Keokuk County Iowa IAGenWeb - 1903 Biography

WILLIAM WAGAMON

From an early epoch in the development of Keokuk county William Wagamon has been numbered among its residents and he is now living on section 21, Liberty township. He was born in Darke county, Ohio, March 14, 1836. His father, Christopher Wagamon, was a native of Pennsylvania and became a pioneer of Darke county, Ohio, settling there in the midst of the green woods when his nearest neighbor lived three miles away and when the work of progress and improvement seemed scarcely begun. He wedded Catherine Miller, a native of the Buckeye state, while her mother was a native of Germany. Mr. Wagamon was three times married, however, the mother of our subject being his third wife. His death occurred in 1852 and his widow survived him until she was about seventy years of age.

William Wagamon was their eldest son and second child, and was sixteen years of age at the time of his father's death. He remained with his mother until about twenty-two years of age, asssisting largely in carrying on the home farm. He was then married to Catherine Marker, a native of Darke county, Ohio, and they began their domestic life upon a small farm of twenty acres. Coming to Iowa, they located first in Cedar county, where they remained for four years, and then removed to Keokuk county, settling upon the farm which has since been the home of our subject. The year 1864 witnessed his arrival in this state and since 1868 he has resided continuously in Keokuk county. He first purchased eighty acres of land, to which he afterward added another tract of eighty acres. He likewise owns another farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres, on which his son is now living. He also possesses twenty-eight and a half acres of timber land, and this with another eighty acre tract makes his property possessions aggregate three hundred and ninety-three and one half acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation and well improved, the owner being recognized as a progressive, industrious and intelligent farmer.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wagamon have been born seven children: Mary, the wife of George Herr; William H., who wedded Minnie Bergibine; Martin V., who married Elizabeth Griffith; Thomas W., who wedded Lena McDowell; Charles, Eliza Ellen, and Perry Edward, all at home. Mr. Wagamon is a Democrat in his political views. He was at one time a director in the Savings Bank at Kinross and is now one of its stockholders. His residence in the county covers more than a third of a century and he has become widely known here.

HENRY F. WAGNER

One of the leading young members of the legal profession, who has chosen the flourishing town of Sigourney as the scene of his labors, is Henry F. Wagner, who has already made very gratifying progress, although but a few years have elapsed since his admission to the Keokuk county bar. The birth of Mr. Wagner occurred on February 11, 1874, in Lancaster township, Keokuk county, Iowa, and he is a son of John M. and Caroline (Meyer) Wagner, the former of whom was born in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, on October 22, 1831, and the latter in Licking county, Ohio, on February 6, 1845. Both parents are of German descent. They were married in Ohio and came to Keokuk county in 1871 and in 1872 purchased their present fine farm in Lancaster township. They have four surviving children, namely: Ida Ann, Mary C, Susan Belle and Henry F. Mr. Wagner has always followed an agricultural life, and has actively supported the Republican party. The family is a much respected one in Lancaster township.

Our subject was reared on his father's farm and attended the country schools until he was fourteen years old, completing the course at that age. In 1891 he graduated from the Sigourney high school and at the age of nineteen began teaching in the country schools. For three years he worked industriously, working through the summers on the farm and spending the fall and winter terms in teaching. He entered the law department of the Iowa State Univesity and at that institution was graduated in June, 1898. He immediately began practice in Sigourney and has already won attention from his brother attorneys by his legal ability and thorough knowledge. In politics he is a Republican, while fraternally his associations are with the Royal Arch Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. On October 12, 1898, he was married to Miss Lilian Updegraff, of Keokuk county, and a little daughter has been named Gladys. A very promising future opens before Mr. Wagner, and his friends predict for him a successful legal career.

ALEXANDER WARNOCK

Alexander Warnock, a prominent farmer and representative of Adams township, Keokuk county, was born on the 20th of April, 1845, in county Down, Ireland, and is a son of John and Mary (Campbell) Warnock, who were also natives of the Emerald Isle, the former born March 23, 1820, and the latter on the i8th of June 1815. Mary Campbell was a direct descendant of the long famous house of Argyle. Both parents were reared and educated in their native land and there continued to reside for several years after their marriage, four of their eight children being born there, while the birth of the others occurred after the emigation of the family to America. By occupation the father was a farmer. It was in 1849 that the family crossed the broad Atlantic and took up their residence in Rock Island, Illinois, where the father accepted a position on the Enterprise, a steamboat plying on the Mississippi. He was thus employed the first summer after coming to this country and then began work for the firm of Bailey & Boyle, who owned and operated a sawmill, in which he worked for about two years. He then rented the property and ran it on his own account for some time, after which the family removed to the country in the spring of 1854, and he broke and improved one hundred and sixty acres of land. He afterward lived on several other farms in Rock Island county and continued to engage in agricultural pursuits until life's labors were ended in death on the 27th of August. 1887. In politics he was a staunch Republican and took an active interest in public affairs. He was an earnest and consistent member of the United Presbyterian church m Rock Island county and was a man highly respected and esteemed by all who knew him. His children were: Margaret; William, deceased; Alexander; David; James C, John, deceased; Hugh and Janet.

Alexander Warnock was only four years old at the time the family came to the new world and in Rock Island county, Illinois, he passed the days of his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of farm boys, no event of special importance occurring to vary the routine of farm work during that time. On leaving home in 1868 he came to Keokuk county, Iowa, and settled upon his present farm in Adams township, which consists of one hundred sixty acres of rich and arable land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and improved with good and substantial buildings. In connection with general farming he gives considerable attention to the raising of a high grade of pedigreed stock, making a specialty of short-horn cattle, of which he has a fine herd upon his place.

At Oskaloosa, Iowa, on the 9th of March, 1869, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Warnock and Miss Agnes McCracken, who was also a native of Ireland, born on the 25th of December, 1847; her parents being James and Elizabeth (McCormick) McCracken, both natives of the same country. In 1849 she was brought by her parents to the United States and the family became early settlers of Keokuk county. Her father, who was a prominent farmer, died in 1887. Mrs. Warnock was reared and educated in Rock Island county, Ilhnois, and by her marriage to our subject became the mother of seven children, four sons and three daughters, who in order of birth are as follows: John, born in the fall of 1869; Elizabeth, September 19, 1871; James M., September 10, 1873; Mary, in 1875; Jefferson Clarke, in 1879; William, December 8, 1881; and Gertrude, April 3, 1894. All were born on the home farm.

In his political affiliations, Mr. Warnock has been a life-long Democrat and has taken quite an active interest in local politics, while religiously he is a member of the United Presbyterian church and is a man who commands the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact, either in business or social life.

JOSEPH H. WENGER

Joseph H. Wenger resides in Liberty township, where for many years he was an active factor in agricultural circles, but at the present time he is leaving the work of the farm to others and is enjoying a richly merited rest. He was born in Edom, Virginia, November 15, 1835, and comes of a family of German lineage. Christian Wenger, his paternal great-grandfather, was born in the Palatinate, Germany, where he remained until 1727, when he braved the dangers incident to an ocean voyage at that day and crossed the Atlantic to the new world. He located in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he married Eve Grebiel and reared his, family and made his home until his death.

Among his children was Joseph Wenger, the grandfather of our subject. He was born, reared and educated in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and in the year 1785 removed to Edom, Virginia, settling on a farm of between five hundred and six hundred acres, which he purchased, cleared and improved, making it a productive property. He there married Barbara Hoover and they become the parents of thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters. His first wife died in January, 1792, and on the ist of December, 1793, he married Anna Hockman, a native of Page county, Virginia, by whom he had five children, three sons and two daughters, of whom the eldest was Joseph Wenger, Jr., the father of our subject. His birth occurred in Edom, September 17, 1794, and there he spent his early childhood, acquiring his education there and also following the occupation of farming in his youth. He was married April 28, 1818, to Barbara Beery, a native of the Old Dominion, born near Newmarket, March 12, 1795, and a daughter of John Beery of Edom. To the parents of our subject were born ten children, five sons and five daughters: Catherine and John B., both deceased; Elizabeth, who is living in Georgia, at the age of eighty years; Isaac, who is now seventy-nine years of age ; Abraham, Anna, Jacob and Barbara, all deceased; Mary, who lives at the old homestead in Edom, Virginia; and Joseph H., of this review.

After his marriage the father of our subject removed to the old homestead upon which all of his children were born. He was a farmer by occupation and there carried in agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death, February 14, 1865, when he was seventy years of age. Throughout his entire life he was identified with the Whig party and was a member of the Memionite church, his life being actuated by his Christian principles.

Joseph H. Wenger spent his childhood in the county of his nativity, being trained to habits of industry, economy and honesty upon the liome farm and thus laying the foundation of an upright character. He assisted in the cultivation of the fields upon the old homestead until twenty-five years of age, when he came to Iowa, reaching Liberty township, Keokuk county, in September, 1861. There he was employed in various ways, although his attention was principally given to farming. In 1866, however, with the money he had saved from his earnings he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Liberty township, just east of South English, and began farming on his own account. This land was partly under cultivation, and he at once began to further improve and develop it. As his financial resources were increased he also added to the property until he had over five hundred acres of very rich, arable and valuable land, which he has since divided among his children, while he is now practically living retired from the active duties of the farm.

On the 5th of April, 1868, Mr. Wenger was married to Elizabeth McAfferty, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, but reared and educated in South Engli.sh. They are the parents of four children, three sons and a daughter: John H., who is living in South English; Benjamin F., who died May i, 1896, at the age of twenty-five years; Homer C, who resides upon a part of his father's old farm; and Mollie D., the wife of William D. Groves, who is also living on the old homestead. The parents are members of the Dunkark church, of Liberty township and are both well known and highly respected people of the community.

Mr. Wenger has had a successful career and though when he left home he had no money and was dependent entirely upon his own resources for a living, he prospered as the result of his energy and capable management, became a prosperous land owner and is now the possessor of a handsome competence.

ROSS S. WHEELER

The late county auditor, Ross S. Wheeler, was a native of Preston county, West Virginia. He was born April 3, 1859, and came to Iowa in 1872, when his parents moved to West Liberty, Iowa. There the father long followed farming and helped to improve land in Muscatine county. His parents were Alphias and Phoebe (Hanna) Wheeler. The father was a native of West Virginia; the mother was born in Pennsylvania. The Wheeler and Hanna families have been in this country for years.

Ross S. Wheeler received a common school education, first in the country school and then in West Liberty. He lived on the farm until he was about sixteen years old and at the age of eighteen began to learn photography, working in West Liberty and other places. His first gallery was opened in West Liberty; he ran this for two years and then for two years more managed a gallery at Muscatine. In October, 1881, he transferred his business interests and activities to Whatcheer and for seventeen years worked at his trade with good success, gaining the esteem and confidence of the city, which he served as clerk for five years. In 1898 he was elected county auditor and two years later his party, the Republican, returned him for a second term.

In 1883 he married Miss Lida Davis, daughter of Dr. A. A. Davis, now of Whatcheer, and once auditor for the county. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler had two children: June and Salome. Fraternally Mr. Wheeler was a member of the Knights of Pythias. His death occurred in the fall of 1902, while still an incumbent of the auditor's office.

JONATHAN F. WHITE

For over forty-five years this gentleman has been prominently identified with the business interests of Keokuk county and is to-day at the head of the private banking house of J. F. White & Sons at South English, being the senior member of the firm, which is now doing a large and profitable banking business. He was born on the 3d of June, 1835, in Boone county, Indiana, and being left an orphan at an early age was thrown upon his own resources for a livelihood and through his own unaided efforts has risen to a position of prominence in the business world.

His father, James White, a son of Smith White, was a native of Maryland, born January 29, 1802, was taken to Kentucky during boyhood and there remained until after his marriage, his time being devoted to agricultural pursuits. In October, 1829, he removed to Indiana and settled in Boone county, where he made his home until his death, which occurred September 10, 1844. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Marsh, was born December 27, 1802, in Kentucky, where she was reared; she died in Indiana, August 8, 1849, having survived her husband only five years. She was a daughter of Jonathan Marsh, a native of Kentucky, of Welsh lineage. The White family, paternally, is of English origin. Unto James and Margaret (Marsh) White were born the following children: Ann Eliza, who married Charles Utterback; Mary, who married W. J. Pock; William W.; Martha, who married John S. Peters; Jonathan F.; Smith M.; and James S.

Jonathan F. White is the fifth child and second son in this family of seven children, all of whom reached years of maturity and three of the number are still living, those besides our subject being James S. White of Sigourney, Iowa, and Mrs. Martha Peters of Indiana. Mr. White was only nine years old when his father died and five years later he was left an orphan by the death of his mother. Previous to this time he had attended the common schools during the winter months and for a time was a student in the seminary at Lebanon, Indiana. At the age of fifteen he started out in life for himself, working as a farm hand for six dollars per month. The fall after he was fifteen years of age Mr. White began teaching in the district schools of Boone county, and continued to follow that profession for three years. At the age of seventeen he went to northwestern Missouri and taught school in Nodaway county and later in Holt county, that state. Subsecjuently he began farming in the latter county, where he purchased land and improved a farm.

In the meantime Mr. White come to Keokuk county, Iowa, where he was married in 1854 to Miss Maria Thompson, who was also a native of Indiana, in which state she was reared and educated, coming to Iowa with her parents in 1853. -BY this union were born five children, namely: Virgil E., who is now engaged in the banking business with his father; Theodore E., who is engaged in general merchandising at South English; Amazette, deceased; Willard W., who is also connected with the bank; and Elvina, wife of Dr. C. L. Heald of South English.

After his marriage Mr. White took his bride to the home he had prepared for her in Holt county, Missouri, where he was engaged in general farming until the fall of 1857, when he removed to Keokuk county, Iowa, and spent the first winter in Van Buren township, but the following spring he removed to English River township, and again turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. The new part of South English is now located upon that farm. After farming for one year, he found the country so wet that he decided to embark in some other line of business, and in company with O. P. Whitson bought land in South English, known as the Hugh H. Rodman farm, a part of which they traded for a stock of goods belonging to Hogan, Adams & Company. Under the firm name of White & Whitson they conducted the store for six months, and at the end of that time our subject traded his interest in the land for his partner's share in the store, becoming sole owner of the same, which he continued to carry on for many years. As his sons became of age he gave them an interest in the business, the firm becoming known as White & Sons. In 1890 the second son, Theodore E., took the store, while the father and other two sons, V. E. and W. W., organized a private bank, which they still conduct under firm style of J. F. White & Sons, doing a general banking business. This is to-day one of the most solid financial institutions of the county and its trade is constantly increasing, the members of the firm being known as most reliable and successful business men of good executive ability.

In politics Mr. White is a Democrat, and in his social relations is a member of Naphtali Lodge, No. 188, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of which he is a charter member, and he also belongs to the Royal Arch Chapter at Sigourney and the Odd Fellows lodge at South English. He is the oldest business man in the latter place and among the oldest in the county, haying been identified with the commercial interests of the county for forty-four years. At the age of seventeen years he came west, empty-handed, in company with a boy of his own age. They journeyed by steamboat to Keokuk, Iowa, and from there walked to Keokuk county, where they spent one week in the country, after which they proceeded on foot to Missouri over a country which was then all new, few roads having been laid out at that time. With the growth and development of the west he has since been prominently identified. A man of keen perception, , of unbounded enterprise, his success in life is due entirely to his own efforts, and he deserves prominent mention among the leading and representative business men of his adopted county.

PERTILLER WHITSON

The great and prosperous commonwealth of Iowa had as sterling and heroic a band of pioneers as can be claimed by any other state in the Union, and those who aided in laying broad and deep the foundations upon which has been reared the magnificent superstructure of material prosperity and enlightened and worthy citizenship well merit a place on the pages of history, in order that a perpetual record may be left concerning their labors and personalities. The distinction of being one of the honored pioneers of Keokuk county belongs to the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph, and it was his to contribute his quota to the development of the resources of this section and to attain a definite success through his efforts in connection with the great basic industry of agriculture. He has passed the psalmist's span of three score years and ten, and while retaining exceptional mental and physical vigor, has practically retired from the more onerous duties and cares of active business, enjoying the dignified repose which is the just reward of his years of ceaseless toil and endeavor. He has a pleasant home in the village of loka, where he has the confidence and esteem of all who know him, while his memory forms a connecting link between the early pioneer days of the state and those of the present, as the glorious twentieth century rolls into the cycle of the ages.

Pertiller Whitson was born in White county, Tennessee, on the 18th of July, 1828, being a son of Reuben Whitson, who likewise was born in that state. The latter was there reared to manhood and followed the vocation of farming until 1841 when he became numbered among the pioneer settlers of Iowa, locating on a tract of government land in Keokuk county, and here he and his sons gave themselves to the task of reclaiming the land and placing it under cultivation. In 1843 he disposed of his farm, which was located in Jackson township, and thereupon effected the purchase of a tract of two hundred acres lying one-half mile west of his original place. This farm also was placed under effective cultivation and good improvements of a permanent nature were made on the same. He later passed one year on another farm in this township and on May 1, 1854, he died in the village of Fairfield, where he had made his home less than one year. In the state of Kentucky Reuben Whitson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Bray, a native of that state, and of this union ten children were born, namely: Nancy, James, Richard and Jerry, who are deceased; Pertiller, the subject of this sketch; Andrew; Elizabeth; Reuben, Jr., is dead; William; and John Calvin, who is deceased. All except the three youngest of the children were born in Tennessee, the latter having been born after the removal of the parents to Iowa. The father of our subject was a Whig in his political proclivities and both he and his wife were members of the Separatist Baptist church, and the former assisted in the erection of the first church of that denomination in Keokuk county. The mother of our subject died in 1878.

Pertiller Whitson, the immediate subject of this review, was a youth of about sixteen years at the time when the family came to Iowa, and thus he has passed the major portion of his life in this state, his early educational discipline having been completed in the district schools of Keokuk county, while he continued to assist his father in his farming operations until he had attained his legal majority, when he gave inception to liis independent career by locating upon a farm of forty acres in Jackson township, clearing and improving the place and showing marked discrimination and energy in his labors, through which he bought his farm under an excellent state of productivity. He there continued to maintain his home for a period of five years, at the expiration of which he took up his residence in Fairfield, where he was engaged in the teaming business for the ensuing two years. He then went to Lucas county, where he remained for a time, after which he settled in Jefferson county, where he was successfully engaged in farming for an interval of twelve years. Mr. Whitson then disposed of his interests in that locality and returned to Keokuk county and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Jackson township. This he developed into one of the valuable places of the county, making excellent improvements and bringing the land under a fine state of cultivation. He continued to give his attention to diversified farming until 1891 when he retired, taking up his residence in loka, where he has a pleasant home.

In the year 1849 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Whitson to Miss Arida Bussell, who was born and reared in Tennessee, being a daughter of George Bussell. Of this union three daughters were born: Elizabeth S., Glathie E. (deceased) and Mary Jane. Mrs. Whitson was summoned to eternal rest in 1854, and in 1858 our subject was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Brown, who was born in Ohio, and was there reared and educated. Her father, Thomas Brown, removed thence to Iowa in the early days and became one of the pioneer settlers of Keokuk county, where he passed the remainder of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Whitson are the parents of three children: Sarah A., Elizabeth A. and Nancy A.

In politics Mr. Whitson accords allegiance to the Democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the Missionary Baptist church, of which he and his wife are both zealous and consistent members. He aided materially in the erection of the church edifice in loka and is incumbent of the office of deacon, taking an active part in the advancement of the spiritual and temporal work of the church. He has ever shown a deep interest in all that makes for the well-being of the community and has been known as a progressive and public spirited citizen of the county where so many years of his life have been passed and where he is known and honored for his sterling worth of character. Such are the men who have been the founders and builders of this great commonwealth, and Mr. Whitson is eminently entitled to representation in this compilation.

HARRY D. WILLIAMS

In commercial circles in Keota Harry D. Williams occupies a creditable and honorable position. He conducts a general store, dealing in drygoods and groceries, and his trade has reached gratifying proportions in recognition of his honorable business methods and because of the excellent line of goods which he carries. His commercial interests have brought to him a wide acquaintance and as he has gained many friends in Keokuk county we know that the history of his life will prove of interest to many of our readers.

Mr. Williams was born in Marshall county, Indiana, on the 11th of August, 1865. His father, J. H. Williams, was a native of West Virginia, whence he removed westward, becoming a factor in the development of the great Mississippi valley. In 1872 he removed to Keokuk county, locating in Keota, where he engaged in merchandising, continuing business along that line up to the time of his death, which occurred in April, 1884. He was one of the pioneer merchants of the town and a respected and worthy citizen. He married Harriet Hawley, a native of Virginia, and the subject of this review was their only child.

Harry D. Williams was a little lad of seven summers when he accompanied his parents to Keota. Here he entered the public schools, acquiring a knowledge of the common branches of learning, and later he entered the Davenport Business College, in which he was graduated. He was also a student in the Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, for a time. He entered upon his business career in the capacity of a clerk in his father's store, and when nineteen years of age he began business on his own account in the building in which he is yet located. Although but a young man he is, however, one of the oldest merchants of the place, having for eighteen years been a representative of the trade interests of this town. He carries both drygoods and groceries and is enjoying a liberal patronage which he well merits. His attention has been given throughout his business career to this enterprise and because of his close application, his energy and perseverance, he has met with
gratifying success.

On the 22d of November, 1888, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Nora Daiber, a daughter of Michael and Lizzie (Smeltzer) Daiber. She was born in Muscatine, Iowa, in 1867, and is a graduate of Keota high school. Three interesting children grace this union: Hazel D., H. Gale, and George D., who are still under the parental roof. The parents hold membership in the United Presbyterian church and are highly esteemed people of the community, who enjoy the hospitality of the best homes here. In manner Mr. Williams is kindly and genial, and his genuine worth and jovial nature have made him a popular resident of Keokuk county.

J. D. WILLIAMS

One of the prominent citizens of Richland, Keokuk county, Iowa, who has done much toward advancing the interests of the town, is J. D. Williams, who is now mayor of the town. His father was Edward Williams, who was born in New York of Welsh descent and at a very early age came to Illinois, soon removing to Iowa. By occupation he was a farmer, and now lives in Louisa county, Iowa. His wife was Lydia Dodder, who is a native of New Jersey and is still living. They were the parents of one child.

Our subject was born in Louisa county, Iowa, August 3, 1861, began his education in the common schools, and later attended the Eastern Iowa Normal. For about three years thereafter, he was clerk in a store, then had a very pleasant clerkship in a store in Jefferson county, Iowa, and in T884 he came to Richland, where he was manager of a general store for Mr. Swayze. He held this place until 1893, when he bought out the store and entered the clothing business. In 1888 he married Mary Swayze, the daughter of Dr. H. A. Swayze, and they are the parents of three children, Cedric S., Eloisa, and an unnamed infant.

Mr. Williams was prominent in different local offices for nine years, is now serving his fourth year as mayor of Richland, and is a member of the county central Republican committee. He is a prominent member of Richland Lodge No. 38, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and has been secretary of the Richland Land and Improvement Company since it was organized in 1895. In company with nine other men he bought the Wasson farm near the town of Richland and laying it out in lots made it an addition of the town, now an admirable portion of the town. In 1897 Mr. Williams built one of the finest residences of the town. He fills his office very energetically, being always on the lookout for some opportunity to advance the interests of the town of which he has been elected head.

WESLEY W. WILSON

Prominent among the energetic, far-seeing and successful business men of Keokuk county; is the subject of this sketch. His Hfe history most happily illustrates what may be attained by faithful and continued effort in carrying out an honest purpose. Integrity, activity and energy have been the crowning points of his success, and his connection with various business enterprises and industries has been of decided advantage to this section of the state, promoting its material welfare in no uncertain manner.

Mr. Wilson was born in Frederick county, Maryland, January 10, 1838. His father, William Wilson, was a native of Pennsylvania, in which state he was reared, but it was in Maryland that he was united in marriage to Miss Aceneith R. Spurrier, a native of New York. They located on a farm in Frederick county, Maryland, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits. He died at the age of seventy-eight years, and his wife at the age of seventy-five. They were the parents of fourteen children, two of whom died in infancy, but the other—five sons and seven daughters—reached years of maturity.

Our subject, who is the youngest of the family, was reared in the county of his nativity and there served an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade, which he followed until coming west in 1858. He first located in Dayton township, Iowa county, Iowa, where he worked by the month on a farm during the summer months, while through the winter season he continued to follow his trade for some time.

In 1861 Mr. Wilson married Miss Sarah Smith, a native of Calhoun county, Michigan, and a daughter of John S. and Margery (Van Gorder) Smith, who were from New York, where they were married. Her father was born in the Empire state, November 2, 1802, and had ten children, of whom Mrs. Wilson was the seventh in order of birth. She died in 1872, and two of her four children are also deceased. Those living are Elsie, the wife of W. B. Robison, a business man of Seattle, Washington; and Charles W., a commission merchant of Chicago. After the death of his first wife Mr. Wilson married her sister, Miss Harriet Smith, who was also born in Michigan. Six children blessed this union, but one is now deceased. Henry M., the oldest of those living, was born October 31, 1878, and was educated at Drake University and a business college of Des Moines, graduating at the latter institution in 1897, after which he returned home and was elected assistant cashier of the Keswick Savings Bank. Later he was made cashier and is now holding that position. This bank was organized in 1892 and has a capital stock of twenty thousand dollars. Its first officers were Wesley W. Wilson, president, and T. E. Johns, cashier, but two years later Mr. Wilson was succeeded by Warren Higgins and in 1900 T. E. Johns was made president and Henry M. Wilson cashier. Fossie L., a daughter of our subject, is now the wife of Guy Hallett, of Lane county, Kansas, while Alma, Orpha and Walter are all at home.

In the spring of 1882 Mr. Wilson removed to Keswick and embarked in general mercantile business as a member of the firm of Cover, Baird & Wilson, but at the end of two years he sold his interest in that concern and formed a partnership with Messrs. Johns and Davis, under the firm name of Johns, Wilson & Davis. This company not only conducted a general store but also operated a creamery and was extensively engaged in buying and shipping stock. On his withdrawal from that firm in 1889 Mr. Wilson assisted in organizing a private bank, which was afterward merged into the Keswick Savings Bank, previously referred to, he becoming its first president. He is still one of the stockholders, a director and the auditor of that banK but at present gives the greater part of his attention to his real estate and stock business, being still engaged in buying and shipping stock. He also handles a large amount of real estate and is meeting with good success in all lines of his business.

In politics Mr. Wilson is now a Democrat, though he was formerly identified with the Greenback party. For about fifteen years he efficiently served as a member of the school board and has ever given his support to those enterprises calculated to prornote the moral, intellectual, social and material welfare of his town and county. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Millersburg, Iowa, and is a Royal Arch Mason, belonging to chapter No. 72 at Marengo, Iqwa. His son, Henry M. Wilson, is one of the prominent Masons of this state, holding membership in De Paynes Comnaandery at Oskaloosa, and Kaaba Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Davenport. The record of our subject is that of a man who by his own unaided efforts has worked his way upward to a position of affluence. His life has been one of industry and perseverance, and the systematic and honorable business methods that he has followed have gained for him the confidence and high regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact, Without the aid of influence or wealth he has risen to a prominent position ampng the leading men of Keokuk county.

CHARLES C. WONDERLICH

In studying the early history of Keokuk county, Iowa, we find that Frederick A. Wonderlich, the father of our immediate subject, was one of the very earliest settlers of this county. A native of Germany, he remained in his fatherland until he was thirteen years old, when he came to Ohio, where he remained for some time. It was in the '40s that he came to Keokuk county and settled on eighty acres in Jackson township, which he labored hard to clear and cultivate. His political beliefs were strongly Republican and he was always interested in the public weal of his community. He was married in Keokuk county to Adeline Bottger, who came from Germany to this county in 1854. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wonderlich, of whom our subject is the oldest. In order of birth they are: Charles C, John, Philip (deceased), Sarah A., Anna A., Abram L., Aaron A. J., George and Ollie; these children were all reared in Keokuk county.

The birth of Charles C. Wonderlich occurred in Jackson township, Keokuk county, on the 6th of September, 1856. Until he was twenty-six years old he spent his time on his father's farm, going to school and assisting in the duties of the farm; in 1882, however, he began farming on his own account on an adjoining place. He now has ninety acres of excellent and well improved land.

On the 14th of December, 1881, Rosa I. Wheeler became his wife; she is a native of the same county and her father was Calvin Wheeler, who was an old settler and died while in the army during the Civil war. Miss Wheeler's mother was Sarah M. (Baker) Wheeler. Mr. and Mrs. Wonderlich have two children, boy and girl: Dora A., who was born on the farm September 10, 1882, and Frank H., born August 26, 1888.

Mr. Wonderlich was road supervisor in his district and takes an active interest in the Republican party. His has been a varied and busy life, which may well serve as a model for those who follow him.

WILLIAM R. WOODS

Each calling or business, if honorable, has its place in the scheme of human existence, constituting a part of the plan whereby life's methods are pursued and man reaches his ultimate destiny, and thus there is maintained a social balance to which each contributes. The dignity of honest toil and endeavor is the only true dignity, and thus unqualified respect is due to those who are of the rank and file of the world's workers. The subject of this review, who is one of the honored pioneers of Keokuk county, where he has maintained his home for nearly forty years, may well be classed as one of the world's workers, for his life has been one of consecutive endeavor and his course has been such as to commend him to the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has been thrown in contact in the various relations of life, while he is clearly entitled to representation in this volume.

William R. Woods, who is engaged in the blacksmithing business in the village of Ollie, is a native of Dearborn county, Indiana, where he was born on the 5th of December, 1836, being a son of Joseph and Elizabeth J. (Bushfield) Woods, both of whom were born and reared in Pennsylvania and both of whom were of Scotch-Irish lineage. Shortly after their marriage they removed from the old Keystone state to Dearborn county, Indiana, and there the father of our subject took up a tract of government land, whose reclamation and improvement he forthwith instituted. Finally, however, he disposed of this farm and removed to Jefferson county, in the same state, where he continued in agricultural pursuits until his death, in his fifty-fourth year, his wife having passed away about 1838. Of their eight children the subject of this sketch was the youngest and he is one of the two survivors, the other being his brother James, who is a resident of Jefferson county, Indiana. Those deceased are as follows: Elizabeth, Samuel, Margaret, Joseph, Charles L. and one who died in infancy.

William R. Woods was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm and remained on the homestead until the death of his father; his early educational advantages having been such as were afforded in the primitive schools of the pioneer epoch in Indiana. After the death of his father Mr. Woods went to the town of Greenwood, Johnson county, where he entered upon an apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade, serving for three years and receiving as compensation the sum of one hundred and thirty-five dollars, together with his board and clothing. After completing his apprenticeship, and having become a skilled artisan, he continued in the employ of his instructor for one year, and then proceeded to the west, being employed as a journeyman at his trade for the succeeding three years, within which he lived in various localities. In 1858 he returned to Indiana, and there in the following year he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth J. Brenton, who was born in that state in the year 1840, being a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth E. Brenton, and after his marriage our subject engaged in the work of his trade on his own responsibility, establishing himself in business in Johnson county, Indiana. At the expiration of three years he removed to Marion county, where he was employed as a journeyman until 1866, when he removed to Illinois, where he carried on a shop about three months, and then came to Keokuk county, Iowa, where he has ever since maintained his home. He located in the village of loka, where he opened a blacksmith shop and conducted business for nearly fifteen years, until 1880. Thereafter he was engaged in various pursuits for a number of years, and in 1892 he took up his residence in Ollie, where he has since been successfully engaged in the blacksmith business, having a well equipped shop and securing an excellent patronage. To him and his estimable wife two children were born, the elder of whom, Elizabeth, died at the age of two years, while the younger daughter, Maggie M., is the wife of Homer Pridey of Harrison, Nebraska.

In politics Mr. Woods is a stalwart adherent of the Democrat party and he has been an active worker in its cause, while he has been called upon to serve in various offices of public trust and responsibility, having given able service as mayor of Ollie, while he was incumbent of the offices of justice of the peace and township clerk for a number of years each. Fraternally he is a popular member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias.

WILLIAM B. WORLEY

"The talent of success is nothing more than what you can do well and doing well whatever you do, without any thought of fame," says Longfellow. A practical illustration of this sentiment is given in the life record of Mr. Worley, who is one of the honored pioneers of Iowa, a veteran of the war of the Rebellion and one of the substantial and highly respected citizens of the town of Ollie, Keokuk county, where he has long been engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. Springing from sturdy German ancestry, it has been his fortune to inherit the best elements of that industrious and intelligent people, and his career has been such as might naturally be expected from such a combination of attributes. He has achieved a definite and worthy success through his own efforts, has ever been as true to the duties of citizenship as he was loyal to the old flag whose fortunes he so valiantly followed on the battlefields of the south, and he is peculiarly deserving of representation in a work of the province of this publication.

William B. Worley is a native of the old Keystone state of the Union, having been born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, on the 1st of October, 1827. His father, David Worley, was born in Wittenberg, Germany, where he was reared, and when a young man he severed the ties which bound him to home and native land and emigrated to America, locating in Pennsylvania, where eventually was solemnized his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Althouse, who was born in that state, of which her parents were pioneer settlers, both being of staunch old German lineage. David and Elizabeth Worley became the parents of eight children, of whom all are now deceased except our subject and his brother George, who is a resident of Ohio. The names of the children are here entered in the order of birth: John, Julia Ann, William B., Susan, George, Katherine, David and Aaron.

When the subject of this review was a mere child his parents removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio, becoming numbered among the pioneers of Richland county, where they passed the remainder of their lives, the father having there reclaimed and improved a good farm. William B. was reared amid the surroundings of the pioneer farm and he early began to contribute his quota toward the work involved in its improvement and cultivation, while his educational privileges were such as fell to the lot of the average youth of the locality and period. He remained on the homestead until the death of his father, after which he went to the village of Newville, where he learned the trade of cabinetmaking, while at the expiration of one year he turned his attention to work at the carpenter trade, in which line he became a skilled artisan. In 1852, when twenty-five years of age, Mr. Worley left his native state and came to Iowa, passing the first winter in Cedar county and thence going to Washington county, where he was engaged in the work of his trade until 1860, when he went to Missouri, where he remained until after the harvest season of that year, then returning to Iowa. This was in the crucial epoch which led up to the Civil war, and when the rebel guns thundered against the ramparts of old Fort Sumter Mr. Worley's intrinsic patriotism and loyalty were roused to action, and in 1861 he tendered his services in defense of the Union, enlisting as a private in Company I, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years, the regiment being commanded by Colonel Garnett. He participated in the battle of Seven Pines and in numerous other minor engagements, but the regiment was assigned to garrison duty during the greater portion of the time, and our subject was in the quartermaster's department at the time of the expiration of his term, receiving his honorable discharge in 1864, at Iowa City.

He then came to Keokuk county, where he had taken up a tract of land shortly before enlisting for the war, and here he established himself upon his farm, which comprised eighty acres, engaged in agricultural pursuits, making excellent improvements on his place, while he worked more or less at his trade, having erected three residences in Jackson township for his own use prior to taking up his home in Ollie, where he has resided since 1888. Here he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, and he now has a large and well equipped establishment for a town of the size, while his appointments for the proper conducting of his enterprise as a funeral director are of the best order. Mr. Worley has ever shown a spirit of absolute fairness and impregnable integrity in all his dealings, and thus he has gained the confidence of the community and secured an excellent supporting patronage, while he is honored as one of the pioneers of the county and as one who has ably played his part in furthering the advancement and civic prosperity of this favored section of the Hawkeye state.

In politics he has given an unequivocal allegiance to the Republican party from the time of its organization, and while he has not been afflicted with political ambition of a personal sort he has ever taken a deep interest in the party cause, while he has served in various offices of local order. He and his wife are consistent members of the Baptist church in their home town and aid in its direct work and collateral benevolences, while their pleasant home has ever been notable for the cordial hospitality which is there ever in evidence. In the state of Ohio, in 1851, Mr. Worley was united in marriage to Miss Jane Crowner, who was born there, a daughter of John Crowner, one of the pioneers of the Buckeye state. To our subject and his estimable wife have been born nine children, their names, in order of birth, being as follows: John, Sabina, Lane, Gertrude, Ada, George, William, Ollie and Frank. All are living except John and Gertrude and all are well established in life.

JAMES WYLLIE

The land of bonnie Scotland has furnished many worthy sons and daughters who have found a place in this country and have been honored for their sterling honesty artd faithfulness to duty, and it is now our pleasure to record a brief history of one of these. The father of our subject, James Wyllie, was born in the good old county of Ayrshire, Scotland, and after a successful life now lives retired in the enjoyment of the earnings of his younger days. His wife was Jane Pearcy, who died at the age of seventy years. They had five children; of four daughters, only one survives, residing in Scotland.

James Wyllie was the only son and was born in his father's home in 1854, the eldest of the family. Up to the age of twelve he enjoyed the advantage of the common schools, but then began working in the collieries. He followed this occupation until the year 1881, when he came to America; the first news that he learned on his arrival in New York was of the assassination of President Garfield. He came directly to Illinois, where he engaged in mining and there remained about three vears. His services were then sought by the Granger Mining Company of What Cheer, Keokuk county, Iowa, to plan and estabhsh the "long wall" system of coal mining and this he accomplished in about six months. The company retained his service lor about four years. He then rented a farm near What Cheer in Prairie township and worked it for four years; he then took a farm in Van Buren township for one year. Then he bought a farm of eighty acres in the latter township. In 1896 Mr. Wyllie was appointed superintendent of the county poor farm, which position he still holds, and shows excellent management in conducting that important public institution.

Among other business relations Mr. Wyllie is connected with poultry raising and he is an expert, having learned the business in the old country. He is one of the Iowa state directors in the Poultry Association, and exhibits at all the poultry shows of the state, in 1891 winning the silver cup given by the Des Moines Poultry Company at Williamsburg; he had the ten highest scores in bantams, on which he also won a cup and a special prize on the highest scoring bird in the show. He is recognized
as a leader in this most interesting and profitable business.

In 1873, while still living in Scotland, Mr. Wyllie married Jane Jennison Simpson, who was born March 24, 1855; the ceremoney was performed by James Murray, parish minister of Old Cummock. They have three children: James H., a leading attorney of Sigourney, Iowa; Robert S., assistant steward on the county farm; and Jane, the wife of G. Paton, and they reside on her father's farm in Van Buren township. Mr. Wyllie has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the Republican party, and nothing pertaining to the welfare of his community lacks his support.

WILLIAM H. YOUNG

The above named gentleman has been prominently identified with the growth of the enterprising town of Hedrick since its inception. He is responsible for much of its material growth and prosperity. He is at the present time president of the First National Bank and is also president of the Hedrick State Savings Bank, both of Hedrick. His nativity dates in the Hoosier state, where he was born in Clark county, April 11, 1842. He is the son of James B. Young, also a native of Clark county, Indiana, who brought his family to Keokuk county, Iowa, in 1854, locating at Twin Groves in Steady Riin township, where he continued to reside until his death at the age of seventy-one years. He, in his earlier years, was a staunch Whig and later became a prominent supporter of the Republican party. He always took an active interest in matters pertaining to the advancement of his immediate community and served on the school board of his district for many years. He was a blacksmith and wagonmaker in his early manhood, but after coming to Iowa followed agricultural pursuits in connection therewith. The grandfather of our subject was John A. Young, a native of the Keystone state. He became an early settler of Clark county, Indiana, where he lived until his death. On the maternal side of the family our subject's mother was Evaline Nugent, she being a native of Clark county, Indiana, where she was reared and married. She lived to the extreme old age of eighty-five years. Her father before her had been born in the Blue-grass state and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He also was one of the very earliest settlers of Clark county, Indiana, and was a weaver by trade and also farmed.

Mr. Young is a member of a family of ten children, three daughters and seven sons, all of whom grew to maturity and married. He is the second child. He came to Keokuk county in 1854 with the family, he at that time being twelve years of age. His early education was acquired in the elementary schools of the district. He remained at home engaged in the labors of the farm until the rumblings which had been heard all during the fifties burst in the storm of the Civil war in the sixties. He watched the progress of events with a great deal of interest, and when the call was made for troops his inherent patriotism was signally exemplified in his enlistment in September, 1861, in Company D of the Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, as a private soldier. He went immediately to the front and arrived in time to take part in that sanguinary conflict which the northern army denominated Shiloh. This was followed by Corinth and by the operations about Vicksburg. Upon the fall of Vicksburg his company became part of the troops which were sent to take part in the Atlanta campaign. During this campaign, on the 22d of July, 1864, he, together with a number of his comrades, was taken prisoner, and they were sent to the famous prison of AndersoHville. He remained in this prison until October of the same year, when he was taken to Florence, South Carolina, where he remained until February 24, 1865, when he was removed to Richmond, Virginia, and there paroled. After a short furlough at home he returned to his regiment and was present at the grand review of the troops in Washington, D. C. He received his discharge in August of 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky, where his regiment was mustered out, having been in the service four years lacking one month.

Upon his return home he took up the life of an agriculturist, in which pursuit he engaged for several years. He later engaged in business in Martinsburg, and in 1877 sold out and bought the farm which he now owns, and on which he hved until 1880. In that year he was elected county treasurer and moved to the county seat, Sigourney. After serving one term, he, in company with Hon. J. T. Brooks, bought in 1882 what was known as the Waugh farm, on which they laid out the present town of Hedrick. In 1883 he and Mr. Brooks established the Bank of Hedrick, a private institution, which was merged in 1899 into the Hedrick State Savings Bank. In 1900 Mr. Young became interested with others in the organization of the First National Bank of Hedrick, with Mr. Young as president. He is also interested in company with Hon. John Morrison and Mr. Brooks in a large flouring mill at Hedrick. He has served one term as member of the county board of supervisors of the county, and has always taken a very prominent interest in the political life of the county as a Republican.

Mr. Young was married in October of 1869 to Elizabeth M. Hursey, a daughter of William and Margaret (Honald) Hursey, a family who are pioneers in Keokuk county. Mrs. Young was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and is the mother of a family of three children. One of them died in infancy. Hattie, the eldest daughter, is the wife of Rev. L. C. Clark, Methodist minister. Waldo W., the son, is a student at Cornell College of Mount Vernon.

Mr. Young is a genial and social gentleman, and is a prominent and worthy member of Garfield Lodge No. 485, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is also a member of the J. M. Hedrick Post, No. 424, of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a public spirited and progressive citizen, a man of sterling worth and high moral character, and he and his good wife are esteemed by a very large circle of friends and acquaintances.

SAMUEL YULE

Samuel Yule is a stock farmer of Richland township residing on section 19, where he owns and operates two hundred and ten acres of good land. He was born in Ashland county, Ohio, January 12, 1844. His father, John Yule, was a native of Scotland, born in Aberdeenshire, and in his native land was reared and married. In 1836 he crossed the Atlantic to America, locating in Ashland county, Ohio, where he followed his trade of stone cutting and also assisted materially in building many of the foundations that were laid in Ashland county at an early day. His last days were passed upon a farm in Keokuk county, Iowa, where he arrived in 1854, taking up his abode on the farm which is now the home of our subject. There he died on the 7th of February, 1880, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Jeanette Thompson, was a native of Bauf Shire, Scotland, and reached a very advanced age, namely, ninety-one years. This worthy couple were the parents of eight children, six sons and two daughters. Three of the number were born in Scotland, while the others were born in Ashland county, Ohio. These are: James, deceased; John, who like his brother died in CaHfornia; George, a resident of Colorado; William, who makes his home in New Mexico; Margaret, the widow of David Baughey and a resident of Iowa; Ellen, the wife of A. J. Ramsey, of Richland, Iowa; Samuel, of this review; and Joseph, who is living in Colorado.

Mr. Yule, whose name introduces this record, was the seventh in order of birth in his father's family and was a youth of eleven summers when he came with his parents to Keokuk county, Iowa, being reared upon the farm which is now his home. He continued to care for his aged parents until they were called to their final rest and throughout the years of his active manhood he has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits with excellent success. As a companion ana helpmate on life's journey he chose Sarah Wharton, and after two years of happy married life he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. In 1875 he was again married, his second union being with Sarah M. Wagner, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Abraham and Catherine Wagner, in whose family were eight children, Mrs. Yule being the fourth in order of birth. With her parents she was brought to Keokuk county during her early childhood. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children: Anna B., the wife of Jean Davis, a resident of Richland; Lulu E., the wife of Roy Davis, who is living in Jefferson county, Iowa; Nettie C, the wife of Frank Shelley, whose home is in Jackson township, Keokuk county; and James B., who is assisting his father on the home farm.

Mr. Yule owns an excellent tract of land of two hundred and ten acres, which is well improved. He is a stock farmer and keeps on hand a fine herd of Galloway cattle. In his stock dealings he has prospered, his annual sales bringing to him a good financial return. He is now recognized as one of the prosperous farmers of Richland township, where he has made his home for forty-eight years, his upright life winning for him the confidence and friendship of those with whom he has been brought in contact. He is a leading and active member of the Congregational church and is a staunch Republican, doing all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party, yet he has never sought or desired office. Fraternally he has for some years been connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a public-spirited man, taking an active interest in everything pertaining to the general welfare. In 1892 he made a trip to the west, visiting Glenwood Springs, Denver and other places of interest in Colorado. He is content, however, to make Keokuk county his home, for here he has found good business opportunities, and as the result of his industry and untiring enterprise he has steadily progressed until he has gained for himself a comfortable competence.