Keokuk County Iowa IAGenWeb - 1903 Biography

DR. IRA F. CAMERON

The subject of this sketch is one of the old and prominent physicians and an old settler of Keokuk county and as such deserves mention in this volume. His father, Allen Cameron, was a native of Montgomery county, New York, and remained there until twenty years of age. He then removed to Hamilton county, Ohio, and there taught school for a number of years. During one of his vacations he was married near Cincinnati and then came west to Iowa, in 1857; he had bought land in Adams township, Keokuk county, in 1852. He engaged in farming for a number of years and in 1880 embarked in the drug and stationery business, which he continued till his retirement in 1884. He passed from the scenes of earth in 1894. He had engaged in several occupations in life, and always with success. As a member of the Democratic party he held the office of justice of the peace, was a member of the school board, and for three times was the candidate of his party for state representative. Always active in public affairs, his life was one of great usefulness to the county and state. He married Mariah Broadwell, who was born, reared and educated in Hamilton county, Ohio; she died in 1889 and was the mother of four children, one of whom died in infancy.

One of these children was Ira F. Cameron, who records his birth as occurring in Hamilton county, Ohio, June 20, 1847, and he was thus but ten years of age when his parents brought him to Iowa. After receiving his preliminary education in the district school, when about seventeen years of age he entered the Iowa State University and continued in attendance for three years, teaching school a portion of the time. After his marriage he attended the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati and graduated in 1876. Then locating in Keswick, Iowa, he has made that place his home ever since and is now one of the oldest practitioners in the county, having constantly devoted himself to the alleviation of the sufferings of humanity for twenty-six years. He is also engaged in the drug business.

In 1870 Dr. Cameron was united in marriage to Miss Martha Connelly, a native of Delaware county, Ohio, where she was reared and educated. They are the parents of two children: Mable is a graduate in the department of pharmacy at the Iowa State University; and Elmer is attending high school. The Doctor is a member of the Keokuk County Medical Association and is ex-president of the same; he is also a member of the Iowa Association of Railway Surgeons. Until 1896 he was a Democrat, but in that year he decided to take a position of independence in the matter of politics; he has been the candidate of that party for the state legislature, but failed of election because he was on the unpopular side. He has served as member of the school board for several years and always takes a deep interest in affairs of a public nature. Mr. Cameron has one of the finest residences in the city; it was built in 1892 at a cost of three thousand and five hundred dollars, and is equipped with all modern conveniences.

JOHN CAMPBELL

As a man travels on in the journey of life and passes the prime of manhood, his strength and energy are somewhat lessened by age, which is an indication that it is intended that his last years should be, at least to some extent, a period of rest. Not all who pass he meridian of life are permitted to put aside business cares, for through the lack of business ability or mismanagement they have not acquired capital sufficient to supply their needs in their declining years. We here present, however, a gentleman who is enjoying a well earned rest. Long connected with the agricultural interests of the county, his capable management and the careful husbanding of his resources brought to him a very desirable competence, which now supplies him with all the necessities and many of the luxuries that go to make life worth living.

This rather brief and imperfect sketch of the Campbell family will serve to place before our readers a record that can be safely emulated by all young men. Mr. John Campbell is a native of Franklin county, Ohio, born December 25, 1829. His parents were Robert and Phoebe (Martin) Campbell, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They were married in Franklin county, and located in Plain township. The mother died at the birth of our subject and the father died here at the age of sixty-six years. He was an active and earnest member of the Methodist church, and a follower of Jefiferson in politics. His father before him was born in Ireland and came to America when but a boy with his two brothers. The grandmother of Mr. Campbell was June Meads, a daughter of an old pioneer family of Pennsylvania. The mother of our subject was also a native of Pennsylvania. She became the mother of four children, three sons and one daughter, of whom our subject is the youngest, and all of whom grew to maturity and lived to a good old age.

Our subject is the only living member of the family. He was bom, educated and married in his native county. The date of the marriage was August 30, 1854, when he was joined to Miss Sara Thrall, a native of Licking county, Ohio, and the daughter of Dr. B. F. and Eliza (Pyle) Thrall. Her father was born in Vermont, and was a practicing physician for a number of years in Licking county and during the Civil war was a surgeon in the Federal army. He was a man of fine education and of excellent reputation in his profession. He had a family consisting of ten children, five sons and five daughters, all growing to maturity. Our subject remained in Ohio until 1855, when he came to Iowa, where he located first in Des Moines county, and in the fall of 1859 came on to Keokuk county and located in Martinsburg. Here he remained for two years, during which time he was postmaster and hotel keeper. He then removed back to Ohio and remained there two years, and then returned to Keokuk county, where he purchased land and engaged in farming.

Since coming to Iowa Mr. Campbell has had a very busy existence, and has been prominent in the local life of the different communities in which he has resided. He has lived in several localities in the county and has always been prominently identified as a member of the agricultural and stock raising class. By the use of good business judgment, and a life of energetic activity, he has been enabled to accumulate a considerable property. In 1900 he retired from active business and has since resided at Hedrick in enjoyment of the competency which he has so well earned.

Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are the parents of eight children, B. Frank, a farmer of Keokuk county; Daniel, a farmer in Steady Run township; Phoebe, wife of Dr. W. H. Wilson of Table Rock, Nebraska; Eliza, wife of Geo. R. Davis, Steady Run township; Minnie, single and at home; Robert, a farmer of Steady Run township; Homer, deceased at nine years; and a son who died in infancy. These children were given fair educational advantages, and given also excellent financial aid for the beginning of their several battles of life.

In political faith Mr. Campbell has always adhered to Democratic principles, and during the long fight for the principles of prohibition in Iowa has been exceedingly active in favor of the prohibition legislation that has been enacted. He has .held only minor offices, never being a seeker of political preferment. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church, in which he has been active as an official and has been a liberal contributor.

A. W. CARMICHAEL

A. W. Carmichael, who is a representative of the farming interests of English River township and one of the old residents of this locality, was born within the borders of the township December 10, 1857. His father, Emsley Carmichael, was a native of Ohio and when about thirty-five years of age sought a home beyond the Mississippi, taking up his abode near White Pigeon in English River township upon a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, all of which was raw land when it came into his possession. He at once began the task of making it fertile and productive and his efforts resulted in quickly working a transformation. It became one of the fine farm of the locality and continued to be his home until his death. Mr. Carmichael was married in Washington county, Iowa, to Avarilla Moore, a native of Ohio, who removed to Washington county during her early girlhood, remaining there with her parents until her marriage. They became the parents of seven children, four sons and three daughters, of whom our subject is the fourth child and third son. The record of the family is as follows: Martha, a widow residing at White Pigeon, Iowa; Francis M.; Sarah, deceased; A. W., of this review; Rebecca A., deceased; one who died in infancy; and Perry. The father followed the occupation of farming until his death, which occurred in 1864, on the old homestead near White Pigeon, when he was about sixty years of age. He always voted with the Democracy and was unswerving in his advocacy of the party. He held membership in the Christian church near White Pigeon.

A. W. Carmichael early became familiar with farm work upon the old homestead, assisting in the labors of field and meadow during the months of summer, while in the winter season he attended the public schools. After attaining his majority he was married to Myra Morgan, on the 5th of May, 1878, and her father, Thomas Morgan, was one of the early settlers of Keokuk county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Carmichael were born four children, but they lost one in infancy. There are three daughters living: Iva Maude, Nellie A., and Verna, all at home. The second daughter, Nellie A., was graduated with high honors in the Sigourney high school at the age of eighteen years.

Mr. Carmichael spent the first year after his marriage upon a farm in Adams township and then purchased ninety acres of land in English River township. Later he was given forty acres more in the same township and he has since purchased fifty acres, so that he now has a valuable farm of about two hundred acres, all under a high state of cultivation. He belongs to the Masonic Lodge at South English, being a third degree Mason, and in his life he exemplifies the beneficent spirit of his craft. In politics he has always been a Republican and keeps well informed on the issues and questions of the day, but has never sought or desired public office for himself. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Webster and his life is in harmony with his professions.

ELI H. CARRELL

Eli H. Carrell, a retired citizen of Sigourney, Iowa, was born in Logan county, Ohio, August 15, 1838, and is a son of George B. and Censaline (Shirley) Carrell, both of whom were natives of Virginia. The Carrell family is of Irish origin, while the Shirley family originated in England, George B. Carrell was reared in Virginia, where his father had located when he came as a lad to America. At Charlestown Mr. Carrell married and with his wife moved to Greene county, Ohio, about 1836, and two years later to Logan county, Ohio, where our subject was born. Mr. Carrell was a cabinet-maker and learned his trade in Charlestown. In connection with this he was also undertaker, as was the custom at that time, and he laid away the remains of fully six hundred persons in Logan county and vicinity; he following carpentering also. He was much respected as a true, honest and upright man. About 1866 he moved to Iowa and located on a farm in Washington county. His death occurred at Adell, Dallas county, Iowa, and his burial was at Mount Pleasant. His eighty years had not only silvered liis hair, but had made a record for him of an exemplary life. He was one of the most active supporters of the Methodist church in his neighborhood and was always ready to promote its usefulness to the extent of his means. Formerly he was a Whig, but embraced the principles of the Republican party at a later date, and was a great admirer of John C. Fremont. He filled many offices of trust and was a justice of the peace both in Ohio and Iowa.

The mother of our subject was born at Charlestown, Virginia, and her father, William Shirley, was a soldier in the war of 1812, holding high rank. She died in her seventy-fifth year. She bore her husband six sons and three daughters: William C, who is a merchant at Charlestown, Virginia; Samuel S., who is in the oil business at Hartford City, Indiana; Edwin, who is in business at Adell, Iowa; Eli H., who is our subject; Miss Annie, who resides at Adell; Margaret, who is the wife of Milton Singmaster of Mountaingrove, Missouri; George W.; Censaline L., who is Mrs. Holloway; and James, who died at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, aged forty-one years.

Eli H. Carrell, a retired citizen of Sigourney, Iowa, was born in Ohio ]missing text] remained until about nineteen years of age, receiving his education in the common schools and assisting his father. At the age of eighteen he went as a carpenter's assistant with his brother Edwin in Logan county, and the next year accompanied him to Mercer county, Ilinois, but two years later he returned to Ohio. Here he soon built up a good business in carpenter work, extending it to building and contracting, remaining so engaged until 1862. He then went back to Mercer county and remained there at work until his brother and family decided to move to Washington county, Iowa, when he accompanied them. For one year he was in the pump business, but again returned to Ohio and remained there until 1868, when he rejoined the family in Washington county, Iowa. In 1873 he came to Keokuk county, and opened a furniture and undertaking business, in which he continued at Richland for eight years, changing to dry-goods and groceries for two years, and then bought a farm in Lancaster township. Mr. Carrell operated the farm for three years and then located in Sigourney, engaging in the grocery, flour and feed business, in which he continued until December 12, 1901, at which time he sold out and retired from activity.

Mr. Carrell is regarded as a very substantial citizen of the county. For many years he was prominent in politics and very acceptably held many of the local offices. In national affairs he supports the Republican party, but in local matters he uses his own judgment. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic fraternity.

In June, 1874, Mr. Carrell was united in marriage with Mary A. Swearingen, who was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, on June 3, 1854, and is a daughter of W. A. and Elizabeth (Hall) Swearingen, and three children were born to this union, namely: Dr. Oscar Vane, a dentist of Sigourney; Owen G., a teacher in the Deaf-Mute College at Austin, Texas, being a deaf-mute himself and well educated; and Laura A. As one of the influential citizens of Sigourney Mr. Carrell is highly regarded, but he is also esteemed as a reliable, public-spirited, charitable and most useful resident by the large circle who have known him for so many years.

JOHN CLARK

At an early day in the development of Keokuk county the late John Clark became one of its residents. Many years have passed since then, bringing great changes, and in the work of transformation he bore his part as a loyal and interested citizen. He carried on farming on section 9, Lafayette township, where he had a good home and valuable property. Mr. Clark was born in Lincolnshire, England, March 25, 1830. His father, Thomas Clark, also a native of that country and a farmer by occupation, died in England when about eighty years of age. His wife, Rebecca (Cunningham) Clark, was also bom, lived and died in England, passing away when the subject of this review was only about a year old. The father was three times married, the mother of our subject being his second wife, and to them were born three children. The brothers of our subject were David and Daniel. They, too, came to the United States and both died in Illinois in 1902.

John Clark was the youngest of the three brothers and was a self-made man whose strong perseverance and diligence were the means of bringing to him creditable success in life. He was about twelve years of age when he began work by the week, receiving twenty-five cents for a week's wages. He was willing to take any employment that would yield him an honest living. For three years he remained with Mrs. Back, his first employer, and then entered the service of Mr. Wilson, a farmer with whom he remained for a year. He next entered the service of Mr. Cullum, also a farmer, with whom he continued for about a year. He next worked for Mr. Stewart, near Spalding, England. Thus another twelve months passed and he then went to the home which his father owned and worked in that locality, as he could find employment. Believing that he could enjoy better business opportunities in the new world he came to America with his brother David in the year 1852. They first located in Washington, Illinois, near Peoria. They had about five hundred dollars in money when they reached that place and thus they began life in the new world. Mr. Clark of this review remained in Washington or its vicinity for about eight years, working by the month.

In the meantime, in 1855, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Margaret Ferguson, a native of Scotland, and in 1857 he came to Keokuk county, Iowa, locating on the land on which was his late home and where his daughter now resides. Here he improved a place which, when it came into his possession, was entirely wild and uncultivated, although the land was fenced. He built the residence, barns and other outbuildings upon the place, added all the modern equipments which are here seen and cultivated the fields until now they are very productive. For forty-five years he made his residence here and lived to witness much of the growth of the county. He had two hundred and six acres of land and throughout the years of his residence successfully carried on general farming and stock raising.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clark were born four children who are yet living and two who have passed away, namely: William, a resident farmer of Keokuk county; Eliza, the wife of John Herr, who also follows farming in this county; May the wife of George McDonald, who operates her father's land; Catherine, the wife of Benjamin Showalter of East Chicago, Indiana; and David and Benjamin, both deceased. The mother passed away February 13, 1898, dying in the faith of the Presbyterian church, of which she was a consistent and loyal member. She possessed many excellent traits of heart and mind, which have endeared her to her friends as well as to her immediate family.

In his political views Mr. Clark was an earnest Republican, whose study of the questions and issues of the day led him to give his aid to that party. His life serves to illustrate what excellent business opportunities are furnished in America to young men of ambition, determination and industry. Success may here be won by these qualities unhampered by caste or class. Desiring to provide well for his family, Mr. Clark labored untiringly at farm work until several years ago, when his health failed him and at the time of his death he was numbered among the men of affluence of the community and as a substantial and representative citizen connected with agricultural interests in Keokuk county. His name is also on the role of pioneer settlers, for through almost a half century he lived in this part of Iowa. Mr. Clark died on October 22, 1902, and the event was the occasion of sincere regret throughout the community of his friends and neighbors.

HON. JOHN C. CLARKE

Hon. John C. Clarke is one of the old settlers of Keokuk county and through many years has been a prominent factor in business and public life, and that he has the confidence and good will of his fellow-citizens is shown by the fact that twice has he been chosen to act as their representative in the legislative councils of the state from Iowa county. He has been an active factor in industrial circles of Keota, where as a member of the firm of Clarke & Leacox he was engaged until recenth in the manufacture of tile.

Mr. Clarke was born in Landaff, Grafton county, New Hampshire, July 25, 1831, and his father, Elijah S. Clarke, was a native of the same county. The grandfather, John Clarke, was likewise a native of the old Granite state and was a Revolutionary soldier under General Washington. He came of English descent and was a prominent and influential member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he long served as a class leader. Elijah S. Clarke became a farmer and followed that occupation throughout his entire life in order to provide for his family. His political support was given to the Free-soil party in his early years and later he became a staunch Democrat. He married Huldah Thurston, a native of Corinth, Vermont, and a daughter of David Thurston. His death occurred when he was fifty-one years of age, but his wife reached the advanced age of seventy-one years. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom reached years of maturity.

John C. Clarke of this review was the first son in his father's family. At the age of seven years he accompanied his parents on their removal to Groton, Vermont, and was there reared upon a farm. His early education was acquired in the common schools and he later pursued an academic course. Like most young men starting out for themselves, he desired a companion and helpmate for life's journey and in 1853 he was united in marriage to Mary E. Carson, a native of Bath, New Hampshire, and a daughter of Alexander and Mary (Cogswell) Carson. She was reared and educated in Bath and has proved to her husband a worthy helpmate. The day succeeding their marriage the young couple started westward and located in Wisconsin, near Milwaukee, where they remained for three months. They then removed to Peoria, Illinois, where Mr. Clarke engaged in teaching school for three years. On the expiration of that periotl he came to Iowa county, Iowa, and turned his attention to farming, purchasing a tract of land on which he lived for twenty years, his attention being devoted to the raising of grain and of stock. When two decades had passed he took up his abode in Sigourney, Iowa, and there established a store, which he conducted for a year, after which he returned to his farm in Iowa county, making his home thereon until 1876, when he came to Keota. As a factor in the mercantile circles of this place he was soon active, dealing in agricultural implements, and through eleven years he carried on business along that line. He also dealt in stoves, and in both departments ot his trade met with excellent success. At length, selling out, he turned his attention to the manufacture of brick and tile, which he continued in connection with S. K. Leacox under the firm name of Clarke & Leacox. The output of their factory was quite extensive and of excellent quality, so that it found a ready sale upon the market. In the fall of 1902 he disposed of his interest in this concern to his partner. Mr. Clarke owns a farm of two hundred acres in Lafayette township and another of eighty acres in Adams county. He has thus made judicious investments in land and from his farms he receives good rental.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Clarke has been blessed with three children who are yet living: James F., who is a dealer in horses in Keota; Genevieve, the wife of Rev. I. B. Schreckengast, a Methodist Episcopal minister of Washington; and Harry H., who is engaged in the tile business in Keota. The family is one well known in this portion of the county and their circle of friends is a very extensive one. Mr. Clarke has long been a recognized leader of public thought and action in bis locality. In 1872 he was elected on the Republican ticket to represent the people of Iowa in the state legislature from Iowa county and filled the position so acceptably that he was re-elected in 1874. He has taken an active part in politics and has held other local offices. For twenty-three years he was a member of the city council of Keota, and exercised his official prerogatives for the good of the community in a way that was above reproach. His promptness and fidelity in office could not be better proved than by the fact that he was so long continued in the position by popular suffrage. He belongs to Adelphi Lodge, No. 353, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he has served as master, and he is also identified with the Eastern Star of Keota. Such, in brief, is the life history of the Hon. John C. Clarke. In whatever relation of life we find him, in the government service, in political circles, in business or in social relations, he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman and well merits the high regard which is uniformly given to him.

LEONARD CLARY

Leonard Clary, who during life was a prominent farmer and replesentative citizen of Van Buren township, Keokuk county, Iowa, was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, July 14, 1827, and died March 21, 1893. His parents were George and Frances (Seibold) Clary, the former of whom was born in Maryland and went to Kentucky when be was very young, his parents moving to that state. When he attained maturity he was married to Frances Seibold and they reared five children, two boys and three girls; of these our late subject was the oldest, two of the family being now deceased.

When Leonard Clary, of this sketch, was four years of age his parents moved to Indiana, where they resided for nine years, moving then to Keokuli county, Iowa, and setthng in Van Buren township. In the eastern part of the township Mr. Clary entered six hundred and forty acres of land, providing a farm for each of his children in this way. Each settled on his own land and undertook the clearing of it. In 1858. Leonard Clary moved to Missouri and there engaged in farming until 1861, when he came back to Van Buren township and settled on a farrr which he operated here for ten years, moving then to Union county, but in 1877 located on the farm now occupied by his family, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres.

In December, 1849, Leonard Clary was united in marriage with Emily Asberry, who was born March 21, 1833, in Indiana and is a daughter of Benjamin and Mary H. (Porter) Asberry, both of whom were natives of the south, the former of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. While still quite a young man, Mr. Asberry settled in Kentucky, where he married, and then moved to Indiana, where he followed his trade of blacksmith. In the fall of 1850 he removed to Monroe county, Iowa, and engaged there in farming for about twenty-two years, going then to Ringgold county, Iowa, where he died at the age of ninety-six years. During the Civil war he served during 1863 in what was called the Iowa Gray Beards regiment, coming home then on account of disability. The mother of Mrs. Clary, Mary H. Porter, belonged to an old Kentucky family of prominence. These parents had a family of five boys and two girls, of which family Mrs. Clary was the second child. The names are noted as follows: Samuel, deceased;Emily; Joseph, deceased; Thomas; William; Mary Ann; and Benjamin; all of whom were born in Indiana, and in that state Mrs. Clary was reared and educated. To her marriage with Mr. Clary were eight children, namely: Henry, W. W., Maylon, Thomas, Mary F., Amos, and Ida M., all born in Keokuk county, and one died in infancy.

During life Mr. Clary was a most respected member of sodety. He took a great interest in all matters concerning his family and township and never spared time or expense to advance their interests. In politics he was a Democrat and filled the office of assessor with credit to himself and the public. He had many warm friends and was known for his honesty and integrity.

FERDINAND CLEMENS

Ferdinand Clemens has passed the eighty-third milestone on life's journey and is one of the highly respected and venerable residents of Washington township. He became one of the early settlers of Keokuk county and for many years was identified with its agricultural interests and is still the owner of two hundred and twenty acres of rich and arable land, upon which he lives, but does not personally conduct the farm. He was born in Licking county, Ohio, June 18, 1819. His father, Eleazer Clemens, was a native of Massachusetts and there spent the first twelve years of his life, when with his mother he came to Licking county, Ohio, driving across the country in a wagon, to which was hitched a yoke of oxen. It can well be imagined that the journey was a very slow one as compared to the modern methods of travel, when the steam cars cross in a single day distances which then required weeks. Eleazer Clemens remained with his mother until his marriage with Hannah Mead, a native of Vermont, but reared in Ohio, where she came with her parents. She was only fifteen years of age when married, and became the mother of thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters, of whom the subject of this review is the fourth in order of birth. In an early day in the history of Keokuk county the father brought his family to Iowa, settling in Washington county upon a farm which his son Ferdinand had previouly improved. There he remained until his death, which occurred when he was seventy-eight years of age.

After living in Iowa for two years Ferdinand Clemens returned to Ohio and was married in Licking county to Miss Sarah Layton, a native of Virginia. By the death of her parents she was left an orphan in early girlhood and then made her home with an uncle until her marriage. Not long after the wedding was celebrated Mr. Clemens brought his bride to Iowa and located on the farm in Washington county on which he had previously taken up his abode. There they remained for about eight years and during that time two children were born to them: Ferdinand, who is now engaged in blacksmithing in Delta, Iowa; and Aurora, deceased. The mother died in 1880, and Mr. Clemens was again married, his second union being with Lydia Colbert, a native of Ohio, who died on the old homestead in this county, August 19, 1899.

On selling his farm in Washington county, Mr. Clemens came to Keokuk county and purchased a farm in Washington township, comprising two hundred and twenty acres, most of which was raw land. He took up his abode upon that place and at once began to improve the property, transforming the wild land into richly cultivated fields, from which he annually garnered rich harvests. He kept abreast with modern methods of farming, operated his land with the latest improved machinery and made his place very productive and valuable. He continued the work of the farm until within recent years, since which time he has lived retired, in the enjoyment of a well earned rest, which should come to all in the evening of life. In his political views he has always been a Democrat, but has never been a politician. His life was busy and useful and his rest is well merited. He has formed a wide acquaintance in Iowa and has ever commanded the respect of his fellow men by reason of his genuine worth.

DAVID G. CLYDE

David G. Clyde is a prominent farmer and stockman whose home is on section 4, Lafayette township, where he owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land. He is also engaged in the raising of thorough-bred horses. His business interests are returning to him a good income, making him one of the substantial residents of the community.

Mr. Clyde was born in Washington, Tazewell county, Illinois, August 19, 1846. His father, D. F. Clyde, was a native of Scotland and in 1846 came to America, locating in Keokuk county, Iowa, in 1858. He was one of the early settlers of this locality and became identified with farming interests, which he carried on until old age incapacitated him for further labor in this direction. He died in his eighty-second year. His wife, who bore tlie maiden name of Hannah Greigg, was also born in the land of hills and heather and died in 1861, when forty-five years of age.

David G. Clyde was the third child and the eldest son in a family of six children born to his parents and was but twelve years of age when brought to Keokuk county. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in his early youth. He pursued his education in the district schools and in the months of summer worked in the fields, following the plow and harrow and later aiding in the work of harvesting the crops. The occupation to which he was reared he has always made his life work. Remaining upon the old homestead he began farming and stock raising on his own account and he now has here a quarter section of land which is highly improved. In his pastures are also seen fine horses and is stock dealings have been quite extensive and have returned to him a fair profit.

In 1870 Mr. Clyde was united in marriage to Miss Zelda Glenn, a native of Pennsylvania, who was reared in Washington county, Iowa, where her parents located when she was but one year of age, her father, Moses Glenn, becoming one of the honored pioneer settlers of Washington county. Five children graced the union of our subject and his wife, but Mary is now deceased; William and David; twins, Zelda and Zebuda, are at home. Mr. Clyde exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy, and he is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is well known in Lafayette township and in Keokuk county, where he has always resided with the exception of his first twelve years. Therefore, in enumerating the men who best represent the farming interests of the county the list would not be complete without mention of David G. Clyde, who is accorded recognition as a leading agriculturist and a man of genuine worth.

RALPH G. COFFMAN

Ralph G. Coffman was born in Washington county, Iowa, August 15, 1875. His father, the Rev. J. W. Coffman, was a native of Virginia and pursued his education in Shurtleff College, at Chicago, and Morgan Park Seminary. He became a minister of the Baptist church and for many years engaged in preaching the gospel both in Illinois and in Iowa. About 1865 he took up his abode in Washington county, Iowa, and for some time was also located in Burlington. He is now retired from the ministry and makes his home at Keota, but his interest in church work is deep and abiding and his influence is yet given to the advancement of the cause of Christianity, of which he was so long a faithful representative in ministry.

He married Margaret Bear, a native of Washington county, Iowa, and a daughter of Gideon and Mary Bear, who were among the pioneer settlers of that county. Her father was a farmer by occupation, one of the leading land holders of Washington county, becoming a wealthy man so that he was enabled to provide well for each of his ten children. Of this family Mrs. Coffman was the third child and second daughter. To Rev. and Mrs. Coffman were born four children, two sons and two daughters, namely: Carrie; Northup, a farmer of Washington county; Ralph G., our subject; and Mary, who is living at the parental home.

Ralph G. Coffman pursued his education in public schools and in Central University of Iowa, located at Pella, Iowa, where he pursued a classical course. He then began teaching school and followed that profession for four years, during which time he spent one year as principal of the schools of Lancaster, Iowa. In 1898 he was tendered the position of secretary and bookkeeper by the firm of Keiser Brothers, of Keota, and accepting this position he held the same until recently, and at present is in the employ of the Keokuk County News.

On the 2ist of November, 1900, Mr. Coffman was united in marriage to Georgia Green, a daughter of H. F. and Lizzie (Ramsey) Green. Mr. Coffman holds membership in the Masonic fraternity and has taken the Royal Arch degrees. He is also connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is a man well known and well liked throughout this portion of Iowa. His scholarly attainments, his courtesy and his genial manner have made him a pleasant companion and a popular gentleman, and in the history of Keokuk county he well deserves mention.

JACOB CONNER

Another enterprising son of Daniel Conner, the pioneer whose lifework and achievements are recounted elsewhere in this work, was Jacob Conner, a brother of Samuel Conner, whose biography also appears herein. Jacob Conner was born on March 25, 1857, in Lanc;aster township, Keokuk county, and has ever since made his home in this fruitful section of the Hawkeye state. His father twice married, his second wife being the mother of the subject of this record. Her name was Elizabeth Wyant and she was born in the Blue Grass state, moving, however, when of tender years to Indiana. She was twice married, her first husband being a Mr. Pennington. By her first marriage she had three children, and six more were added to the flock in her union with Daniel Conner. Of these five are now living, Jacob Conner being the first born, and receiving an excellent education in the schools of Lancaster township.

He worked for his father until he reached the age of twenty-seven years, when he married Zanette Bucher, the daughter of Aaron and Martha (Chastain) Bucher, a history of whom is also given in this volume. Mrs. Conner was also born in Lancaster township, Keokuk county, Iowa, on the 16th day of June, 1865, and has spent all of her life there. She received a very fine education in the common schools of the township and from independent reading and study of her own selection.

After living on the old homestead about one year after his marriage, Mr. Conner and his wife located where they now live, and by his industry and good management improved and built up his farm until in its appearance, efficiency and value it ranks with the best in the township. In the year 1900 he built the handsome residence now there and put into it all the modern improvements and many conveniences dictated by the taste of himself and his wife. He has also built a finely appointed barn thirty-six by sixty feet in dimensions and has constructed many other good buildings upon the farm, which consists of one hundred and sixty acres as well as sorne timber land.

One child, a daughter, was born to them, whom they named Mattie Elizabeth; she is still unmarried and at home, and is a very accomplished and attractive yctung lady. In their beautiful home Mr. Conner and his family keep abreast of the times and fully informed upon all matters. They are liberal in their views upon political and religious questions and present good examples of the progressive, prosperous and leading people of the county. Mr. Conner is in politics a Democrat; is widely known throughout his section of the state, actively participating in matters of public interest. He has been a member of the school board for several years, during which time he has contributed much to the success of the educational methods employed, and has assumed many other responsibilities in behalf of the county.

SAMUEL CONNER

Among the many well-to-do and able farmers of Lancaster township none have attained a more enviable reputation for integrity and general ability than Samuel Conner. The interests of township and county have been closely identified with his history from the early days. Coming as he did in the year 1844 to Keokuk county, when the pioneers were just beginning to settle here, it early devolved upon him to lend his arm and his brain to the development of the lands and institutions of the new country.

He was born on November 9, 1836, in Tippecanoe county, in the state of Indiana. His father, Daniel Conner, was born and reared in Ohio until he arrived at the age of nineteen, at which time he settled in Indiana. In 1843 he again moved to Iowa and in the year 1844 settled in Lancaster township, there being at that time almost no settlers in that part of the state, so that it was necessary to reclaim the land and clear it for farming. The father of Daniel Conner was of Irish descentand spent the greater part of his life in old Virginia, dying in Iowa in advanced years. Samuel's mother died when he was a very young boy so that he remembers but little about her and her family, except that she was a woman of fine qualities and well connected.

He was one of four children, there being [two] daughters and one son besides himself. He came to Lancaster township at the early age of nine years, long before the schools had been developed as they now are. He, however, made the best use of all opportunities presented to him in the old log schoolhouse. He remained upon the farm at home assisting in its multitudinous duties until he arrived at the age of twenty-three years, when he married Mary E. Jordan, who also came to Keokuk county when a small child, being a native of the state of Illinois. After his marriage he at once located in the old farm house about two hundred yards from where he now lives and here he has remained throughout the years following, carrying on the varied and arduous business of an agriculturist, and giving all his time and enegies to the care of his farm and large family. Nine children in time were gathered at his hearthside, six daughters and three sons. These were Oliver, now dead; Lottie, wife of John W. Scott, a prominent farmer of Lancaster township; Rohena, wife of W. B. Morrow, also a prosperous farmer in the same township; Eva, now dead; Daniel F., who is doing a successful business in Hayesville as a dealer in fine horses; Tima, wife of C. D. Parkhill of the same township; lona, now dead; Effie, who is unmarried, and Isaac A. remain at home.

Mr. Conner has always been a successful and representative farmer, now owning two hundred and eighteen acres of finely cultivated land, which constitutes one of the best farms in all the adjacent country. In political beliefs he has been throughout his life an ardent Democrat and has rendered to Democracy many invaluable servics and has held various important offices in the county. The large family of children born to Mr. Conner, while adding to his responsibilities and labors, must prove a source of much gratification to him. Any parent might well be proud of a life-work exemplified in children of the character and attainments of these, and as the years go by upon the old homestead, the subject of this record, surrounded by the many evidences of this life-work and its successes, may well say "It is well."

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ULYSSES GRANT COVER

Prominent among the business men of Keswick is one who for several years has been identified with the financial interests of the village, U. G. Cover, the present cashier of the Cover Banking Company of that place. He is a native of Iowa, born in Millersburg, Iowa county, January, 12, 1865, and is a son of Aaron Cover, one of the prominent old settlers of the county and the president of the Cover bank. The father was born in Maryland and in 1855 came to Iowa, afterward settling in Iowa county. He began life in this state as a blacksmith at Millersburg and was then in limited circumstances, but through his own energy and well directed efforts he became quite well-to-do and is to-day one of the substantial citizens of Iowa. He married Mahala J. Huff, a native of Ohio, born near Fostoria. She died at the age of fifty-seven years. There were six children born of that union, four sons and two daughters, and of these our subject is the second in order of birth and the second son.

U. G. Cover spent the days of his boyhood and youth in Millersburg and to its public schools he is indebted for his early educational privileges, though he later pursued a commercial course at the Iowa City Business College. He began his business career as manager and part owner of a store at Keswick, which was continued under the firm name of Cover & Baird. He was only eighteen years of age when he became connected with that establishment as clerk and three years later he became a member of the firm. He continued to engage in mercantile business until 1900, when the Cover Bank was organized and he was made its cashier, a position which he has since successfully filled. This bank has a capital stock of thirty thousand dollars and is one of the leading institutions of the county, its success being certainly due in a large measure to the efficiency of our subject, who is one of the principal stockholders and manager of the same. Although still comparatively a young man, Mr. Cover has been in business in Keswick for twenty years, and his ability, enterprise and upright methods have established for him an enviable reputation. He is well known throughout the county as one of the most progressive and reliable business men within its borders.

On the 31st of October, 1900, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cover and Miss Cora A. Butcher, a daughter of George Butcher and a native of Iowa. Mr, and Mrs. Cover occupy quite a prominent position in the social circles of Keswick.

CURTIS CRABB

Curtis Crabb, who carries on general farming on section 9, Lafayette township, was born in Carroll county, Maryland, on the 22d of April, 1857. His father, George Crabb, was a native of the same locality and was a blacksmith by occupation. The year 1872 witnessed his arrival in Keokuk county, Iowa, and he located on a farm which is now the home of our subject, making it his place of residence until his death, which occurred in his sixty-first year. He was a member of the Winebrennerian church. He wedded Susan Winters, also a native of Carroll county, Maryland, and she, too, died in her sixty-first year. They were the parents of two children, a son and a daughter.

Curtis Crabb is now the only living member of the family, his sister, Elizabeth, having died when a small child. He was about thirteen years old when he came to Keokuk county, Iowa, and here in the public schools he continued his education, which had been begun in the common schools of his native county. When but a small boy he had to begin work to provide for his own support, and he cared for his father and mother in their later years, thus repaying with filial love and attention the care which they had bestowed upon him in early youth. In 1890 he was united in marriage to Miss Clara McVay, a daughter of John and Abigal (Moon) McVay.

Mr. Crabb is the owner of an excellent farm of eighty acres and carries on general farming and stock raising with a fair degree of success. He is recognized as one of the progressive men of the township. In politics he is an earnest Democrat, and on the ticket was elected to the office of assessor, but did not serve on account of physical disability. He belongs to Adelphi Lodge No. 353 of Keota and is true to its teachings and its tenets, for in his life he closely follows the principles of the craft.

BENJAMIN F. CROCKER

There are few states in the Union more favored than Iowa. She has splendid natural resources that have yielded rich returns for the labor of men of energetic purpose, who realize that work is the key that causes the portals to swing wide open for prosperity. The natural advantages of this section of Iowa attracted at an early day a superior class of settlers, thrifty, industrious and law-abiding, whose influence gave permanent direction to the development of the new locality. They founded homes and established families, whose representatives are now well known among the substantial residents of the commonwealth. Belonging to the latter class is Squire Benjamin F. Crocker, justice of the peace and notary public, residing in the beautiful little city of Martinsburg. Squire Crocker is a native of Indiana, where he was born in Franklin county, October 2, 1821.

Benjamin Crocker, his father, was a New Englander by birth, where he was reared to manhood and married in the state of Massachusetts. About the year 1810 he emigrated to Indiana, and established himself in Franklin county. In his younger days he was a shoemaker by trade, and he continued this business in connection with the clearing up of his farm in Franklin county. Here he lived out a long life of usefulness and died at the age of seventy-five years. The grandfather of our subject was also Benjamin, he having been the original American ancestor who emigrated from England. On the maternal side Mr. Crocker remembers less concerning his family, his mother, Elizabeth Bourne, having died when he was but three years old. It is known, however, that they were early settlers in Massachusetts. Mr. Crocker's father was twice married. To the first marriage six children were born and to the second there were three children, the Squire being the fourth child of the first marriage.

He was reared in his native county in the Hoosier state and received a fairly good education in the common schools of his district. He remained at home until he was sixteen, when he was apprenticed to the blacksmith trade. In the severe labor of this trade he was engaged for the apprentice period of three years. In all he was engaged in this business twenty-five years of his life, during which time he made the reputation of being one of the best workers in iron in the community. Squire Crocker married in Franklin county, Indiana, February 4, 1840, Miss Elizabeth Cassaday, who was a native of New Jersey. She became the mother of eight children, four of whom are now living: Thomas, the eldest son, lives in Washington state; Harry lives in Martinsburg and is at the present time postmaster of the city; Sumner resides in Kansas; Patricia is the widow of John Behm, now residing in Martinsburg. The mother of this family died May 10, 1870. For a period of fourteen years after establishing himself in business, Mr. Crocker continued in Decatur county, Indiana, engaged also in agriculture in connection with his blacksmithing. In the year 1854 he was carried on the great wave of emigration that set in toward the west to Henry county, Iowa, but after a year settled in Keokuk county, locating east of Martinsburg. Here he engaged in farming and blacksmithing, carrying on the business until 1861.

He had been an interested participant in the discussion of the questions which had threatened war, and his inherent patriotism was such as to cause him to drop all consideration of business and tender his services in sustaining the country in its dark days. He enlisted in Company I, of the First Iowa Cavalry, as a private soldier, in which organization he served until 1864, having been promoted to the office of quartermaster sergeant in the meantime for meritorious conduct. His military service was largely seen in the west with the guerillas, among whom he had some startling experiences. He served for a period of three years and three months. Receiving his honorable discharge, Mr. Crocker returned to his home, where he continued in the business of farming for a period. He then started the first hardware business which had ever been conducted in Martinsburg, and which he continued for a period of thirteen years, when he disposed of his interest to his son.

For eighteen years Squire Crocker has been the honored justice of the peace and notary public in Martinsburg, and during that time has been prominently identified with the public life of the county. In political faith he supports the principles of Lincoln and is proud to be known as one of the organizers of that party in the fifties. Fraternally he affiliates with the Masons and is a charter member of the first lodge started in Martinsburg. For a period of fifty years he has been earnest and devoted in his adherence to the principles and faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, being at the present time one of its trustees. The career of Squire Crocker has been one of marked activity and usefulness, and demonstrates the possibilities of labor in America, where opportunity is not hampered by caste or class. His energy has been the foundation bf his success, and on it he has erected the superstructure of a comfortable competence. He is a highly esteemed resident of Martinsburg, and as such we gladly give him representation in this volume.

PHILIP CRONEWETH

One of the oldest and most highly respected residents of Sigourney, Keokuk county, Iowa, is Philip Croneweth, who has made his home here since 1854. His birth occurred in Baden Baden, Germany, in 1822, where he remained until about the age of nineteen years. Coming to the United States in the hope of bettering his condition and wishing to take advantage of the larger opportunities offered young men in this country, Mr. Croneweth put into practice the habits of thrift which he had learned in his native land, and in the course of time accumulated ample means. Mr. Croneweth engaged in chair-making and house painting at Blooming Grove, Morrow county, Ohio, for some years, and there married Miss Mary Mark, who was also born in Germany and still survives. Three children were born to this union, but the only survivor is John W., a well known citizen of Sigourney. In 1854 Mr. Croneweth removed from Ohio to this city and here followed both house painting and cabinet-making.

John W. Croneweth was born in Morrow county, Ohio, July 29, 1848, and was six years of age when his parents came to Iowa. His education was secured in the public schools, and at the age of eighteen years he engaged in the grocery business, and during this period also handled jewelry as a side line. Thus he became acquainted with the jewelry business and trade and learned it thoroughly. For a time, with a partner, Mr. Croneweth operated a hotel, a restaurant, a grocery and a jewelry business. When these many enterprises became too large to be handled together, the partnership was dissolved and our subject took the jewelry business as his own line of activity. For twenty years he has conducted the same, with great success, in this city, and by his honest methods and his intimate relation with the trade, which enable him to make reasonable prices, he has won the confidence of the community and enjoys a large patronage. In 1887 Mr. Croneweth was married to Miss Rose Constant, and to this union was born one son, Harry, who is a bright student in the city schools.

Mr. Croneweth is a man of substance and prominence, gaining his ample means by his own efforts, and the approbation of his fellow citizens by his business ability and exemplary life. For a number of years he has been active in the Republican party and has served efficiently on the city council and in the office of recorder. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and also to the Masonic Blue lodge.