Past and Present of Appanoose County, Iowa. Volume II
Chicago: The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company. L.L. Taylor, editor. 1913
Transcribed by Renee Rimmert. A complete copy of this book is available on-line at archive.org.
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BARTON A. OGLE - In a history of Centerville's representative citizens mention should be made of Barton A. Ogle, although thirty years have come and gone since he departed this life. In an early period in the history of Centerville he figured as one of its prominent and influential citizens and won a creditable position in business circles. He was born in Indiana, December 10, 1835, and is a son of John and Mary Ann (Johnson) Ogle, both of whom were natives of Tennessee, the father being a representative of an old New England family, while the mother came of German lineage. In 1831 they removed to Indiana, where the father followed the miller's trade for about a quarter of a century. He then in 1856 came to Iowa with his family. settling near Leon, Decatur county, where he remained for three years and thence came to Appanoose county in 1860. Here he again followed his trade but did not own the mill. Both he and his wife spent their last days in Centerville.
Barton A. Ogle attended school in Indiana and came with his parents to Iowa about the time he attained his majority. He remained for some time in Leon and was married there in 1859. The following year he removed to Centerville, where he worked in the mill with his father. However, about two years later he put aside all business cares and personal considerations in order to aid his country in the struggle to preserve the Union, enlisting in 1862 at Cincinnati, Iowa, as a member of Company I, Thirty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he remained until the close of hostilities. He participated in a number of important engagements leading up to the final victory which crowned the Union arms and at the close of the war was honorably discharged.
With a most creditable military record Mr. Ogle returned to Appanoose county and for three years thereafter worked in the mill at Relay. In 1869, however, he was elected auditor of Appanoose county on the republican ticket and came to Centerville. He discharged his duties so efficiently and capably during his first term that he was reelected and retired from office at the end of the second term as he had entered it with the confidence and good-will of all concerned. He then worked for his brother for a time in the livery business and was afterward employed in a foundry. Later he accepted a position with the Ireland Iron & Bridge Company in the interests of which he traveled up to the time of his death on the 14th of July, 1882.
It was on the 1st of September, 1859, that Mr. Ogle was united in marriage to Miss Minerva E. Arnold, a daughter of Moses and Jemima (Barnes) Arnold. The father who was a native of Maryland, was of Irish descent and was a farmer by occupation. The mother, who was born in Virginia, was of Dutch lineage. In 1855 they removed to Ohio and subsequently to Indiana, later settling on a farm near Leon, Iowa, where they lived until 1875, when they went to Harrison county, this state, spending their last days in Modale. The father, who was born in 1795, passed away in 1884, while the mother, born in 1813, reached the age of eighty years, dying in 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Ogle became the parents of nine children: Charles W., a machinist by trade, now living in St. Louis, Missouri; Almeda May, who died at the age of five years; Albert Francis, who died when thirty-nine years of age; Wesley Harlan, who is raising chickens on a ranch four miles north of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and who married Lulu Moore; John, who is engaged in the jewelry business in Seattle, Washington ; James, who is manager of the Regal Laundry and who married Bertha McClure of Centerville, they now making their home with his mother; George B., who married Grace Scott and is proprietor of the Regal Laundry; Kate, who is the wife of Clarence Wyckoff, an attorney of Centerville; and Bulah, at home. The daughters Kate and Bulah are members of the Order of Eastern Star at Centerville.
Mr. Ogle was an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity and also held membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Grand Army post. His political support was always given to the republican party, for he believed it to be the party of reform and progress and it was ever his earnest desire to further through political measures the best interests of city, state and country. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his widow still belongs and his was an upright and well-spent life, gaining for him the confidence and good-will of many. He sought at all times to follow the golden rule, to speak highly, to deal justly and to promote the social, intellectual and moral progress of the community in which he made his home.
GEORGE B. OGLE, is one of the young business men of Appanoose county, whose enterprise has carried him forward to success. He is proprietor of a laundry which he is capably conducting and there are other creditable chapters in his life record, including service in the Spanish-American war. Centerville numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in this city February 4, 1875. His parents were Barton A. and Minerva E. (Arnold) Ogle, natives of Indiana and Ohio respectively. The father was a miller by trade and came to Centerville, Iowa, prior to the Civil war. Here he worked at his trade for some time and later turned his attention to the foundry business, which he carried on for several years. His fellow townsmen, recognizing and appreciating his worth and ability in matters of citizenship, elected him to the office of county auditor and gave indorsement of his first term's service in reelection, so that he remained in the position for two terms. At the time of the Civil war, however, he put aside all business and personal considerations, for he felt that his first duty was to his country and enlisted as a member of Company I, Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, with which he served until the close of the Civil war. He continued to reside in Centerville until his death, which occurred in February, 1882. His widow survives and has now reached the age of seventy-three years.
George B. Ogle was reared and educated in Centerville and when his school days were over he secured employment in a dry-goods store, being thus occupied for ten years. That the fires of patriotism burned as brightly in his breast as in his father's was indicated when the country again became involved in war, for with the outbreak of hostilities between the United States and Spain he enlisted as a member of Company E, Fiftieth Iowa Infantry. Following the close of hostilities he returned home and engaged in the laundry business, purchasing the Cook Laundry, which he is now operating under the name of the Regal Steam Laundry. He purchased this business in 1899 and has since conducted it with excellent success. He also has a dry-cleaning department and both branches of the undertaking are proving profitable, being carefully and systematically managed by Mr. Ogle and his partner, N. V. Craig. Their patronage is growing year by year and they use as the basis for their prosperity excellent work and fair dealing. Mr. Ogle is also a stockholder in the Company E armory, a two-story building sixty by one hundred feet, which is now being erected. He is likewise a stockholder in the Centerville Gypsum Company and in the Centerville Savings Bank, and he is the owner of the building in which the laundry business is conducted and also of a pleasant residence at No. 712 West Washington street.
On the 27th of September, 1901, Mr. Ogle was united in marriage to Miss Grace Scott, a daughter of Mrs. Eugenia (Murphy) Scott Elliott. The father died when Mrs. Ogle was very young and the mother has since married again and still makes her home in Centerville. Mr. and Mrs. Ogle became the parents of three children: George Lawrence, seven years of age; William Scott, aged four; and one, who died in infancy.
Mr. Ogle belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken high rank, being a member of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs also to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias, while his political faith is indicated in the support which he gives at the polls to the republican party. His religious views accord with the teachings of the Methodist church, of which he has long been a member. His interests and activities are wide and varied and his unfaltering enterprise has brought him to an enviable position in business circles. There has been nothing spectacular in his life history, but the substantial qualities of progressiveness, laudable ambition and unabating energy have borne fruit and he has gained a place among the prominent and representative residents of Centerville.
DAVID C. O'NEIL, a prosperous and highly esteemed citizen of Centerville, has here made his home for three decades and for the past five years has been successfully engaged in the real-estate and insurance business. His birth occurred in St. Lawrence county. New York, on the 6th of June, 1859, his parents being David and Jane (Hatley) O'Neil. The father was a native of Ireland, while the mother, a lady of Irish descent, was born in New York. David O'Neil became a sailor boy when but twelve years of age and made three trips to the United States, remaining here after reaching American shores for the third time. Landing in New Orleans as a youth of fourteen, he there began work on a farm and later secured employment on a boat. Eventually locating in the state of New York, he was there married in 1835 to Miss Jane Hatley, a farmer's daughter. Turning his attention to general agricultural pursuits, he remained in the Empire state until 1860, when he removed to Illinois. In 1880 he came to Appanoose county, Iowa, and here spent the remainder of his life, devoting his attention to the work of the fields with excellent results. His wife, who survived him for several years, was called to her final rest in 1900.
David C. O'Neil obtained his education in the district schools and after putting aside his text-books assisted his father in the operation of the home farm. In 1882 he came west to Iowa, locating in Centerville, Appanoose county, and for a period of fifteen years worked in the coal mines. Subsequently he went upon the road as traveling, salesman for a wholesale liquor house. In 1907 he embarked in the real-estate and insurance business and his undertakings in this connection have been attended with a gratifying measure of success. He purchased a coal mine from the Trio Coal Company in 1910 but disposed of it about three months ago. His home, which he owns, is one of the most attractive residences in Centerville.
In 1884 Mr. O'Neil was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Bums, who was born in Illinois in i860, her parents being Patrick and Mary (Stratton) Bums, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Illinois. Patrick Bums emigrated to the United States when a youth of sixteen and took up his abode in Illinois, where he was married. A few years later he removed to Wapello county, Iowa, and resided on a farm near Ottumwa until 1894, when he returned to Ireland and there passed away. His widow makes her home in the northern part of Iowa with her brother, James Stratton. Mr. and Mrs. O'Neil have three children, as follows: Mary Jane, who was born in 1886 and is still at home; Emmet D., who was born in 1887 and is a plumber of Centerville, this county; and John H., whose birth occurred in 1890 and who is a plasterer residing in Centerville.
Mr. O'Neil is a stanch democrat in politics but has never sought nor desired office as a reward for his party fealty. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, while his religious faith is that of the Chris- tian church, to which he and his family belong. In business life he is well known for his alert and enterprising spirit, and his salient qualities and characteristics are such as win honor and success.
WILLIAM F. ORGAN - During a residence of twenty-two years in Iowa William F. Organ has improved and developed three fine farms and has made substantial contributions to the agricultural development of the state. He stands among the progressive and representative farmers of Pleasant township, where he owns and operates two hundred acres of land on section 16, which by his own well directed energy and intelligent management he has made a model property. He was born in Derby, England, November 20, 1864, and acquired his education in his native community, where he remained until he was eighteen years of age. In 1882 he took passage at Liverpool on a steamer bound for New York and arrived in that city in October of the same year. He pushed westward to Brookfield, Missouri, where he obtained employment upon the old Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad and afterward for five or six years did mason work on bridges. In the hope of bettering his financial condition he came to Iowa and settled in Lee county, where he worked for some time in a rock quarry. After two years, however, he went to Grafton, Illinois, and resumed his quarrying, continuing in that line of work until he went to Farmington, Van Buren county, Iowa, where he engaged in coal mining. His marriage occurred in that section and immediately afterward he came to Pleasant township and located on five acres of land near his present farm. This property he later sold and purchased eighty acres, which he developed only a short time, after which he bought a tract of one hundred and fifty-five acres, built a residence upon it and continued to develop and improve it for some time. When he sold this farm he moved to his present property upon which he has since made substantial improvements. He has erected a fine residence, good barns and outbuildings, has fenced his land into convenient fields and planted a number of acres in orchard. In addition he gives special attention to raising, feeding, buying and selling stock, his herds containing many high-grade animals. He owns also a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in New Mexico, four miles from Las Vegas, upon which he has been installing an excellent system of irrigation and which is rising in value every year.
Mr. Organ married, in Van Buren county, December 6, 1891, Miss Ella Waderas, who was born in Ohio but who came to Iowa when she was six or seven years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Organ have three sons and four daughters, Blanche Ruth, Fern Eliza, Flossie M., Virgil W., Glen, Clifford G. and Irma. Mrs. Organ is a devout adherent of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Organ is independent in his political views and votes always for the man whom he considers best fitted for the position without regard to party affiliations. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias in Cincinnati and is also a charter member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His career has been identified with the later period of agricultural development in Appanoose county, where he has gained prosperity and success and where he is an honored and respected citizen.
ALEXANDER ORR, is a retired coal operator of Mystic. He was not always a mine owner, for in early life he was himself an active worker in the mines and it was through his determination, perseverance and intelligently directed efforts that he gradually advanced until he became the possessor of certain valuable coal-bearing properties which were operated successfully, bringing to him a substantial measure of prosperity that enabled him at length to live retired. He was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, March 25, 1844, and is a son of Robert and Margaret (Nicol) Orr. His father was also a native of Ayrshire, while the mother's birth occurred in the highlands of Scotland. She died in that country in 1859 when about fifty-three years of age, after which the father came to the United States with his son Alexander in 1863. He made his way to Colchester, McDonough county, Illinois. The following year they removed to Bushnell, Illinois, and in 1875 established their home at What Cheer, Iowa, where the father spent his remaining days, passing away June 19, 1881, at the age of seventy-two years. In his early life he learned and followed the weaver's trade and later was employed in connection with the operation of coal mines. In his family were three children : Robert, who died in Bushnell, Illinois; William, who died in Mystic; and Alexander.
In 1854, when a little lad of ten years, Alexander Orr began trapping in the mines, and from that time forward until his retirement from active business life, he was connected with coal mining. After arriving in America, when nineteen years of age, he engaged in coal-mining in different sections of Illinois and in other places, and in 1887 he and his brother William came to Mystic. In the meantime their industry had secured them advancement in the business world and the measure of prosperity which they had attained enabled them, on coming to Mystic, to open the Iowa and Missouri mine which they operated continuously and successfully for three years, or until 1900. This was the first mine opened in Mystic on land belonging to D. Vankike. The brothers had opened what became known as the first railroad mine at What Cheer, operating it until 1879, when they sold to the railroad company. Those were the largest coal works in Iowa at one time. In 1900 Mr. Orr and his brother opened another mine a mile and a half east of Mystic, known as the Orr Brothers mine. They found there a good grade of coal which they took out in large quantities, operating the mine until 1907, when the brother died and Alexander Orr sold out. The mine, however, is still being actively and profitably worked. The two brothers entered into partnership in 1875 and were closely identified in all their business interests from that time until the death of William Orr, following which Alexander Orr retired from active life and has since rested from further labor.
On the 25th of December, 1876, occurred the marriage of Alexander Orr and Miss Harriet A. France, who was born in Kendall county, Illinois, on the 7th of April, 1857, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Farrow) France, who were natives of England and were married in Newark, New Jersey. The mother died in Seattle, Washington, where the father still resides. In his younger days he was a miner and weaver. Mr. and Mrs. Orr became the parents of five children: Margaret E., the wife of Abner Harris, of Mystic; Alexander, living in Centerville; George James, also of Mystic; Robert William, of Aberdeen, South Dakota; and Minnie N., at home. The last named was born in Mystic and the others in What Cheer.
The family is well known here and is prominent socially, their home being the abode of a warm-hearted and cordial hospitality. Mr. Orr is a stalwart republican in politics, serving the party since he became an American citizen. He made out the first poll books in Mystic and served on the first city council. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and the Odd Fellows, being a charter member of Walnut Lodge, No. 588, A. F. & A. M., and of Merriam Lodge, No. 555, I. O. O. F. He is also connected with the Order of Rebekahs. He is among the worthy representatives of his native land who through the national characteristics of strength, industry and reliability, have won success. He never had any false ideas as to the best methods of attaining prosperity but early recognized that industry is the basis of all business advancement and accordingly he worked persistently and energetically in order that he might gain that prosperity which is the legitimate goal of all business endeavor.
CHARLES F. PARKER - Appanoose county numbers among her prominent and successful native sons Charles F. Parker, the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and eighty acres in Franklin township, who is in addition a power and a dominating force in the public life of the section. He was born on the farm which he now operates, March 18, 1856, and is a son of L. G. Parker, a native of Jefferson county, New York, who was born February 7, 1815. The father of our subject grew to manhood in the Empire state but when a young man went to Ohio, where he married Miss Nancy J. Barney, also born in New York. He was a man of excellent education, of college training, being a graduate civil engineer, and after he moved to Ohio became prominent in school circles. He engaged in teaching for a number of years in that state and during his period of residence gave most of his time and attention to that occupation. In 1854 he moved to Iowa and located on the farm now owned by the subject of this review. This was a part of a tract of six hundred acres which had been previously entered by his father-in-law, Benjamin Barney. Mr. Parker settled upon this property, broke the soil and carried forward the work of development, making it a model agricultural enterprise. After a time he resumed teaching and was gradually carried forward into important relations with educational affairs, and in this line of work as in all the others with which he was identified became prominent and influential. He reared his family of children in Appanoose county and spent the remainder of his life upon his farm, dying in March, 1905. He had survived his wife for some years, her death having occurred in 1894.
Charles F. Parker is one of a family of six sons. He remained upon his father's farm until he was fifteen years of age and then in company with an older brother went to Kansas, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for three years. For two years he was a resident of Newton, Kansas, but at the end of that time returned to Iowa and worked upon the homestead and in the mines for two years. He then made another journey into Kansas, where he homesteaded a claim in Finney county and proved upon it until he had completed payment, when he sold the property. He returned to Appanoose county and married here in 1883 and immediately afterward located on part of the home farm, to which he has since added, being now the owner of a large portion of the original tract. He has made extensive and substantial improvements upon the property which he has provided with a good residence and excellent barns and out-buildings and in addition has planted a good orchard which is now in bearing. In connection with general farming Mr. Parker is making a specialty of raising pure- blooded Durham cattle and Poland China hogs. His animals command a ready sale in the markets, this portion of Mr. Parker's business being an important source of his income.
On the 8th of April, 1883, Mr. Parker was united in marriage to Miss Ida Harl, who was reared and educated in Appanoose county. She was the eldest daughter of J. T. Harl, a prominent pioneer in Iowa. Mrs. Parker passed away in 1904, leaving four children. Pearl lives at home. John G., who is aiding in the operation of the home farm, is married and has one son, Ray Harl. The two youngest children are Neil J. and Ida Harl.
Mr. Parker is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and holds an official position in the local lodge. Eminently progressive in his citizenship, he has for many years taken an active part in the political life of his community and his work along public lines has been felt as a force in general development. For eighteen years he has served as justice of the peace, having been first elected in 1894 and reelected at the expiration of each term. He has served as county committeeman and as a delegate to numerous conventions and in November, 1912, was elected a member of the board of county supervisors. He has made an honorable and worthy record in all his official relations, standing today among the prominent men in public life in this part of Appanoose county.
CORSE PAYTON, prominently known in theatrical circles throughout the country and successful in his efforts in this great department of public entertainment, was born in Centerville, December 18, 1866, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Payton. The father was born in Shelby county, Missouri, November 12, 1836, and was a son of John and Emily Payton. He came to Appanoose county in 1844 and five years later took up his abode in Centerville, where the remainder of his life was passed, covering a half century. He was one of the pioneer settlers here and took active and helpful part in promoting the work of public progress and improvement. After enlisting in 1862 as a member of Company D, Sixth Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry, he served for three years, after which he reenlisted and remained at the front until illness forced his resignation and he was obliged to return home. In 1877 he was elected city marshal of Centerville and served for two terms. He was also at one time street commissioner of Centerville and was numbered among the prominent representatives of the republican party in Appanoose county. He ever recognized the duties and obligations as well as the privileges of citizenship and sought to promote public welfare through the exercise of his franchise and in many other ways. He was an honored member of the Grand Army post at Centerville and also belonged to the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias lodges, exemplifying in his life their beneficent spirit and high purpose. He passed away September 30, 1899, after a half century's residence in Centerville and fifty-four years' connection with Appanoose county. He was married in 1858 to Mrs. Elizabeth (Swearingen) Manson, who was born in Springfield, Illinois, August 6, 1836, and still occupies the old Payton homestead in Centerville. She is a lady of many splendid traits of character and her good qualities of heart and mind have endeared her to all with whom she has come in contact. By her former marriage she had a daughter, Mary Manson, who is the widow of S. Spooner and a resident of New York city. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Payton were born four children. James, the eldest, who is a miner, married Jennie Fischer, now deceased, and he and his four children make their home with his mother. Center passed away at Salem Ohio, and Henry was killed at the Centerville depot.
Corse, the youngest member of the family, pursued his education in the schools of Centerville and since starting out in the business world has devoted his energies and attention to theatrical interests, in which connection he has become widely known. He was the founder of the popular ten-twenty-thirty-cent theatrical entertainment, the performances given by stock companies. He saw splendid possibilities in that direction for placing upon the boards capable companies and thus giving to the public a high class of entertainment of a character that could not be done where companies have to meet heavy traveling expenses. In this undertaking he has displayed executive ability and much initiative spirit. His labors have made him widely known in theatrical circles throughout the country and he is a member of various organizations formed among theatrical people, including the White Rats of America, the Friars, the Vaudeville Comedy Club, the Actors Society and the Managers Association. He is also a member of the New York Press Club and is a charter member of the Brooklyn lodge of Elks and a member of the Masonic fraternity. The military chapter in his life history covers service in the Iowa National Guard. His political faith is that of the republican party and his religious belief that of the Baptist church, his membership being in New York.
Mr. Payton was married to Miss Etta Reed, a native of Ohio. His frequent visits to Centerville have made him widely known in this city where his acquaintance with many old friends is maintained while at all times he is constantly adding new ones. He is known in his professional connections from one end of the country to the other and is very popular with theatrical people as well as managers. Business ability, executive force and keen insight have been features in his success which is of substantial and enviable character.
 John Payton |
JOHN PAYTON, who has resided in Appanoose county for more than two- thirds of a century, is the oldest living settler within its borders and is familiar with its annals from pioneer times to the present. He is now living retired in Centerville, where for many years he worked at the plasterer's trade. His birth occurred in Shelby county, Missouri, on the 23rd of October, 1835, his parents being John and Emily (Townsend) Payton. The father was a native of Lexington, Kentucky, while the mother was bora in Tennessee in 1805. John Payton, Sr., accompanied his parents on their removal to Tennessee as a young man and there began farming. He was married in that state and a few years later removed to Shelby county, Missouri, where he met death by accident in 1837, being thrown from a horse. His widow was thus left with the care of five small children. In the spring of 1844 she sold the farm in Missouri and came to Appanoose county, Iowa, here entering one hundred and sixty acres of land. At the end of six years, in 1850, she disposed of the place and took up her abode in Centerville, where she continued to reside until called to her final rest in 1863. |
John Payton was a lad of nine years when he came to this county with his widowed mother, Centerville at that time containing but four houses. He attended school there and when twelve years of age carried the mail on horseback from Centerville to Ottumwa - a distance of forty miles. He carried mail for three years and worked at any other employment that he could find. On the 14th of February, 1862, at Centerville, Iowa, he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company D, Sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Captain Waldron. He participated in twenty-seven of the principal engagements of the war, including those of Shiloh, Champion's Hill, Vicksburg, Mission Ridge and Lookout Mountain. He was wounded at Atlanta, Georgia, on the 28th of July, 1864, and on the 10th of June, 1865, was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, receiving his honorable discharge at Davenport, Iowa, on the 25th of August, 1865. Mr. Payton was a loyal and valiant soldier, always found in the thickest of the fight and never faltering in the performance of any task assigned him. After returning to Centerville he learned the plasterer's trade, working at that occupation throughout the remainder of his active business career. During the past few years, however, he has lived retired, spending the evening of life in well earned rest. He owns an attractive home in Centerville and receives a pension of thirty dollars per month.
On the 4th of March, 1858, Mr. Payton was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Jane Swearengin, a daughter of Samuel S. and Temperance Ann (Pearson) Swearengin, both of whom were natives of Maryland. They came west in the early '40s, locating on a farm in Davis county, Iowa. In 1852 Mr. Swearengin established his home in Appanoose county and built a flour and feed mill on the Chariton river in Sharon township, here continuing to reside until he passed away in 1857. A few years later his wife died at the home of her son George in Centerville, this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Payton were born the following children: Isaac, who is deceased; Josephine, who is the widow of George Halden, a merchant of Centerville, Iowa, and now resides in Spokane, Washington; Albert, who conducts an opera house in Centerville ; Ella, the wife of Rev. Stevens, of Spokane, Washington; George, who is at this writing a candidate for the offce of sheriff in Appanoose county; and Claud, in New York city. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in 1901 and since that time Mr. Payton has had a family living with him, to look after the household.
In politics Mr. Payton is a stanch republican, having ever supported the party which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war. He attends the services of the Methodi5t church and his life has been upright and honorable in its various relations. He has now passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey and enjoys the distinction of being the oldest living settler in the county.
JOSEPH PEACH, had a wide acquaintance in Centerville and throughout the surrounding country, and qualities of sociability and geniality made him popular wherever he was known. He spent the greater part of his life in this state but was born near Bellefontaine, Ohio, in April, 1844, his parents being William and Mary (Mail) Peach, who were also natives of the Buckeye state. The father was a farmer by occupation and became one of the pioneer residents of Wapello county, Iowa, settling there when the work of development and improvement had scarcely been begun. He entered land from the government and although not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon the place he at once began its development, converting it into rich and productive fields and continuing the operation of the farm until his death, which occurred in 1852. His wife survived him until 1898.
Joseph Peach was but a young lad when brought to Iowa and in the schools of Wapello county he mastered the branches of learning which usually constitute the public-school curriculum. After putting aside his text-books he worked for his uncle until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when he offered his aid to the government and went to the front with the boys in blue of Company D, Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, participating in all of the many hotly contested engagements in which his regiment took part. For a year he was held prisoner in Tyler (Texas) prison and suffered many hardships during his captivity. When victory had crowned the Union arms and hostilities had ceased he returned to Wapello county where he purchased a tract of land and improved the farm, continuing its operation for eighteen years. He then sold out on account of the condition of his health and removed to Centerville, where he first secured employment as engineer in a brickyard, remaining there for four years. He then accepted a position as bookkeeper and collector with Dr. Reynolds, with whom he remained until the doctor's death, after which he occupied a similar position with Dr. Bamford until his own death, which occurred April 12, 1907.
Mr. Peach was married in March, 1870, to Miss Emma Sackett, a daughter of Alexander and Cornelia (Gilbert) Sackett, the latter a native of New York city and the former of Indiana, in which state he engaged in farming until after the outbreak of the Civil war. He, too, was thrilled by the spirit of patriotism called to life by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union, and he enlisted as a member of Company B, Eighth Iowa Cavalry. Accordingly he marched to the front but never returned, laying down his life upon the altar of his country. His widow survived until July, 1908.
Mr. Peach always maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army post. He was a strong republican, believing that the party platform contained the best elements of good government. His religious belief was that of the Universalist church while Mrs. Peach is a member of the Christian church. She resides in a nice home at No. 922 Drake avenue. The business interests of Mr. Peach brought him into contact with many and wherever known his genial qualities gained him friendly regard.
GORDON PEACOCK - Through successive stages of progress Gordon Peacock has made continuous advancement in the business world until he now occupies the position of superintendent of the Centerville Water Company. His history indicates clearly what may be accomplished when determination and energy are strong characteristics of the individual. A native of Illinois, Mr. Peacock was born in Morgan county, November 14, 1870, and is a son of Gordon and Margaret (Bennie) Peacock, natives of Scotland. The father was a miner in that country and came to America at an early age, locating finally in Missouri, where he bought a farm, which he improved and operated until 1885. In that year he retired from active life and moved to Centerville, where he is now living, enjoying the respect and confidence of a wide circle of friends. He is one of the honored veterans of the Civil war, having served one year during the conflict as a member of Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. His wife passed away in 1900.
In the acquirement of an education Gordon Peacock attended public school in Illinois and Missouri, but his advantages along this line were limited. At the age of fourteen he laid aside his books and for four years worked in the coal mines in Illinois and Iowa, finally abandoning this occupation in favor of railroading. His first position in the new field was as foreman of the Culvert gang, in the employ of the Rock Island system, and he did able work in this capacity for four years. At the end of that time he came to Centerville and worked in the mines in the vicinity of the town until 1905, when he secured a position with the Centerville Water Company. Advancement came rapidly. In 1908 he was made assistant superintendent and in 1910, superintendent, holding that position at the present time. He has been active in the management and control of the departments under his charge and has proved a courteous, obliging and capable official, whose personal popularity constitutes one of the elements in the prosperity of the corporation which he serves.
On the 11th of October, 1893, Mr. Peacock married Miss Katherine O'Leary, a daughter of John and Mahala O'Leary, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Missouri. At an early age the father emigrated to America and served in both the Mexican and the Civil wars. He followed the stone mason's trade in various parts of the country, passing away in Texas in 1899. He had long survived his wife, who died in 1885. Mrs. Peacock is a native of Woodbury county, Iowa, born in 1872. She and her husband became the parents of three children: John William, who was born January 10, 1895, and who died in May, 1905; Marie, aged fifteen; and Agnes, thirteen years of age. Mrs. Peacock and her two daughters are devout members of the Roman Catholic church. Fraternally Mr. Peacock is a member of the Foresters of America and for the last twelve years has been treasurer of that organization. He belongs also to the Iowa Legion of Honor. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and for two years he served on the town council, showing in his public work the same determination and integrity which have marked the various phases of his business career.
SCOTT PEACOCK, well known in business circles of Centerville as proprietor of the business formerly operated by the Capital Printing Company, was born in Missouri, August 6, 1879. He is a son of Gordon and Margaret (Bennie) Peacock, natives of Scotland, the former of whom followed mining in that country for some time. At an early day the father of our subject came to America and eventually settled in Missouri, where he bought land. For a number of years he gave his entire attention to the improvement and development of his farm, making it finally one of the most attractive properties in his section of the state. When he left his farm he retired from active life and came to Centerville, where he now resides. He is well known as a veteran of the Civil war, having served during that conflict as a member of Company K, one hundred and Thirty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. His wife passed away in 1900.
Scott Peacock was six years of age when his father same to Centerville and consequently his education was received in the public schools of the town. After laying his books aside he learned the printer's trade with the firm of Barrows & Son, then proprietors of the Iowegian, and he continued in their employ for five years. At the end of that time he went to Springfield, Illinois, and from there to various cities throughout the middle west. For fifteen years he worked at his trade in different localities and then, in October, 1911, returned to Centerville and purchased the business operated by the Capital Printing Company. He bought the concern from H. B. Frink, its former owner, and in one year has met with a gratifying degree of success in its conduct. He has a well equipped office, in which is found all the machinery for job printing, Mr. Peacock confining his attention to this branch of work. He has excellent business ability, an expert knowledge of his trade, fine discrimination and good judgment, and these qualities have been the most important features in his success.
Mr. Peacock married, in June, 1902, Miss Barbara E. Underfanger, a daughter of John and Emily (Taintor) Underfanger, natives of Springfield, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Peacock have become the parents of two children: Gordon, seven years of age; and Margaret, aged one year and a half. Mr. Peacock belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding membership in Springfield, Illinois. He gives loyal support to the republican party, but official life has never had any attraction for him. He prefers to concentrate his energies upon the conduct of his present affairs, in which he is most successful, and much credit is due him for the position he has attained among the substantial and prosperous business men of his community.
LLOYD B. PEAVEY, who passed away in Centerville on the 17th of March, 1901, was long engaged in railroad service and for a few years prior to his death served as freight conductor on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. His birth occurred in Bangor, Maine, on the 2nd of June, 1848, his parents being Thomas Howard and Aborine (Reynolds) Peavey, who were likewise natives of that state and came of Yankee stock. The father served as a captain of Sharpshooters during the period of the Civil war. After the cessation of hostilities between the north and the south he established his home at Epworth, Iowa, and there spent the remainder of his life as a cabinet-maker and photographer. His wife also passed away at that place. Their children were three in number, namely: Robert H., who is a retired agriculturist of Marcus, Iowa; Lloyd B., of this review; and Allard C, who resides on the old home place at Epworth, Iowa.
Lloyd B. Peavey obtained his education in the schools of Bangor, Maine, and at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, when but a youth of thirteen, ran away from home and endeavored to enlist. He told the recruiting officer that he was old enough to enter the army but was rejected on account of being too short. He made another attempt to enlist, however, at the camp of his father, Captain Peavey, who sent him home. When the war was over he came with his parents to Iowa and continued his education at Epworth. After putting aside his text-books he learned the gunsmith's trade and then went to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he worked at that occupation for a time. Subsequently he went to Illinois and entered the railroad service as passenger conductor on the Iron Mountain road, being thus employed for a number of years. Later he removed to Creston, Iowa, and was there employed as a freight conductor until 1898, when he came to Centerville. From that time until his death he acted as a freight conductor on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. He died of Bright's disease on the 17th of March, 1901, and is survived by his widow, who resides with her children on East Maple street in Centerville.
Mr. Peavey was united in marriage to Miss Ada Crowe, a native of Yorkshire, England, and a daughter of George H. and Mary J. (Sudgen) Crowe, who were likewise born at that place. George H. Crowe, a machinist by trade, brought his family to the United States in 1869, locating first in Brooklyn, New York, whence he afterward removed to Winona, Minnesota, where he now makes his home. He lost his first wife in 1903, at Fort Madison, Iowa, where at that time he was in the service of the Santa Fe Railroad as a machinist. To George H. and Mary J. Crowe were born the following children: Mrs. Ada Peavey; Harry V., a machinist of Texas; and Bertram, who is a machinist of Oklahoma. In 1908 Mr. Crowe was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Emma Crockett. Mr. and Mrs. Peavey have four children. Harry B., who was born on the 20th of January, 1885, is a mechanic in the service of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Centerville and acts as corporal in Company E, Fifty-fourth Regiment, Iowa National Guard, of Centerville. Howard L., whose birth occurred on the 7th of October, 1887, is employed as fireman by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company at Centerville and is also a member of Company E, Fifty- fourth Regiment, Iowa National Guard. Vera M., whose natal day was March 6, 1891, is a student in Success Business College of Ottumwa, Iowa, and will be graduated therefrom as a stenographer in 1913. Door aid G., who was born on the 18th of April, 1893, is employed in the Burlington roundhouse at Centerville. Harry B. Peavey is a member of Centerville Lodge of Masons, A. F. & A. M., of this city, while Howard L. Peavey belongs to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen & Engineers of Centerville.
Lloyd B. Peavey gave his political allegiance to the republican party, exercising his right of franchise in support of its men and measures. He belonged to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and was also a member of the Order of Railway Conductors at Cairo, Illinois. His widow is a member of the Episcopal church but attends the Christian church of Centerville, as there is no Episcopal church in the city. She belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star and the Degree of Honor in this city. She is well known and highly esteemed here and has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of her acquaintances.
JOHN L. PHARES, a well known and prosperous resident of Centerville, is proprietor of the Centerville Poultry & Produce Company, an extensive and important concern which was established on the 16th of November, 1912. It was in Centerville that his birth occurred on the 17th of November, 1868, his parents being A. J. and Jennie (Brough) Phares. The father, a gentleman of German and Irish descent, is a native of Keokuk, Lee county, Iowa, while the mother, who is of Dutch extraction, was born at Amity, Ohio. Their marriage was celebrated in Centerville, this county. For several years A. J. Phares drove a stage between Fort Madison and Burlington and after removing to Centerville, in 1862, drove stage from there to Moravia and Leon, Iowa. Subsequently he took up the butcher's trade, also dug coal and conducted a restaurant. In 1890-91 he served as a member of the city council. In 1907 he put aside active business cares and with his wife has since lived retired in Centerville. Our subject had ten brothers and sisters and there was no death in the family until all had reached adult age and were married. Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Phares have lived in Appanoose county for a half century and enjoy an extensive and favorable acquaintance within its borders.
In the acquirement of an education John L. Phares attended school at Centerville and after putting aside his text-books learned the butcher's trade. He was also employed for a time as motorman on a street car in Centerville and for several years acted as a stationary engineer. In November, 1908, he became connected with the poultry business as foreman for the firm of Hurd & Company and at the end of a year accepted the position of local manager for the Iowa Produce Company. He held the position continuously until he engaged in business on his own account under the name of the Centerville Poultry & Produce Company. He makes shipments to Chicago, New York, Boston and Philadelphia and sends out on an average of five thousand live chickens and four cars of dressed poultry per month. At times he ships from two to three cars of eggs per week. Mr. Phares buys all the produce on his own account and all proceeds from eastern sales return directly to Centerville. He devotes his attention exclusively to his growing business interests and in their control is winning a gratifying and well merited measure of success.
On the 19th of October, 1890, Mr. Phares was united in marriage to Miss May Goldsberry, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Gilbert) Goldsberry. The father is a veteran of the Civil war and an agriculturist by occupation. He was a resident of Cincinnati, Iowa, at the time of his daughter's marriage to Mr. Phares but subsequently came to Centerville, where both he and his wife still make their home. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Phares have been born the following children. Guy W., whose birth occurred on the 2nd of October, 1891, and who is now a substitute city mail carrier, wedded Miss Isel Critzer of Centerville, by whom he has two children, Barnard and Clyde. Raymie, whose natal day was November 9, 1893, acts as foreman for his father. Alfred, who was born on the 30th of October, 1896, is also in the employ of his father. Jennie, whose birth occurred on the 6th of October, 1906, attends the Garfield school. Paul, who was born November 14, 1908, is at home. Four generations of the Phares family are now living.
Mr. Phares exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democracy, believing firmly in the principles of that party. He is a supporter of the Christian church and his wife is a member of the assembly. Fraternally he is identified with the Foresters of America, belonging to the Centerville lodge. He is one of the prosperous and capable business men of Centerville, where he has passed his entire life and has a host of warm friends.
HENRY T. PHILLIPS, will long be remembered as one of the most active and successful merchants of Unionville and as a man of unusual ability whose judgment was seldom at fault and whose fidelity to trust and his sincerity of purpose were never questioned. For fifty-two years he was a resident of Appanoose county and here his entire active career was spent, terminating with his death on the 16th of April, 1911. Mr. Phillips was born in Lexington, Indiana, August 17, 1844, a son of James H. and Elizabeth (Robertson) Phillips, the former a native of Montgomery county, Kentucky, where his birth occurred on August 19, 1820. When he was a year old he was brought by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Brannock Phillips, to Jefferson county, Indiana, and in 1831 he removed to Jennings county in the same state, where he subsequently entered the mercantile business, continuing in it until 1854. In that year he moved into Iowa, locating in Appanoose county, and in 1862 took up his residence in Unionville, where he conducted a general store until his death, which occurred in 1875. He married in 1843 Miss Elizabeth Robertson, who was born in Jefferson county, Indiana, in 1823, the youngest daughter of one of the earliest pioneer settlers in that part of the state. Four children were born to their union: Henry T., the subject of this review; Mary E., born in 1847; Emma J., born in 1850; and Eddie M., born in 1866. The father of our subject was for many years postmaster of Unionville and proved himself a capable and efficient public servant. His father, Brannock Phillips, was a member of the state legislatures of Indiana and Iowa.
Henry T. Phillips attended district school and supplemented this by a course in the Burlington (Iowa) Business College. He made his first location in this state in 1860, when he accepted a position in his father's store at Eddyville, Iowa. This he held until the 9th of August, 1863, when he enlisted in the Thirty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, although he was not yet nineteen years of age. However, he was stricken with typhoid fever and prevented by his serious illness from joining his command. When he recovered he and his father came to Unionville and opened a general store, with the conduct of which Mr. Phillips of this review was associated until he was again able to offer his services to his country. He enlisted in 1864 in the Forty-seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry and was mustered into service on June 4, serving until the end of the war. After his honorable discharge he returned to Unionville and again resumed the conduct of his mercantile enterprise, with which he was identified from that time until his death. No breath of suspicion was ever cast upon the integrity of his business methods or the honor of his character and his name stood always as a synonym for upright and straightforward dealings and was honored and respected wherever it was known. Mr. Phillips passed away on the 16th of April, 1911, and after his demise his son Ralph, who for several years previous to this had been associated with him, remained in charge of the concern, buying out the interest of his uncle, Edward Phillips, and today he is one of the leading merchants of Unionville.
On August 17, 1869, Mr. Phillips was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Sawyers, a daughter of Elisha and Emma E. (Stinson) Sawyers, the former born in Rockbridge, Virginia, on the 7th of January, 1805. He later moved into Tennessee and after his marriage in that state, on the 15th of February, 1831, followed the tailor's trade there for some years, coming to Appanoose county in 1847 as one of the pioneer settlers. He entered land in Udell township and upon it carried on general farming until his death, which occurred at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. His wife was born near Charlotte, North Carolina. She was badly injured in a runaway accident at West Grove, Iowa, in 1871, and died from the effects of the accident. Her daughter, the wife of the subject of this review, was born in Giles county, Tennessee, and was one of the earliest settlers in Udell township. Her grandfather, Alexander Stinson, married Miss Elizabeth Bradley and her grandmother on the paternal side was Miss Elizabeth Paxton, who could trace her ancestry back to the year 1250 A. D., at which time the family was entitled to bear a coat of arms. Mrs. Phillips attended school in Centerville, studying in the old courthouse when it had two rooms, one upstairs and one downstairs. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips became the parents of four children. The eldest, Ralph, was born on the 3rd of May, 1870. He is proprietor of the store formerly operated by his father and is one of the representative business men of Unionville. He is prominent in religious circles, being a member and trustee of the Presbyterian church. Ray, a twin of Ralph, passed away when two weeks old. Estella Elizabeth was born June 17, 1876. She married Arthur L. Lyon, superintendent of schools of Humeston, and they have two children: Carolyn Elizabeth, born October 20, 1905; and Leonard Phillips, born November 7, 1909. The fourth child born to Mr. and Mrs. Phillips was a son, who died in infancy.
Fraternally Mr. Phillips belonged to the blue lodge in Masonry and was prominent in the affairs of the Grand Army of the Republic. He affiliated with the republican party from the time he cast his first vote and served as clerk of Udell township until within a few years of his death. He was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was in hearty sympathy with all movements, social or religious, which had as their object improvement and advancement. He was a fine example of an honorable and loyal citizen, actuated always by worthy ideals which he successfully applied to the practical duties of life.
 Alvin F. Pixley & Family |
ALVIN F. PIXLEY - Throughout practically all the years of a long, quiet, straightforward and upright life Alvin F. Pixley has worked at the trade of a blacksmith and has now the distinction of being the oldest blacksmith and veterinary surgeon in Centerville. He began working at his trade at an early age, interrupting his labors only for his period of service in the federal army during the Civil war, and now, at the age of seventy-one, is still active and vigorous, his prosperity being the visible evidence of a well spent and useful life. If success means a career in which the chief activities have been honorable and worthy ones, in which the aims have been high and the ambitions upright and the final reward a comfortable competence, widespread esteem and many friends - then Mr. Pixley may be pronounced a distinctly successful man, and his courageous service during the dark days of the Civil war is only another strong addition to his many claims to prominence and respect. |
He was born in Canandaigua, Michigan, August 3, 1841, and is a son of Joseph and Aurelia (Hale) Pixley. On the paternal side the family is of English origin and the maternal line is of Irish and English stock. The father of our subject was by trade an edge tool blacksmith and sharpened by hand the picks which were used in grinding flour. He became rapidly so skillful in this occupation that his reputation spread throughout the surrounding districts and picks were sent to him from a distance of over one hundred miles to be sharpened. Although both he and his wife were natives of upper Canada, most of their lives were spent in Hudson, Michigan, where the mother passed away in 1889 and the father in 1890.
Alvin F. Pixley acquired his education in the district schools of Michigan, attending classes when he could be spared from his father's shop. At the age of fifteen he began learning the trade of an edge tool blacksmith and for four years followed it also learning to shoe oxen, as horses were not used there at that date. In 1861 Mr. Pixley was twenty years of age and just beginning to become known as a blacksmith and to achieve some degree of prosperity, but at his country's call he did not hesitate to sacrifice his personal interests and on the 7th of November, 1861, enlisted in the Eleventh Michigan Volunteer Infantry; serving three years without a furlough in the Army of the Cumberland. He was in the thick of the battles at Stone River, Tullahoma, Elk river, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold, Buzzards Roost, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek and the siege of Atlanta. During the latter siege his term of enlistment expired but he volunteered to stay until the city fell. In the army he served as regimental blacksmith and had charge of ninety mules and twenty-five horses as well as numerous wagons to keep in repair. He was wounded three times at Murfreesboro and was mustered out at Chattanooga, Tennessee, with honorable discharge. It is to men like Mr. Pixley to whom the country owes the preservation of the Union and the upholding of the national integrity, and this debt can never be forgotten and never fully repaid.
After his discharge Mr. Pixley returned to Michigan but in 1866 left the state and went to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where for seven years he worked as a railroad blacksmith for the Sioux City Railroad and in the Northwestern shops. In 1873, equipped with all the skill which natural ability and varied and thorough experience and training could give him, he came to Centerville, opened a blacksmith shop and has worked at his trade here continuously since that time - a period of almost forty years. His work in caring for the feet of horses suggested inquiry into the diseases of animals and, being a versatile, able and intelligent man, he soon became interested in veterinary surgery, studied it thoroughly and thirty years ago began his work along this line, being now a registered practitioner. In both lines of his activity Mr. Pixley has gained prominence and success and his shop on the rear of his residence lot on Drake avenue is well patronized by everyone in Centerville who has need of the services of an expert blacksmith. Mr. Pixley is not only skilled in his trade and well versed in the underlying principles of veterinary surgery but he is also an energetic, straightforward and upright business man, who adheres constantly to high standards of business integrity and whose high sincerity of purpose has never been questioned in forty years.
On the 20th of November, 1860, Mr. Pixley married Miss Harriett Palmer, a daughter of Robert and Mahala (Young) Palmer, both born east of the Green mountains in Vermont, of Good Yankee stock. The father was a cobbler by trade and made with his own hands all his children's shoes. Later the family moved into Ohio and then to Michigan, where the father died in 1852. His widow came to Harrison county, Iowa, driving through with teams and spending five weeks upon the journey. She bought a farm in Harrison county, two and a half miles from Magnolia, and upon this property resided until her death in 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Pixley have three children. The eldest, Ellis Arthur, a graduate of Centerville high school, is a clerk in the Centerville post office. He has the distinction of being a veteran of the Spanish-American war, having served as musician of Company E, Fifty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, earning promotion to the rank of first sergeant before the close of his service. He married Mary Dunlap, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and they have one child, Arthur, aged twelve. Bert, the second son born to Mr. and Mrs. Pixley, is also a graduate of the Centerville high school and is now acting as city mail carrier. He resides on a farm in Center township with his wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Cora Reddig. They have two children: Mary, who is eight years of age; and Robert, aged eight months. Clarence the youngest child born to Mr. and Mrs. Pixley, is a graduate of the same high school. He is following the profession of an electrical engineer and resides at home. Mr. and Mrs. Pixley are members of the Christian church, both having joined that religion at the age of eighteen.
Mr. Pixley is well known in the Grand Army of the Republic, being a charter member of John L. Bashaw Post, No. 122, of Centerville. He served as commander for one year, for four years was officer of the day and served for one year as vice president. He is now in the fourth year of his activity as surgeon and in the tenth year of his service as chairman of the relief committee. His wife shares this interest with him also, being well known as a charter member of Women's Relief Corps, No. 32, of Centerville, which was organized twenty-six years ago. She has held every office except that of chaplain and treasurer in the organization and is now serving her third term as guard.
On the 20th of November, 1910, Mr. and Mrs. Pixley completed the fiftieth year of their married life and at their home at 201 Drake avenue observed their golden wedding anniversary. They invited to the celebration all the members of the Grand Army post and the Women's Relief Corps besides their numerous friends in Centerville. Ninety-six people responded to the cordial invitation and spent the afternoon with Mr. and Mrs. Pixley in social conversation and in delightful reminiscences of early times. At five o'clock refreshments were served and at seven the ladies of the Relief Corps gave the bride and groom of half a century ago an old fashioned charivari. Mr. and Mrs. Pixley received a number of valuable presents from the Grand Army of the Republic, the Women's Relief Corps and from their children and acquaintances. One hundred postcards reached them during the day from friends who could not attend and, indeed, everyone who had ever had the pleasure of knowing these charming, genial and lovable people took a great pride and pleasure in remembering them with gifts and good wishes upon their wedding anniversary. Mr. Pixley has reached the age of seventy-one and has earned retirement but is still laboring, displaying in all of his activities the same quiet intelligence, uprightness and courage which distinguished him upon the southern battlefields. His life has been well spent, for in all of its relations he has been true to high and honorable principles, working his way upward through the years to final triumph and counting his truest success in the love and confidence of his many friends.