Dallas County IAGenWeb

News & Newspapers

The Perry Chief Advertiser

35th Anniversary Booster Edition
Wednesday, March 9, 1910

Biographical Sketches

E. D. BLACKMAN
Mr. Blackman, the present chairman of the Board of Supervisors, is a Dallas county product, having been born in Boone township, July 7, 1856. He was born and reared on a farm and has spent his life between the farm and a general mercantile business. He gave up the mercantile career five years ago and again moved onto a rich farm near DeSoto. He is now completing the third year of his first term. Mr. Blackman will be a candidate for reelection and since he has proven an exceptionally capable man in the important position, he is sure to be returned for another term and then maybe a third.

WILLIAM BRODY
One of the neatest tonsorial parlors in the city is that one presided over by that artist in his line, Mr. William Brody, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Brody is a young man, who has achieved a reputation as a most skillful manipulator of the tools of his craft, and his shop has a large clientele of regular patrons. He operates three chairs, employs two assistants and is located on Second street. His place is kept in apple pie order, and the latest sanitary service is assured. For a clean, smooth shave, or a stylish hair cut or shampoo, try Brody once and you will go again.

DR. A. L. BROWN
The oldest practitioner of the science of dentistry in the county has offices and resides in Perry. Dr. A. L. Brown was born and reared in this county, and graduated from the Perry High School with distinction in the class of 1889. He received his scientific training in the classes of the Iowa State University, and after graduating came directly to Perry, began his practice and has continued since. He occupies a splendid suite of rooms in the Myrtle Block, on Willis avenue. Dr. Brown has his handsome residence on Willis avenue at the corner of Fifth street.

WALTER W. CARDELL
Among the representative citizens of this city and county, not one has more friends, nor one who better deserves them than does Walter W. Cardell. Although born in Poweshiek county, Perry has been his home since early boyhood. Here he attended the public schools, in his childhood, from here a young man he went to Grinnell where as a student in the Iowa College he established for himself an enviable record, here after his graduation from the law department of the Iowa University at Iowa City, he came to locate for the practice of his profession. Here he has lived ever since, and though now retired from active legal work, remains the same as always an earnest, conscientious student, and reader. Mr. Cardell has a beautiful home on Willis avenue where, with his wife, nee Miss Lola Mannatt, he is most happily domiciled. Mr. and Mrs. Cardell are prominent in the highest social circles of the city, extremely popular with all who know them. Mr. Cardell is a member of Perry Lodge of Elks and the local lodge of K. P.

REV. JAMES CLEARY
Rev. James Cleary, pastor of St. Patrick’s Catholic church, was born at Mineral Point, Wis., on the 9th of October, 1868. His collegiate course was pursued at Dubuque, Iowa, and his philosophical and theological course was completed at Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was ordained to the priesthood at the Sacred Heart Cathredral in Davenport, Iowa, on December 27, 1891 after which he was appointed assistant to the Very Rev. Thomas O’Reilly of Keokuk, Iowa. His next appointment was at St. Ambrose Church, Des Moines. Later he was given charge of St. Mary’s Church at Sigourney, Iowa and from there appointed to St. Patrick’s Church, of this city, on the 25th of July, 1898.

ARTHUR C. COLE
Hundreds of friends in every section will recognize the above name, one of our most popular county officers. Mr. Cole was born in Seneca county, Ohio, Feb. 24, 1871, but came to Dallas county with his parents in 1873, and has lived in this county continually since. In 1897, while a resident of Perry, he was appointed deputy recorder by his brother, W. J. Cole, then the incumbent, and served in that capacity four years. In 1907 he was again appointed to the same position by Recorder F. B. Chapman. At Mr. Chapman's death the board of supervisors appointed him to fill out the unexpired term. In the next primary he was nominated by the Republicans without opposition and is now serving his first term. Mr. Cole was happily married in 1902 to Miss Clara Wakefield, of Atlantic, who was a teacher in the Adel schools at the time. They are the parents of one child, a handsome boy, Master Roderic Wakefield Cole, six years old. They live in a handsome and comfortable home at the county seat, where they are universally liked.

ROBERT H. CULBERTSON
For more than twenty-six years the R. H. Culbertson Cigar Factory has been one of the acknowledged business institutions of this city. Working a force of from six to fifteen men during that period the product of his tables has run up into the multiplied millions of cigars, and the reputation of the goods spread all over central Iowa. Bob Culbertson was a good cigar maker when he came here in ’84, a young man who as a journeyman had traveled and worked in shops and factories from Maine to Mexico and from the Atlantic to the Golden Gate. Mr. Culbertson started manufacturing in a small way, on small capital; but he used good stock and made good cigars, and soon established a demand for his product and a trade which steadily developed and extended. Bob has no family but with his devoted wife occupies a cozy flat in the Gamble Block, where in his leisure time he pours over volumes in a splendidly assorted library, being an inveterate reader. He was born in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1854, but has lived in the middle states since early manhood. A long life and continued prosperity to R. H. Culbertson, the cigar manufacturer of Perry.

LAFAYETTE DeFORD
Mr. Lafe DeFord is the newest member of the Board of Supervisors and has not had an opportunity to demonstrate his fitness for the office, but the general impression gained by those who had dealings with him at the last meetings, as well as the assurance of his friends is that he will not be found wanting in ability, integrity or industry. Mr. DeFord was born in Des Moines in 1856 and lived in the vicinity of that city until he and his family moved to a farm near Perry where they resided. From here he moved to Calhoun county where he farmed for nine years, and he then moved back to this county, locating on his present farm three miles east of Redfield. Two years ago he moved to his present home in Redfield.

M. L. DIDDY
One of the oldest commercial enterprises is the Diddy General Store, located on Willis avenue where for many years a conservatively conducted business has grown with the city’s growth. The Diddy store partakes largely of the character of the sometime called department store. As in its commodious departments’ may be found almost everything which may be required in the furnishing of kitchen, pantry or dining room. In the dry goods section a lady may satisfy herself without question in the shown her by experienced and courteous salespeople. In the shoe section everything in comfortable, stylish and up to date footwear is carried and at prices consistent with the quality. Mr. Diddy is an experienced merchant, an affable gentleman, and stands high in the esteem of the general public as well as his fellow business men. Long may the M. L. Diddy sign appear above the store which has been the trading home of so many people for so many years.

EDWARD P. DOOLEY
For a modern, up-to-date, well appointed and splendidly stocked drug store, the one presided over by the subject of this sketch commends itself. Mr. Dooley was born in Des Moines in 1872, but came to Dallas county with his parents in his 10th year and has lived here ever since. His literary training was secured in the schools of the county and was extended by several courses in the I. B. C. of Des Moines. In 1894 he took a position in the drug store owned and managed by Mr. J. P. Townsend, considered one of the best compounding pharmacists in the state. Under his careful tutelege Mr. Dooley studied for 18 months, and then entered the Highland Park School of Pharmacy where he was graduated high in his class in 1898. He successfully passed the state examination required by law in the same year, and with Mr. W. F. Mott, purchased the business of his old tutor, Mr. Townsend, whose failing health compelled his retirement. The firm was Mott & Dooley until 1898 when Mr. Dooley bought his partner's interest. Then came the big fire of '98, but it was only a short time until the business was again under way, and the Dooley Drug Store has continued to grow in popularity and commercial strength. Mr. Dooley is capably assisted by Mr. H. C. Rauhouser, also a registered pharmacist. The location is on Second street.

HARRY S. DUGAN
The profession of law is one of the highest honored, and those who enter it, to succeed, must possess strength of character, positiveness of conviction, a quickness of mentality and a refined sense of personal honor. Among the number of lawyers in the city, the subject of this sketch, Harry S. Dugan, is conceded to possess, to a marked degree, the above essential qualifications. Mr. Dugan is a young man, a graduate of the Drake University Law School, class of 1907. Admitted to the bar June 13, 1907, he came to Perry in October of that year to engage in practice. Argumentative and logical his power of forcing conviction upon the mind is note. Mr. Dugan was married in the fall of 1907 to Miss Emmaline Hall, of Rippey, Iowa, who reign queen of his cosy, comfortable home, 1311 Sixth street. He is one of the directors of the Commercial Club and Chancellor Commander of the Knights of Pythias.

PROF. B. ROY EMMS
The subject of this sketch is the pioneer graduated optometrist in Dallas county, and has practiced for the past 16 years. He is a graduate of two of the leading schools in the country, American College of Opthomology at Chicago, and the Omaha Optical Institute. He has studied the science under the tutelage of the best recognized optic instructors in America, perhaps in the world, and being a man of acute mental receptivity, has become thoroughly conversant with its wonderful minuteness. Prof. Emms is now located in fully equipped office rooms in the Hauserman block, 1108 Second street. He is ably assisted by his wife, Minnie H., and under the instruction of her husband, she has become a proficient and informed aid. Indeed, he has patrons who declared that Mrs. Emms can equal him in the correct diagnosis of an eye trouble.

DRS. E. PAUL AND MINNIE ERWIN
Of the osteopathic school, and full graduates, the practitioners of the science here at the Doctors Erwin, who have the distinction of being members of the first three-year class graduating from the American School of Osteopathy at Kirksville, Mo. They have neat offices, elegantly furnished and splendidly equipped for the scientific application of their science, located on the second floor in the Gamble Block on Second street. Dr. E. Paul Erwin is from Indianola, this state, where he spent his boyhood days and after graduating from the high school took a scientific course at Simpson College. His father was a homeopathic physician with a large practice for many years in Indianola, and Dr. Erwin has several years experience as a drug clerk in his native town. He was graduated from the American School of Osteopathy at Kirksville, class of 1908. Dr. Minnie B. Erwin is a Kansan by birth, and was born in Republic county. She is a high school graduate and took a two years course at Emporia. She taught school 6 years in her native state, and then entered the school at Kirksville, graduating in the same class with her husband, Dr. E. Paul. They were married immediately after leaving college, and located at Allerton, this state, but remained only a short time, when they, seeking a larger field, came to Perry. They are highly esteemed, both professionally and socially, and we trust are permanently located.

WILLIAM H. FAHEY
In Perry, our lawyers, we are proud to say, possess to a degree those traits which make a success, and among them are men who have been honored by their fellow citizens in broad measure in appreciation of the fact. The subject of this brief sketch is one of these. Judge William Henry Fahey has graced the dignity of the chair of the Superior Court, won the place of honor by honest, energetic, personal application and practice of the tenets comprised in the code. He held the position of judge of the Superior Court from April, 1907 till Nov., 1908 when he resigned to resume the practice of his profession. He is a young man, only 38 years old, and has been connected with the law since 1892 when he was admitted to the bar in Des Moines. Judge Fahey is a native of Iowa, born in Des Moines on August 1, 1871. He came to Dallas county with his parents in his infancy and has lived here continuously since, except the periods of his school training. He was married to Miss Grace French of this city in 1899 and with his wife, a popular social favorite, lives happily in a handsome home on Willis ave. Judge Fahey is proud of his home, makes an idol of his devoted wife, but that William Jr. the storks brought to the Fahey home in 1900 is pre-eminently an inventory of the priceless treasure bestowed upon him.

MONROE TAYLOR FINLEY
In the grim old Blue Ridge mountains, in an unknown grave, lies buried with scores of comrades, heroes of the 112th Illinois Infantry, W. P. Finley, father of the subject of this sketch. Fighting for the grand old flag and the honor of his country, he had fallen in battle in the fierce fighting between the Union and Confederate forces on the 18th of November, at Knoxville, Tennessee. In time the news of Soldier Finley’s death reached the little northern home whence he had gone at his country’s call only a short year ago. In that home were five orphaned children, doubly orphaned, for their mother died when Monroe Taylor was only three years old. True, he with his brothers and sisters were cared for in their early youth by loving grandparents, but at the age of 14 young Monroe, after a course of study at Hedding College, Abingdon, Ill., came to Iowa to make his own way in life and he had the stock in him to succeed. He settled in Dallas county in 1878, and with little capital beyond the fund of integrity and industry, he began the cultivation of rented lands, having been reared to agricultural pursuits. On the 4th of July, 1882, Mr. Finley was married to Miss Eliza J. Rednour of Carroll county, Illinois, and to the happy union have been born four children, Bessie J., Leone A., Blaine G. and Donald R. He has always been a consistent republican and cast his first vote for Garfield. He assisted in the laying out of Dawson, where he erected several houses. Through the years and confidence of his fellow citizens has served in many positions of public trust, among them those of justice of the peace, notary public, school treasurer and assessor, township clerk, president of the school board and for two years acted as deputy county auditor. Mr. Finley is at present a citizen of Perry, and holds the position of local manager of the Neola elevator, one of our strongest institutions. He is a K. P. and a Modern Woodman, and with his wife has been an active member of the United Brethren church for many years.

DR. ELOISE FOLTZ
Like many other advantages at our very doors and of which many know nothing or very little, is the presence in our city of one of the most complete offices for surgery and medicine that there is in the state. Dr. Eloise Grosenbaugh-Foltz came to Perry sixteen years ago and during that time has built up a tremendous practice. Having already been found worthy of diplomas from four different colleges it is evident if training and studying fit a person for the medical profession then Dr. Foltz is certainly exceptionally prepared. She has acquainted herself with the latest and best methods of diagnosis and treatment, and the unusually large amount of instruments and appliances in the offices of Dr. Foltz reminds one of a hospital or sanitarium, and it is very doubtful there is another physician's rooms so equipped in this state.

CAROLYN E. FORGRAVE
Among our county officials there is not one who by faithful service, and devoted interest to constituents has won a higher esteem than the present county superintendent. Not only has her public service endeared her to the people, but the demonstrations of her many sterling traits of character, her kindness of nature, spirit of accommodation, care for the individual interests of the teachers and persistent industry in effecting a perfect system of school conduct has won for her an extended circle of warm personal friends. Miss Forgrave is a graduate of the Perry High School, where she afterward taught for fifteen years most successfully. She also taught in the Institutes of Audubon and Dallas counties, as well as the Perry Normal College.

LEONARD A. FRENCH
He has been handling real estate, fire insurance and conducting a loan business for the past twenty years--in fact he is one of the oldest men in the line in this city. In his long experience he has handled many large deals, and effected transfers of property aggregating many thousands of dollars in value in a number of different states, consummating these deals from his offices here, located in the Citizens State Bank building. His residence on Willis avenue is one of the handsomest in town, and here, Mrs. French, nee Miss Edith McGee, makes for him an ideal home and as a hostess entertains at her social functions a large circle of friends with whom they are both popular.

WILLIAM GEORGE
He came here ten years ago a poor boy, with less than twenty-five dollars in his pocket, handicapped by the fact that he could not speak a word of English. He wandered up and down the streets of his future home, blue, homesick, despondent, but never for a moment despairing. More than six thousand miles from his native home in sunny, beautiful Greece, we next find William George, boy merchant, on a Perry street, with his little capital invested in a stock of popcorn and a corner stand. Quietly, modestly, ever with a friendly smile for the customers he drew, he soon picked up a few English phrases. His earnings increased and his English improved, he studied intensely with the aid of kind friends. He enrolled in the schools here and in two winters he made himself well informed. On Feb. 25, 1908 he opened the Olympia Candy and Confectionery Store. He has made it a complete success and has won the esteem of the community by his strict adherence to business principals. He was born in Lebedion, about ten miles from Tripoli, in Greece in 1884. He is now in his 26th year, independently prosperous, and from his first earnings remitted a sufficient sum to Greece to pay the passage to this country for two of his younger brothers.

H. G. GIDDINGS
Mr. Giddings, who since the elevation of Judge Shortley to the bench, is, in point of years in practice of the profession in Perry, the oldest attorney in this city engaged in the general practice, has now been in the business here for sixteen years. His offices in rooms 235, 237, 239 and 243 of the Wimmer & Williams building, are equipped with all the appliances of a modern law office. Mr. Gidding’s country residence on the south boundary of the city is one of the most hospitable homes in Perry. He is a member of the board of directors of the Commercial Club and is known as a booster.

THOMAS J. GILBERT
Among the sterling, up-to-date representative business men of this town, the subject of this sketch ranks high. For more than twenty years he has been actively identified with the commercial interests of this city and is generally recognized as a successful and enterprising man. He was born in Huron county, Ohio, Jan. 30, 1845 but has lived in Iowa for nearly all of his business life, and his hardware business is conceded to be one of the best institutions in Perry. He is actively associated with a number of civic societies and fraternal orders of the city, being a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge, the Chapter Commandery and is a Shriner. He has held offices of honor and trust in them all. He is also a leading member of the Baptist church, and everywhere in the business, religious and social world where he is known, the word of T. J. Gilbert is accepted as being as good as a bond.

M. J. GRAHAM
The subject of this sketch came with his parents from Indiana to Dallas county in an early day and has spent the greater portion of his life within the county. For a number of years prior to his election to the office of clerk of the district court, Mr. Graham operated a nursery near Adel and while he did not succeed in amassing any great wealth, he acquired a reputation for giving a “square deal” and this, together with work as secretary of the Farmers’ Institute for an number of years, was a help in the primaries of 1906. In the general elections for 1906 and 1908, Mr. Graham had the honor of receiving the largest majority of any candidate on the ticket and is a candidate for re-election this year.

MRS. R. D. GREEN
One of the most popular places in the city visited and cultivated by ladies are the handsomely furnished and homelike parlors of Mrs. R. D. Green’s fashionable dressmaking establishment on Lucinda street. Here with every equipment necessary to the designing and creation by any society lady to the home dress, or street wardrobe of the most fastidious or critical lady, Mrs. Green directs the work of her assistants. She cuts and fits by the latest modern plan, in fact, she cuts, fits and makes from measurements alone and warrants satisfaction. The fact make her work much sought after by out of town patrons, insuring the satisfaction of perfect appearance in drapery and other effects so much desired by the careful dresser.

LEW GRISWOLD
Among the print shops of the city the job establishment of Mr. Lew Griswold is one of the best outfitted and equipped and has in connection the only book bindery in town. Anything in the line of general or fancy printing can be secured here. Mr. Griswold gives the printing department his special superintendence, and all work turned out is guaranteed to please. He has had years of experience in the trade, is a practical man and with his mechanical skill is perfectly qualified for the very highest class work in the line of artistic printing. He is located on Warford street east of Wimmer's Jewelry store.

DR. WALTER MAX HARNED
Dr. Harned was born Sept. 7th, 1885 at Grand Junction, this state, where he spent the days of his boyhood, and where he graduated from from High School in June, 1905. In the fall of that year he entered the State University at Iowa City, taking the dental course, and graduating with the degree of D. D. S. in 1908. Harned engaged in active practice immediately after his graduation, at Panora where he remained only three months. Being desirous of entering a larger field he removed to Perry in September of the same year, and established offices in the Wimmer and Williams block, where with every appliance and accessory science suggests he is prepare to pursue every branch of his profession. Since his establishment here he has attained a large practice, the strongest evidence of his ability.

ALEXANDER DAVID HASKINS
The subject of this sketch was born May 15th, 1838 in the town of Ellery, county of Chautauqua, state of New York. His mother died when he was eight years old. In the fall of 1848, his father, with his family, moved to McHenry county, Illinois, where they lived until the year 1858. The family moved to Dane county, Wisconsin, where they were living when the Civil War broke out. In the year 1861 Mr. Haskins enlisted in the 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, for three months, at the end of which he re-enlisted for three years. His unit was veteranized in 1863 to serve three years, and he was with his regiment to the end of the war, being mustered out at Madison, Wisconsin, after serving four years, three months and twenty days. He held all the non-commissioned offices in his company, and was promoted to second lieutenant in May, 1863 and first lieutenant in December, 1863. He was promoted to the rank of captain in 1864. Immediately after his discharge from military service he was married to Miss Hattie Elvira Mott at Mt. Horeb, Dane county, where they settled on a farm for two years, and then moved to a farm near Decatur. In the fall of 1869, in the company of his wife and daughters, Mina M. and Celia D., he moved to Guthrie county, Iowa, ten miles west of Perry, where they now reside. When the town of Perry was incorporated, he was the first city marshal, and is now serving as justice of the peace.

ALBERT W. HEISS
The subject of this sketch is one of Perry’s best known and busiest real estate men. He has a splendid knowledge of realty values and when Albert W. Heiss quotes you the price of a piece of property you are safe in assuming that it is a right one. Mr. Heiss has been a resident of Perry for the past 21 years, band they have been active, energetic periods. For 13 years he traveled over the state as representative of one of the large Chicago wholesale grocery concerns, and in this avocation made many friends, as well as earned an enviable record with his firm. He is a man of sterling worth, quiet and unassuming, and yet generally recognized as one of our forceful business men. Mr. Heiss is a native of Illinois, but has lived in Iowa for 35 years. He is married and with his family occupies one of the handsomest residences in the city, corner of Otley and Seventh street. His office is on Willis avenue.

ALFRED J. HOBBIE
Professor Hobbie, the subject of this sketch, is a young man of exceptional ability as a musician and possesses to a remarkable degree the power of imparting the theory of his art. He is the head of the Perry School of Violin, which he organized Jan. 1st of this year and which already has enrolled a large number of students. He is also leader of the Grand House Orchestra, which under his direction is rapidly attaining a proficiency which delights the Grand's patrons. Prof. Hobbie is an Iowan, to the manor born, his birth place being Hampton, where he lived through his boyhood days, and where he received his literary training in the high school. He has never studied in any foreign country, and is not a graduate of any world famed musical conservatory, but Prof. Hobbie is a natural musician, a deep and earnest student of the art he loves, and as an orchestral organizer and leader and director of recitals, as well as a splendid teacher, has an enviable reputation.

ORL HOWELL
Professor Orl Howell, the subject of this sketch, is a natural musician, scion of a musical ancestry, extraction from the blood which gave the world a Bach, a Handel, a Beethoven, a Wagner and scores of others whose octaves have filled the world’s choir with most celestial sound. Professor Howell received his musical education in Germany, studying in the Leipsic Conservatories under the best of the masters from 1879 to 1884. After the completion of his European course, Professor Howell returned to America to devote his life and talent to music as a profession. Orl Howell’s skill as an acoustician has been recognized throughout the state of Iowa, his adopted home for the past twenty years, and the demands upon his time and imperative calls for his services give him little leisure.

EDWARD J. KELLEY
Holding the very important position of City Solicitor, the subject of this sketch has been brought as much into prominence as any lawyer in the state in the last few months. A lawyer, above men in other professions, must have the courage of his convictions, must possess an acute sense of personal honor, and be fearless in the expression of his opinions. The subject of this sketch has earned the reputation of being such a lawyer, and as a natural result his private practice has grown to such an extent as to with his official duties make him one of the busiest members of Perry's legal fraternity. Mr. Kelley is now in the fourth year of his residence in Perry, coming directly to the practice here after a finished course in the law department of Drake University. His literary training was obtained at Highland Park college, Des Moines, where he completed the regular scientific course in 1904. Mr. Kelley is now in his 30th year and is an Iowan by birth, born in Polk county in 1879. In September, 1909, he was married to Miss Bess O'Donnell of Chicago, and the happy couple are now living in their very pretty cottage on Willis avenue. Mr. Kelley is a member of the B. P. O. E., Knights of Columbus, and the M. W. A. lodges. He is a consistent member of the St. Patrick's Catholic congregation, and altogether is a citizen of whom any town might be proud.

FRED W. LING
The genial landlord of Perry's leading hostelry, the Stewart House, has been a resident of Perry for the past 23 years, and has been identified with the hotel business so long that there are few landlords in the state better acquainted or more popular with the traveling public. Naturally courteous and accommodating, his house makes a transient home for scores of commercial salesmen each week. The excellence of his cuisine throngs his tables. Mr. Ling is capably assisted in the general management by his wife, whose thorough knowledge of the complicated duties renders her an invaluable assistant. Mr. and Mrs. Ling are the happy parents of three daughters and a son. To Mr. and Mrs. Ling, host and hostess at the Stewart, good luck and a long life.

HENRY LISLE
Mr. Lisle, a member of the Board of Supervisors from the north part of the county, has developed an enviable character for integrity and determination from the time he worked on the family farm in Ohio up to the present. In 1863 he entered the Union army and saw considerable active service the remaining two years of the war. On March 17th, 1872, Mr. Lisle located in Dallas township where he prospered at farming until 1905 when he purchased a home in Perry where he has since resided. Always active and upright he has accumulated a competence and is now thoroughly enjoying life while at the same time he has given the county his services as a member of the board and his disposition to be cautious as well as persistent has enabled him to make a remarkably efficient member of the Board of Supervisors.

H. P. MARCKRES
Identified with that well-known and popular business enterprise, the Rall Shoe Company, is Mr. H. P. Marckress, the subject of this sketch. He has been in the shoe business for the past 18 years and holding a large interest in the Rall Company is serving as manager of their retail establishment here. He has an extended acquaintance with the leading shoemen of the country and has received many flattering proposals to dispose of his business here and enter a wider field. But he remains faithful to Perry and takes a justifiable pride in the steady growth of the local business which under his direction has grown to be one of the largest in its line in Dallas county. He possesses the distinction of being one of the most expert shoe buyers in the state, knows a shoe from tip to heel and it is this splendid knowledge which enables him in the selection of stock to ensure the very best in value, quality, style and comfort.

ROLAND MARTIN
Graduate of the American College of Ophthalmology, Chicago, Ill. Has also taken special courses and lectures on refraction, anatomy, physiology, history of the eye and diseases of the retina. Has been in the practice of optometry for eleven years, and corrects, with the aid of glasses, all errors of refraction in the human eye. Careful and thorough examinations; glasses made that fit with a satisfaction. Office, 1122 Second street, Selee Block, Perry, Ia.

F. D. McKAY
In the clerical department of the County Auditor's office for the past two years, the subject of this sketch has had full charge. His ripe experience in this capacity with large private enterprises had made him an invaluable assistant and aid to the present incumbent, Mr. Lods. He was born in Des Moines township at old Xenia in 1860, and has always lived in Dallas county. Mr. McKay is a consistent Republican and has been for the last ten years. His home is in Adel where he was married to Miss Adams some sixteen or seventeen years ago. Mr. and Mrs. McKay have one child, a daughter, Miss Madeline, now in her fifteenth year.

CORNELIUS McKEAN
Among the men who have been most intimately associated with the early pioneer of Dallas county and Perry, none will stand out more prominently than Cornelius McKean. Born in 1836 of Scottish ancestors, and coming to Iowa in 1848, and to Dallas county in 1852, he has seen the rise and development of this country from miles of rolling prairies with not a human habitation within twenty miles and deep primeval forests, into a country with all the modern improvements such as can only come to a land filled with sturdy pioneers of early days. Mr. McKean has held offices as follows: postmaster at Alton, justice of the peace, township clerk, captain of the home guard, school director and other minor offices. He enlisted in Co. E, 4th Iowa Infantry in 1861 and was honorably discharged in November, 1864. He is at present a member of the G. A. R. Mr. McKean is an author. About 1890 he began the preparation of his book which he subsequently published as "The McKean Genealogies." He spent twelve years in comprising the work, which is exhaustive in its details and interesting to the reader.

ROSCOE C. McKEAN
Roscoe C. McKean, owner of the Elite barber shop, No. 1219 Second street, is at the present conducting a first-class barber shop. He employs only efficient workmen and conducts his business in a clean, legitimate way. Vulgarity and profanity is suppressed in his shop and Roscoe believes in raising the moral tone of the tonsorial craft. Having worked a number of years at the barber profession he has become an artist in his profession.

McLAUGHLIN BROTHERS
These young men comprise the firm succeeding M. C. Magee in the grocery business, located on Second street, in one of the best equipped and completely stocked establishments of the kind in the city. They carry everything conceivable in the line of staple and fancy groceries and have a large city, as well as country, trade. They buy all kinds of country produce, paying the highest prices, and in this way have added largely to their general trade. Wally and Bert, as they are popularly called, are affable, genial gentlemen, as well as expert business men. They are both married men, occupy pleasant homes and are deservedly prosperous. Good health and long life to the McLaughlin Bros., grocerymen, and the success they deserve in business.

EDWIN WILSON MILLER
On the first day of last August, 1909, the above named gentleman arrived in this city to assume the local management of the Spahn & Rose Lumber Co.’s plant and interest here. Mr. Miller came with a ripe lumber business experience, having been engaged in that pursuit for nearly ten years. He is from Ohio, originally, born in Fincastle, Brown county, that state, Sept. 28, 1866. Came to Iowa with his parents when he was four years old and this has been his home ever since. Mr. Miller is a married man and with his family occupy a neat cottage residence on South First street.

A. D. MINER
The First Avenue Dairy is owned and personally managed by one of the most experience dairymen in Central Iowa, Mr. A. D. Miner. Nearly four hundred regular patrons are supplied daily with the product from as fine a herd of milkers as one may find anywhere. Mr. Miner has had 20 years experience in his line, has made it a study and is an earnest believer in modern methods. A. D. Miner is a native of our sister state, Illinois, first seeing the light of day at Gardner, November 12, 1882. He came to Iowa at the age of 12 years, and lived until young manhood in Des Moines, where he married. Mr. and Mrs. Miner have one child, a bright boy, Master Carl. They live on First avenue, one of the nicest sections of the city, in a cozy home.

A. S. MONROE
Here we introduce the oldest showman in the city of Perry, "Dad" Monroe, as he is popularly called. He is now in his 69th year, but as young in spirit as he was twenty years ago. He is not only a showman, but for 56 years he has been a railroad man, 41 years manipulating the throttle on an engine and big mogul of the leading systems of the country. For 22 years he has been in the service of the Milwaukee, a fact which speaks for itself. He is at present running out of Perry, and in his leisure time directs the running of the prettiest little moving picture theatre in central Iowa. He features the very latest and best productions of the motion picture art, and never presents a suggestive or unrefined subject. Ladies and children find the little show house clean, comfortable and safe, where they may enjoy many an hour of pleasant entertainment and instructive recreation. The Wednesday and Saturday matinees are for the benefit of the children, and the price of admission is placed at 5 cents

ALEX MUIR
Among the substantial and popular businessmen of the city, perhaps not one has a more extended acquaintance than the genial “Scotchman,” Alex Muir. Scotch in characteristics of thrift, industry and old fashioned dyed-in-the-wool integrity, Scotch in the mellowness of his brogue and Scotch in the candor which calls a spade, a spade, always. Mr. Muir was born in Cumbernauld, Scotland, the land of sturdy Presbyterians, July 29, 1865, and came to this country in 1870 with his parents, who settled in Tioga county, Pa., where he lived until he was approaching his 23rd year. Leaving home he came to Angus in 1888, where he engaged in business, running a general store. Here he met Miss Retta Powell, to whom he was happily married in 1890. He has been engaged in the grocery business here for the past 12 year, and with his family, wife and two children, Agnes and Albert, live in a cozy home on West Fifth street. Mr. Muir is a conscientious member of the M. E. church, and also of the local lodge of I. O. O. F. Mr. Muir enjoys the distinction of being one of the youngest past grands ever holding the seat in Pennsylvania.

DR. I. N. PAUL
For the past 26 years the subject of this sketch has held a prominent place in the medical family of the city, and holds the list of a practice which has brought him success in the profession. Dr. Paul was born in Marion, Iowa, Feb. 21, 1859. His literary training was secured by four years' hard work at Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa, from which he came out in 1882 with a fund of knowledge upon which as a foundation, he has built a liberal education in the classics, and secured a fund of general information that makes him a most interesting conversationalist. His medical education was secured at Hahnemann College, Chicago, Ill. Dr. Paul has practiced in Perry since the fall of 1885, and occupies an elegantly furnished, fully equipped suite of office rooms on Second street.

J. W. PEFFLEY
In 1894 an establishment hereunto unknown in Perry was opened by as expert a machinist and mechanic as ever came to this section of the state. It was known as the Perry Novelty and Repair Works and offered our citizens a place where the most difficult repairing of any kind of machinery, or the manufacture of any appliance or article of metal could be secured. The man who opened this practical place was Mr. J. W. Peffley, who was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1856. He came to Perry in 1894, was married in 1896, and with his family occupy a comfortable home on South First street. His place of business is on the block occupied by the Rude Auto Company as a garage on Railroad street.

M. O. REED
Mr. Reed is a native Iowan and first saw the light of day in Sugar Grove township, Dallas county, so that he is an Iowan to the manor born. He is in his 42nd year and when we say he is a veritable bundle of energy and ambition, we say only the truth. Mr. Reed from his earliest youth has been an ardent lover of fine horses and it goes without question that there are to be found very few as good and no better judge of equine qualities than he is. He is now engaged in his favorite pursuit, horse buying and selling, and located at the Interurban Livery and sales stables on West Willis Ave. He buys and sells fine stock all over the country and has an enviable reputation for integrity and hustle. Mr. Reed is a family man, and with his wife and two fine boys live in a cozy home on West Second street.

DR. A. J. ROSS
Prominent in the corps of our city’s medical fraternity appears the subject of this sketch, Dr. A. J. Ross. He was born in Polk county, this state, the 8th day of January, 1859. He begun the study of medicine at the early age of 17 under the tutelage of his father, Dr. John Ross, in his day one of the leading physicians in this second of Iowa. Young Mr. Ross graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Keokuk, Iowa, class of 1880, also of Bellevue Medical College, New York City, graduating from that institution with singular honor. For many years he has held the position of local surgeon for the Milwaukee railroad, has been a member of the pension examining board, and is now city health physician. Dr. Ross was married in 1889 to Miss Mabel Leonard of Corvalles, Oregon. As a result of this union the doctor has one son, Arthur. Dr. and Mrs. Ross are universally popular in social circles and noted as most hospitable entertainers. They live in an elegant home of Willis avenue, which in the season is the scene of many happy social occasions. His handsome office is also on Willis avenue.

GEORGE H. ROSS
Known from the northern to the southern boundary and from the eastern to the western of Dallas county, with a thorough acquaintance and a clientele of friends unexcelled by any man in public life, the big hearted, genial and good natured George H. Ross is now serving his second term as sheriff. He is a daring, fearless officer in the discharge of his duties, untiring and filled with the laudable ambition to hold his business. He is the terror of the malefactors and law breakers, who dread his inherent crime detecting instinct and his relentless pursuit of the criminal from justice. He was born in Shellsburg, Lafayette county, Wisconsin, the 18th day of October, 1856. He came to Dallas county 45 years ago and has made it his home ever since. He has made splendid sheriff, and the people generally will be glad to hear that he is a Republican candidate for reelection this year. George is a married man, his wife being formerly Miss Luella Ambary of Des Moines. They have five children, three boys and two girls. The oldest, Hugh, is now teaching school at Granger; his second son, Vail, graduated last year, and the three smaller ones are now in school. Mr. and Mrs. Ross have a cozy home at Adel.

ORVILLE V. ROWE
Mr. Rowe is a painter; more, he is an artist in his line and with facile brush and decorative skill, his services are always in demand here in Perry, where the people feel the very best in none too good. Mr. Rowe is a versatile genius with the colors and brush, and the scope of his work comprises everything in the line of painting, from the delicate and graceful penciling of the handsomest window sign or card, to the ornate embellishment and decoration of the most elaborate design in homes, mansion or cottage, or the largest interiors of banks, lodge rooms, public halls or theatres. His fresco work deserves special mention, for here his originality is shown to the greatest degree, and here, if anywhere, he excels in his art. He is located in a splendidly equipped shop on Willis avenue, where shop work is executed with dispatch. Mr. Rowe is a young man, now in his 33rd year, and a native of Western Nebraska, but has lived in Iowa the past 18 years. He is married and with his wife live happily at No. 1517 Evelyn street.

JOHN SHORTLEY
For many years John Shortley, the lawyer, has held a proud position in the ranks of Iowa’s legal fraternity, as a profound thinker, close student, counsellor and an attorney of integrity. Recognizing his peculiar fitness for the place of honor elevating him to the judgeship of the Superior Court, and it is the statement of acknowledged fact that he has most acceptably filled the position. He is a native of Columbian county, Wisconsin. He came to Perry in 1878, after a four years’ residence at Brooklyn, where he has practiced his profession after graduating from the State University in 1874. Mr. Shortley is a Democrat in politics, staunch and unflinching in adherence to the tenets advocated to political position in a strongly Republican city, is the strongest evidence of the esteem in which he is held by the people generally as well as a just recognition of his ability.

MRS. MARY STARKEY
It is with a feeling of pride that we present the sketch of Dallas County's only professional lady real estate agent and broker, Mrs. Mary Starkey. She has made a splendid success of the business and is recognized today as one of the most accurate judges of realty values in this section of the state. She has consummated a number of splendid deals, and with industrious ambition backed by accurate knowledge of the details comprised in her arduous calling, has established a large clientele of patrons. Mrs. Starkey is a native of Dallas county, born at Dallas Center, where she spent the happy days of her girlhood and received her education in the schools of the county. She taught school for several years, commencing when she was only 16 years old and here in her first effort in practical life made a success. She has been a resident of Perry for the past 19 years. Showing an active spirit of independence when she went to Colorado two years ago in March and located near Akron in that state. This she still owns, with considerable additional acquired property. She live in one of the handsomest residences in the city on Fourth street, where she has the contented company of her aged mother, Mrs. Margaret Condon, now in her 83rd year, and where during her vacation periods Miss Marguerite, her seventeen year old daughter finds a delightful resting place. Miss Marguerite is now a student at Sacred Heart Academy, Cedar Rapids, where in addition to her literary work she is taking special courses in music and the languages. While a very busy woman, Mrs. Starkey finds time to demonstrate the domestic traits of a splendidly balanced character and at her home and other social functions she is in the ranks with Perry's most popular hostesses. She is a consistent member of the Catholic communion, a patroness of all the deserving charities of the church, and certainly deserves the marked success she has made hers.

F. C. TOLBERT
Among the up-to-date modern barber shops of the city, the one owned and managed by Mr. Tolbert may be well mentioned with pride. It is perfectly equipped, with three chairs of the latest design, presided over by artists in the tonsorial line. The establishment is conveniently located in the Shortley block, under the Dooley Drug Store, is splendidly lighted and heated, and a clean shave and stylish haircut is guaranteed. Fred Tolbert is not only a fine barber himself a fine barber but his assistants are capable, careful, patient and painstaking. He is a young man of excellent habits, quiet, unassuming and modest, with a winning personality.

STACEY M. THORNLEY
It may be said with truth of this gentleman that he is a self-made man, for through indomitable will and the exercise of many sterling qualities of character inherited from his parents he has overcome many obstacles, and ranks today among the best and representative citizens in Perry. He was born in Dallas county on Feb. 19, 1851, and in his early youth was thrown upon his own resources, his father dying when he was a mere child, leaving his mother in very moderate circumstances. Young Thornley, with independent spirit, determined to help his mother by helping himself and entered the employ of a merchant as clerk, chore boy and general utility man, at the splendid salary of $60.00 a year. Working for these small wages for several years, Mr. Thornley, by the earnest economy of his money, at his majority entered the mercantile business here. He venture was successful and he established an enterprise which for many years was recognized as one of the most prominent in the town. Eventually he sold this business to Mr. Henness, and embarked in the wholesale flour and oil trade, establishing a depot of supply for these staples in this section of the state. He has filled the position of city clerk and for three consecutive terms served as mayor. Though amply able to do so, Mr. Thornley has not retired from business life, but is vigorously engaged in extensive speculative land deals and also conducts a money brokerage business business. He occupies a suite of office rooms in the Citizens' Bank building and is one of Perry's busiest men. He owns a handsome residence in a splendid section of the city, where in his leisure hours he is happily at home with his wife, who is popular both in the church and social circle to a host of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Thornley are the parents of three children, Dr. Fred Thornley, now a successful young dentist, Miss Charlotte, who reigns as the young queen of the happy home circle, and Mrs. Floyd Bailey, who now lives at Basin, Wyo.

LEA THORNTON
There are few men in Dallas county more widely known and generally liked than the subject of this sketch, Mr. Lea Thornton. He was born in Vermillion county, Illinois in 1844. In 1846 he moved with his parents to Polk county, residing upon what is known as the Justice farm near Berwick. His father, Isaac Thornton, made the original entry upon this land from the government. In 1851 the farm was sold to Daniel Justice and the Thornton family moved to Dallas county, settling on a farm about seven miles southeast of Adel. Mayor Thornton remained here until 1871, when he moved to Van Meter, where he engaged in various kinds of business, including hardware. While at Van Meter he served as postmaster for two years. In the spring of 1884 he was elected county clerk, which position he filled for six years. After retiring from the office of clerk he entered the clothing business, the firm name being Thornton, Kenworthy and Robinson. A year and a half later, the firm was dissolved, Mr. Thornton taking up general mercantile business. For the past ten years he has almost continuously held the position of deputy sheriff, and is now closing his fourth year as mayor of Adel. Mayor Thornton was married in 1867 and is the father of six children, three of whom, Charles, Hubart and Mrs. Vic T. Byers, reside in Des Moines.

REV. T. E. THURESSON
Rev. Thuresson is counted one of the most eloquent and ablest preachers in the state of Iowa and Perry is fortunate in having such a clergyman as a pastor. His church is always well filled and frequently crowded, and being a very sociable man as well as an able preacher, he is popular with all classes of citizens. It has been a pleasure for the "Chief" to print many of Rev. Thuresson's sermons, and during the coming year we expect to print many more of them as they have proven a popular feature with this paper. Many have written the "Chief" about the appreciation of those who cannot attend church services.

M. E. VANLANDINGHAM
After graduating with honor from the law department of the Valparaiso, (Ind.) College, the M subject of this sketch was admitted to the bar of this state a little more than five years ago. He located in Perry, a short time after, opening an office in the Citizens Bank Building where he takes care of a large and growing practice. Mr. VanLandingham was born in Boone Co. on the 7th of May, 1879. In his boyhood he was a student of the Perry High School and graduated from the Perry business college. He finished the free scientific course at Valparaiso before entering the law department and hence possesses a rounded education which he has supplemented by exclusive reading. Mr. VanLandingham was happily married in 1905 to Ina Anderson, of Trenton, Illinois, a college mate, at Valparaiso where she graduated in elocution. Mr. and Mrs. VanLandingham are the parents of a handsome three year old boy, Marion, Jr., and occupy a handsome cottage residence on Fourth street. He is a Republican in politics, constant, unswerving and consistent; a member of the Christian Church and also of the I. O. O. F.

ALLEN W. WALTON
Nine years ago, January 4th, A. W. Miller came to Perry, and after advising with Mr. R. M. Harvey, now general agent of the Hagenbeck-Wallace shows, instituted the first regular bill-posting plant Perry ever had. He had very little capital, was an entire stranger and the prospect of making his venture a success did not appear very bright, but Walton was industrious, honest as the days are long, sociable and good-natured, and soon made friends. He stuck to his business, pleased his patrons and advertised. His business grew, and soon he was perfectly established in the confidence of the best people in the community. Walton has been manager of the Grand opera house since last July, and his books show the best results of any season in the history of the house. He now occupies his own neat little home on First avenue, has a comfortable bank account and is perfectly happy in the society of a devoted little wife and interesting family of three children, two girls and a boy.

THOMAS H. WHITE
In the tonsorial profession in Perry we find an old friend, the subject of this sketch who for the past 23 years has been identified with the business in this city, and the proprietor of the Palace parlors for that extended period. He has changed locations a number of times, but the Palace moved where Mr. White did, and the men are now shown where they were brought as boys years ago to have their hair cut. In his comfortable chairs in the early days of Perry many of the old makers of local history were shaved and shorn. Here the jolly laugh of Lee Gamble, well known and loved as “Old Pard” rang out in appreciation of joke, quip and repartee. Here in the Palace, the old timers often met: Hi Cardell, W. H. Chandler, P. E. Rude and scores of others, some of whom have crossed over, some now removed to other states. Some preachers boast of marrying two or more generations. Tom White has shaved two and more. With his family, wife and one son, Harold, he lives in a handsome home on Willis avenue. He is an enthusiastic lodge man and is prominent in the Masonic, Pythian, Woodmen, Highland Noble, Maccabees, Modern Brotherhood of America and other orders.

DR. G. C. WICKHAM
Listed among the dental fraternity of the city and in regular practice we find Dr. G. C. Wickham, comfortably located in an elegantly furnished suite of office rooms in the Gamble Block. Dr. Wickham is no stranger in our midst. For many years he identified in business with W. W. Chandler here, and is personally known to the public in every section of Dallas county. Entering the dental profession the doctor has amply equipped himself for the best work and solicits a call from the citizens of Perry and vicinity when needing anything in the way of expert dental service. From the minor operation of removing a painful or diseased tooth, to the making of a plate or crown, Dr. Wickham assures his patron of neat, careful and accurate work. He is a care diagnostician and if you have anything wrong with your teeth you cannot do better than to call on him.

LEVI P. WILCOX
One of the few families now living here that have grown up with the surrounding country and people ever since 1855 is that of Levi P. Wilcox. Mr. Wilcox was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1835 and removed with his parents in a few years to Indiana and then to Iowa in 1855. The following year, on April 27th, he married Miss Matilda Council, their marriage being one of the first in the township. Mr. Wilcox hauled logs to a sawmill for lumber; he made the shingles for his humble home, splitting them out of a block and sold a calf for seven and a half to buy glass and mills in Fort Des Moines. With the exception of a brief time in Illinois they have lived in Iowa and most of the time in this county. After three years in the Union Army, and being honorably discharged, he took up farming again and also found time to serve in several official positions of more or less importance. Mr. Wilcox was one of the most capable members of the Board of Supervisors and served for a period of six years. In 1902 he was prepared to retire from active farm and business life and enjoy his present years with his life companion at their comfortable home in Perry. They have both been prominently identified with the Methodist church. They are the parents of W. W. Wilcox, living five miles south of Perry; George W., who lives three miles east; James L. and Edgar G., who have been in Washington for thirteen years; Alfred W., at Dumont; Mattie M., who is with her parents; and Roscoe C., who is in Los Angeles, California.

COL. F. A. WILDMAN
It has been just twelve years this month since the gentleman of whom we speak in this article came to this city with a view of making his future home in Iowa. From the date of his arrival, Perry found favor in his eyes, looked good to him. He was pleased with its location, its business possibilities and it spirits of enterprise. Back in Illinois, his native state, Col. Wildman had been a most successful general auctioneer, and it was in this line of industry that he proposed engaging. He got a few sales in the first few months, but when he got up on the stand to tell’em about it, he sold goods quickly and got better prices for them. One sale by him advertised another and very soon it began to appear that his move to Perry was a resounding success. Well, he has been here twelve years now, and he is now the only auctioneer in Perry.

WILLIAM H. WINEGAR
Perry has a right to be proud of her lawyers and as prominent among them we find enrolled our present County Attorney, W. H. Winegar. Mr. Winegar is a native of the state of New York, born at Amsterdam, March 0, 1873. He received his early literary training in the schools of his boyhood home. Entered Colgate University, Hamilton, N. Y., in 1892 and was graduated in the liberal art course in 1896. Began the study of law shortly after in the office of Judge C. S. Lester, Saratoga Springs, N. Y. Came to Perry in the spring of 1900 and began the practice as a member of the firm of Cordell, Giddings and Winegar. He rapidly advanced in his profession and in 1903 was elected City Solicitor and served four years. In January 1909 he was inducted into the office of County Attorney, which position in the public service he is now most acceptably filling. He has a large private practice and occupies a handsome suite of office rooms in the Wimmer and Williams Block. His residence is one of the handsome cottages on Willis avenue, and here with his wife, nee Miss Mollie Wilson, and baby girl, Elizabeth, the pride of her parents, he enjoys his leisure hours. Mr. Winegar is secretary of the school board, treasurer and trustee of the M. E. church, and a member of the local lodges, Masonic, Odd Fellows and M. W. A.

F. P. WRAY
Among the model business institutions of the city none works higher in the line than the perfectly equipped establishment of the Wray Drug Co., located in the Wimmer & Williams block on Second Street, and capably managed by our subject, who is the sole owner and one of the most expert and accurate pharmacists in the state. He is a graduate of Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill., class of '03. Mr. Wray became proprietor of the business in Oct., 1908 purchasing the entire interest of the Jacob's Drug Co. Mr. Wray is a young man now in his 27th year, and has been happily marred since May 2, 1908 when he was wedded to Miss Gaida Hoff, of Des Moines. They occupy a cozy flat in the Wimmer & Williams Block.

Transcribed & contributed anonymously, November 2019.

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