~ A. B. Palmer ~

Among the professional men of Newton is the popular and efficient dentist whose name introduces this sketch. Doctor Palmer was born on a farm in Jones County, Iowa, January 9, 1865, the son of Stephen A. and Angeline (Bennett) Palmer. The former was a native of the Empire State, having been born in Genesee County, and his father, whose name was also Stephen, was a native of Canada. Coming to the United States at an early period in history, he located in New York, where he married Miss Allen, a relative of that grand patriot of Revolutionary fame, Ethan Allen. Grandfather Palmer took part in the War of 1812.

The mother of our subject, Angeline Bennett, was born in Ohio. She had two brothers, Eber and Elan. The former lost his life while fighting for his country, and the latter followed the occupation of farming. She also had a sister, who was the wife of Dr. Stephen Collins, a surgeon in the War of the Rebellion, who was taken prisoner and confined in Andersonville and Libby Prisons, enduring the privations incident to prison life. He never recovered from the effects of the hardships and suffering, and soon after being released he forfeited his life, like many other brave soldiers, for the love of the Union.

The father and mother of our subject were educated at Oberlin, Ohio, and before receiving their diplomas they had decided to share each other's lot. After having been united in marriage, they came directly to Iowa, where the subject of, this sketch first saw the light. The early part of his life was spent under the parental roof. He received his education at Monticello and at tile age of sixteen he entered the Iowa College, which he attended at intervals for three years, at the same time devoting a portion of his time to teaching. He studied dentistry at the Iowa State University, and afterward took a course at the Post-Graduate College of Chicago. In 1887 he opened an office at Newton and began his successful career as a dentist. Subsequently be went to Chicago, and completing his studies, was graduated in 1891.

Realizing that it was not best for man to live alone, Doctor Palmer found a helpmate in the person of Miss Minnie A. Beatty, a daughter of Hon. J. Beatty, of Newton. They are the parents of one child, Margaret Esther. Doctor Palmer is a member of the Knights of Pythias. In religious connections he and his wife are members of the Methodist Church. Page 560.

~ Hess D. Parsons ~

Hess D. Parsons, one of Jasper County's most popular and influential residents, and Malaka Township's most successful stock-raiser and dairymen, is the descendant of a wealthy Virginia family. His grandfather, George Parsons, was throughout his entire life a resident of West Virginia, where he was an extensive slave owner and man of wealth. He was a prominent and enthusiastic Democrat, and a farmer by occupation. A large, portly man, he had a powerful physique, and retained until his death, at seventy, the vigor which had characterized him in life's prime.

The father of our subject, George Parsons, was born the old plantation in West Virginia, and was reared to manhood in that state, receiving excellent educational advantages in his youth. He learned the trades of a blacksmith and wagon maker, and manufactured the wagon in which the family came to Iowa. His wife, whom he married in 1827, bore the maiden name of Susanna Harper and was of Dutch ancestry, her father having been a native of Holland. After his marriage, George Parsons received from his father a small tract of timberland, upon which he cleared a space of sufficient size to admit the erection of a cabin. That place continued to be his home until 1843, and in the meantime be suffered all the hardships incident to life upon the frontier. His father had offered him a slave, but, being opposed to the institution, he refused to accept the gift.

As early as 1843 George Parsons came to Iowa, traversing the entire distance from the Old Dominion to the Hawkeye State in a wagon, his family coming at the same time in a carriage drawn by four horses. The trip was attended by many hardships and discomforts, and all were glad when their destination was reached. For a time they resided east of Newton, after which they came to Malaka Township, where the father entered three hundred; and-twenty acres and also purchased a tract of eighty acres of partly improved land. The lumber for his house he hauled from Burlington, and by arduous labor finally improved a farm. In those days harvesting was done in the old crude way, harrows were made in the shape of the letter A, and other farming machinery was equally crude in design. Mr. Parsons brought him a corn plow, but the nature of the soil there was such that he was unable to use it successfully.

A man of great energy, George Parsons was prospered in his farming and stock-raising enterprises. Among his prominent characteristics may be mentioned close observation, careful reflection, soundness of Judgment, practical views and a wide range of interest. His faculties were well balanced and he was, perhaps, inclined to conservative rather than radical views and actions. He was public spirited, always deeply interested in what ever he thought promised to advance the well-being of society. He was one of the men, of whom the number is none too large, who give their time, knowledge and thought, almost without reservation, to promote public interests and private happiness. While he moved in the best circles of Jasper County, he was well known to the cultivated and poor, who trusted and loved him. He had wide circle of acquaintances and friends, to whom his pleasant home was always open. His house stood for cheer, counsel and hospitality. It was therefore a source of regret to all when, in 1856, Mr. Parsons passed away, at the age of fifty-four years. He possessed a deeper religious nature, and for many years was connected with the Methodist Church at Newton. Though eight miles away, every Sunday found the family in their accustomed places at church, to which they rode on horseback, there being a horse for every member of the family. The widowed mother of our subject is still living, and makes her home with her sister in Newton.

The subject of this sketch was born in West Virginia, April 17, 1843, and was less than a year old when brought by his parent to Iowa. Being the eldest son at home in the family, a large part of the work fell upon his shoulders, and at an early age be was initiated into the duties connected with rural life. His opportunities for attending school were limited, but through reading and self-culture, he has become well informed. He was one of thirteen children, of whom six are now living, viz.: Alvernon, who lives in Newton; Harper J., a resident of California; Geraldine, the wife of James Mendenhaw, of Montana; Hess D., of this sketch; George W., an inventor of numerous machines and a resident of Newton; and Newman L., whose home is in Newton Township, Jasper County.

Residing with his mother until twenty-six years of age, our subject was theft united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of George Wydell, a native of Pennsylvania. The Wydell family came to Newton, Iowa, in the year 1866, where the father followed the occupation of a fanner. He was a carpet weaver by trade, and had charge of an establishment while residing in Lebanon County, PA. Mr. and Mrs. Parsons are the parents of three children, the eldest of whom, Hattie Bell, died at the age of seven months. Lula and Mary Pearl are the surviving children.

In 1882, Mr. Parsons embarked in the creamery business on small scale, but has constantly increased his facilities until the present time, when the output of butter averages thirty-three hundred pounds per day; he has churned as high as five thousand pounds per day. The most improved machinery is used in the creamery, and the products marketed, principally in Philadelphia, New York and Baltimore. In 1887 all the buildings burned to the ground, causing total loss, as there was no insurance. Mr. Parsons decided not to rebuild, but friends and neighbors prevailed upon him to change his determination, and assisted him by drawing bricks and sand for him. The houses were rebuilt, and in three weeks the creamy resumed operations. Formerly he kept as many as eighty milk cows, but be does not now do so.

In addition to his dairy interests, Mr. Parsons engages in stock-raising and has a herd of Short-horn cattle numbering about, ninety head of the purest blood. Among them is the celebrated animal, "Band Master," which was bred by Amos Crookshank in Scotland, and imported by Luther Adams. This herd took the first premium at the Iowa State Fair, the purse being $250. Mr. Parsons is also the owner of an animal which took the first premium ay the World Fair. He owns about sixty horses, among them the well-known "Toronto," of Percheron stock, which was imported by George Metz, of Palo, IL. Poland-China hogs also command some attention, and Mr. Parsons has about four hundred of very fine stock.

The Parsons farm resembles a small village, having on every hand buildings of various sizes, each adapted to its peculiar purpose. Mr. Parsons is a man of exemplary habits, and has never used tobacco or intoxicating drinks. Politically, he has voted twenty-eight Republican tickets, and expects to continue voting that ticket so long as he lives.

From the perusal of the above, one might conclude that Mr. Parsons has been an exceptionally fortunate man, and such, in some respects, he has been. However, he has had his share of misfortunes, and his life has not been smooth sailing. In 1867, on account of an accident in a threshing machine it was found necessary to amputate his left arm at the shoulder. Three times have wagons run over him, and once he was lost for one day on the prairie, where his feet were frozen, he being rescued when almost perished with hunger and cold. He is a man of powerful physique, brawny and muscular, well fitted by nature and individual preference for the career of pioneer, farmer, stock raiser and dairyman. p. 182.

~ Stephen H. Patterson ~

Stephen H. Patterson, the owner and occupant of a beautiful rural home adjoining Newton on the east, was born in Newark, NJ, February 7, 1843, and is the second of four children comprising the family of Robert and Sarah F. (Taylor) Patterson. Grandfather Daniel Patterson was a Scotchman by birth and a man of liberal education and an influential member of the Presbyterian Church. While on his way to this country with his family, in mid ocean Robert, his third child, was born.

Reaching the United States, tee family settled in New Jersey. Referring to their history we find that one of the sons, William, became a prominent quarryman and furnished large quantities of stone for the Catholic Cathedral at Philadelphia. He is now an extensive property owner and is living retired in Newark, N J. Samuel, formerly a successful businessman, is living retired in Newark; he is an old bachelor. Barbara married a Mr. Conn, a quarryman of New Jersey, who died more than forty years ago; she resides in Newark. Robert, the third child of the family, at the age of fourteen, commenced to learn the trade of a spring maker, becoming an expert in this business. He is said to have made the first car springs manufactured in the United States. For many years he was foreman in the spring shop located at the corner of Clay and Spring Streets, Newark. Subsequently he worked for two years in the shops at Pittsburgh, PA, whence be returned to Newark.

October 10, 1839, Robert, Patterson married Miss Sarah F. Taylor, a native of New Jersey, who was born near Bloomfield. She was the daughter of Stephen Taylor and a descendant of an old and distinguished New Jersey family. Her brother, John Taylor, was among the first who went to California in 1849, and still makes his home in that state. Another brother, George, learned the cabinet-maker's trade in Newark and went to Georgia, where he followed that occupation. In 1854 he came to Iowa and located at Newton, where he now lives. Cornelia, the only sister of Mr. Patterson, died when a young lady.

Robert Patterson continued to work at his trade in Newark from the time he was married until 1853, when he entered land in Jasper County, Iowa, north of the Skunk River, on the southwest quarter of section 30, Mariposa Township. In the 8pring of 1854 he came west as far as Iowa City, accompanied by his wife and their youngest child, Robert Clinton. The two eldest children, one of whom was our subject, had been left with their grandparents and uncles in New Jersey. In the fall of 1854 the family located in Newton, and in the spring of the following year Mrs. Patterson went east to buy goods with which to open the millinery store at that place. Returning, she brought the other two children with he and they spent the two ensuing years in Newton. They then removed to a farm in this county, where the father died to the spring of l861, leaving a large estate. The widowed mother continued to live on the farm for some years and then located temporarily in Iowa City for the purpose of educating her son Clinton in the State University. She died at Iowa City in 1871, aged fifty-six years.

Of six children comprising the parental family two died young, namely: Sarah Virginia, who died in July 1854, at the age of one year and three months; and Robert Clinton, who was born in January 1846, and died September 22, 1846. Those living are sketched as follows: Cornelia B. was born in Newark, NJ, March 19, 1841, and now resides in Brooklyn, NY; Robert Clinton, who was born June 27, 1850, was named for an older son that died before he was born; he was educated at the Iowa State University, graduating from the law department. He was admitted to the Bar and is now a resident of Boulder, CO.

Forest Taylor, the youngest of the family, was born in Jasper County December 11,1858. He was educated at Newton and in the commercial college at Davenport, and for several years has been in the Employ of the United States Express Company at Newton.

When the family came west, the subject of this sketch was a child of eleven. He remained with his uncle, John Patterson in Newark until his mother brought him to Iowa in February 1855. He grew to manhood upon his father's farm, receiving a liberal education in the schools of the district and in the Iowa City Commercial College, which he entered in 1864. After visiting his relatives in Newark he returned to Jasper County, and August 25,1866, married Miss Hannah Woods, who was born in Jefferson County, Ohio. The parents of Mrs. Patterson, William and Elizabeth (Medag) Woods, came to Iowa in 1865 and settled near what is now Kilduff, IA, Jasper County. Mr. Woods, who was a native of Ohio, died in this county February 2, 1892, aged sixty-eight years, nine months and ten days. He was a prominent member of the Methodist Church, a Mason socially, and in polities a Republican, and during the Civil War served in an Ohio regiment. His widow also a native of Ohio, still lives on the old homestead.

In a family of eleven children, Mrs. Patterson was next to the eldest. John, a farmer residing in Jasper County, was twice married, the last time with Sarah Morgett. He has one son born of his first union. Margaret Rebecca married William A. Moberly and lives at Dexter, Iowa. Mary Adeline, the wife of Milford Young, is a resident of Warren County. Henry married Anna Leach and they live near Kellogg. Alexander F. married Miss Price Murphy, daughter of John Murphy, for whom the station Murphy was named. William, who is single, resides with his mother near Kellogg, as do also James and Grant. Emma, the wife of Melvin Smith, lives in Sioux County, Iowa. Sarah Matilda, who became the wife of David Donahey, resides near Kellogg.

After his marriage Mr. Patterson worked for a time hauling railroad ties for the Rock Island Railroad Company, and it is said that he did more in that line than any other man in the business for the same length of time. Later he settled in Mariposa Township, Jasper County, whence he removed to Kellogg Township. In 1872 he located on his mother's farm north of Newton and there remained until 1875, when he removed to Newton. During his entire active life he has been a great Christian worker. Reared in the Presbyterian faith, he became greatly interested in the good work being done by the American Tract Society, and in 1875 he commenced to distribute tracts for that association. This he followed in connection with his other business (dealing in stock). In 1877 he returned to his farm north of Newton, although even then, when pressed with business cares he devoted much of his time to Christian work.

In the spring of 1883 Mr. Patterson, with others organized a Sunday school at Laurel, Marshall County, of which he was chosen Superintendent, serving in that capacity for three years. In the spring of 1887 he took charge of the Sunday school work at Van Cleve, Marshall County, and during the ensuing winter, he aided in the organization of the Jasper County Sunday school Association, of which he was elected President. Through his several agencies he distributed something more than two hundred Bibles and Testaments. May 1, 1888, he was appointed by the Jasper County Sunday school Association and commissioned by the American Sunday school Union as a missionary in the Jasper County Sunday-school work, and since that time his life and energies have been given to this great work. To show the amount of labor he has put into the cause and the great good accomplished, we will give a brief statement of the work, as follows: Schools organized, sixty-seven; teachers, two hundred and ninety-six; schools, two thousand and thirteen; Schools reorganized, thirty-seven; teachers, one hundred and forty-four; scholars, one thousand and thirty-five. Schools visited, one hundred and thirty; teachers, six hundred and seventy; scholars, six thousand and- forty-eight. Visits previously reported, one hundred and forty-four; teachers, six hundred and eighty-three; scholars, four thousand, nine hundred and sixty-five; addresses delivered, seven hundred and six; conventions held or assisted in holding, eighty; tracts distributed, thirteen thousand; Superintendent's texts, twenty-one thousand and three hundred: Bibles and Testaments, twelve hundred and fourteen; missionary letters written, two thousand and seventy eight; miles traveled, twenty-one thousand two hundred eighty.

Since 1888, Mr. Patterson has devoted his attention exclusively to his chosen work, in which he has accomplished a great amount of good. He is one of those hard-working, upright Christians that have done so much to bring light out of darkness and to show those cast down by sorrow and affliction that "Behind the clouds the sun is still shining." Mr. and Mrs. Patterson were the parents of nine children, namely: Sarah E., who is the wife of Charles Beshears of South Dakota; Ida May, who married Ralph Itskin of Kellogg; Nettie C. the wife of John Wells, of South Dakota; Mary J.; Samuel E, who was drowned, in August 1893; Stephen II, William B., Lillian H. and Walter L., who live at home. Mr. Patterson was formerly an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, but is now connected with the Congregational Church. In 1892 he went to his beautiful home on his extensive farm just east Newton, where he now resides his sons looking after the farm work, while he attends to the duties connected with his religious labors. p. 175.

~ Samuel S. Patterson ~

Samuel S. Patterson, a prominent attorney at Newton, was born near Rochester, N. Y., April 17,1835, and is a son of Hans and Jane (Stuart) Patterson. The father, who was of Scotch-Irish descent, was born in the Empire State about the year 1799, and died when in the prime of life. Jane Stuart, the mother, was of Scotch ancestry, and was a member of a family of note by that name. She died in 1884, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. Our subject was the eldest of a family, which consisted of three brothers and two sisters. His eldest brother, James, was the Captain of a whaling vessel, and died on board ship while on his way to the Sandwich Islands in 1860. His sister Agnes was married to James W. McCabe, who was for many years a manufacturer of carriages at Hamilton, Ontario. He died in 1875, and she is now living in San Francisco, Cal., with her two sons and a daughter, her sons having prominent positions with the Southern Pacific Railroad.

When Samuel was five years old, his father went to Hamilton, Ontario, where he owned and operated a mill and a farm. About two years later the father died, and his mother sold the mill, but with her sons operated the farm. Samuel lived there until seventeen years of age, when he went to New York and entered the high school, from which he graduated two years later. He then learned the coach-making trade in New York City, and followed that until 1860, when he went to Ohio, and read law in Cincinnati for one year. There he was residing when the war clouds burst upon the land, and, at the first call for troops, he left his studies, and on the 19th of April 1861, joined Company F, of the Twelfth Ohio Infantry, as a private. After five months' service, he returned to Ohio and resumed the study of law at Tiffin, and in June 1862, was admitted to the Bar. In the early part of 1863, Mr. Patterson once more entered the army, being appointed to a Captaincy, and served on the General's staff. He was in the Virginia Campaign with Rosecrans and Mc Clellan, and participated in the first battle of Bull Run, both battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, and the Shenandoah Valley campaign under General Sheridan, and was present at the surrender of General Lee at the close of the war. He was on the staff of General Custis, with head- quarters at Lynchburg, Department Southwest Virginia, and served until the fall of 1865. During his long service he saw much hardship, and at Cedar Creek his horse was shot from under him. He served on the staff of many leading generals, and was a brave and fearless soldier. After his service in the army, which closed in the fall of 1865, he received a Government appointment in southwestern Virginia as Inspector of Internal Revenue, which position he held for one year, and then returned to Tiffin, Ohio.

In June 1866, while in the Government employ, Mr. Patterson was united in marriage with Miss Anna M. Davis, a lady of much culture, and a daughter of Levi Davis, one of Tiffin's wealthiest citizens. In 1868, he came to Iowa, and located in Kellogg, Jasper County, where his wife had a brother in business. After practicing his profession at that place for eight years, he came to Newton, where he has been in the active practice of the law ever since, with the exception of the time President Cleveland's first administration, when J he held the position under the general Government of Indian Agent of the Navajo Indians in New Mexico. His service in that capacity proved his possession of great ability and excellent judgment.

In 1885, Mr. Patterson was a candidate for State Senator on the Democratic ticket, but as his party was in the minority, he failed to secure the election. He was for several years a partner of Judge Cook, who for a long time has been the attorney for the Northwestern Railway Company. He is a prominent high-degree Mason, and is Past Master of the blue lodge. In Grand Army circles he is a leader, and has frequently been Commander of the post. He has served in the City Council, and has also served as President of the Board of Education. In religious connections he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Both are workers in the church, and she is a prominent worker in the Sunday school. Page 578

~ Marion W. Pease ~

Marion W. Pease, one of the most prominent farmers of Poweshiek Township, Jasper County, was born in Richland County, Ohio, April 8, 1846. He was the son of Andrew and Joanna M. Pease, and one of a family of six surviving brothers and sisters who are proud to call themselves children of the "old veteran," Andrew Pease. At the age of eight years he came with his parents to the state of Iowa, and obtained his education in the country schools of this new section, attending as opportunity offered until be was fourteen years old, when he began life on his own account as a farmer on leased lands. At the age of twenty-two be purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved prairie land, and soon after sold one-half of it. After cultivating this place for six years, in which time he had greatly increased the value of the property, he exchanged it for the eighty acres upon which he now resides. This farm he has converted into a veritable garden, and has improved it with a fine residence, good outbuildings, including large and well appointed barns, in which he houses the valuable horses that are the chief product of his industry. He makes a specialty of raising high-grade Hambletonian roadsters, bred from pureblooded stock and carefully selected for particular qualities of speed and bottom. A portion of his farm he uses in raising corn, oats and hay, more for his own use than for market. A fine orchard and vineyard contribute to the comfort of the family.

In 1868 Mr. Pease married Miss Kate A. LeFevre, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Joseph R. and Elizabeth (Snyder) LeFevre, who were originally from Pennsylvania, and later settled upon a farm in this state. The mother of Mrs. Pease died in 1874, and the father in 1876. Their family was large, consisting of eleven children: W. L., now a resident of Monroe, Iowa; Mary M., widow of John Cartwright; Isaac H., who was Captain of a company in the Eighty-eighth Indiana Regiment, and was killed at the battle of Chickamauga; E1len R., wife of Robert Ogden, a resident of the state of Washington; Fannie, Sarah Adams and Esta Sams, deceased; Kate A., wife of the subject of this history; J. P., a physician residing in San Francisco, Cal.; D. F., Cashier of a bank in the state of Washington and Erimina C., wife of Frederick Frisby, of Colorado Springs, Colo.

Marion W. Pease enlisted in 1863 in Company B, Forty-eighth Iowa Infantry, as a private, and served mainly on garrison duty at Rock Island and Chicago. His company was never ordered to the front and little opportunity was afforded for advancement. He, however, held the non-commissioned office of Corporal in his company. He is a member of River Side Lodge No. 889, A. F. & A. M., and is Junior Vice-Commander of E. D. Duncan Post, G. A. R., of Colfax. Mr. and Mrs. Pease have had three children. Isaac and Linnie J. are at home; Pearl they lost in infancy. Page 403.

~ William H. Phillips ~

William H. Phillips, a prominent and well-known citizen who is now serving as Trustee of Sherman Township, Jasper County follows farming on section 24. He is widely and favorably known in this community, where be has made his home since 1860. He was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, February 20, 1832, and is the son of Henry and Maria (Wise) Phillips, the former a native of England, and the latter of Maryland. The father was born in 1805, and when eighteen years of age immigrated to America, locating in Ohio. Of his children, seven yet survive: Elizabeth, wife of John Scarbrough; William H.; Thomas R.; Henry H.; Mary A., wife of Simon Bair; Maria Jane, wife of John Allfree; and Martha, wife of W. H. Morris.

Our subject spent the first eight years of his life in his native country, and then, with his parents removed to Knox County, Ohio, in 1840. He there grew to manhood, spending his youth in aiding in the labors of the farm, or in attending the subscription and district schools of the neighborhood, where he acquired his education. During his early boyhood, we find him in a log schoolhouse, which was furnished with slab seats and a writing desk made of boards resting upon wooden pins inserted into .the wall. The roof was made of clapboards, and the building was heated with an immense fireplace.

After arriving at years of maturity, Mr. Phillips was married in Ohio, in August 1859, to Miss Sarah V. Walters, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of Aaron Walters. By their union have been born five children, three of whom are yet living: William F, Charles H. and Sadie D. Three now deceased are Annie M. and Hattie B.

In 1860, Mr. Phillips determined to seek his fortune in the west, and came with his family to Iowa, locating in Jasper County. The journey was made with a two-horse team and wagon had a horse and buggy. At night they camped along the wayside and in the morning resumed their journey. After twenty-eight days of travel they reached their destination. Mr. Phillips located upon the farm which is still his home, but the highly cultivated, tract of today been little resemblance to the tract of unbroken prairie, which he purchased. He now owns a well-improved farm of two hundred and eighty acres and in connection with its cultivation he raises a good grade of stock. His possessions have all been acquired through his own efforts and stand as monuments to his enterprise.

Mr. Phillips has served as Constable of Sherman Township and is now filling the office of Trustee. For nineteen years he has been connected with the School Board, and for thirteen years was Treasurer of the township school fund. His public duties have always been discharged in a prompt and able manner, which has won him the high commendation of all concerned. In polities he is a strong Republican, and socially was in former years identified with the Odd Fellows' Society. The best interests of the community ever find in Mr. Phillips a friend, who is ready to aid in the advancement of all enterprises calculated to prove of public good. p. 193.

~ James Poage ~

James Poage, a farmer residing in Malaka Township, Jasper County, owns and operates two hundred and twenty acres of finely improved land. He is the grandson of Col. James Poage, a native of Virginia, who, removing to Ohio, owned and platted the village of Ripley. A man of excellent judgment and keen intuitive powers, he became wealthy and was numbered among the moneyed men of his community. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Woods, was of Irish decent, her mother having immigrated from the Emerald Isle to America in 1739. They had a family of thirteen children, of whom only one now survives.

The father of our subject, George G. Poage, was born in Brown County, Ohio, in 1809, and now resides in Norfolk, NE, making his home with a daughter. In former years he was a prominent preacher in the Presbyterian and Congregational Churches, but has now retired from the ministry. For a number of years he held pastorates in Ross and Logan Counties, Ohio, and from there removed about 1855 to La Salle County, IL, spending two years there. Later he settled in Jasper County, Iowa, residing here until 1889, since which time he has lived in Nebraska.

The marriage of George G. Poage united him with Miss Jane Riggs, a native of Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of five children, namely: James, of this sketch; Stephen W., who served as Captain of Company I, Tenth Iowa infantry, and was killed at the battle of Champion Hills, in May 1863; George C. and Mary Ann, who died at the respective ages of seven and three years; and Arabella, Mrs. Albert Dungan, who lives in Norfolk, NE. The wife and mother died March 1, 1889. She was an exemplary Christian woman, a true helpmate to her husband and tenderly devoted to the welfare of her children, Rev. Mr. Poage was, in former years, strong in his advocacy of abolition, and he is now equally firm in his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Born in Ross County, Ohio, September 3, 1834, our subject in his youth attended such schools as the period afforded. After conducting his studies in the high schools and spending one year in college, he commenced to teach school in Jasper County, following the profession there and in other places for five years. Meantime he devoted the summer seasons to farm work, and in 1866 discontinued teaching, and afterward gave his attention exclusively to farming. On October 27,1859, he married Miss Harriet E. daughter of Robert Scott, who was born in Waterbury, Conn., in 1836. At the age of fifteen he accompanied his parents to New York, and thence two years later removed to Geauga County, Ohio. At the age of twenty-four he went to Indiana, where he soon after ward purchased a small farm near Evansville, Warrick County. After spending eight years there, he came to Iowa, in 1848, but unfortunately lost $400, almost all he had, in falling off a boat. Locating in Scott County, near Davenport, he cleared and improved a small farm, where for a time he made his home.

Mr. Scott married Miss Matilda, daughter of Cyrus Earl, of Ohio, and they become the parent's of ten children, as follows: Rosetta M., the widow of Porter McKinstrey, and a resident of Nebraska; Lydia M., the wife of Thomas Dulin, of Nebraska, Harriet E., the wife of our subject; Ermina J., who lives in Nebraska; Emma A., wife of Lee Preston, of Iowa; Robert M., deceased; Lucian S., of Iowa; Mary A., deceased; Frank M. and Edgar C., both of whom live in Iowa. The father of this family located in Poweshiek Township, Jasper County, about 1855, and remained there until his death, which occurred February 22, 1875. In politics he was a Republican and in religious matters affiliated with the Congregational Church, in which he was a Deacon.

Mrs. Poage was born in Warrick County, IN, January 31, 1842, and by her marriage has become the mother of nine children, viz.: Stephen W., of Malaka Township; James M., whose home is in Baxter, this county; Robert A., a resident of Malaka Township; Frank and Leslie N., who are engaged in teaching school in Utah; Herbert E., Grace H. and Lucian S., who are at home; and George E., who died in infancy. In politics a Republican, Mr. Poage has served in a number of township offices and for many years was Justice of the Peace. In religious connections he and his wife hold membership in the Congregational Church. While he docs not engage actively in the tilling of the soil, as in the past, he still superintends the management of the farm, which under his intelligent supervision is one of the most productive in the county. p. 240.

~ Andrew J. Porter ~

Andrew J. Porter, who ranks among the prosperous agriculturists of Fairview Township, Jasper County, was born in Decatur County, IN, July 17, 1840. His parents, John and Sarah (Michael) Porter were natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively. Grandfather Porter was a native of Pennsylvania, and served his country in her struggle for independence. His father in turn came to this country from Ireland when a young man.

0ur subject is the ninth of eleven children in the parental family. They are as follows: Nancy, James, Isaac, Casper, Philip, John, Tamer, William, Andrew J., Elizabeth and Robert. The mother of this family died when attaining her seventy-ninth year. The father came to Iowa in 1858, and one year later settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which Andrew J. now owns. He was a sagacious and industrious man and a Democrat in his political affiliations. He died at the age of seventy-four years.

Andrew J. Porter, in 1862, enlisted in the late war in Company G, Twenty-third Iowa Infantry. He was not in many famous battles as his army life was spent, mostly west of the Mississippi. He served faithfully until the close of the conflict when in the spring of 1865 was honorably discharged at Mound City, IL. On account of a slight disability he now receives a small pension. Andrew J. remained under the parental roof until the death of his worthy parents, when ha bought the old homestead and there resided until 1882. At that time he carne to Fairmount, this county, and engaged in the grain and lumber business, in which he has since been very successful.

Our subject is a man of good mental endowments, frank and straightforward, and is highly regarded by all who know him or have had dealings with him. The Grand Army of the Republic claims him as one of its lending members, being connected with Shelledy Lodge No. 84, at Monroe. He is also a member of the Free & Accepted Masons. Religiously he belongs to the Baptist Church and politically is always in favor of the candidates of the Democracy. p. 215.

~ Isaac Porter ~

Farming and stock-raising have formed the chief occupation of this gentleman, and the wide-awake manner in which he has taken advantage of every method and idea tending towards the enhanced value of his property has had considerable to do with his success in life. In addition to being a successful stockman, whose opinions on all matters pertaining to that industry carry with them much weight in the county, Mr. Porter is a man of broad intelligence and has given much attention to questions of public import. He is now the proprietor of the Porter Stock Farm, one of the largest and best in Jasper County.

Originally from the Hoosier State, Mr. Porter was born in Decatur County, August 21,1826, and his parents, John and Sarah (Michael) Porter, were natives of Virginia, the former born in July 1793, and the latter in 1801. Our subject's grandfather, David Porter, was a native of Scotland, and he and four brothers came to this country at an early date, landing in New York City. David and one brother remained in New York, but the others went on to Boston, Mass., and finally all trace of them was lost. David went from New York to Virginia, served seven years in the Revolutionary War, and participated in the battles of Brandywine and Bunker Hill, being wounded during his service. He subsequently moved to Indiana, where he was one of the pioneers. He was twice married, and the father of our subject was next to the eldest of three sons. The latter was a soldier in the War of 1812. His brother David died in Indiana, and Alexander died in Decatur County, Ind., in 1891, when ninety-one years of age.

John Porter, the father of our subject, was a man of more than ordinary ability and was quite prominent in politics. He accumulated considerable wealth and came to Iowa, where his death occurred in 1868. He married Miss Michael, daughter of Philip Michael, a native of Pennsylvania, and one of the pioneers of Decatur County, Ind., where he passed the closing scenes of his life. Our subject was third in order of birth of thirteen children, all but one of whom grew to mature years, and eight of whom are now living. He was early trained to the duties of the farm and received a good practical education. After growing up, he taught school for five years, and in 1853 came to Iowa. While in Indiana he worked on a farm for $10 per month. After he had accumulated some means he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, paying $100 down. Soon afterward he sold this at a profit of $1,000 anti bought land near Prairie City.

From that time to the present Mr. Porter has prospered, and he now owns one of the largest and finest stock farms in the county, being counted one of the wealthiest men of his locality. His farm consists of about eight hundred acres, on which he has some of the finest imported horses. Of late years he has been taking life easy and his children look alter his farming interests. Mr. Porter was married in 1859 to Miss Mary Hayes, a native of Henry County, Ind. Her father, William Hayes, was a native of North Carolina, born in 1814, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Jasper County, Iowa, settling here as early as 1846, and was one of the wealthiest men of the county. He is still living, but has given his large fortune to his children, with whom he now finds a pleasant home. His wife, whose maiden name was Anna Wyatt, was born in Virginia, and died in 1884. Her father was killed by the Indians.

Mr. and Mrs. Porter have had four children, as follows: Anna married John Strain in 1878, and lives on a part of her father's farm; she is the mother of three children, Eugene, James and John. Sarah married Ferdinand Rosenow in 1882, and now lives on the farm with her parents; they have had two children, Mary and Cora. Nancy married Charles Van Dike in January 1893, and lives on his own farm. The only son, Andrew Jackson Porter, died in 1875, when eleven years of age. Our subject has been a life long Democrat and has filled many of the local offices in his county, the most prominent being County Supervisor, Township Trustee, etc. He is a prominent Mason. Page 597.

~ Reverend Edwin T. Preston ~

Reverend Edwin T. Preston, a venerable and representative citizen of Sherman Township, Jasper County, now living on section 2, is a native of Campbell County, VA. He was born March 14, 1813, and is a son of Peter and Abbie (Hole) Preston. His father was born in Virginia, and was of English lineage. In 1635, two families by the name of Preston left England and immigrated to the New World. Soon after two more families of the same name crossed the broad Atlantic, and all located in New England. A fifth family left Yorkshire, England, and settled in Backs County, PA, in 1718. William Preston was the founder of the family to which our subject belongs. Three uncles of Edwin served in the War of 1812, and another uncle fought in the Indian War later on.

When our subject was a lad of twelve summers he removed with his parents to Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1825, becoming early settlers of that locality. There he was reared amid the wild scenes of pioneer life, and aided in clearing and developing a farm. The subscription schools afforded him his early education, and he afterwards attended a Quaker select school. Though his privileges were limited, he has been a student all his life and has become a well-informed man. For several winters in Ohio, he engaged in teaching school, and then studied law under E. R. Eckley, of Carroll County, Ohio, for two years, after which he was admitted to the Bar. In 1842, he began the study of Bible theology, and after several years, in 1857, was duly ordained as an Elder and engaged in ministerial work for some years.

On the 30th of May 1844, Mr. Preston wedded Mary J. Chambers, who was horn in Washtenaw County, Michigan, June 15, 1825, and is a daughter of Thomas and Prudence (Morton) Chambers, the former a native of Ireland, and the latter of Massachusetts. Her parents were early settlers' of Washtenaw County, and Mrs. Preston is said to have been one of the first white children born in the city of Ann Arbor, a portion of which her father at one time owned. During her girlhood the family removed to Washington County, Ohio, and she was there reared. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Preston were born the following children: William S., a graduate of the law department of the Iowa State University, now in Sioux City, Iowa.

Rev. Charles W., a graduate of the Iowa State University and the Yale Theological School, now pastor of the Congregational Church in Curtis, NE; Rev. Abi L., who graduated from the medical department of the Iowa State University, and went as a missionary to Turkey several years ago, but owing to failing health was forced to return home, and is now located in Magnolia, Iowa, as pastor of the Congregational Church; Junius W., formerly a student in the Iowa State University, and the present Assessor of Sherman Township; Rev. Hartwell L., who graduated at the State University, was a student in the Chicago Theological Seminary, and is now pastor of the Congregational Church in Rico, CO.; Edwin E., an artist by profession, who served, as one of the Columbian Guards at the World's Fair in Chicago; George A., a noted vocalist and musician, who sang for one year at St. Paul's Church in Chicago, and is now teaching vocal and instrumental music in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and acting as leader of the Congregational choir at that place; and Carrie, who is conducting a kindergarten in Newton, Iowa.

In 1855, Rev. Mr. Preston of this sketch left Ohio, and came with his family to Jasper County, Iowa. At length he located on his present farm, which comprises two hundred acres of valuable land, and to the cultivation and development of which he has since devoted his energies. He was also one of the early surveyors of the county, beginning that work here in 1855. He served for six years as County Surveyor and has followed that work in Ohio and Iowa for almost half a century. In 1840, Rev. Mr. Preston was secretary of a convention, in Columbiana County, Ohio, which met to organize the Liberty Party, and the platform adopted by that organization was the foundation of the Republican Party. Mr. Preston has always been a strong advocate of temperance and now votes with the Republican Party. For many years he and his estimable wife have been identified with the Congregational Church and have been prominent and benevolent in church work. Through out the community they are held in the highest regard, and it is with pleasure that we present to our reader this record of their life work.p. 192.

~ William Pritchard ~

William Pritchard, President of the Mitchellville Savings Bank, and for many years a successful farmer of Washington Township, Jasper County, furnishes in his life an example well worthy of the emulation of the young and the admiration of the old. A penniless lad of thirteen when he came to America, his early experiences were of such a nature as to discourage a boy less determined and energetic than he. For three years (1852-53-54) he was employed as porter or errand boy in a Philadelphia store, receiving $1 per week in return for his services. Humble as was his position, he was faithful to every duty, and gradually, by force of ability and energy, worked his way upward until he became foreman in the grocery store of Robert J. Black, on Eighteenth and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia.

On September 26, 1836, William Pritchard was born in County Down, the North of Ireland. His father, Henry, a native of County Down, emigrated to America, and in May 1865,located in Henry County, IL, where he settled upon an eighty-acre farm in the vicinity of Atkinson. There he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in 1885, at the age of about seventy. His first wife, whose maiden name was Mary Waranook, was a native of County Down, Ireland, and died there when our subject was seven years old. After ward Henry Pritchard married Miss Mary Boyd, who bore him three sons and three daughters, all living, as follows; Alexander L., Robert L., Hugh W., Alice, the wife of John Pritchard of Ireland; Mary Jane, who married Jesse Lamont, of Geneseo, IL, and Sarah, wife of Samuel McCollough, a resident of Marina, Iowa. Our subject is the eldest of the four children of his father's first marriage, the others being James J., Samuel and Henry.

As above stated, William Pritchard was employed as a clerk in Philadelphia for some time after immigrating to America, his clerkship covering a period of seven years. In 1858 he removed to Illinois and engaged in farming in Henry County. Prior to leaving Philadelphia he was there married, October 28, 1857, to Miss Ellen, daughter of Joseph Walker, both natives of County Down, Ireland. Mrs. Pritchard is the second of five children, and immigrated to the United States about 1854, locating in Philadelphia, where she remained until her marriage.

After operating as a renter for a number of years, our subject removed in 1865 to the vicinity of Atkinson, Henry County, IL, where he purchased eighty acres and engaged in tilling the soil. He added to his landed possessions from time to time until, when he disposed of his property there in 1880, he had accumulated five hundred and sixty acres of valuable land. He came to Jasper County in 1880 and located on the farm where he has since resided. His landed possessions in this county aggregate nine hundred and fourteen acres, upon which he has conducted general agricultural pursuits. As a stock-raiser he has met with especial success, and has made extensive shipments to Chicago. Since his election to the Presidency of the Mitchellville Savings Bank, he has purchased property in that city and now resides there.

While not actively interested in political affairs, Mr. Pritchard maintains a deep interest in everything calculated to promote the best interests of the county, and is a loyal, public-spirited citizen. As a Republican, he has been elected to various positions of trust and honor in his township, and during his incumbency of the office of Road Supervisor was instrumental in securing many needed improvements in his community. In his religious connections he and his wife are identified with the Congregational Church at Mitchellville, and he is one of its trustees. He and his wife and their daughter, Sarah J., are highly esteemed in the social circles of the corn in unity, and arc prominent in religious and benevolent projects. p. 238.