Lester B. Carhart

Lester Brown Carhart, a prosperous and prominent citizen of Franklin county, is engaged in the general banking, real-estate and insurance business as sole owner of the Sheffield Bank, which he established on the 1st of January, 1880, in partnership with Messrs. Taylor and Evans. His birth occurred near Syracuse, New York, on the 1st of January, 1850, his parents being John and Angelina (Cheseboro) Carhart, likewise natives of the Empire state. In 1855 they settled on a farm in Scott county, Iowa, but in 1871 John Carhart disposed of the property and removed to Grinnell, Poweshiek county, this state, where he passed away at the age of seventy-two years. The demise of his wife occurred in Scott county when she had attained the age of fifty-five.

Lester B. Carhart was five years of age when the family home was established on a farm in Scott county, Iowa, and there attended the district schools in the acquirement of his early education. At the age of seventeen he entered Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa, and after completing the classical course spent a year as principal of schools at Eldora, Hardin county, Iowa. In 1873, he embarked in the book and music business at Hampton in association with T.B. Taylor, his college classmate, and a year later purchased his partner's interest, continuing the enterprise alone for four years. Subsequently he was engaged in the lumber business at Grinnell in partnership with his father and brother for two years. On the 1st of January, 1880, he formed a partnership with T. B. Taylor and W. D. Evans, now judge Evans of the supreme court, for the conduct of a banking business in Sheffield. They occupied a frame building on the same corner where the present institution stands, and the name Sheffield Bank was adopted at the beginning. The partnership was maintained for a period of eighteen years or until 1899, when Mr. Carhart purchased the others' interests and became sole proprietor. He carries on a general banking, real-estate and insurance business, and the continued growth and success of the institution are ample evidence of his splendid executive ability and keen discernment. Mr. Carhart is likewise the vice president of the Sheffield Brick & Tile Company, a concern which was organized five years ago and of which our subject and his sons are the controlling stockholders. He also acts as vice president of the Grinnell Canning Company at Grinnell, Iowa.

Mr. Carhart has been married twice. On the 1st of August, 1872, he wedded Miss Addie M. Wright, of Clarence, Cedar county, Iowa, by whom he had two sons. She passed away at Grinnell in 1878, and in December of the following year Mr. Carhart was again married, his second union being with Miss Nettie B. Bryan, a distant relative of the present secretary of state. By this marriage there are four sons. The six children of Mr. Carhart are as follows: Edward B., assistant cashier of the Goodman & Company Bank at Napa, California; Herman L., assistant cashier of the Sheffield Bank; Charles C., secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Sheffield Brick & Tile Company and general manager and owner of the Sheffield Electric Light & Power Company; Harry H., who is engaged in the automobile business at Minneapolis; Forrest F., who represents the Sheffield Brick & Tile Company as salesman; and Ralph R., a bookkeeper in his father's bank.

In politics Mr. Carhart is a staunch republican and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have chosen him for positions of public trust. As mayor of Sheffield he gave the city a progressive and beneficial administration, and he also did valuable service as a member of the council, while many years he was on the school board. For several years, as treasurer and director, he was active in the work of the Camp Meeting Association, holding Chautauquas at Clear Lake. Both Mr. and Mrs. Carhart are devoted and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a handsome and vigorous gentleman and has won many friends in the various walks of life by reason of his unfailing courtesy and unfeigned cordiality.

John E. Carr

The agricultural development of the middle west is largely due to such energetic men as John E. Carr, who owns one hundred and seventy acres of land on section 22, Oakland township, which he devotes to general farming. The Carr farm is in a high state of productivity and by its appearance bespeaks that the latest methods of farming are employed there. Mr. Carr is also interested in other real estate and is president of the bank at Popejoy. He was born in Grant county, Wisconsin, November 18, 1859, and is a son of Nicholas and Mary (Richardson) Carr, natives of England, who came to America about 1845 and located in Wisconsin. There the father lived for about twenty years, his death occurring in 1865. The father was a shoemaker by trade but during the last four years of his life, followed agricultural pursuits. His wife survived him many years, her death occurring January 24, 1909. To this union were born seven children: Henry H., of Popejoy; Sarah, who married William Doran, of Volin, South Dakota; William, of Bowman, North Dakota; John E.; Minnie, who married C. H. Meyers, of Traer, Iowa; Eva, deceased; and Cora, the wife of Pierce Cole, of Traer, Iowa.

When John E. Carr was about nine years of age his mother married again, and he shortly thereafter left home and until fifteen years of age remained with strangers. On April 17, 1875, he made his first appearance in Oakland as an agriculturist. He was married when twenty years of age and in 1881 bought eighty acres of land in Oakland township. This property he sold two years later and then acquired title to one hundred and seventy acres on section 22, of which he is now the owner. He has instituted a number of valuable improvements, and his buildings are kept well in repair and are splendidly equipped. Mr. Carr is an up-to-date agriculturist and such success as has come to him is welt merited, as it is due to close application, unceasing industry and unflagging energy. Mr. Carr is also interested in real estate in Popejoy. Moreover he is president of the bank there and in the management of its affairs displays executive ability and knowledge of financial needs and Conditions.

In 1880, when about twenty-one years of age, he married Miss Nellie Baker, a native of Franklin county, who passed away in 1886. Of this union three children were born: Lucia V., the wife of C. C. Hart, of Kerman, California; Luella, who married Dr. W. G. Brady, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Nellie, who died in infancy. On January 29, 1889, Mr. Carr married Miss Alice Corbin, a native of Indiana, and they have five children: Lorena, who married Floyd Runnell, of Dows, Iowa; Inez, at home, who teaches school at Popejoy; J. E., Jr., also at home; and Gladys and Woodrow C., at home.

Mr. Carr is a republican and has always upheld the principles of that party. For six years he has been township assessor and is now president of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a valuable champion. For seven years he has been a member of the board of supervisors and in the Government of Franklin county has taken a laudable interest, always turning his efforts to good account. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church, while fraternally he is a Mason and a Modern Woodman. Mr. Carr is a successful agriculturist who has helped to make possible the prosperous conditions now existing. He is a man of high character and a valuable and public-spirited citizen. Such men as he are the backbone of the nation.

Newton B. Claypool

Newton B. Claypool, living in Hampton, is the owner of a quarter section of valuable land in Franklin county and derives therefrom a substantial annual income. He was formerly actively engaged in farming, but now in the evening of life, is living retired. He was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, May 14, 1836, and is a son of Milton and Rosanna (Higgins) Claypool, who were natives of Ohio and Illinois respectively. The father was a farmer by occupation and after removing westward to Illinois continued to reside there until called to his final rest. In the family were the following children: Newton B.; James M., deceased; Alvira, the widow of Frederick Rendisbacher, living at Stockton, Illinois; Martha and William, both now deceased; Benjamin R., who is engaged in the banking business at Orleans, Nebraska; Milton, who has passed away; Elmira, who is the widow of George Claywell, of Austin, Minnesota; Louise, the wife of T. L. J. Clapp, of Chicago; Edward, a resident of Spencer, Iowa; and Joseph, who is living in Minnesota.

Through the period of his boyhood and youth Newton B. Claypool remained upon the home farm and assisted his father in the work of the fields from the time when he was old enough to handle the plow. On starting out on his own account he leased a farm and continued to cultivate rented land for thirteen years. In 1872 he arrived in Franklin county and purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, then all wild and unimproved land. With characteristic energy he began its development and transformed the tract into rich, cultivated fields. He followed farming until October 29, 1908, when he removed to Hampton. He still owns a quarter section of valuable land and derives therefrom a substantial income. In all of his farm work he was persistent and energetic, and as invention brought forth new and improved machinery he used it to facilitate the work of the fields.

On the 4th of July, 1855, Mr. Claypool was united in marriage to Miss Annett Townsend, a daughter of George N. and Mary (Miner) Townsend, whose ancestors came to the new world as passengers on the Mayflower. Her parents eventually settled in Illinois and her father built the first house in the township in which he lived in that state. In their family were the following children: Samantha, who married E. M. Backus and who is now deceased; Amanda, who is the wife of A. B. Chambers, of Boone, Iowa; Asher and Nelson, who have passed away; Mrs. Claypool; Joseph, who has departed this life; Jennie, the wife of H. Z. Tucker, of Walnut Grove, Illinois; Susan, the wife of W. B. Bryan of Hampton; Olive; Gazelle, the widow of Charles Pulfrey, of South Dakota; Mary, the widow of' J. G. Renwick; Emeline, the wife of T. L. Stayer, of Chicago; and Hugh, deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. Claypool had a family of eight children: Ebenezer E., living at Hansler, Iowa; B. Edward, who is located in Minnesota; Rosanna, the wife of Sam McDowell of Hampton; Mary, the wife of E. F. Klinefelter, of Alexander, Iowa; George M., of Alberta, Canada; Phillip H., living in Chapin, Iowa; Altha, deceased; and Newton B., of Franklin county.

Mr. Claypool belongs to the Baptist church, and his life has ever been in accord with its principles. He also holds membership with the Masonic fraternity and with the Grand Army of the Republic. He is entitled to wear the little bronze button of the Grand Army from the fact. that he enlisted in 1865 as a member of Company K, Ninety-sixth Illinois Infantry. He was afterward transferred to Grant's regiment, twenty-first Illinois, and was honorably discharged at San Antonio, Texas, in November, 1865. In politics he has always been a republican, thus supporting the party which was the defense of the union in the dark days of the Civil war and has always been the acknowledged party of progress and reform and improvement.

Mr. & Mrs. Edward L. Clock

Edward L. Clock, one of the honored and valued residents of Geneva, is living retired after many years of close connection with mercantile interests of Maysville and agricultural interests of Franklin county. He is one of the pioneers in this part,of Iowa, his residence here dating from 1856, since which time he has witnessed a great deal of the development and growth of the country, bearing an active and honorable part in the work of advancement. He was born on Long Island, New York, January 23, 1831, a son of Ebenezer and Lucinda (Jarvis) Clock, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work.

In early childhood Edward L. Clock began contributing to his. own support, riding a horse for plowing at ten cents per day. He also cut cord wood and grafted fruit trees and engaged in various other similar occupations. In 1856 he came to Iowa, locating in Maysville, Franklin county, where he engaged in the mercantile business in partnership with his brother-in-law, Henry Wheeler until the latter's death. In 1865 Mr. Clock formed a partnership with his brother, H. C. Clock, which continued until the entire stock was purchased by H. C. Clock, Edward Clock turning his attention to farming. He followed this occupation successfully until 1902, when he moved to Geneva and erected a comfortable home, in which he has since lived in retirement.

On the 21st of January, 1857, Mr. Clock was united in marriage to Miss Fannie E. Wheeler, who was born in Ohio, December 24, 1833. They became the parents of seven children: Harry E., who has passed away; Dewitt, of Franklin county; Edith M. and Rogene, who have also passed away; Jean H., of Geneva township; Julian, deceased; and Ned L., who died in Chattanooga, Tennessee, while in the army during the Spanish-American war.

Mr. Clock is a member of the Methodist church, is connected fraternally with the Masonic lodge and chapter and gives his political support to the republican party. He served as enrolling officer during the Civil war and has been three times county supervisor. He is a man whose high moral character, public spirit and industry have placed him in high standing in the community, and he is acknowledged to be a substantial and representative citizen.

Hezekiah C. Clock, who in partnership with his two sons operates a large general merchandise store in Geneva, is numbered among the early settlers in Franklin county, having come here in 1861. He was born in Painesville, Ohio, July 24, 1839, and is a son of Ebenezer and Lucinda (Jarvis) Clock, natives of Long Island. The-father died in Ohio in 1847, and the mother passed away in Illinois. To their union were born eight children: Alonzo, of Geneva; Jarvis, who died in Franklin county; Edward L., of Geneva; Hezekiah C., of this review; Charles L., of Redlands, California, formerly county auditor and county treasurer of Franklin county; Henry A., of Long Beach, California; and Sarah Ann and Nancy, both of whom died in childhood. Henry A. was for thirty years a resident of Franklin county and with his brother Charles founded the town of Latimer. He served as county treasurer for four years.

When Hezekiah C. Clock was nine years of age he was bound out as an apprentice and continued in service until 1853, when he moved to Illinois. Four years later he came to Franklin county, but shortly afterward returned to Illinois where he spent six months. About 1859 he came again to Franklin county and engaged in teaching school here for one winter. He enlisted in Company C, Sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, being mustered into service June 24, 1861. He served for three years and then reenlisted at Scottsboro, Alabama, January 1, 1864. He went with his regiment to Jonesboro and from there was sent to a hospital at Lookout Mountain. He was discharged as captain of his company in February, 1865, and returned to Iowa, where he has since resided.

Mr. Clock formed a partnership with his brother Edward L. in 1865 and together they operated a mercantile establishment in Maysville until 1870, when he purchased his brother's interest and removed to Geneva. There he erected a store and conducted it until the building was destroyed by fire in 1896. This he replaced by a fine steel and frame structure in 1897 and here has since engaged in business, having his two sons in partnership with him. They carry a full line of general merchandise and in the course of years have built up a large and representative patronage, for they have steadily adhered to straightforward and honorable business methods.

In May, 1865, Mr. Clock was united in marriage to Miss Emily J. Roberts, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in November, 1899. By that union he had the following children: Claude J., employed in the auditor's office of the Chicago & Alton Railroad at Bloomington, Illinois; Doris Le Verne, a resident of Geneva, Iowa; Laura, deceased; Earle R., of Grinnell, where he is engaged in manufacturing; Ernest E., of Hampton; Sherwood A., represented on another page of this volume; Oakley J., also a resident of Geneva; and Mabel, who died in infancy. Mr. Clock has also an adopted daughter, Irene, who assists in the store. In 1904 he was again married, his second wife being Miss Amanda B. Harris, a native of Painesville, Ohio.

Mr. Clock is a member of the Grand Army post at Geneva and belongs to the Masonic chapter at Hampton. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and served with credit and ability as postmaster of Geneva for over fifteen years, being the first postmaster there. He has lived in Franklin county for almost fifty years and during that period has become known as a man of energy, honesty and enterprise, who has made his individual success a factor in the promotion of general progress.

One of the finest and most modern farms in Franklin county is that owned by Andrew Jackson Cole. It is a tract of two hundred and twenty acres on sections 4, 5 and 8, Osceola township, and in its excellent condition reflects the intelligent care and labor which its owner has bestowed upon it. Mr. Cole was born in Troy, New York, November 19, 1855, and is a son of Reuben and Bridget (O'Brien) Cole, the former a native of New York and the latter of Ireland. They came to Franklin county in 1856 and located on a farm in Geneva township, the father engaging in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred May 25, 1889. He had survived his wife only a short time, her death having occurred in February, 1887. To their union were born five children: Andrew Jackson, of this review; Mary Jane, the wife of John Ray, of Waterloo, Iowa; Jefferson; deceased; Clarence, of Geneva; and Helea, of Des Moines.

Andrew J. Cole was but one year old when his parents came to Franklin county, and in this locality he was reared and educated. He remained upon his father's farm until he was twenty-four years of age and then rented an eighty acre tract, whereon he resided for one year. He then rented one hundred and twenty acres and afterward another eighty acre tract. One year later he made his first purchase of land, buying one hundred and twenty acres on section 4, Osceola township. To this he has since added one hundred acres lying on sections 5 and 8 and upon this fine property he engages in general farming and stock-raising with richly merited success. His farm is completely equipped with modern machinery and is provided with substantial barns and outbuildings as well as a fine fifteen-room brick house lighted with gas and complete in every detail.

On the 9th of March, 1881, Mr. Cole was united in marriage to Miss Martha Childs, a native of New York, and to their union were born four children: Henry, at home; Cora, a music teacher in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Mabel, who is attending Ellsworth College at Iowa Falls; and Nellie, the wife of Peter Thompson, of Dike, Iowa. On the 5th of June, 1912, Mr. Cole started on a trip around the world, going from New York to Germany and thence to England, Ireland and Scotland, traveling afterward through France, Italy, Spain, the island of Ceylon, the Malay peninsula, Egypt, Africa, China, Japan, Honolulu and thence back to America, the entire trip taking over six months. Mrs. Cole is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church. Mr. Cole gives his political allegiance to the republican party. His business success is well merited, for he is capable in management and displays untiring industry in carrying forward his interests.

Dr. & Mrs. James L. Collins

Dr. James L. Collins, a successful representative of the medical fraternity in Franklin county, has practiced his profession at Sheffield since January, 1910. His birth occurred in Lee county, Iowa, on the 25th of November, 1875, his parents being R. B. and Thankful (McGregor) Collins, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Columbus, Ohio. R. B. Collins spent his early life in Louisville, Kentucky, and when a youth of sixteen came to Iowa, following agricultural pursuits in Lee county throughout his active business career. Both he and his wife have passed away.

James L. Collins spent his boyhood in his native county and attended the district schools in the acquirement of his early education, while subsequently he pursued a course of study in Cotner University of Lincoln, Nebraska. He then prepared for the practice of medicine in the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons and following his graduation from that institution in 1909, spent six months with Dr. Haecker at Hampton, Iowa. In January, 1910, he located at Sheffield and has here remained to the present time, his practice having steadily grown as he has demonstrated his skill and ability in coping with the intricate problems which continually confront the physician in his efforts to restore health and prolong life. He keeps in close touch with the progress of the profession through his membership in the Franklin County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. For one year he served as health physician of Sheffield.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Dr. Collins chose Miss Bertha Carter, a native of Steelville, Missouri, and a daughter of George F. Carter. They have three children: Marion C. and James W., who are seven and two years of age respectively; and Lillian W., who is in her first year. Dr. Collins is a member of the Christian church of Lee county but attends the services of the Methodist Episcopal church in Sheffield. He is a stalwart friend of the cause of education and is now serving as president of the school board. His fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is most conscientious in the performance of his professional duties and in every relation of life is actuated by high and honorable principles.

James Cook is cashier of the Alexander Savings Bank, one of the solid financial institutions of Franklin county and this section of the state. His has been an active, useful life, crowned with success which results from close application when combined with earnest effort and honorable purpose. He was born in England, January 23, 1864, a son of James and Hariette (Newby) Cook. The father was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit throughout his entire life. He died in 1900, and the mother passed awav in 1896. She never came to the United States.

James Cook of this review was educated in the common schools of England and after completing his studies he worked on his father's farm until he reached the age of eighteen years. He then determined to try his fortune in America, for he had heard many reports concerning the country and its opportunities. On the 15th of June, 1882, he arrived in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming for about twelve years, or until 1894, when he came to Franklin county. He then engaged in the restaurant business for awhile and in 1895 built a hotel in Alexander, which he conducted until 1900. He then turned his attention to the real-estate business in which he was engaged for two years. In 1902 he took charge of the Alexander Savings Bank as its cashier. He may well be proud of his success, for since he has become one of the officers the bank has steadily grown and prospered, owing in no small measure to his efforts and capable management. This is today one of the strongest financial institutions in central Iowa.

On the 10th of June, 1884, Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Miss Sarah M. Cook, who was born October 11, 1857, and was educated in the common schools of Canada. They have no children of their own, but have adopted two daughters: Bessie, now nineteen years of age; and Myrtle, aged eight. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are members of the Congregational church, loyal to its teachings, active in its work and generous in its support.

In his political beliefs Mr. Cook is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but does not seek nor desire public office. He holds membership with the Knights of Pythias and with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is genial and companionable, possessing many attractive social qualities which have made him popular with those with whom he has come in contact. In spite of the fact that his early advantages were comparatively few, he has steadily worked his way upward, and he stands today among the prosperous and enterprising business men of the town in which he makes his home.

G. A. Corning, M. D., is the oldest practicing physician in Hampton and is still an active follower of the profession, although he has now passed the seventy-eighth milestone on life's journey. He was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, August 18, 1835, and is a son of George and Phoebe (Webster) Corning. The mother was a relative of America's eminent statesman, Daniel Webster, and as a representative of one of the old American families represented in the war for independence, she is eligible to membership in the Daughters of the Revolution. Her youngest brother, J. P. Webster, was a noted musician and song writer.

On leaving New England, George Corning, father of Dr. Corning, removed westward to Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming to the time of his death. His wife, however, passed away in New Hampshire.

Dr. Corning is the fourth in order of birth in a family of six children. He went to Wisconsin in 1855, where he took up the profession of surveying, and also engaged in teaching school there. Desirous of improving his own education he entered the Portage City Classical Institute of Portage, Wisconsin, and completed his classical course in that institution in 1860. He next located at Kilbourn, Wisconsin, and was principal of the schools there for two years. Later he went to Union county, Illinois, and when his health failed he abandoned professional activity to engage in the fruit business. At the time of the Civil war his patriotic spirit prompted his enlistment and in 1863 he offered his services to the government, but was rejected on account of the condition of his heart. He found that he was a failure in the fruit business; and in 1865 he went to Bureau county, Illinois, where he resumed the profession of teaching which he followed until 1868, when his wife died. He then gave up teaching and built a home for his brother and sister-in-law. The latter was his wife's sister and had previously been given a position as teacher in the schools of Bureau county, through the influence of Dr. Corning, but later she resigned and moved to Wisconsin.

After building the home previously mentioned Dr. Corning traveled extensively over the southwest, visiting various sections and working in different places. Eventually he worked his way back again to Iowa and thence to Minnesota, after which he returned to his old home in Wisconsin, where he was welcomed with open arms. Later he went to Bureau county, Illinois, and there engaged in teaching in the graded schools for several years. He then entered Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, and graduated two years later. He first took up the practice of medicine at Marseilles, Illinois, in 1875, and in 1878 he came to Hampton, where he has since been practicing, being now the oldest physician of the town.

Dr. Corning has been twice married. He first wedded Isabelle Town, who died leaving a son, Ernest Banks Corning, who is now a surveyor of Loup City, Nebraska. Dr. Corning afterward married Josephine Town, a sister of his first wife and they have become the parents of two children; Edward Ray, of Hampton and Stanley Town, who is a farmer of this county.

Dr. Corning attends the Universalist church and is affiliated with the Masons and Odd Fellows lodges, the beneficiant principles of which he exemplifies in his life. His political allegiance has long been given to the republican party which has indeed found in him a stalwart supporter. Dr. Corning is still active, though well advanced in age. He bears his seventy-eight years lightly and in spirit and interest seems yet in his prime.