full of much that is best and noblest. Whether as soldier in the great Civil War or as private citizen or head of his family, he has always striven to know and advocate the right, and his example has been one well worth imitating.

Mr. Wilson was born in Hendricks County, Indiana, February 5, 1843, and he is the son of Squire H. and Martha (Blanton) Wilson, the father a native of North Carolina and the mother of Kentucky. The former came from his native state to Hendricks County, Indiana, in early life and there purchased land and engaged in farming until 1850 when, with his wife and four children, he emigrated to Jasper County, Iowa, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Buena Vista Township, entering the forty adjoining it from the government, this being the land now occupied by the county infirmary, being sold by the elder Wilson to Jasper County in 1867. Following this transaction he bought, forty acres in Newton Township, upon which he lived until his death in 1881, when he was sixty-two years of age. He had been very successful as a farmer and stock man and at one time had owned nearly five hundred acres of land near Killduff; his wife survived until 1884, dying at the age of sixty-four.

They were the parents of eight children, John N., of this review, being the third in order of birth; the eldest, William Thomas, died at Deadwood, South Dakota, where he had been engaged in the lumber business, having formerly been a farmer in Jasper County, Iowa; Hester J. married C. L. Roberts, a prominent grain dealer and at one time postmaster as Grinnell, Iowa, where they still reside; J. S. lives in Newton; M. J. owns and resides on a ranch near Lusk, Wyoming; H. C. is a farmer and stock man in Cherokee County, Iowa; Emsley M. lives in Des Moines; Alice is the wife of C. W. Stahl and they live in Los Angeles, California.

When a mere child John N. Wilson walked two miles to attend school at Adamson and Hickson Groves, the way often being through the deep snow. He also attended old Hazel Dell Academy for a year.

In August 1862, he responded to his country's call and enlisted in Company E, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in which he served with gallantry for three years. His regiment was the first to enter Little Rock, Arkansas. He saw much hard and dangerous service, serving under General Steele in Arkansas and Kentucky and participated in the memorable Red River Expedition, also the great Siege of Vicksburg, following which he was taken sick and was sent home. His regiment then moved upon Helena, Arkansas, and after defeating Confederates there, moved upon Duvall's Bluffs, capturing that point, going from there to Little Rock, at which place Mr. Wilson rejoined his regiment. Here they spent the winter and the following spring started on the Red River Expedition, but being defeated at Red River were driven back into Little Rock, which city they guarded until the spring of 1865, when they went to Fort Smith, and in June of that year were sent to Fort Gilson, where a regiment of semi-civilized Indians, who hunted all the time, were stationed. Mr. Wilson recalls the fact that his regiment did more work in guarding the red men than they did in restraining the Confederate prisoners. Mr. Wilson was honorably discharged at Fort Gilson, August 12, 1865.

Returning to Jasper County, Mr. Wilson began farming, having purchased eighty acres in Buena Vista Township during the war, for which he paid five dollars per acre. Selling this three years later, he purchased two hundred and forty acres in the same township, which he sold a year later and purchased eighty acres in Newton Township, which he held four years and sold. He then bought one hundred and twenty acres just west of Newton, to which he subsequently added until he had at one time four hundred and sixty acres. Later he sold all but one hundred and eighty-four acres, which he still owns. In 1901 he quit active farming, after being very successful, and moved to his beautiful home in Newton, buying property there. Since leaving the farm he has been engaged in buying and selling land very extensively and at the present writing is one of the County's large landowners. He has one hundred and sixty acres near Peru, Madison County, Iowa; two hundred and thirty-seven acres in Kellogg Township, this county; also six hundred and forty acres in Canada. At one time he and some associates were interested in twenty-two sections of land in Canada. Six years ago he operated a Reeves thirty-two horsepower steam plow on this land. It is doubtful if Jasper County can claim a citizen who is a better judge of land and land values than he, and he is a careful and successful businessman in all lines. For years he has been a breeder of fine horses and cattle. In 1889, with others, he purchased the Alcyon Roller Flouring Mills, of Newton, of which he subsequently became sole proprietor. This property, however, he later disposed of. At one time he was engaged at cabinetmaking at Des Moines.

In 1866 Mr. Wilson was united in marriage with Nancy Jane Green, daughter of Willis and Mary (Kirby) Green, both natives of Kentucky. Leaving that state, they went to Missouri, and later to Fairfield, Jefferson County, in January 1843, and there Mrs. Wilson was born on May 7th of that year. Two years later the family moved to Jasper County, locating in Newton Township, purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of land on which they lived until the death of the mother in 1877, when she was fifty-six years old, the father surviving until 1904, having attained the unusual mile-post of ninety years. At the time of his death he was living at Marengo, Illinois. Their family consisted of four children, one of whom, Sarah Ann, died at the age of eighteen years; Rebecca F., widow of William H. Pardoe, a former businessman of Newton, resides in Fargo, North Dakota; John L., who was a soldier in the Civil War, was killed during the Siege of Vicksburg.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, all living: Fannie May, born November 23, 1869, is the wife of Albert Brown, a farmer near Kellogg, and they have a daughter and two sons; Frederick Earl, born March 5, 1877, lives on a farm in Madison County, and he has two daughters; Guy Everett, born December 16, 1882, lives on the place west of town.

Politically, Mr. Wilson is a Republican. He belongs to Garrett Post No. 16, Grand Army of the Republic, at Newton.

Mrs. Wilson is a woman of talent and culture. She was a student in old Wittemberg College, and she has been of great service to Mr. Wilson in his life work, her encouragement and sympathy helping him over many a difficult place. She was reared in the Methodist faith and her life has been wholesome and helpful to all with whom she has come into contact. Page 981.

~ Winn, Charles W. ~

There are few people in Newton or in Jasper County who do not know Charles W. Winn, a progressive merchant and representative citizen. The chief reason why this is true is that he possesses a never failing fund of humor and is a man blessed with that wealth of human sympathy, which always endears one so favored to his fellow men. No gathering of a social nature but receives an added spice if he be present, for he can always be relied upon to make a happy little speech or tell a quaint and funny story. This genial, obliging and popular gentleman was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, March 5, 1844, and he is the son of J. W. and Harriet (Virden) Winn, both natives of Ohio. His father was a merchant and came to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1854. The trip was made in an old fashioned prairie schooner, through a country more or less wild, over unbridged streams, rough roads, and filled with all kinds of wild game. The father purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Henry County, Iowa, but the hardships and loneliness of pioneer life caused him to turn his attention away from home building in a new country in less than a year and he went back to Ohio, his son returning with him.

In 1863 Charles W. Winn again left Ohio and went to Memphis, Tennessee, where he worked at different things for two years. He then returned to Ohio and on May1, 1866, was united in marriage with Eunice Thomas, daughter of David and _____ (Hewett) Thomas, natives of Pennsylvania. Both these parents are now deceased, as are those of Mr. Winn also.

To Mr. and Mrs. Winn five children have been born, namely: Orlando, who has remained unmarried, resides in Newton; Estella Laird, wife of J. L. Laird, lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Harvey W. who is married, is a prominent business man in Ft. Worth, Texas; Frank D. who is yet single, lives in Des Moines; Blanch, who is a successful teacher, has remained single and is living at home.

In 1866 Mr. Winn again moved from Ohio to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he bought and improved a farm, living on it for several years. Later, in 1878, he came to Newton, Jasper County, and in this vicinity again engaged in farming pursuits with his usual success. He then turned his attention to the shoe business, which he has followed ever since, having been in his present location in Newton, either as clerk or proprietor, for a period of twenty-three years. He has one of the neatest, best arranged and best known stores in the county, which is always carefully stocked with an up-to-date and attractive line of footwear of every description, and his trade has constantly grown, now extending to all parts of the locality. A criterion of his honesty and courtesy to patrons is seen in the fact that many of his best customers are of ten or twenty years' standing.

Mr. Winn is one of eight brothers and sisters, three of whom are still living, namely: Isaac makes his home in Ohio; Frank D. lives in Idaho; and himself. Mr. Winn and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church of Newton, of which he is an elder. In politics he is a Democrat and, fraternally, belongs to the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. He has always manifested an abiding interest in the growth of Jasper County and has always readily supported every movement calculated to augment the same. Page 507.

~ Witmer, Captain Jacob Rooker ~

Jacob R. Witmer was born near Safe Harbor, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the son of J. S. and Mary (Parker) Witmer. This family is of Swiss descent, the great-great-grandfather, John Witmer, having been born in that country in 1688. He came to America and located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1728. The Captain's great-grandfather was Michael Witmer and his grandfather was Herman Witmer. Mary Parker, mentioned above, was the daughter of Abram and Elizabeth (Ebby) Parker, both natives of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Captain Witmer was one of a family of ten children, an equal number of sons and daughters, three, besides himself, coming to Jasper County. Captain Witmer was reared in his native state and educated in the public schools. He came to Jasper County, Iowa, in 1866 and here launched in the lumber business, running a sawmill and maintaining a lumberyard, and here he resided until his death. He was married here to Lizzie Kendig, daughter of John and Maria (Kaufman) Kendig, pioneers of Sherman Township, this county, who came from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the father being now deceased. The wife of the subject was called to her rest on February 6, 1900, when fifty years of age. The following children were born of this union: Emma married Peter Pink, of Sherman Township; Minnie is the wife of George Sapp, formerly of Colfax, now of Sunnyside, Washington; Mary is the wife of Hamilton Sumpter, of Acton, Iowa; Lincoln Witmer, who is engaged in the lumber business at Kennewick, Washington, served two years in the marine service of the United States in this country and two years in the Philippine Islands; Cora married Milo Kapel, of Tacoma, Washington; Jacob lives at Denver, Colorado; Cristal, who has remained single, lives in Des Moines, Iowa.

Captain Witmer's war record is a notable one. Scarcely had news of the firing on Fort Sumter been received when he offered his services in defense of the flag, enlisting in April 1861, and serving throughout the conflict and even a year after the surrender, not leaving the service until in April 1866. He served as a private in Company B, Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and as second lieutenant of Company E, Two Hundred and Fourteenth Volunteer Infantry, of that state and he was mustered out as first lieutenant of his company. He was in the Army of the West and took part in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky; later he was transferred to the Army of the Potomac and served with it in the Shenandoah Valley. He was captain of a company of one hundred soldiers that guarded the prison where Captain Wertz was confined, and in the absence of his captain, the subject acted as provost marshal at Annapolis, Maryland. Page 623.

~ Woodrow, John R. ~

Among the substantial and enterprising business men of Jasper County who have won success by untiring effort and rightly directed talents is John R. Woodrow, who is deserving of conspicuous mention in this work, along with other public-spirited local citizens, because they have shown themselves to be the possessors of Superior qualities, the qualities that win, and are not discouraged at obstacles.

Mr. Woodrow was born May 27, 1852, in Lee County, Iowa, and he is the son of Benjamin and Lorina (Jackson) Woodrow, the father born at Norwich, Norfolk County, England, in 1807, and there he grew to maturity and was educated, coming to America in 1828. He was a tailor by trade and upon arriving in this country he located in New York City, where he worked at his trade for a few years, after which he moved near Rochester. About 1850 he came west and located in Lee County, Iowa, where he bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and there he remained ten years, when his wife died, after which event Mr. Woodrow returned to England. His son, John R., of this review, was then seven years of age, and he is the only surviving child of his mother. Upon returning from England he located in Mount Pleasant, Henry County, Iowa, and there engaged in the boot and shoe business with J. W. Woodrow, a son by a former marriage, and half brother of the subject. Benjamin Woodrow's first marriage was with Frances Sprague, which union resulted in the birth of two children. After continuing in the boot and shoe business for a year or two, the father moved to Baltimore, Maryland, and there married Mary Rodgers, who died in 1878, without issue. After an absence of twelve years, Mr. Woodrow came to Jasper County, locating at Newton, purchasing an interest in the Jasper County Bank, with which he was still connected when he died in 1896. He was a man of excellent business ability and high integrity and was influential in whatever community he lived in.

Upon the death of his mother, John R. Woodrow, of this review, went to live with his aunt, Laura J. Ives. He attended school two years, and when thirteen years of age he came to Newton, where he worked in the summer and attended school during the winter, obtaining a public school education, and prepared himself for a teacher, which vocation he followed four terms, all taught in Jasper County, south of Newton, and he was very successful as an instructor.

In February 1879, Mr. Woodrow married Phoebe Hanson, who was born in England in 1857, the daughter of Thomas and Jane (Brothers) Hanson, who came to America and located at Newton, Iowa, in 1869, and here the father's death occurred in 1879. He was sixty-three years old. He was a brick maker. His wife lived to be eighty-three years of age, dying about five years ago, in Newton.

After his marriage, John R. Woodrow purchased forty acres where his present home is now located and which is just outside the city limits of Newton. To this he has subsequently added forty acres adjoining where his home is now situated. He has also added twenty acres in Palo Alto Township, one-half mile south of his residence. His dwelling, which was built in 1878, has been remodeled and made an attractive, commodious and cozy modern home in fact, as it now stands it is easily one of the most beautiful residences in the county, and here the many friends of the family frequently gather, always finding a genuine hospitality prevailing. Besides general farming, Mr. Woodrow is extensively engaged in fruit growing, being regarded as an authority on horticultural topics in this locality.

Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow, namely: Albert Edward, born January 27, 1880, died at the age of three years; George Meritt, born September 8, 1882, is at home; Ella V. is the wife of Charles E. Hotchkiss and resides in Newton; she was born November 16, 1887; she is a musician of some ability and has been given an excellent musical education; Morris was born January 6, 1886, and he is connected with the Jasper County Savings Bank; Mabel L., born August 11, 1894, is in school; Robert Ransom, born September 17, 1896.

Mr. Woodrow is a stockholder in the Jasper County Savings Bank, also a director in the same. Both he and his wife are members of the Congregational Church. In politics he is a Republican. Page 984.

~ Woodrow, Joseph M. ~

No business man in the city of Newton is regarded with higher favor than the gentleman to a brief review of whose interesting career the reader's attention is directed in the following paragraphs, Joseph M. Woodrow being one of those public-spirited men who, while laboring to advance his own interests along legitimate lines, does not neglect to discharge his duties in fostering the upbuilding of the community in general, and few men have done more to advance the material interests of Newton than he, owing to his high position in financial circles and his unswerving allegiance to the higher standards of living.

Mr. Woodrow, president of the Jasper County Bank and one of the substantial and representative men of Iowa, has been a resident of Jasper County since 1865 and he has thus lived to see and take part in the wonderful transformation of the same from a wild prairie country to a high rank in the great Hawkeye Commonwealth, taking a great pride in its progress and always standing ready to support any worthy movement having as its object the general welfare of his locality and state.

Mr. Woodrow is the scion of a sterling old family of the Empire State, he himself having been born in Genesee County, New York, September 8, 1840, and he is the son of Benjamin and Frances (Sprague) Woodrow, the father a native of England and the mother born in the State of Connecticut. The former was a tailor by trade, and after spending his youth in his native country; he emigrated to America in 1807 and became well established here.

Joseph M. Woodrow started in life for himself when twenty-one years of age, working on a farm, by the month, in Illinois. Believing that the newer State of Iowa held still greater advantages for one of his temperament, he emigrated further west and in 1863 became a clerk in a store at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Where he remained until 1865, when he came to Jasper County and launched out in the boot and shoe business, the results of which were very satisfactory. In the spring of 1869 he sold out and started a nursery, which he operated successfully until 1883, when he sold out. Turning his attention to banking, for which he seems to have been best endowed by nature, in 1880 he became cashier of the Jasper County Bank at Newton. His close application to his duties in this connection and his honest and conservative policy, together with his uniform courteous treatment of the patrons of this institution, resulted in gradually increasing its prestige and it became one of the popular and sound financial institutions in central Iowa. He became its president in 1889, which position he has very ably and worthily discharged to the present time, becoming one of the best known bank presidents of this part of the state, managing the affairs of this institution with rare discretion and foresight and keeping it on a sound and safe basis, so that it has been amply able to weather all financial crises.

The domestic life of Mr. Woodrow began in 1865, when he was united marriage with Parmelia A. Fluke, daughter of Mrs. Judith Browning, and a lady of many praiseworthy attributes, being the representative of an excellent old family. To this union seven children have been born, namely Frank M., Eva A., Mrs. A. C. Keinath, Harry E. (deceased), Fred C., Grace M., Mrs. A. E. Hindorft, O. Blaine and Benjamin W.

Mr. Woodrow's beautiful residence in Newton, which is modern and attractive in all its appointments, is frequently the gathering place for the many friends of the family, who never fail to find here an old-time, hospitality and a sincere welcome, so that he and his wife have long been favorites with wide circle of warm and admiring friends. Page 433.

~ Woody, John M. ~

One of the thrifty farmers of Fairview Township, Jasper County, is John M. Woody, who has won a reputation as a man of excellent judgment and progressive ideas, which accounts for his continued success in his chosen line of endeavor. Being careful in his calculations, resourceful in his dealings and eminently honorable in his relations with others, people have always reposed confidence in him.

Mr. John M. Woody was born in Marion County, Iowa, January 2, 1866. He is the son of William H. and Jennie E. (Day) Woody, both natives of Lawrence County, Indiana, the father born on July 11, 1834 and the mother in September 1840. They grew up, were educated and married in their native county. In early life the father learned the carpenter's trade. In 1849 he came to Iowa with his parents, John, Sr., and Mary Woody, and settled on a farm southeast of Monroe. The father of the subject returned to Indiana when twenty-three years old and married, but lived there only a short time, when he brought his young wife to Jasper County, Iowa. Here he worked at the carpenter's trade for some time, finally buying eighty acres in Marion County, southeast of Monroe. He subsequently added to his place until he owned one hundred and sixty acres. In 1898 he moved to Monroe, after a successful life as a farmer, and retired from work and there he and his wife still reside. He is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. He reared a large family, five sons and eight daughters, of whom John M., of this sketch, was the fourth in order of birth and the only son that lived.

John M. Woody attended the Pleasant View district schools in Marion County. When he was twenty-one years old he began renting land and in 1896 he bought three hundred and thirty-three acres on the Skunk River in Fairview Township. Here he has built a large and attractive residence, good outbuildings and kept his fine farm well improved and under a high state of cultivation and as a general farmer and stock raiser he ranks with the best of the township. He makes a specialty of full blood shorthorn cattle. Politically, he is a Democrat, but has not attempted to be a leader in public matters.

Mr. Woody was married January 1, 1890, to Anna L. Byers, who was born on the place where they now live, on December 2, 1866, the daughter of Thomas L. Byers. To the subject and wife the following children have been born: Olive B., Amor L., Percy H. and Mark M. Page 894.

~ Wormley, George W. ~

Perhaps as well known and well respected citizen for his years as the entire county can boast of is Prof. George W. Wormley, former head of old Hazel Dell Academy and now prosperous farmer. Keen, alert, vigorous of mind and body, he is a type of that nervous, aggressive manhood that means so much to any community or country. He was born in McDonough County, Illinois, May 25, 1860, being the son of Samuel S. and Susan (Shoopman) Wormley, the father being a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Illinois. Mr. Wormley was very fortunate in possessing a father of more than ordinary character and culture. As a boy, the father came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, where he remained but a short time, later removing to Illinois, where he learned the mason's and plasterer's trade and where he was married. After his marriage, he taught school for about one and one-half years, after which he moved to Jasper County, Iowa, in 1867, arriving in Jasper County with nothing but his wife, two children and an old wagon. At once he began working at his trade, which he followed for two years, after which he rented part of what was then known as the old Newton farm, where he remained two years. At the end of that time he purchased forty acres of naked land about one mile north of Newton, moved on to it and began farming, working at his trade in the fall. By 1876 he had accumulated enough so that by selling the forty acres, he was enabled to purchase the King Farm of one hundred acres near the old College Farm, and to this he later added enough of the old College Farm to make his holdings two hundred and thirty acres. The father was one of the stalwarts of his time, taking great interest in all educational matters and in all the progressive movements of his day and taking care that each of his large family of children received the best education that could be procured. As a farmer he was one of the best in the county, being known far and wide as a model farmer. Religiously, he was a Congregationalist, being a consistent member of that church. He died upon the home place July 3, 1906, at the age of seventy-three years. His wife, who at this writing is aged sixty-seven years, survives him.

The subject of this review is one of a family of twelve brothers and sisters, seven boys and five girls, of whom the subject is the oldest. But one, Henry W., is dead, having been killed by falling from a mower in 1885 when a boy; Thomas J., residing in Kingsley, Plymouth County, Iowa, is principal of the city schools; John M., an attorney, resides in the same place; Samuel A., also of Kingsley, is engaged in the livery business; Armenta A., wife of G. O. Kelly, a stockman, resides in Newton; Cora B., wife of Hiram Hand, a farmer, resides in Jasper County; Luella, wife of H. S. Kelly, of Omaha, Nebraska, where Mr. Kelly has charge of the commissary department of Ringling Brothers shows; Mary, widow of Dr. W. E. Harreman, lives in Story, Iowa, her husband having formerly been the physician of the state college there; Patience E., wife of H. C. Korf, attorney, resides in Newton; James G., a farmer, resides with his mother on the home place; David F., a farmer, resides in this county.

Mr. Wormley was united in marriage to Mary E. Spencer, daughter of Henry M. and Amanda (Chambers) Spencer, March 17, 1885, her parents being natives of Ohio. They came to Jasper County in 1858 where they have since remained, the father being one of the pioneers of the county.

Mrs. Wormley is one of four children, two of whom are living and two dead, Charles and William; Burton, born June 8, 1858; and Mary E., born January 27, 1862, still survive.

To Mr. and Mrs. Wormley have been born six children, namely: Donald S., born October 20, 1886, is in Ames College at Ames, Iowa; Burton H., born October 21, 1888, is also in Ames College; Frederick B., born June 26, 1891, is in high school at Newton; Hazel Dell, born April 19, 1893; George M., born May 28, 1896; Mary E., born December 30, 1899, the last two being still at home.

Mr. Wormley is one the foremost educators of the county. He began teaching at the age of eighteen in the county schools and after teaching nine terms, in the spring of 1881 went to Ames College, from which institution he was graduated in 1884 as a civil engineer. The year following his graduation he purchased old Hazel Dell Academy, an institution which has probably had enrolled seventy-five per cent of the business men of Newton and vicinity at one time or another and about which a fine glamour of college romance will ever linger. He was principal of this school for nine years or up until 1893, giving to it all the energy and genius of his remarkably strong character. Then the name was changed to Newton Normal College, and many changes made in the buildings and their location, a new building being erected by a lot sale plan. The new school was continued until 1896, when Mr. Wormley severed his connection with it in order to take his family onto a farm. Selling the school, he purchased the fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres upon which he now lives, becoming one of the good farmers of the county, for Mr. Wormley does everything he attempts thoroughly and well. In connection with his general farming he raises thoroughbred hogs and cattle.

Mr. Wormley is one of the finest mathematicians in the state, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also his excellent wife and family. He is also a member of the Central Lodge No. 73, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Newton, having gone through all the chairs, subordinate, encampment and canton. George W. Wormley is clean, fearless and straight out from the shoulder, despising hypocrisy and deceit and never courting tawdry acclaim. He is one of Jasper County's best citizens. Page 1018.

~ Wright, C. B. ~

C. B. Wright, the third member of the firm, was born July 13, 1864, in Morrow County, Ohio, and is the son of Joseph P. and Victorine (Jackson) Wright, the father born in the state of New York and the mother in Connecticut. These parents were married in Ohio and are now both deceased, the father dying in Jasper County, Iowa, and the mother in Ohio.

As a young man Joseph P. Wright, mentioned above, farmed until the breaking out of the Civil War, when, on August 9, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving as a brave and efficient soldier until he was sent home on account of sickness. Among other engagements in which he took part was the battle of Arkansas Post. After the War he began a mercantile business in Bloomfield, Ohio, which he conducted until the spring of 1870, when he came to Monroe. He purchased land south of town, where he lived until 1874, when he moved onto a farm north of Monroe. In 1879 he bought a farm a mile east of Belleview Church and here his death occurred in 1891 at an advanced age. The elder Wright was a splendid Christian gentleman, loyal to all the best that life holds. A sincere worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, he served it in nearly every capacity except pastor. He was also deeply interested in educational work and was for years assessor of his township. He died beloved by all who knew him.

C. B. Wright, his son, is the only surviving child of his parents. He came to Monroe in 1892 and entered the grocery business, becoming a member of the firm of Moore & Wright. This continued until the fall of 1893, when the firm became Wright & Talmadge, and later he was in business alone for one year, having bought out Mr. Talmadge, then his grocery merged with the general store of Custer, Wright & Company.

On February 14, 1889, Mr. Wright was united in marriage with Mary Custer, daughter of Aaron Custer. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Monroe, Mr. Wright being one of the stewards. He is prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of Fairview Lodge No. 194, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Monroe, of which he is past master. He is also a member of Jasper Lodge No. 168, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Monroe, of which he has been a member many years, also of Monroe Encampment No. 60, of which he is past chief and past noble grand. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, having been banker of that order for a number of years. He was formerly a member of the town council and was trustee of Fairview Township for six years.

Besides his mercantile business, Mr. Wright is also president of the Monroe Telephone Company, the large, and rapidly growing success of which has been due to his efforts and able management. Page 956 (See Custer Brothers)