NORTHWESTERN

 IOWA

ITS HISTORY AND TRADITIONS

1804-1926

PHIL CARLIN

Phil Carlin belongs to that public-spirited and helpful type of men whose activities are centered in those lines through which comes the greatest and most permanent good to the largest number and his achievements as superintendent of the municipal waterworks plant of Sioux City have brought him national prominence as well as the unqualified admiration and respect of his fellow citizens.  He was born December 22, 1852, in Ottawa, Illinois, and his parents, Patrick J. and Letitia (Shannon) Carlin, were natives of the north of Ireland.  In 1844 they followed the tide of emigration to the United States and first located in New York city.  Subsequently they journeyed to Illinois and in that state the father followed the trade of blacksmith, residing at various periods in Geneva, Batavia and Ottawa.  In 1861 he enlisted in the Union army, becoming a private in the Sixteenth Iowa Infantry, and at the battle of Pittsburg Landing sustained injuries which caused his death in 1863.  He was long survived by the mother, who made her home in Sioux City, Iowa, with her son until her demise, which occurred in 1905, when she was eighty years of age.

Phil Carlin received his early instruction at Lyons, Iowa, and in 1870 became a student in the public schools of Correctionville, this state.  He taught school in Woodbury county for nine fall and winter terms and during the summer months engaged in farming.  He was placed at the head of the schools at Oto, Iowa, and in 1889 was elected recorder of Woodbury county.  His work was very satisfactory and for eight years he was the incumbent of that position.  He was in the employ of the Boston Investment Company for a year and in March, 1891, was appointed superintendent of the waterworks system of Sioux City.  For thirty-six years he has continuously filled this office, establishing a record of public service equaled by few and surpassed by none.  Throughout this period the work of his department has been maintained at a high standard and Sioux City is indebted to him for a model waterworks plant which ranks with the most complete and best managed systems in the United States - an accomplishment which has earned for him the enduring regard of the residents of this community.

On Christmas day of the year 1877, Mr. Carlin married Miss Ida Moffatt, a daughter of George C. and Julia (Harrington) Moffatt, natives of New York state.  Mrs. Carlin's grandfather was a veteran of the War of 1812 and her father fought for the Union cause during the conflict between the states.  Mr. Moffatt moved to Sioux City in 1866 and became one of the pioneer farmers of Woodbury county.  He passed away in Los Angeles, California, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years and his wife is also deceased.  Mrs. Carlin became well known as an educator and previous to her marriage was a teacher in the public schools of Woodbury county for a number of years.  Mr. and Mrs. Carlin have had three children but Jessie did at the age of thirteen.  Harry P. was a guest in a hotel at Hot Springs, Arkansas, when the building caught fire and he received injuries which caused his death when a young man of twenty-two years.  George M. Carlin, the other son, has been identified with the Sioux City Telephone Company for twenty years.  He married Miss Alma Reimers and they have two children:  George M., Jr., and Marian V.

Mr. Carlin is a republican and for three years was an influential member of the local board of education.  He has been a member of the Knights of Pythias for forty-four years and his identification with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks covers a period of twenty years.  He is also identified with the Woodmen  of the World and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.  He is a faithful member of the Methodist church and a high-minded man who would be a valuable acquisition to any community.

W. H. CHRISTY

Among the leading enterprises of Morningside, Sioux City, one of the outstanding successes is the undertaking establishment of W. Harry Christy, which is advantageously located in the Masonic temple, where every facility is provided for the proper handling of his business.  Mr. Christy is well qualified by training and experience, as well as by natural aptitude, for the profession which he is so successfully following, and commands his full share of the public patronage in his line.  W. Harry Christy is a native of Sioux City and is a son of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Christy.  He attended the public schools here and Osceola Academy, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  He then entered the department of embalming of the International College of Embalming and Sanitation, a part of the Post-Graduate Medical School of Chicago, where he was graduated in 1912.  In the same year he became a licensed embalmer in Iowa, South Dakota, Illinois and Nebraska.  On January 1, 1913, he engaged in the practice of his profession at Akron, Iowa, where he remained until 1916, when he moved to Alton, Iowa, where he became identified with and was made vice president of the Sioux Furniture Company, which operated five furniture and undertaking establishments, at Alton, Orange City, Maurice, Rock Valley and Sheldon, all in Iowa.  In June, 1921, Mr. Christy severed his connection with that company and in the following December came to Morningside, Sioux City, and established his present business, having at that time the only exclusively undertaking business in Morningside.  In the New Masonic temple, at 4110-12 Morningside avenue, of which he was the first tenant, he established one of the most elaborate and thoroughly equipped mortuaries in the city, including Sioux City's most beautiful private funeral chapel, parlors for families, operating room, rest room and attendants' quarters.  A twenty-four-hour ambulance service is maintained.  by his thoughtful and intelligent attention to the desires and needs of those who seek his services, Mr. Christy has not only built up one of the largest clienteles in the city, but has also gained a large circle of loyal and appreciative friends.

On April 19, 1913, Mr. Christy was united in marriage to Miss Eva Adams, of Akron, Iowa, daughter of the late Bart R. Adams, one of the earlier pioneer settlers of Plymouth county, Iowa.  To Mr. and Mrs. Christy has been born a daughter, Eunice.  Mr. Christy is a member of Morningside Lodge, No. 615, A. F. and A. M.; Sunrise Chapter, No. 141, R. A. M.; Woodbury Lodge, No. 684, I. O. O. F., and Sun Dance Camp, No. 184, M. W. A.  He also belongs to the Hi-Twelve Luncheon Club, the Morningside Country Club and was one of the organizers of the Morningside Commercial Club, serving for two years as its first secretary, and is now a member of its board of directors; he is also a member of the Morningside planning commission and has taken a commendable interest in all civic affairs, cooperating in the support of all movements for the betterment of the community.  While living at Alton, Iowa, Mr. Christy was elected coroner of Sioux county, serving one term.  He is wide awake and progressive in his business methods, one of the evidences of which was his installation of a complete fleet of Cadillac cars, limousine hearse, Cadillac ambulance, pall bearers' coach, and funeral sedan cars.  Other up-to-date features of his equipment testify to his determination to leave nothing undone that will help in making his service as complete and satisfactory as it is possible to make it.  He is at all times courteous and friendly, kindly and sympathetic, and he has so conducted his affairs as to win the respect and esteem of his fellowmen.

S. T. CHURCHILL

A representative citizen of Ida county and a member of one of its worthy old families was Samuel T. Churchill, of Arthur, who died April 26, 1926.  He spent practically his entire life in this county and contributed his full share to the development and prosperity of this section of the state, belonging to that class of citizens who while advancing individual success also promote the public welfare.

Mr. Churchill was born in Clinton county, Iowa, on th e4th of July, 1861, a son of Enoch and Susan (Williams) Churchill, the latter of whom was a native of New York state.  Enoch Churchill was born June 10, 1830, near Bristol, Gloucestershire, England, and died on his farm in Ida county, Iowa, March 16, 1912, in his eighty-second year.  At an early age he was brought to the United States, the family stopping first in New York state, where they remained about five years.  In 1841 they came to Iowa, where he was reared to manhood and secured his education.  In 1879 he came to Ida county, where he engaged in farming, becoming the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and sixty-three acres, and here spent his remaining years.  On May 1, 1860, Mr. Churchill was married to Miss Susan P. Williams, of Dewitt, Iowa, and they became the parents of six children, namely:  Samuel T., whose name appears at the head of this sketch; Robert, of Omak, Washington; Elizabeth, the wife of G. E. Clifford, of Arthur, Ida county; John of Des Moines, Iowa; Mary Grace, who still lives on the home place; and Stephen, who died in infancy.

Enoch Churchill was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted as a member of Company C, Twenty-sixth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which command he served until the close of the conflict.  He took part in many of the important battles and campaigns of that great struggle, including Sherman's march from Atlanta to the sea, and was mustered out of the service at Washington, D. C.  Politically he gave his support to the republican party, while his religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, the society at Arthur having been founded by him and his wife.  He was long a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and was a public-spirited man, taking a commendable interest in everything relating to the welfare of his community.  There were in him sterling traits which commanded uniform confidence and regard, and his memory is today honored by all who knew him and is enshrined in the hearts of his many friends.

Samuel T. Churchill resided on the old homestead and devoted himself to its operation until his death.  Among his fellow argiculturists he was regarded as a man of more than ordinary capacity and business ability, his career having been marked by sound judgment and wise discretion. His splendid character and his industry were recognized and appreciated, and he left many friends who mourned his passing.

W. E. CODY, M. D.

Dr. William E. Cody is a native of the city of which he is now an honored resident, and was born on the 1st day of January, 1888, the son of William E. and Eugenia (Scholes) Cody.  His parents were natives of Illinois, from which state their respective families came to Monona county, Iowa, of which locality they were pioneer settlers.  Following his marriage, William E. Cody, Sr., came to Sioux City and for many years served as court reporter.  His death occurred in 1908, at the age of fifty-two years.  The mother is still living and resides in Los Angeles, California.

Dr. Cody acquired his preliminary education in the public schools of Sioux City, graduating from high school, and then matriculated in the medical school of Iowa State University, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1911.  During the ensuing year he served as interne in the University Hospital at Iowa City and in 1912 began the practice of his profession at Merrill, Iowa, where he remained about five years.  He was a member of the United States Medical Corps in the World war and during 1918 was stationed at Fort Riley.  In 1919 the Doctor went east and took special post-graduate work in Baltimore and Boston, and in 1920 located in Sioux City, where he has built up a large and remunerative practice, specializing in surgery.

In 1912 Dr. Cody was united in marriage to Miss Vera Wilcox, of Ida Grove, Iowa, and to them has been born a daughter, Eugenia.  The Doctor is a member of the Woodbury County Medical Society, of which he is the present president, the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.  Fraternally he is a member of Giblen Lodge, No. 322, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Le Mars, Iowa; Sioux City Consistory, No. 5, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; Floyd Valley Lodge, No. 208, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Le Mars Lodge, No. 428, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.  He also belongs to the Sioux City Country Club and the Knife and Fork Club.  His religious connection is with the Congregational church.

SEYMOUR CONGER

Few men of Ida county, Iowa, were as widely and favorably known as the late Seymour Conger, of Ida Grove, whose death occurred there August 26, 1924.  He was one of the strong and influential citizens whose lives were a part of the history of this section of the state and his name was synonymous for all that constituted honorable and upright manhood.  Tireless energy, keen perception and honesty of purpose, combined with everyday common sense, were among his chief characteristics, and while advancing individual success he also contributed to the moral and material welfare of the community.

Mr. Conger was born in Lawrence county, New York, on the 22d of October, 1846, and was therefore in the seventy-eighth year of his age at the time of his death.  He was a son of Ezra and Sarah (Cady) Conger, both of whom were natives of New York state.  In 1862 they brought their family to Wisconsin, locating on a farm, and there the mother died five years afterward.  Later the father came to Iowa and made his home with his son, the subject of this memoir,  until his death, which occurred in 1882.  Of the eight children in the family, but one is now living.

Seymour Conger was reared on the home farm and secured his education in the public schools of his native state.  He accompanied his parents on their removal to Wisconsin, remaining with them until about the time he attained his majority, when he was married.  He then engaged in farming on his own account there until 1876, when he came to Iowa.  In the following year he located in Ida county, where he bought and operated a small dairy farm, becoming a successful stock and dairy farmer.  He continued to live there until 1892, when, having accumulated a competency, he retired and moved into Ida Grove, where he spent his remaining years.  He was man of energetic methods and progressive ideas.

In 1867, in Wisconsin, Mr. Conger was united in marriage to Miss Laura Kella, who is a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of James E. and Catherine (Miniken) Kella, the former of whom was a native of Canada and the latter of England.  They were married in Syracuse, New York, and in 1849 moved to Dodge county, Wisconsin, where the father engaged in farming.  Of their seven children, Mrs. Conger is now the only one living.  No children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Conger, but out of the kindness of their hearts they reared and educated six children, one of whom is now stare secretary and supervisor of sixteen counties in northwestern Iowa for the Bankers Life Insurance Company of Des Moines, Iowa.

Mr. Conger was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in the First Regiment, Vermont Volunteer Cavalry, with which he rendered faithful service for three years.  He took part in a number of the most important engagements of that great struggle and was wounded in the battle of Gettysburg.  He was a member of the Friends church and took a deep interest in everything pertaining to the society's welfare.  Mrs. Conger is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and takes an active part in church work.  She lives in a comfortable, attractive home in Ida Grove and is also the owner of sixty acres of fine timber land in Washington.  She is a lady of gracious qualities and has a large circle of warm and devoted friends.  Mr. Conger was a man of sterling character and upright life, whose career earned for him the unbounded confidence and esteem of his fellowmen, and his death was deeply regretted throughout the community of which he had been an honored resident.

J. T. CONN, D. C.

Dr. John Thomas Conn, one of Iowa's loyal sons, is a valuable citizen of Battle Creek and enjoys an enviable reputation as a chiropractor.  He was born September 2, 1872, in Benton county, and his parents were James and Elizabeth (Coon) Conn, the latter a native of Ohio.  The father was born in Belfast, Ireland,  and as a small boy came to the United States with his parents, who first located in Ohio, where he attended the public schools.  He was engaged in teaching for a time and his wife also followed that profession.  They settled on a farm in Benton county, Iowa, and in 1882 moved to Battle Creek, in Ida county, where both passed away.  James Conn conducted a large livery business and was also a well known veterinarian.  He was the father of seven children:  Barbara and Almeda, who died in infancy; J. E., also deceased; Anna, the wife of D. H. Hendrick, of Battle Creek; John Thomas; Carl E., who resides in Hollywood, a suburb of Los Angeles, California; and Dolly, who has passed away.

Dr. Conn was ten years of age when his parents established their home in Battle Creek, and after completing his public school education he became a veterinary surgeon.  He followed that profession for about twenty-seven years, augmenting his knowledge by a two years' course in the State University at Iowa City, and then took up the study of chiropractic science.  He is an able exponent of the drugless method of healing and has been very successful in his efforts to restore health, enjoying a large practice.  He is attentive to his patients, reserving all of his energies for his professional duties, and fills an important place in the community, in which he has many steadfast friends.

Dr. Conn married Miss M. Stoughton, and eight children were born to them, namely:  Myrtle R., the wife of W. H. Frutel, of California; Enuice, whose husband is the Rev. Lee Soule, pastor of St. James' church at Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Leo C., of Battle Creek, Iowa; Cuma, who is the wife of Kenneth C. Moore, of Slayton, Minnesota; Kenneth, who is connected with educational work in Nebraska, filling the position of school superintendent; Fern, who married Allen McAllester, of St. Louis, Missouri; John S., who resides in Battle Creek, Iowa; and Laura May, a teacher in the public schools of Iowa.

C. B. CONOVER

For more than fifty years Cornelius B. Conover has watched the progress of civilization in Iowa, bearing his share in the work of developing the resources of this great commonwealth, and a life of rightly directed endeavor has brought him the merited reward of honest labor - success and an honored name.  He resides in Holstein and has long been numbered among the foremost agriculturists of this district.  He was born October 28, 1853, in New Jersey, and his parents, Peter and Sarah (Burroughs) Conover, were also natives of that state, in which they resided for many years.  To their union were born nine children:  Elizabeth, Mary and Daniel, all of whom are deceased; Hannah, who is the widow of William Hendrickson, of New Jersey; Mrs. Harriet Bond, of New Jersey, also a widow; Sarah, whose husband was Charles Madena, of New Jersey, now deceased; Cornelius B.; John, who still makes his home in his native state; and Clark, who has passed away.

Cornelius B. Conover was educated in the public schools of the Garden state and in 1873, when a young man of twenty, started for the west.  In Benton county, Iowa, he rented land which he operated for a year, and then went to Cheyenne, Wyoming, following the life of a cowboy for twelve months.  On the expiration of that period he returned to Benton county, resuming his agricultural activities, and a year later transferred the scene of his labors to Linn county, in which he spent three years.  He next came to Ida county and in 1879 purchased a quarter section in Battle township, in which he established his home in the following year.  From time to time he has increased his holdings and now owns six hundred and eight acres, converting his place into one of the valuable farms of the township.  He has acquired that expert knowledge of his occupation which results from years of practical experience, and his standards of farming are high.

While a resident of Linn county, Iowa, Mr. Conover married Miss Samantha A. Rogers, who passed away December 23, 1918.  She was a daughter of Henry and Fanny (Bixler) Rogers, who migrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio and thence to Iowa.  They made the journey in a covered wagon and were among the pioneer settlers of Linn county.  Mr. and Mrs. Conover were the parents of four children:  Clark Henry, who was born in Linn county October 9, 1879, and resides on the old homestead; Clifton E., whose birth occurred October 2, 1881; Claud D., who was born March 30, 1884; and Cornelius B., Jr., born December 8, 1887.

Mr. Conover is a Mason and endeavors to fulfill in his life its principles concerning mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness.  He has many friends in the county and time has strengthened his hold upon their esteem.

C. D. CONOVER

Claud D. Conover, residing on section 18, Battle township, is numbered among the representative and successful agriculturists of Ida county.  His birth here occurred on the 30th of March, 1884, his parents being Cornelius B. and Samantha A. (Rogers) Conover, more extended mention of whom is made on another page of this work.  From the beginning of his business career he has devoted his attention to agricultural interests with excellent results, and he has become widely recognized as one of the enterprising, progressive and up-to-date farmers of the community which has always been his home.

On the 28th of January, 1907, Mr. Conover was united in marriage to Miss Tracy Paulsen, a native of Ida county, Iowa, and a daughter of Nicholas and Mary (Francho) Paulsen, both of whom were born in Germany.  Mr. and Mrs. Conover have become the parents of eight children, namely:  Wendell Holmes, Harold Joseph, Chester D., Marie E., Elden Burroughs, Samantha Opal, Claud D., Jr., and Forest Nicholas.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Conover has supported the men and measures of the republican party at the polls, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government.  His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church.  Both he and his wife have always lived in Ida county and are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community.

C. E. CONOVER

Clifton E. Conover, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Ida county, Iowa, is a worthy native son of that county.  He was born on the 2d of October, 1881, his parents being Cornelius B. and Samantha A. (Rogers) Conover, to whom extended reference is made on another page of this publication.  He attended the country schools in the acquirement of an education and following his graduation took up farming pursuits, to which he has devoted his attention continuously to the present time.  Mr. Conover first purchased one hindred and thirty-six acres of land in association with his brother, Clark Henry Conover, and in the year 1920 bought an additional tract of one hundred and thirty-six acres.  Golden harvests annually reward his well directed labors, for he utilizes the most scientific methods of farming and is at all times industrious and diligent.  He keeps a herd of thirty pure bred Hereford cows (not registered) from which he raises every year a load of calves, which he feeds as baby beeves.  He also feeds two or three loads of other cattle for the market yearly, and he is meeting with splendid success as a stockman.

In early manhood Mr. Conover was married to Miss Cora M. Nicholson, daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Park) Nicholson.  A biography of her father, Alexander Nicholson, may be found in another part of this work.  To Mr. and Mrs. Conover have been born six children, namely:  Alexander Burdette, whose birth occurred August 24, 1909; Cathleen Beryl, whose natal day was March 18, 1912; Cornelius Bourghs, who died in infancy; Sarah Maybell, born May 18, 1917; Jean Elizabeth, born December 19, 1922; and Thomas Wayne, who was born on the 15th of March, 1924.

Mr. Conover gives his political support to the republican party and is now serving acceptably as chairman of Logan township.  In religious faith he is a Presbyterian.  He enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance in the community which has always been his home and in the development of which he has taken an active and helpful part.

R. M. COOMER

Among the men who during the past fifteen years have been closely and actively identified with the material building up of Sioux City, Ross M. Coomer holds a prominent place, the contracting concern of Coomer & Small Company having erected a number of the most important structures in this locality.  Mr. Coomer was born in Delaware county, Ohio, March 12, 1883, a son of William A. and Emma L. (Johnson) Coomer, both of whom were born and reared in the Buckeye state.  For many years the father was a station agent for the Michigan Central Railroad, being located during the greater part of the time at Bay City, Michigan, but is now retired from active service.

Ross M. Coomer attended the public schools, graduating from the Bay City high school, and then entered the engineering school of the University of Michigan, being graduated in 1905 with the degree of Bachelor of Science of civil engineering.  In 1908 he was made a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and in 1915 was made a full member.  On leaving college Mr. Coomer entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad, being employed six months at Altoona, after which he allied himself with the Trussel concrete Steel Company, of New York city, a pioneer in that industry, which was then in its infancy.  Eight months later he went to work for the New  York Central & Hudson River Railroad as assistant engineer, remaining with that company until March 1, 1912, at which time he came to Sioux City and formed a partnership with Charles I.  Small, under the firm name of Coomer & Small, contractors.  In August, 1917, the business was incorporated as the Coomer & Small Company.

In May, 1917, Mr. Coomer enlisted for service in the World war, being commissioned a captain of engineers, and on July 17th was ordered overseas.  He was made a major of engineers in April, 1918, and lieutenant-colonel on April 9, 1919.  He was made engineer officer in charge of hospitalization and later was put in charge of all building construction coming under the division of construction and forestry.  At Washington, D. C., May 20, 1919, he was mustered out, since which time he has devoted his attention closely to his business affairs in Sioux City.  Among the structures erected by the Coomer & Small Company are all the buildings of Morningside College, the dormitory and gymnasium at Trinity College, the Elks Club, Princess theater, Riverview school, Chesterman Company building, General Manufacturing Company plant, Whitfield Methodist Episcopal church, Rustin Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, Danish Lutheran church, Swedish Mission church and parochial schools for Immaculate Conception parish and parish of the Blessed Sacrament.  This firm now has a large contract for the new engine terminal and mechanical facilities of the Illinois Central Railroad at Sioux City.  A man of thorough technical training and experience, and possessing high ideals as to the execution of contracts, Mr. Coomer has gained marked prestige in building circles and commands the respect and confidence of all who have had dealings with him.

On February 1, 1916, Mr. Coomer was united in marriage to Miss C. Grace Jerolaman, of Belleville, New Jersey, and they are the parents of two children, Theodore William and Elizabeth Jean.  Mr. Coomer is a member of Tyrian Lodge, No. 508, A. F. & A. M.; Sioux City Chapter, No. 26, R. A. M.; Columbian Commandery, No. 18, K. T.; Sioux City Consistory, No. 5, A. A. S. R.; Abu-Bekr Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; and also Sioux City Lodge, No. 112, B. P. O. E.  He also belongs to the Lions Club of Sioux City, the Interstate Reserve Officers' Association, the Iowa Engineering Society, and the Sioux City Chamber of Commerce.  He is vice-president of the Citizens' Industrial Loan Company and vice-president of the Citizens' Industrial Loan Company and vice-president of the Auditorium Company.  His religious connection is with the First Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a member of its official board.  In every relation he has been true and loyal, stands for the best things in community life and supports all measures calculated to advance the interests of his city.

O. M. COVELL

Orrin M. Covell, an honored veteran of the Civil war, is widely and favorably known in Cherokee county, where he has made his home for forty-six years, witnessing remarkable changes as pioneer conditions have given way before an advancing civilization.  He was born January 11, 1845, in Knox county, Ohio, and is the second of the seven children in the family of William H. and Jane Covell.  The others were Angenette, Merritt A. and Amasa, all of whom have passed away; William, a resident of Waterloo, Iowa; two who died in infancy.  The father was born in New York state and in 1848 went to Wisconsin, where he hewed a farm out of the wilderness and the remainder of his life was passed in the Badger state.

There Orrin M. Covell was reared and educated and when a youth of eighteen he enlisted in the Union army, joining Company K, Twenty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, on December 31, 1863.  He participated in many notable battles, never faltering in the face of danger, and was honorably discharged in July, 1865, at the close of the war.  He returned to Wisconsin and in 1879 journeyed from that state to Iowa, settling in Cherokee county, in which he has since resided.  He engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years, in the course of which he developed five farms in the county, and at the time of his retirement established his home in Cherokee, where he is now living.  In the cultivation of his land he utilized scientific methods, keeping well abreast of the times, and did much to promote the standards of farming in this section of the state.

Mr. Covell's first marriage was with Sarah Bryan, now deceased, by whom he had a son, Edwin, and a daughter, but both have passed away.  He subsequently married Miss Hattie O. Upson and two children were born to them:  John, a resident of Cherokee; and Jennie, who was united in marriage to Albert Stanley, of Idaho.    After the death of his second wife Mr. Covell married Mrs. Amelia Gilbert, the widow of Charles Gilbert.  Mr. Covell belongs to Custer Post, No. 25, of the Grand Army of the Republic and is serving as its commander.  He is a Baptist in religious faith and his political views are in accord with the principles of the democratic party.  He has found life well worth the living, making the most of it day by day, and although he has reached the age of eighty-two years, is still young in spirit, possessing a keen mind and a retentive memory.  Mr. Covell is a sincere Christian and occupies a high place in the esteem of his fellow citizens.

W. J. S. CREMIN

One of the ablest and most successful surgeons, as well as one of the most popular citizens, of Sioux City is Dr. William J. S. Cremin, who has continuously engaged in the practice of his profession here since 1907, during which period he has risen in the esteem and confidence of the people until now he commands one of the largest and most remunerative practices in the city.  Dr. Cremin was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on the 15th of April, 1881, and is a son of Dr. Michael A. and Sarah (Donnelly) Cremin, both of whom were natives of that state, the former born at New Britain and the latter at New Haven.  The father was a graduate of St. Xavier College, where he received the degrees of Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts, and then attended the medical school of Columbia University, which conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Medicine.  He spent five years in hospital work in Paris, France, and one year in similar work in Dublin, Ireland.  He became one of New Haven's foremost physicians but his career was cut short by death in 1896, at the age of forty-four years.

Dr. William J. S. Cremin attended the public schools and Dwight Preparatory School and then entered Manhattan College.  He later graduated from the New York State College of Pharmacy and next matriculated in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the University of Illinois, where he was graduated in 1906, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine.  During 1906-07 he served as interne in the New York Post-Graduate Hospital, and in December, 1907, located in Sioux City, where he has since resided.

In 1907 Dr. Cremin was married to Miss Kathleen Story, of Winnipeg, Canada, and to them have been born four children, Frances E., Patricia, Constance and Mary.  The Doctor is a member of the Woodbury County Medical Society, the Sioux Valley Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, the Iowa Clinical Surgical Society and the New York Post-Graduate Alumni Association.   He belongs to the Sioux City Country Club, the Greater Sioux City committee, and is active and popular in social circles here.  He gives his earnest support to all movements for the betterment of the community in any way and no worthy cause appeals to him in vain.  Because of his splendid professional career, his cordial and friendly manner and the large part he has taken in local affairs of moment, he holds a high place in the confidence of the entire community.

G. M. CRESSEY

George M. Cressey, a member of one of the honored pioneer families of Iowa, has contributed his share toward the agricultural progress of the state and after many years of strenuous labor is spending the evening of life in ease and comfort, making his home in Authur.  He was born February 28, 1854, in Illinois, and his parents, John and Hannah (Mason) Cressey, were both British subjects.  They sailed from an English port with America as their destination and early in the '50s located in Illinois, where the father followed the trade of a brick maker.  In 1854 he brought his family to Iowa and preempted a farm in Clinton county.  He was one of the earliest settlers in that locality and his first home was a log cabin with a clapboard roof and puncheon floor.  The building was fourteen by sixteen feet in dimensions, and the latch string always hung on the outside, for the home, through small, was a hospitable one.  The district was sparsely settled and travelers who passed that way were always assured of a hearty welcome.  By arduous labor the father cleared his land, preparing the soil for the sowing of seed and the growing of crops.  His labors were productive of excellent results, and in 1884 he was able to retire.  After selling the farm he moved to Lost Nation and there passed away in 1896.  His wife's demise had occurred in 1890, and both reached an advanced age.  To their union were born eleven children, and four sons are now living.

George M. Cressey received a common school education and remained with his parents until he attained his majority, aiding his father in the operation of the homestead.  He worked as a common laborer for two years and after he gained a start in life acquired land in Sac county, Iowa, in which he still owns a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, supplied with all modern improvements.  He kept in close touch with the latest developments in agricultural science and demonstrated the effectiveness of system in promoting productiveness.  He resides in an attractive home in Arthur and is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company.

In 1875 Mr. Cassey married Miss M. Dewitt, who was born in Jones county, Iowa.  Their union was severed by her death June 20, 1924, and she was laid to rest in the cemetery at Odebolt, Iowa.  Her parents were natives of Ohio and were among the pioneer settlers of Jones county, Iowa, in which both passed away.  To Mr. and Mrs. Cressey were born seven children:  Hannah M., the wife of Robert Stewardson, a well known grain dealer of Arthur; Lillian G., who married F. A. Kindwall and is living in Wynot, Nebraska; Maud J., the wife of H. P. Benedict, of Spokane, Washington; Frank M., who responded to the final summons June 13, 1924, leaving a widow and three children to mourn his death; John F., of Arthur; Robert E., also a resident of Spokane; and Vernon, who died in infancy.

Mr. Cressey is a strong republican in his political views and during the Roosevelt administration was appointed postmaster of Arthur.  His work was highly satisfactory and for thirteen years he faithfully discharged the duties of the office.  Along fraternal lines he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and is also a Mason, belonging to Arthur Lodge, No. 611, F. & A. M., of which he has been worshipful master, and to the chapter at Ida Grove.  Early in his career he realized that one must be willing to pay the price of success, which is gained only through earnest, untiring application, and his present prosperity is the merited reward of a life of industry, thrift and probity.

R. E. CROWDER

Among the younger members of the medical profession in Sioux City who are rapidly acquiring enviable reputations as successful practitioners, stands Dr. Roy E. Crowder, whose offices are in the Frances building.  He was born in Union county, South Dakota, on October 14, 1896, and is a son of Robert M. and Maud (Hershey) Crowder, both of whom were born and reared in Macon county, Illinois.  They were married there and shortly after that event, in 1893, moved to Union county, South Dakota, where they settled on a farm, living there until 1907, when they moved into the town of Elkpoint, the county seat of Union county, from which place Mr. Crowder has since managed his farming operations.  He has attained a placer of prominence and influence in his community, has served as mayor of Elkpoint and is active in Farm Bureau work.  He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Roy E. Crowder attended the public schools of Elkpoint, graduating from the high school in 1914, following which he entered the University of South Dakota, where he was graduated in 1918, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and next matriculated in Rush Medical College, of Chicago, now the medical school of Chicago University, from which institution he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1921, following one year's internship in St. Joseph's hospital, Sioux City.  Later he devoted one year to post-graduate work in obstetrics at the Presbyterian hospital in Chicago, and in April, 1922, returned to Sioux City, where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession, specializing in obstetrics.  He has built up a large and remunerative practice and enjoys marked prestige in the professional circles of this city.

On September 11, 1918, Doctor Crowder was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Engebretson, of Garrettson, South Dakota, and they were the parents of a son, Roy Elwin.  The Doctor is a member of the Woodbury County Medical Society and the Iowa State Medical Society, is serving on the staff of the Woodbury Free Medical Dispensary, is attending physician at the Florence Crittenden Home, and is a member of the medical staff of the St. Joseph hospital, and of the Lutheran hospital of Sioux City.  He is a member of Elkpoint Lodge, No. 3, A. F. & A. M., at Elkpoint, South Dakota, and Western Star Lodge, No. 282, I. O. O. F., at Sioux City.  In addition to his creditable career in one of the most useful of professions, he has also proved an honorable member of the community, giving his earnest support to every movement for the advancement of the general welfare.  Kindly and courteous in manner, he has gained a wide acquaintance and has won a large circle of warm and loyal friends.

G. H. CUMMINGS

George H. Cummings, for many years secretary of the Sioux City Seed Company and widely known as an able business man as well as an effective reform worker, was in the sixty-seventh year of his age at the time of his tragic death on the 6th of October, 1917.  He was born November 25, 1850, near Uhrichsville, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and came of pious Scotch-Irish ancestry.  His parents, Stephen and Amelia (Mohn) Cummings, were both natives of Harrison county Ohio.  The father, an agriculturist by occupation, died on the farm which had been home for many years.

George H. Cummings attended the common schools and subsequently pursued a course of study in the Hopedale Normal College in Harrison county, Ohio.  His improvement of superior educational opportunities and his strong natural mental qualifications well equipped him for educational work, and following his graduation he came west, accepting the position of superintendent of schools at Seward, Nebraska, in which capacity he served for three years.  The year 1884 witnessed his arrival in Sioux City, Iowa, where he made his home to the time of his death a third of a century later.  At its organization he became identified with the sioux City Seed & Nursery Company, which later became the Sioux City Seed Company, with which he was officially connected in the important capacity of secretary throughout the remainder of his life.

On the 13th of March, 1877, Mr. Cummings was united in marriage to Miss Evaline Rebecca Dunn, of Flushing, Ohio, daughter of Robert S. and Sarah A. (Beatty) Dunn, the former a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of York, Pennsylvania.  Robert S. Dunn and Sarah A. Beatty removed to Ohio as boy and girl with their respective parents.  Throughout his active business career Robert S. Dunn devoted his attention to farming pursuits with excellent success.

The accident which resulted in the death of Mr. Cummings occurred when a rear tire of his car blew out near LeMars, Iowa, causing the machine to turn a complete somersault.  Mr. Cummings was crushed about the head and chest and death came within a few minutes after the tragedy occurred.  He was a Christian by inheritance and throughout his life he showed the predominating characteristics of his forefathers; an intensity of purpose manifesting itself in many lines of useful activities and impelled by a deeply religious motive.  In 1874 he made a profession of his faith in Jesus Christ and united with the Beech Spring Presbyterian church in Ohio.  Henceforth his life was devoted to the service of God and the church.  He touched lives everywhere; he was a member of many worthy organizations; a leader since the days of Haddock of the temperance movement; a strong tower with the Gideons, the great Christian Traveling Men's Association; a trustee of Buena Vista College of Storm Lake, Iowa, and most generous giver to and stanch supporter of Christian education; president of the Presbyterian Alliance and eager for greater things for Christ and Presbyterianism in Sioux City and regions beyond; the one who was used of God to build the Sheldon Jackson Memorial Monument on Prospect Hill; an earnest Sabbath school worker all his life; Sabbath school superintendent of the Third Presbyterian church of Sioux City for a quarter century, and glorying in the opportunity to work with the young and for the young.  But above all, he loved the church of God.  For almost fifty years - in Ohio and Nebraska and chiefly in Sioux City - he had been an honored elder of the Presbyterian church.  A member of the First Presbyterian church when he first came to Sioux City, he made the venture in faith and all the churches of Sioux City felt the impress of his life.  He is the spiritual father of several, and the Third Presbyterian church is the memorial of his love, and his crowning work.  Below are some sentences from the appreciation of a former pastor:  "In the local church he was a whirlwind for work.  Through all the years he was treasurer of the church.  For almost all the years he was superintendent of the Sabbath school, besides teaching a class.  He was general adviser and helper to the membership which needed just such a man.  He was pastor's assistant without salary.  He was untiring in securing jobs for men and women out of work, in stimulating young people to get an education.  In order to have an orchestra in the church and help the young people musically, he gave an instrument to any boy who would learn to use it and play in the orchestra.  He was never absent from a session meeting when in town, always at the session prayer meeting before the morning service, ever holding up the pastor's hands in prayer, and planning for the salvation of souls.  As his business prospered and means multiplied he gave not only to the local church but was interested in everything that pertained to the kingdom at large; to colleges he gave largely, especially to Buena Vista, to Sabbath school missionary work, and to all causes of the church.  His intensity of conviction and action often carried him farther than some of his friends could go with him, but this intensity was always on the right side."

The following article appeared in the Sioux City Daily Tribune under date of July 21, 1917, with the caption "Suggest Monument for Two Men Who Led Thirty Years War Against Liquor Trade."  "If you were growing old and could look back over the toil and moil of thirty years, wouldn't it be something of a satisfaction to know that ideas you had championed when everyone else scouted and ridiculed them were now accepted by a great majority of the people?  Such is the satisfaction which N. R. Hathaway, 709 Rebecca street, and G. H. Cummings, 1822 Court street, both pioneers in the anti-saloon movement, must feel in surveying the thirty-odd years which they have been actively engaged in temperance work in Sioux City.  The agitation began about the time of the notorious murder, when a Sioux City minister actively engaged in securing evidence against the saloons, was shot down in cold blood at the corner of Fourth and Pearl streets.  Mr. Cummings was one of the first to ally himself with the movement and Mr. Hathaway joined the following year when he moved here from Springfield, South Dakota.  It is easy enough to be a prohibitionist after the state has gone 'dry,' but it was a different matter years ago when no one dreamed that it would ever be possible to put the saloons out of business.

'Be not the first by whom the new is tried, Nor yet the last to lay the old aside,'

said the poet, but where would progress be if everyone obeyed?  In those early days a 'dry' was looked upon as a 'crank,' and fingers were pointed and sly smiles and winks were exchanged whenever he walked down the street.  Many deplored the liquor situation, but considered it a necessary evil.  Few imagined that thirty short years would compass the life of the booze emporiums.  And so the 'drys' were scoffed at and denounced as visionaries, 'the idle singers of an empty day.'  To be scoffed at was hard enough, but the trials were often of a more serious nature.  The 'wets' formed combines against the prohibitionists and attempted to boycott them.  At that time Mr. Hathaway was owner of the Blue Valley creamery.  'One morning as I was making my rounds,' he said, 'seven of my regular customers flatly refused to patronize me any longer unless I would cease to work against the saloon interests.  Trade fell off for a time after each of these spasmodic "combines" of the "wets," but in the end I always gained more than I lost.'  Anonymous threats to burn their homes and businesses were often received by the antis.

"The organization with which Mr. Cummings and Mr. Hathaway were associated began its work by simply trying to get the police to enforce ordinances already in effect but universally disregarded.  But progress along this line was slow.  The league employed an attorney and prosecuted offenders but the courts for the most part were afraid to return a decision unfavorable o Sioux City's powerful liquor element.  The league promptly appealed to the supreme court each unjust verdict.  'At one time,' declared Mr. Hathaway, 'we had twenty-one cases in the supreme court, twenty of which were decided in our favor, one being lost through a legal technicality.'  In those days saloons were open for business seven days in the week and twenty-four hours in the day.  There were laws on the statute books prohibiting Sunday opening and all night service, but such laws were regarded here as unwholesome relics of Puritanism and were consigned to oblivion.  But when time after time the decisions of the inferior courts in liquor trials were reversed by the supreme court, Sioux City woke up and once the tide turned the reaction was swift and sure.  Step by step the saloons were crowded out and the public approved of their going.  Many of the men who were actually engaged in the liquor traffic now admit that they would vote against the saloon if the issue should ever come before the people again.  The list of contributors to the Anti-Saloon league fund now boasts the names of many erstwhile supporters of John Barleycorn.  And so by the inevitable and monotonous operation of the universal law of progress, the years have justified the 'cranks,' and the works of the pioneer prohibitionists, the 'visionaries,' have borne fruit.  In his sermon Sunday morning Rev. H. A. Keck, of the Grace Methodist Episcopal church, spoke of the part played by Mr. Cummings and Mr. Hathaway in the prohibition movement in Sioux City.  'A monument,' said Rev. Mr. Keck, 'should be erected to those two men who were brave enough to stand out against the saloons in those early days when everyone either tolerated them as a necessary evil or openly favored them.  If such a monument were erected, I should engrave upon it the following simple tribute:  "Erected to the memory of two highminded citizens whose fearless espousal of prohibition in the early years of the anti-saloon crusade placed every citizen of the municipality under an everlasting debt of gratitude and respect." ' "

The concluding three paragraphs are editorials from the local press:

"In the sudden and tragic death of George H. Cummings last Saturday, Sioux City and Iowa lost a citizen of high ideals and genuine worth.  Those who knew him intimately realized that no man was more active and devoted to business and the secular affairs of life, yet with all this, there was not a man of the city more willing and ready to give time and money to the higher things.  He was an enthusiastic almsgiver and rejoiced in the sacrifices he made.  In Christian effort here he had come to be relied upon as a mainstay.  He brought many projects to successful fruition by his energy, the influence of his optimism and his own cheerful contributions.  Buena Vista College owes him a lasting debt of gratitude.  In the past year's campaign for funds for the Storm Lake institution, the largest contribution among the many in Sioux City came from Mr. Cummings.  But to the public he was most widely known as the president of the Woodbury County Anti-Saloon League.  In the cause of temperance he was an courageous as he was tireless and disinterested.  His work had but one inspiration, the common good.  When others despaired in the long battle, he cheered and gave and worked.  For thirty years he labored with rare devotion for the prohibition of the sale of intoxicants.  Within the past week he remarked at a meeting of his associates:  'The vote October 15 for constitutional prohibition in Iowa is the culminating event of my life, and if we win, I will die happy.'  The issue seems certain, but the glad news of it must be wafted to Mr. Cummings in another sphere where he has already met thousands and will later meet other thousands who have here been brought under the saving influences of the great reform of which he was one of the pioneers.  It is easy to imagine George H. Cummings sending an appeal for one more good day's work in the temperance cause."

"A good man died tragically last Saturday afternoon when George H. Cummings succumbed after an automobile accident on the Sioux City-LeMars road.  The community can afford to take a moment off to reflect in such a circumstance.  Good men are not so numerous as to be spared indifferently.  Neither in the community nor in the world.  Most people who know of the life of George H. Cummings know of it as an existence devoted to whole-hearted interest in the cause of reform, chiefly liquor reform.  He was conspicuous as an enemy of the saloon and the things the saloon connotes.  It would not be fair to speak of him as an opponent of liquor, for he never deteriorated into mere opposition.  He was relentless.  The presidency of the Woodbury County Anti-Saloon League was a minor matter.  His hostility to the saloon was essentially individual, not official.  So far as The Journal knows no one ever tried to attach to Mr. Cummings in his reform activity the stigma of self interest.  Even those against whose business he campaigned would doubtless have confessed a degree of respect for the man whom they fought.  In this fact resides a clew to the fundamental thing in Mr. Cummings' character.  He did not court popularity.  In the 'hale fellow' sense he never acquired it.  He was too unequivocal for that.  Possessing convictions of the most positive type, he acted in every case according to them.  In the ordinary sense, he was not a tolerant man.  His tolerance, that is, did not extend to the things or the people that he felt to be evil.  But he was benevolent.  He was in a large way generous of his substance.  He impressed folks with his genuineness.  Mr. Cummings was a competent business man.  As a member of the Third Presbyterian church in Sioux City he was prominent for his leadership and helpfulness.  He was a trustee of Buena Vista College, a Presbyterian institution, and on the occasion of the last campaign to raise funds for the school his was the largest contribution in Sioux City.  Although nearly sixty-seven, he seemed youthful physically and was youthful spiritually.  The last months of his life were associated unforgetably with the fight to make prohibition a part of the constitution of Iowa.  He sometimes said that if he could know the issue would be settled right at the election of October 15 he would die happy.  There is no reason why the inspiration which his positive life afforded should not continue in its potency a long time after October 15 shall have become also a memory."

"George H. Cummings has finished his life work.  How great that work has been, only the generations to follow can estimate.  A man of deep convictions, strong, forceful personality, untiring energy. and withal a broad humanity that called for personal sacrifice that good might come to his fellowmen.  It has been our privilege to be more or less intimately associated with Mr. Cummings at times during the past thirty years, particularly in those days when he saw and followed a vision, far in advance of most of his coworkers.  With George Knox and Haddock he saw that temperance was only one phase of Christian living.  He made it a life work to bring about, so far as in him lay, legalized temperance in the state and nation.  The work then taken on was never laid down; he died in the harness, so to speak, one of the foremost workers for constitutional prohibition.  His vision taught him that prohibition was right.  That was all that was necessary to urge him to his utmost to bring about the supremacy of right.  Another vision that Mr. Cummings had was that the Christian field in Sioux City was ripe for the harvest and that he as a Christian woed it to the people to use what energy he could to propagate the cause of Christ throughout the city.  An official member of the First Presbyterian church, he severed his pleasant relations there to go out into the field and garner the sheaves.  The beginnings and struggles and early history of each of the Presbyterian churches clustered around the parent church in the city, speak eloquently of the man Cummings.  The Second, now the Knox, Presbyterian church was built around his personality.  His personal effort and energy was manifest in the inception and starting of each of the other Presbyterian churches of the city, and particularly the Third Presbyterian church, east of the viaduct, where he has spent his later years in building up a community, which many a man with less of Christian spirit would have avoided, as a field for useful activity.  He was broad in his activities.  A very busy man in the business of his life work, the seed business, to which he had devoted the past thirty years as secretary of the Sioux City Seed Company, he still found time to help the fallen, to show the path of light to those in darkness, and to relieve beyond the measure of most men, the want and suffering around him.  In his tragic death his family, his friends, his business associates, the community and city in which he lived, the state and nation, have lost a Christian man, four square, dependable and faithful unto the last."