Taylor County, Iowa History 1910: page 411

Among those who in former years were identified with agricultural pursuits and whose labors had brought them the prosperity that now enables them to live retired, is numbered George Reid. He was born in Crawford county, Ohio, August 30, 1841, his parents being George and Mary Ann (Foster) Reid, both of whom were natives of Ireland. The grandfather, Robert Reid, likewise born on the Emerald Isle, crossed the Atlantic to America and spent his last days in Ohio, where he died at the venerable age of eighty-seven years. He had devoted his entire active life to the occupation of farming. His wife, Mrs. Margaret Reid, had passed middle life when called to her final rest. Their only child was George Reid, father of our subject. The maternal grandparent, Robert Foster, was likewise born in Ireland and on coming to America about 1812, settled in Crawford county, Ohio, where he followed farming until he passed away when in middle life. His wife, Mrs. Margaret Foster, died in Kansas City, Missouri, at an advanced age. They were the parents of fifteen children.

It was about the year 1812 that George Reid, Sr., arrived in America, settling in Virginia but soon afterward removing to Ohio. He came into possession of land entered by his father, Robert Reid, in Crawford county and with characteristic energy began its cultivation and improvement, converting the wild tract into a productive farm. He made his home in that county until his death which occurred in 1888 when he was seventy-two years of age. His wife died there about 1860. Both were members of the Methodist church and their many excellent traits of character won for them the friendship and regard of those with whom they were associated. Their family numbered six children: Robert, now deceased; William, living in Bucyrus, Ohio; George; Hugh; Rachel and James H., all of whom have passed away.

George Reid, whose name introduces this review, was reared upon his father's farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His education was acquired in the district schools, in the public schools of Bucyrus, Ohio, and also in the normal school. He was yet pursuing his studies when in response to the county's call for aid he enlisted as a member of Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for two years and nine months, doing duty as a private. He was engaged on guard duty, guarding prisoners on Johnson's island. After the war he returned to Bucyrus and assisted his brother William in the grain business until he came to Iowa, when he took up his abode on a farm on one hundred and twenty acres in Clayton township, Taylor county. Later he extended the boundaries of his place by the additional purchase of eighty acres and on that farm he reared his family, there living for forty-one years. His agricultural interests were carefully conducted, for he practiced the rotation of crops, paid careful attention to the condition of the soil and in his farm work met with success which results from untiring diligence and progressive methods. On leaving the farm he removed to Bedford, where he purchased a good home but he still owns two hundred acres of valuable land which is finely improved and from which he derives a substantial income.

On the 14th of March, 1867, Mr. Reid was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Gardner, a daughter of Nathan G. and Elizabeth Mary (Bigelow) Gardner. Mrs. Reid was born in Stephentown, Rensselaer county, New York, and her parents were also natives of the Empire state. They had four children, of whom Mrs. Reid was the eldest, the others being: Charlotte, the wife of Reuben P. Willard, of Dillon, Montana; James R., deceased; and Esther, the wife of Samuel Young, of Woodstock, Minnesota. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Reid was James R. Gardner, a native of Rhode Island and of Irish descent. He made farming his life work and died in the state of New York well advanced in years. His wife, Mrs. Roxcena (Hawley) Gardner, was over eighty years of age at the time of her demise. They were the parents of two sons and two daughters: Lavica, Sarah, Nathan Green and Hawley Gardner. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Reid was Gale Bigelow, a native of France, who came to America, and entered three hundred acres of land in Columbia county, New York, where he died in middle life. His wife, Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth (Pratt) Bigelow, was more than seventy years of age at the time of her demise. They had twelve children all now deceased: Ralph, an architect, who died when about one hundred years of age; Rachel, who died at the age of ninety-six; Charlotte; Sarah; Esther, Luvina; Allen; Joseph; Elizabeth; Obediah; and two who died in infancy.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Reid has been blessed with eight children: Nathan George, who died in infancy; Roxcena M., at home; Le Roy Emerson, who was killed by a gasoline engine when thirty-two years of age; Anna, who died when but six months old; Albert Gale, in Idaho; Frank Alvin and Alice, both at home; and one who died in infancy. They also have an adopted daughter, Mary.

(Page 413) Mr. and Mrs. Reid are devoted members of the Methodist church and he is serving as one of the church trustees. He also belongs to Sedgwick Post, G. A. R., and greatly enjoys its camp fires where are recalled the long hard marches of the campaigns that were features of the Civil war and led to the establishment of the Union upon a firmer basis than ever before. Politically Mr. Reid has always been a republican and has been called to a number of local offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. He has been road supervisor and township and school trustee. He is now comfortably situated in life as the result of his energy, perseverance and capably directed efforts and is now one of the most respected citizens of Bedford.

Senator Risser is the proprietor of the Maple Grove Stock Farm, a well-improved and valuable tract of land of two hundred and forty acres situated on section 10, Jackson township. In its neat and thrifty appearance it gives evidence of the careful supervision and practical methods of the owner, who has lived in Taylor county since 1903. He is however, a western man by birth, training and preference, the place of his nativity being Canyon City, Colorado, while the date of his birth was September 17, 1867. His father, Jacob Risser, was a native of Ohio who in early life was taken to Illinois and was reared in McDonough county, that state. There he was married to Miss Jane A. Locke, who was born in Indiana and was reared in McDonough county, Illinois. Jacob Risser became a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit in Illinois for a number of years. He afterward removed to the west, however, taking up his abode near Canyon City, Colorado, where he engaged in ranching. He resided there for fifteen years, on the expiration of which period he took up his abode in Nodaway county, Missouri, purchasing land in Independence township. He owned eight hundred acres, constituting a valuable property, upon which he spent his last years, continuing actively in farming operations until his life's labors were ended in death in 1888. His wife survives him and resides with a daughter near the old home.

Senator Risser, whose name introduces this review, was a youth of fifteen years when the removal was made from Colorado to Nodaway county, Missouri. There he continued through the period of his minority, working on the farm through the summer months while in the winter seasons he attended the common schools. After arriving at years of maturity he began the cultivation of the old (page 325) home place, which he continued to operate for three years after his father's death. His entire life has been devoted to general agricultural pursuits and for a time he was the owner of a farm in Nodaway county comprising one hundred and thirty-two acres of land, upon which he lived for seven years. In 1903, however, he sold that property and bought the farm on which he now makes his home. It is today a valuable property in the midst of which stands substantial improvements, including a large barn which he erected. There is also a good grove upon the place and substantial sheds, cribs and other outbuildings. He has divided the farm into fields of convenient size by well-kept fences and his home is an attractive and commodious two-story residence, supplied with all modern equipments and conveniences. Around it spread well-tilled fields and rich pasture lands, and with his farming he raises high-grade stock, handling short-horned cattle, Duroc Jersey hogs and Norman horses, all of high grade.

Mr. Risser was married in Taylor county on the 24th of February, 1891, to Miss Minerva Rowe, who was born in Nodaway county, Missouri, a daughter of Eldridge Rowe, one of the early settlers of Taylor county and a prosperous farmer of Jackson township. Mr. and Mrs. Risser have become parents of four children: Hattie, a student in the Bedford high school; Annie, who is attending a home school; Abbott W. and Leland.

In his political views Mr. Risser is a stanch republican, having supported that party since he attained his majority. He has been officially identified with the schools but has never desired political preferment. His wife is a member of the Baptist church. They are both well known in Bedford and throughout Taylor and Nodaway counties, and a review of their lives show that their many good qualities have won for them the esteem and favorable regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact. They have an extensive circle of acquaintances and their circle of warm friends is almost equally large.

Francis J. Rogers, who since 1901 has been identified with the hardware interests of New Market, is meeting with gratifying success and ranks high among the progressive merchants of the city. He was born near West Point, in Cuming county, Nebraska, on the 5th of October, 1874, and is a son of John and Eliza A. (Chappell) Rogers. Acquiring his early education in the schools of Adams and (page 648) Taylor counties, Iowa, he devoted his time to his text-books and remained upon the home farm, assisting his father in the work of the fields during the vacation periods until he was eighteen years of age and throughout this time he learned many valuable lessons in the school of experience. Subsequently he entered Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa, where he remained for one year, and then he engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account.

Mr. Rogers was thus identified for two years, the expiration of which period witnessed the beginning of his career as a hardware merchant. He entered business at Guss, Iowa, but after one year he sold out and came to New Market, in 1901, where he entered the hardware business in partnership with J. S. Harris. This relation existed for one year, when Mr. Rogers' brother, G. S. Rogers, entered the firm and two years later he purchased the interest of Mr. Harris, since which time the brothers have continued to conduct the store. From its inception the business has been most successful, having gained throughout the intervening years a very extensive patronage which is constantly growing. The enterprise is conducted along progressive and modern lines and the policy of the house is such as to inspire confidence in its patrons, while Mr. Rogers, recognizing the fact that satisfied customers are the best advertisement, makes a close study of the needs of the people and attempts at all times to meet the demands of the general public. He possesses good business ability and executive control and these characteristics are potent elements in the successful conduct and expansion of the business.

It was on the 6th of March, 1901, in Bedford, Taylor county, that Mr. Rogers was united in marriage to Miss Orpha Eells, a daughter of E. H. and Lucy (Huss) Eells, the former a retired farmer making his home in New Market, Iowa. In fraternal relations Mr. Rogers is a Mason, holding membership in the blue lodge, and he is likewise affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he gives his allegiance to the democratic party and is filling the office of township clerk, while he is also serving as a director of the New Market schools, the cause of education finding in him a warm champion. Loyal and progressive in his citizenship, he exerts his influence upon the side of reform, advancement and improvement and his many excellent personal traits have gained for him a wide acquaintance during his residence in Taylor county, his fellowmen entertaining for him high regard, esteem and good will.

There have been many theories advanced concerning success but unprejudiced investigation into the cause of prosperity shows that in almost every instance it follows earnest, persistent and honorable effort when well directed by sound judgment. The record of Mr. Rowe is proof of this, for he has worked diligently and untiringly to gain his present position as one of the progressive and prosperous farmers and stock raisers of Jackson township. He here owns one hundred and twenty acres in the home place and also one hundred and twenty-two acres to the south, across the boundary line in Missouri. He is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred upon the farm where he now resides on the 29th of September, 1868. He is a son of E. S. Rowe, Sr., of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. His youthful days were spent upon his father's farm, where he early received thorough training in the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops, while lessons of industry were strongly impressed upon his mind. To the public-school system of the county he is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and which qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. He assisted in carrying on the home farm and remained with his father until twenty-six years of age and his experience in that period of his life well qualified him for the onerous duties which he assumed when he began farming on his own account.

Mr. Rowe was married in Bedford, Iowa, on the 13th of November, 1895, to Miss Edith Risser, a native of Colorado and a sister of Senator Risser, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Rowe was reared and educated in Nodaway county, Missouri, and after their marriage the young couple located upon a farm where his birth had occurred and where his youthful (page 480) days had been passed. Mr. Rowe commenced here with one hundred and eighty acres of land, diligently accomplishing the tasks of plowing, planting and harvesting. Desirous of making this a well-improved property, he erected thereon a good large barn and double crib. He also put up a commodious two-story residence, built in modern style of architecture and supplied with all modern conveniences and accessories. The house is piped with water, has a fine bathroom and every facility for making life comfortable. The system of water-works upon the place is particularly fine and altogether the farm presents a splendid appearance, constituting one of the attractive features in the landscape. As his financial resources have increased Mr. Rowe has purchased more land from time to time and is now busily employed in tilling the fields and in raising and feeding hogs and cattle, fattening and shipping from two to four carloads annually. In his business affairs he is prospering, owing to his capable management and judicious investment.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Rowe has been blessed with five children: Orlie, Rex, Oakley, Ellis and Otis. The family occupies a prominent position in the social circles of the county, the members of the household having many warm friends. Politically Mr. Rowe is independent, nor has he ever sought or desired office, yet he is not neglectful of the duties of citizenship and gives to many movements for the general good his earnest support. He has witnessed much of the growth and development of the county for in his early days it was largely an undeveloped region and he herded cattle over the prairies and the ridge. The entire countryside was unclaimed and uncultivated and the few settlers turned their stock to graze out at will. As the years have passed, however, farm after farm has been taken up until almost every acre of Taylor county's soil is cultivated and constitutes one of the richest agricultural sections in the state. Mr. Rowe has contributed to this result and is now numbered among the more successful business men and agriculturists of this section.

In the days when Taylor county was still a pioneer district, with comparatively few settlers and only a few improved farms, E. S. Rowe took up his abode within its borders. The year 1852 witnessed his arrival and in the fifty-seven years which have since come and gone, he has borne a most helpful and important part in the work of general improvement and development, especially along agricultural lines. His memory goes back to the time when deer and many kinds of wild game were to be had in this section of the country. The prairies were covered with their native grasses, which frequently grew to great height in the summer time and only occasionally was a path seen, showing that the white man or his predecessor the Indian, had followed the same trail a sufficient number of times to mark indelibly the course that he had trod. Mr. Rowe can relate many interesting incidents of the early days and can tell the tale of development and improvement here. His own record has been marked by steady and substantial advancement and he is now one of the county's prosperous farmers, owning nearly six hundred acres of valuable land in this county and across the boundary line in Nodaway county, Missouri.

Mr. Rowe was born in Lincoln county, West Virginia, September 13, 1840, a son of Abbott Rowe, a native of Kentucky, who was there reared and when a young man went to Virginia. In the latter state he married Miss Anna Diles, who was a native of Tennessee, but was reared in the Old Dominion. For some years after his marriage Mr. Rowe continued to engage in farming in Virginia and six children were born unto him and his wife in that state. In 1852, however, he removed westward to Iowa, settling in Taylor county. While en route he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died while they were traveling through Andrew county, Missouri. On reaching their destination the family settled in Jackson township on a farm of forty acres, which is now the property of E. S. Rowe of this review.

Mr. Rowe was twelve years of age at the time of the removal to Iowa, and he assisted in the arduous task of developing new land and transforming the wild prairie into productive fields. He was married in Nodaway county, Missouri, December 27, 1862, to Miss Mary Dowas, a native of Missouri, who was born near Savannah, and when a child came to Taylor county, Iowa. Her father was Isaac Dowas, one of the early settlers of Andrew county, Missouri, and later a pioneer resident of Taylor county, Iowa. Following his marriage Mr. Roe began to cultivate rented land, which he farmed for four years, during which time (page 476) he carefully and economically saved his earnings until he was able to purchase one of the farms that he now owns. He came into possession of one hundred and twenty acres, which he cultivated and developed, turning the first furrows in the fields and otherwise cultivating the land until he was able to gather rich harvests as the reward for the care and labor which he bestowed upon his farm. As he prospered in his undertakings he bought more land from time to time and now owns nearly six hundred acres. There are three sets of buildings upon the place, two of these being across the boundary line in Nodaway county, Missouri. His diligence and persistency of purpose have brought him substantial success and he annually harvests and markets good crops. He is also equally prosperous as a stock raiser, feeding and fattening from one to two carloads of stock each year. This also brings a profitable source of income to him and he is now well known in this section.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rowe have been born four children: Isaac, who is assisting his father in carrying on the home farm; Minerva, the wife of Senator Risser, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; Eldredge S., who is married and is a prominent farmer of Taylor county, Iowa, and Nodaway county, Missouri; and Anna May, at home.

In his political views Mr. Rowe is a democrat, voting for the party since casting his first presidential ballot for Stephen A. Douglas, the "little giant" of Illinois. He has never sought nor would he accept office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He has, however, been always interested in matters relating to the general welfare and has given his aid and cooperation to many movements for the public good. During his long residence in the county he has seen Bedford develop from a cross-roads village and has watched the work of advancement as it has been carried forward continuously until this splendid county is now a monument to the efforts and energies of its leading farmers and business men.