~ Herbert C. Ward ~

Herbert C. Ward, the subject of this memorial sketch, was the only child of Byron C. and Ellen J. Ward. He was born July 24, 1868, in Jericho, Chittenden County, Vt. When less than a year old, his parents moved to Prairie City, Iowa, where they lived until the time of his death in 1892. In September 1884, when sixteen years old, Herbert went to Grinnell, Iowa, where he spent two years in the preparatory department, and four years in the regular course of Iowa College, graduating with the Class of '90.

In his eighteenth year he gave his heart to Christ. From that time to his death he was not only a consistent and faithful Christian, but an earnest and very successful Christian worker. During his junior and senior year in college, he was appointed by the college faculty as an assistant instructor in chemistry. So fond was he of chemistry, that during his junior year he expected to make chemistry tile field of his life's work. But during his last year in college God called him, as he thoroughly believed, not to scientific, but Christian work. He was too conscientious to disregard such a call to duty, and so he chose the work connected with Young Men's Christian Associations, and prepared himself for a Young Men's Christian Association Secretary.

In college he was a leader in athletic games, and at the same time he was an active Christian and spiritually strong. During his last year in college he was the champion bicyclist; he had been pitcher for the baseball team, and was an expert in lawn tennis. While he was a leader in these athletic sports, he was not only President of the Young Men's Christian Association, but was recognized by the faculty and students as the strongest member of his class in spiritual attainments.

Soon after his graduation in 1890, he entered the Young Men's Christian Association work as Assistant Secretary of the Des Moines Association, where he was very successful in leading young men to Christ.

In April 1892, the Young Men's Christian Association State Committee sent him to Muscatine Iowa, to do some special work for a few weeks in connection with the Association in that City. Just as this work had been finished, and when expecting to start the next day for his Prairie City home to spend a short vacation with his parents before resuming his work in Des Moines, he had a severe hemorrhage of the right lung. In a few days pneumonia set in, and it soon became apparent that he could not live. On Friday morning, June 10, 1892, he told his friends that the end was near. He talked calmly and even joyfully of his approaching death. He sang some favorite Gospel hymns and then requested all in the room to kneel, and then he offered a most earnest prayer for his dear friends. There was not one word in this prayer for himself. After singing the Doxology, he gave a loving good-bye to his father and mother and other friends, including the dear young woman who was in a few days to have been his bride, and then,

God's finger touched him as he slept.
He dropped the shuttle, the loom stood still,
The weaver slept in the twilight gray.
Dear heart, he will weave his beautiful web
In the golden light of a longer day.

On the following Sunday the funeral services were held in the auditorium of the Young Men's Christian Association building in Des Moines, the very room where he had won many young men to a Christian life.

Soon after this untimely death, the following notices, among others, appeared in newspapers: The Unit, the students' paper, of Iowa College contained the following notice: "On Friday afternoon, June 10, Herbert Clark Ward died at Muscatine, Iowa. 'Herb' Ward, as he was called, was one of the best beloved members of the Class of '90. During his college life he probably exerted as much influence as any other man who has ever been in Iowa College. He was never very strong, but he entered into all forms of sport with the same determination to win that he had in every other kind of work. He was pitcher on the baseball team for several years, President of the Young Men's Christian Association during his senior year, and assistant in the chemical laboratory under Professor Torrey for two years. He was one of those men who knew everyone, and whom all thought of as a friend. He was in every way fitted for the life work he had chosen, as a Young Men's Christian Association Secretary. Those that knew him loved him.

The Alumni Association of Iowa College put on record the following: "We the members of the Alumni Association of Iowa College, are reminded that the hand of death has been busy the past year. Two of the members of our association have gone from the scene of earthly labors to the rewards of the life beyond. Miss Caroline Moore, of the Class of '77, and Herbert C. Ward, of the Class of '90. The life of Herbert as a student and as a man is its own best witness. He was a diligent student, a leader in all manly sports, and above everything else was an earnest Christian, whose watchword was duty, and whose single aim was to do the will of the Master. The same spirit of consecrated devotion characterized his after work in the Young Men's Christian Association, where by his unassuming and kindly persistence he won his way into the hearts of young men. He died even as he lived, praising God, from whom all blessings flow."

The Newton Journal said: "Our heart goes out in the sincerest sympathy and condolement to the Hon. B. C. Ward and wife, in the loss of their son, Herbert C., whose death occurred at Muscatine on Friday evening last. He was an only son and child, and we know how greatly the affections of his parents were wrapped up in him, and how greatly the future was made up for them in his health and prospects. And everything promised a most useful and bright career. Studious, manly, ambitious to be good and do good, he doubtless gave his life to a cause that he deemed to be his duty. Words are weak at such times, but we can assure the bereaved parents that hundreds of Jasper County's people extend to them in their great hour of affliction their heart-felt condolence and sympathy."

The Des Moines News spoke of his death in these words: "The sad news was received last evening of the death at Muscatine at 3:13 P. M. yesterday of Herbert C. Ward, the Assistant Secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association of this city. It had been known that he was ill, but no one of his hundreds of friends had the remotest fear that such a message would be sent from his bedside. Mr. Ward was twenty-four years of age, and the only son of Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Ward, of Prairie City. He graduated from Grinnell College in 1890. During his college days he was a most exemplary student. In 1888 he became interested in Young Men's Christian Association work, and by his quiet, warm manner of appealing to the best parts of many a young man's nature induced him to fall into line in this noble army of benefactors. Two years ago he was elected assistant to secretary Peck, of the Des Moines Association, and this gentleman, as well as hundreds of others, are just commencing to realize what a power he had been in the good work in this city. His personal influence was remarkable for its manifest earnestness. Never was he over- zealous; no one ever took offense at what he said or did, thus showing that he had the highest consideration for others as well as deep solicitation for their spiritual welfare. His spirituality was strong. He was in deed and in truth a young man after whom any others might safely pattern their lives."

The Des Moines Capital contained this notice: "The funeral of the late Herbert Ward occurred at three o'clock yesterday afternoon at the Young Men's Christian Association building. Dr. Frisbie and the Rev. G. C. Henry conducted the services. A special train was run from Prairie City, Herbert's old home, bearing his relatives and numerous friends. Sorrowing visitors were also present from Ottumwa, Grinnell and Muscatine. The auditorium was crowded, and the throng bore mute witness to the esteem in which the young man was held. A hymn was rendered by the Young Men's Christian Association quartette, in which the deceased had always taken an interest. Prayer was offered by the divines, and then followed a few touching and beautiful remarks by Dr. Frisbie. 'The Christian's Farewell,' sung by the quartette, closed the services; and the pallbearers, Charles and Scott Rawson, Crookshank, Barrett, Jamison and Larimore reverently bore the casket to the hearse. The pallbearers, with the exception of Mr. Larimore, were classmates with young Ward at Grinnell. Herbert Ward had but recently left college, and was a youth of most promising prospects. He was the only child, and always an active Christian; he was in addition an enthusiastic Young Men's Christian Association member. Today a prominent businessman of the city said to a reporter, 'You cannot speak too highly of Herbert. No one ever lived who was better fitted to go than he.' What nobler tribute can be paid in eulogy to a departed one than is expressed in those words? Probably one of the saddest thoughts connected with this death is that young Ward was to be married Wednesday to a charming Grinnell girl. Thus an engagement of years was pitifully broken."

The Mail and Times, published in Des Moines, paid Herbert this tribute: "The clods of the valley closed over one of our must noble young men in the quiet of last Sabbath afternoon. Herbert C. Ward, who died at Muscatine last Friday, June 10, 1892, was not an ordinary young man. His heart was full of love for his fellows, and he j strove by manly, winning ways, in season and out, to persuade young men to lead the better life. He was Assistant Secretary of our Young Men's Christian Association in this city, and in that capacity did much good. Mr. Ward became a Christian at an early age and lived a consistent life, bringing many young people under the influence of religious instruction. He was a member of the Central Presbyterian Church and a teacher in the Sunday school. He will be missed in the circle in which he moved, as no one could come under his influence or his genial companionship without loving his bright, cheery and trustful ways. The light of life has gone out in the home of his parents in Prairie City. He was a loved son, and the wealth of affection of his parents was centered upon him. There is one other bound to him by a cord which death alone could have broken, who will feel the pangs of sorrow much deeper because they will be partly suppressed. They have the consolation left of knowing that he has done his work well and been released from care and labor. It is a sad thought that while there are so many useless human beings in the world, who would not be so much missed, that he should be taken, while they are left; yet God seeth not as man seeth. He was faithful even unto death; therefore a crown of life is his sure reward. He met the King of Terrors with a smile, and so passed away to be forever with the Lord. Peace to his ashes, and a long, loving farewell to his memory." Page 294.

~ William B. Wells ~

William B. Wells, Cashier of the Citizens' Bank of Colfax, was born in Wellsburg, Brooke County, W. Va., July 17, 1844. He is of Welsh descent, and his paternal ancestors were represented among the early settlers of Maryland. His grandfather, Absalom Wells, was born and reared in Western Port, Md., whence he removed to that portion of the Old Dominion t now included in West Virginia. Basil Wells, father of our subject, was born in Wellsburg, W. Va., on the 26th of May 1799, and was reared upon a farm in his native place, where in youth he gained a thorough knowledge of agriculture in every department.

The lady who became the wife of Basil Wells bore the maiden name of Nancy McIntire, and was born in the Old Dominion March 24, 1799. She was the daughter of Robert McIntire, a native of Maryland, who was a descendant of Scotch-Irish ancestors, and a farmer by occupation, engaging in his chosen occupation both in Maryland and Virginia. Basil Wells located upon a farm in West Virginia immediately after his marriage, and continued to reside there until his death, which occurred November 5, 1874. His wife passed away a few years prior to his demise, her death occurring May 3, 1869. Their mortal remains now lie buried side by side in the family cemetery on the old homestead. Though passed from earth, their virtues will not soon be forgotten by their posterity, and their exemplary Christian lives will long be remembered and admired by their associates of former years. They were members of the Christian Church, and were baptized by Alexander Campbell, one of the most famous men of that denomination. For many years he served as an Elder, and was prominent in all religious enterprises.

At the time of the division of Virginia, in 1862, when the War of the Rebellion was at its height, and the Old Dominion was rent in twain by opposing factions, Basil Wells was prominently identified with public affairs, and was a member of the convention that took action in regard to the separation of the two parts of the state. In addition to general farming, he engaged for many years in the raising of sheep and other stock, meeting with success in that enterprise. His landed possessions at one time aggregated sixteen hundred acres, all of which he secured through his unaided exertions and self-denying labors. A man of decided character and sound understanding, his career proved that he possessed the qualities that enabled him to make his way in the world without the adventitious aid of fortune and birth.

In the parental family there were nine sons and four daughters, and eleven of the family attained to years of maturity. Nine of the number are now living, our subject being the youngest. He passed the years of boyhood and youth in a manner similar to other farmer boys of that time, alternating attendance at the district school with work on the home farm. Nothing of special importance occurred to individualize his life until the breaking out of the Civil War, when his sympathies were strongly enlisted on behalf of the Union. At the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the army, August 22, 1862, becoming a member of Company K, Twelfth West Virginia Infantry, and serving until June 19, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. He participated in all the engagements of his regiment, and in 1863 was promoted from the ranks to the office of Sergeant, and later was detailed as clerk in the West Virginia headquarters. Though often in the thickest of the fight, he escaped without injury, nor was he ever taken captive by the enemy.

Returning to his home at the close of the war, Mr. Wells engaged in the insurance business at Wellsburg, and for three years was special agent of the Home Insurance Company of Columbus, Ohio. On the 10th of December 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Amanda J. Hedges, who was born in Brooke County, W. Va., June 2, 1849. She is the daughter of James and Louisa Hedges, the former a descendant of English ancestors, and the latter of Welsh lineage. During 1867, Mr. Wells located upon the homestead where he was born. For a number of years he conducted general farming and stock raising upon that place, and attained prominence among the energetic agriculturists of Brooke County.

Coming to Iowa in February 1875, Mr. Wells located in Washington Township, Jasper County, upon the farm where he has since resided. He added to his original purchase until he has acquired the ownership of two hundred and eighty acres, upon which he conducts farming and stock-raising upon an extensive scale. Upon the organization of the Citizens' Bank of Colfax, he became its Cashier and has since filled that position. He enjoys the confidence of the people of Colfax and the surrounding country, and his eminent abilities admirably qualify him for the accurate discharge of the duties of his position.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Wells has resulted in the birth or four children: James W., Rose M., Bezelleel and Emma A., all of whom are at home. In his political belief, Mr. Wells is identified with the Republican Party, and has been elected upon that ticket to the positions of Clerk of Washing- ton Township and School Director. Socially, he is identified with Riverside Lodge No. 389, A. F. & A. M., at Colfax, and the Modern Woodmen of the World. With his family he holds membership in the Christian Church, in which he is a Deacon and a prominent worker. Mrs. Wells' decease occurred on the 3d of August 1893. Page 584.

~ Abram J. Westbrook ~

Abram J. Westbrook, who carries on agricultural pursuits in Mound Prairie Township, Jasper County, claims Ohio as the state of his nativity. He was born in Morrow County on the 30th of September 1833, and is of Dutch descent on the paternal side. His parents, Hiram and Maria (Ashley) Westbrook, were both natives of the Empire State. Of their children three are yet living, namely: Abram J., Leroy B., who now makes his home in Newton, Iowa; and Mary E., wife of C. B. Jones, a resident of Hitchcock County, Neb. During the infancy of our subject his parents removed to Knox County, Ohio, becoming early settlers of that community, and in the midst of the forest the father developed a farm.

Abram J. Westbrook shared with the family in the hardships and trials of pioneer life and early became familiar with the arduous labors of the frontier. He attended the old-time subscription and public schools of his native state, beginning his education in a log schoolhouse, which was heated by an immense fireplace, in which great logs of wood were burned. He conned his lessons on slab seats supported by rude wooden legs, and a board resting on pins inserted into the wall served as a writing desk. Although his educational privileges were limited, he has become a well-informed man through reading, experience and observation, and keeps himself well posted on current topics.

The country found in Mr. Westbrook a valiant soldier. He enlisted August 16,1862, as a private in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty- first Ohio Infantry, and on the organization of the company was elected Second Sergeant. He took part in numerous skirmishes and in the battle of Perryville, and was honorably discharged April 23, 1863, on account of disability, for which he now receives a pension of $12 a month. After leaving the service he returned to his home in Ohio.

Mr. Westbrook was married November 24,1859, to Livona C. Swetland, who was born in Morrow County, Ohio, July 4, 1836, and is the daughter of Fuller M. and Elizabeth (Russell) Swetland. The former is a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Virginia. Her paternal grandfather was a soldier of the War of 1812. Mrs. Westbrook has one surviving sister, Lamora E., wife of Charles Emery, of Bates County, Neb. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Westbrook have been born six children, four of whom are yet living: Artemus F., a resident of Salt Lake City, Charles B., of Newton, Iowa, Burr, also of Newton, and William, at home.

In 1864 Mr. Westbrook came with his family to this county, and settled on the farm, which has since been his home. It now comprises eighty acres of good land. His possessions have been acquired through his own untiring efforts and the assistance of his wife, who has been a faithful helpmate and counselor to him. He has been honored by some public offices of trust. He served both as Assessor and as Trustee of Sherman Township, when the northeast part of North Prairie Township was included within Prairie Township.

He also served as Justice of the Peace for two years, and the prompt and able manner in which he discharged his duties won him the commendation of all concerned. He is a Republican in politics, and socially is identified with the Masonic fraternity or Newton. Throughout the community he is held in high esteem and has a host of warm friends. Page 324.

~ Lucy Ann (Woody) Whitted ~

Lucy Ann (Woody) Whitted was born in Lawrence County, Ind., on the 9th of November 1836. She is the daughter of John and Mary (Horton) Woody, natives of North Carolina and Virginia, respectively. Grandfather Joseph Woody was a native of North Carolina, and a farmer by occupation. Grandfather Horton was a native of Virginia, and also followed the honest calling of a farmer. John Woody located with his parents in Lawrence County, Ind., when but twelve years of age, and there remained with them until attaining his majority, when he was married to Mary, the daughter of John and Lucy Horton. They became the parents of twelve children, all but two living to years of maturity. The living are named: Joseph N., James, William, Lucy A., John, Asa N., Sarah E., Emily J., Eliza E. and Nancy C. The mother of this worthy family passed away at the age of sixty-seven years, in the faith of the Baptist Church. She received but a limited education and was among the first settlers in Fairview Township. Her husband entered eighty acres of and in this place and subsequently purchased, eighty more, making a goodly estate. He was never afraid of labor, and being a good financier accumulated a large amount of property before his death. He was a Democrat politically, and was, with his wife, a believer in the Baptist faith.

Our subject came with her parents to Iowa when a lasso of thirteen summers, and was reared and educated on the farm and in the common district schools. When but seventeen she was united in marriage with Joseph A. Whitted, a son of Joseph and Mary (Sikes) Whitted, who were born in North Carolina. This happy union was blessed by the birth of eleven children, all of whom with the exception of one are living. They bear the following names: John, Oscar, Robert W., Mary and E., Isis B., Joseph M., Emily J., Francis A., Thomas and J. and Elmer E. Mr. Whitted is one of seven children born to his parents, his brothers and sisters being: Thomas, Jane, John, William, Mary, and Fanny (deceased). He was educated in the common district school, conducted in a log schoolhouse with its crude furnishings. He was a hard working man, and in his agricultural pursuits he always showed a disposition to improve his opportunities by means of unflagging industry and persistence. He was connected with the Free & Accepted Masons, and always cast his vote with the Democratic Party. He was called from time to eternity in his fifty-first year, August 2, 1881, respected and esteemed by all who knew him. Two of the strongest characteristics of this gentleman were his fondness for home and the pleasures he took in domestic life.

Mrs. Lucy Whitted is residing on a finely improved piece of land, consisting of one hundred and seventy broad and fertile acres, which was left to her by her husband. She is one of the valued members of the Baptist Church, and is highly regarded and loved far and wide. Page 424.

~ Hon. George M. Wilson ~

It is generally considered by those in the habit of superficial thinking that the history of so-called great men is only worthy of preservation, and that little merit exists among the masses to call forth the praises of the historian or the cheers and appreciation of mankind. A greater mistake was never made. No man is great in all things, and very few men are great in many things. Many by a lucky stroke achieve lasting fame, who before that had no reputation beyond the limits of their neighborhood. It is not the history of the lucky stroke, which benefits humanity most, but the long study and effort, which made the lucky stroke possible. Among those who have passed a long life of usefulness in agricultural affairs is George M. Wi1son, who now has a comfortable and pleasant home in Clear Creek Township, this county.

Mr. Wilson was born in Elkhart County, Ind., April 29, 1839, to the union of Reuben and Catherine (Miller) Wilson, natives of Kentucky and Pennsylvania respectively. The parents were married in Cass County, Ind., in 1835, and Mr. Wilson, who was a preacher in the Christian Church, followed his ministerial duties in that state until 1857, when he moved with his family to Jasper County, Iowa. There he continued his labors until his death in 1865, when sixty-three years of age, having ministered to the spiritual wants of man for forty-three years, principally doing pioneer work. He was a man of fine personal appearance and great physical strength. His education was only such as the times afforded, yet he impressed all with whom he came in contact as being an earnest, efficient and faithful laborer in his Master's service. He had a force of character and a depth of sympathy and earnestness that would enable him to rank among the most influential of any community. While being too old for service during the Civil War, he was an active sympathizer with the cause of the north. He was one of the best-known and most respected citizens of the county in his day, and few ministers of the present time have acquired the prominence and influence that he had.

Grandfather William Wilson came from the North of Ireland to this country with his uncle when four years of age. He fought with the Colonists for independence, and was in the memorable struggle on the brig "Luzerne," where he was captured by the English. For eighteen months he was in Mills' Prison in England. On two occasions he and others dug their way out, but were chased down by bloodhounds. Rev. Mr. Wilson and his wife were the parents of three children, who are named in the order of their births as follows: Margaret A., deceased; George M., our subject, and W. P., of Nebraska. Mrs. Wilson survived her husband until June 10, 1893, and died when in her ninety-third year. She was a devout member of the Christian Church. Rev. Mr. Wilson was twice married, his first wife being Elizabeth Murphey, who bore him five children, one dying in infancy. The others were: Nancy, widow of E. B. Low, of Oregon; Samuel M., of Des Moines; Ruth, deceased, who was the wife of W. B. Low, and Jane E., wife of J. H. Smith.

George M. Wilson received his education principally in Indiana, and also spent one year in Oskaloosa College after coming to this state. While a boy in Indiana he learned the printer's trade, and later studied medicine in this state, but did not graduate. On the 28th of August 1862, he joined Company K, Twenty-eighth Iowa Infantry, and was in the Western Division, Thirteenth Army Corps, commanded by General Hovey, afterwards Governor of Indiana. Mr. Wilson participated in the battle of Champion Hills, the sieges of Vicksburg and Jackson, the Red River campaign, and in other battles and skirmishes. He was mustered out of the service of his regiment at New Iberia, La., and was made hospital steward in the regular army at New Orleans. While there he was placed on board the hospital steamship "North America," which was used for the purpose of transporting sick and disabled soldiers to New York. This was in December 1864, and while off the coast of Georgia, December 23, the vessel was, shipwrecked and two hundred men were lost. He escaped by the merest accident, lowering himself hand over hand into a rowboat, and was carried to a sailing vessel some five miles away. Shortly afterward, the vessel he had left sank. He was honorably discharged from service March 30, 1866, after having been in service three and a half years.

Shortly after his discharge, Mr. Wilson returned home and engaged in farming and school teaching. On the 11th of June 1867, he married Mrs. Susan W. Baker, daughter of Walter and Mary T. Briggs, early settlers of Jasper County. Mr. Briggs is deceased, but his wife resides in Kansas. He was a very fine millwright, and for some time was in the United States Navy. To his marriage were born seven children, one of whom died in its youth. Of the others, Mrs. Wilson was the eldest. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have three children, Alta J., Kittie and Frederick W. Our subject has held a number of township offices, and in 1874 and 1876 he represented the county in the Fifteenth and Sixteenth General Assemblies, holding the Chairmanship of the Committee on Claims. He introduced the first bill organizing a board of control of public charities or state charities. Prior to 1888, he was a pronounced Republican, but being a strong advocate of the reduction of the tariff, he left that party, and had since been independent. He and his family are members of the Christian Church and are active in church and Sunday school work. Page 552.

~ John N. Wilson ~

John N. Wilson, one of Newton s most influential businessmen, and a successful farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Hendricks County, Ind., near Danville, February 5, 1843. He is a son of S. H. and Martha (Blanton) Wilson. His father was born in North Carolina and was of Irish antecedents. A farmer by occupation, he accompanied Grandfather Wilson to Indiana in the pioneer days of that state. His wife, who was born in Kentucky of German ancestry, was but a child when her parents removed to Indiana, and there she grew to womanhood, married, and spent the greater part of her life. She accompanied her husband to Iowa, where he died in Jasper County in 1881, and she passed away three years later.

Aside from these brief facts, we have been able to learn very little concerning the family history. John N. was the third in a family of eight children, and was a child of seven years when he accompanied his parents to Iowa, locating on what is now the Jasper County Poor Farm, near Newton. Of his surviving brothers and sisters, we note the following: 'The eldest sister, Hester, married C. L. Roberts, a prominent grain merchant at Grinnell; the youngest sister, Alice, is the wife of C. W. Stahl, Justice of the Peace at Des Moines; W. T. and M. H. are engaged in the lumber and sawmill business in Davis County, Neb.; and E. M., the youngest brother, is a prominent liveryman in Newton.

The boyhood years of our subject were passed in a manner similar to other boys in rural localities. He was obliged to walk three miles to school, and was enabled to attend but a short time, his attention being closely devoted to the farm work. In August 1862, he entered the service of his country as a private in Company E, Fortieth Iowa Infantry, and did service in Arkansas and Kentucky under General Steele, participating in the memorable Red River Expedition, the surrender of Duval's Bluff and the fall of Vicksburg. Being taken ill, he came home on a furlough, rejoining his regiment at Little Rock, Ark. From that time until his discharge he did duty in Arkansas, and was honorably discharged at Ft. Gibson, August 12. 1865.

After the war, Mr. Wilson found himself a man and not a boy, as when he went into the service, and while he was ambitious to get a more thorough education, he abandoned the idea and settled down as a farmer. He started in life with little or no means, and with his health impaired by his long hard service, but by hard work and the display of considerable business ability he has accumulated a fortune, and now has one of the finest farms in his locality. The place consists of four hundred and fifty acres, lying adjacent to the city of Newton, and is one of the most attractive rural abodes of the county. As a breeder of fine stock, Mr. Wilson has also achieved a local reputation and become successful.

In 1889, with others, Mr. Wilson purchased the Alcyon Roller Flouring Mills, of Newton, and later became the sole proprietor of this extensive mill, to which he devotes much of his time. He still resides upon his fine farm, and gives his personal attention to its management. Socially is prominently connected with the Grand Army of the Republic. In former generations his family affiliated with the Whigs. His father joined the Republican Party, with which he affiliated until his death. Our subject was for some years a Republican, but later cast his lot with Greenback Party, and is now identified with People's Party.

In 1866 Mr. Wilson was united in married with Miss Jennie Green, who was born in Iowa. They are the parents of three children, viz.: Fannie May, who was educated at Hazel Dell Academy and is now the wife of Albert Brown, a farmer residing near Newton; Frederick Earl and Guy, who are both attending the schools of Newton. Page 395.

~ J. T. Winters ~

J. T. Winters, the owner and proprietor of a general store at Galesburg, was born in Illinois April 23, 1849, and is the only son and the eldest of four children, his sisters being Electa, Mrs. J. G. Bates, of Des Moines; Matilda, who married E. A. Bates, also a resident of Des Moines; and Ella, who died at the age of twelve years. The father of this family, W. S. Winters, was a native of Maryland, and at the age of about twenty years removed to Illinois. There he married Louisa Thomas, a native of Ohio and a daughter of J. B. Thomas, who settled in the Buckeye State at an early day, and there died at the age of sixty-nine years.

For many years W. S. Winters worked at the carpenter's trade, and later in life he engaged in farming, and also conducted a successful mercantile business. During the Civil War he enlisted in the Union army and served for four years. His death occurred in Iowa at the age of sixty-four years; his widow is still living (1893) at the age of sixty-one years. Grandfather Winters was a native of Maryland, and the remote ancestors were Germans.

At the age of one year the subject of this sketch was taken by the family to Ohio, and about two years later came to Iowa, settling in Mahaska County, where he lived until thirty-four years of age. At the age of twenty years he started out in life for himself, and followed farming pursuits until 1883, when he came to Elk Creek Township and settled in the village of Galesburg. He has since been successfully engaged in the general mercantile business and carries the variety of stock required in the conduct of a first-class country store.

In 1869 Mr. Winters married Phoebe J. Sawyer, a native of Indiana and a daughter of F. P. and Sarah Sawyer. Her parents, who were natives of Virginia, removed to Indiana, where Mr. Sawyer engaged in farming, though by trade he was a gunsmith and blacksmith, and had followed these occupations in early life. Mr. and Mrs. Winters have seven children, viz.; Lesta M., the wife of Allen Griffith, of Galesburg; Electa M., Ida May, Florence E., Daisy B., Porter E. and Ollie E., who reside with their parents. Like his father, our subject was an enthusiastic champion of the Union during the Rebellion, and he enlisted in Company I, Forty-seventh Iowa Regiment, serving until about the close of the war. In politics he has always been a stanch Republican and an earnest worker in the party. Socially he is a member of the order of Free & Accepted Masons, and has been Junior Warden of Monumental Lodge No. 311, and at the present time is Secretary. He is deeply interested in the order and is active in the interests of the lodge.

~ John W. Wiltbank ~

John W. Wiltbank, successful farmer and stock raiser of Jasper County, and the owner of valuable property in Newton Township, was born in Delaware (near the Maryland line) March 26, 1822, and is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Bradden) Wiltbank. His father was born in Delaware about 1778, and died in that state in 1842. There were six children in the family, their names being Edward, Rachel, John W., Elizabeth, Cornelius and Isaac. The last named served for a time in the Union Army during the Civil War. Of this family all have passed away save John W.

Orphaned by his mother's death when he was small, our subject remained at home with his father and stepmother until he attained man's estate. His education was limited to a brief attendance at the district schools and the extensive information which he now possesses has been acquired by diligent self-application. At the age of eighteen he commenced to work out by the month upon a farm, and resided successively in Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey until 1854, when he came to Iowa and settled in Clinton. Accompanied by his family, he started for Pike's Peak in 1860, making the journey overland with team and wagons.

Reaching their destination, Mr. Wiltbank and his family were not satisfied with the surroundings and prospects, and in the fall of the same year returned to Iowa, spending the ensuing winter in Jasper County. However, he went back to Pike's Peak in the spring of 1861, and remained in Colorado for four years, returning thence to Jasper County, where he has since made his home. For several years he lived near Baxter, and in 1875 had charge of a milk wagon and sold milk to the people of Newton for some time.

The marriage of Mr. Wiltbank occurred in 1856 .f at which time he was united with Mrs. Rebecca (Porter) Masten, a widow, who was born near Newark, Ohio. She is a daughter of Mathew and Sarah Porter, and a descendant of Irish and Scotch ancestry. Her grandfather, James Porter, was born in Scotland. Her brothers and sisters were John, Elizabeth, James, Minerva, William, Sara Ann, Mary Jane, Lucinda and Joseph. James served in the Union Army during the late war and was wounded at Champion Hills, and taken prisoner at Vicksburg. Five of the family are deceased.

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Wiltbank consisted of the following children: Lizzie, who died at the age of fourteen months; Lewis W., who conduct farming pursuits in Adair County, Iowa; Harriet L., who married J. W. McMurry, of Des Moines, Nettie, an accomplished young lady residing with her parents, and Frank E., who is also at home. The early members of the Wiltbank family were all Democrats, but our subject has been a Republican since the party was organized, and is a firm supporter of its principles. In religious connections he is a Methodist and has been a member of that church since he was twenty years of age. For many years he served as steward and Class-Leader in that denomination, to which his wife also belongs. Throughout his entire life he has been a firm supporter, both in theory and practice, of temperance principles. As a farmer and stock raiser he uses the most scientific methods of agriculture, and throws into his chosen occupation the energy and industry, which have always been his prominent characteristics. He has won the confidence of his associates and is universally esteemed wherever known. By her first marriage Mrs. Wiltbank had four children, two of whom are living, John L. and James M. They live in Adair County. Page 276.

~ Frank D. Winn ~

From the successful career of this gentleman there may be gleaned many lessons worthy of the emulation of the young and the admiration of the old. Commencing for himself at the age of fourteen, without money or influential friends, be not only supported himself, but also cared for his mother until the time of her death. From boyhood he has steadily advanced in commercial circles until now (1893), at the age of only thirty-six, he standsat the head of one of the largest mercantile houses in centralIowa. This flourishing establishment is located in the city of Newton, and is conducted under the firm name of F. D. Winn &Co.

Born in Zanesville, Ohio, in September 1857, our subject is the youngest in a family of eight children, six sons and two daughters, all of whom are now deceased with the exception of three sons. His parents were John W, and Harriet (Virden) Winn, both of whom were members of old Virginia families, the father being a prominent dry-goods merchant in a little village not far from Zanesville, Ohio. There his death occurred when Frank was six years of age. The paternal grandfather was a farmer, and was killed by accident while felling timber in the woods. The maternal grandfather was a quarryman and was killed by an explosion.

By the time our subject reached the age of fourteen, the property left by his father bad been completely exhausted, and it devolved upon him to discontinue his studies and support himself and his widowed mother. He set about the work with a determination to succeed. Entering the dry-goods store of an uncle at Bridgeville, Ohio, he continued there until he was nineteen years of age, and out of his small earnings managed to support himself and his mother. After her death he resigned from his uncle's employ, and coming west, secured a position in the counting room of Barton & Spry, at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he was bookkeeper for one year.

From Mt. Pleasant Mr. Winn came to Newton, where be procured a position in the Grange store, of which A. L. Harrah was the head. He remained in that establishment for four years, and during the latter part of that time he was the headman in the dry-goods department. He then spent one year in the dry goods business at Des Moines, after which he returned to Newton and entered the dry-goods house of J. M. McFarland & Son, remaining in the employ of that firm for eight years. At the expiation of that time he went to 0skaloosa, where for one year he had charge of the dress goods and carpet department of Jordan & Stone's store. Later he established himself in the dry-goods business in Newton, under the firm name of F. D. Winn & Co., which he has since conducted with flattering success. As a merchant he has won the confidence of the people of Newton and the surrounding country and by his honorable dealings with all and the uniform reliability of his transactions he has gained a high place in mercantile Circles.

January 6, 1886, Mr. Winn married Mrs. Sara (Lister) Lamb, the widow of Henry Lamb. She was born in England, and at the age of about seven years immigrated to America with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Winn have had three children, two of whom died in infancy; the only surviving child, Walter Lister, is a boy of two years (1898).

Prominent in the Masonic fraternity, Mr. Winn is now serving as Recorder of Oriental Commandery No. 22 and High Priest of Gebal Chapter. He is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. In his religions connections he is a member of the Congregational Church in which he is an active worker and a Deacon. Though a stanch Democrat, he never meddles in local politics, preferring to devote his attention to his business affairs. His excellent qualities of heart and mind have endeared him to a large circle of friends, and as a businessman he is one of the most influential men of Jasper County. p. 168.

~ Hon. Horace S. Winslow ~

The subject of this sketch is one of the prominent lawyers residing in Newton, Jasper County. He was born in Pittsford, Rutland County, VT, July 18, 1837, and is a son of Elhanan S. and Elmina (Kingsley) Winslow. His father, also a native of Pittsford, was born January 27, 1808. The Winslow name is historic, and the family in this country dates back to the landing of the "Mayflower." It is a large family, and as the "Winslow Memorial," an exhaustive genealogy, has been published, no attempt will be made to trace the record back to Colonial days.

The father of Judge Winslow was of the seventh generation from the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, belonging to what is known as the Pittsford branch of the family. His ancestors were early settlers in the state, but the exact time is not known. He was a man of limited education, but possessed strong mental characteristics, personal independence, and a world of push and energy. He removed from Vermont to Iowa in 1855, and so became identified with the early history of the section of the state in which be found his new home. He was one of the first Deacons in the Congregational Church at Newton, and died in the faith of that denomination in February 1887. The mother was also of Puritan stock, the Robinsons of Massachusetts, on the maternal side, and the Kingsleys of Connecticut on the other side. She was born in Pittsford, January 10, 1811, and is now living with her daughter at Ord, NE.

In the parental family there were ten children, two of whom died in childhood. The living are: Charles T., a farmer residing near Ord, NE; Clara M., wife of J. M. Stone, of Ord; Horace S., who was the third in the order of birth; Willard G., who lives at Newton, and who during the Civil War served in the Fifth lowa Infantry; Lucy, wife of Samuel Failor, also of Newton; and Mary Helen, who married William Whitcomb, a resident of Kellogg.

Upon his father's farm, the subject of this sketch grew to manhood, meantime receiving a good education in the public schools of his neighborhood and in the seminaries of that locality. At the age of sixteen years he moved to Ohio, and for one year clerked in the store of his father's brother, who was engaged in the mercantile business in Hartford. Returning to Vermont, he taught in the schools of Goshen and Brandon until the spring of 1855, when he went to Poughkeepsie, NY, and entered the law school at that place. After remaining there one year, he again went to Hartford, Ohio, where he taught a country school, boarding around with different families.

In the spring of 1856 Mr. Winslow entered a law school at Poland, Ohio, conducted by Judge Hayden, formerly of Poughkeepsie Law School, and from that institution be was graduated in July 1856, with the degree of Bachelor of Law. Immediately after completing his studies he came to Newton, whither the family had preceded him the previous year. He at once commenced the practice of his profession at this place, and in October 1862, he was elected District Attorney for the Sixth Judicial District, and held that position for four years. In 1868 he was elected Judge of the Second Circuit of the District Court of the Sixth District for a period of four years, at the end of which time he resumed practice, in which he is still engaged and with marked success.

Generous to a fault, most worthy causes receive assistance from the purse of Judge Winslow, and the poor and needy always find in him a helpful friend. A member of the Congregational Church, he is at present serving as one of its Trustees and as Superintendent of the Sunday school. He was a member of the building committee having charge of the erection of the new church edifice recently built, and he not only gave his personal attention to the matter, but also contributed generously of his means to the undertaking.

Judge Winslow has a large and lucrative clientage, his retainers taking him to all parts of the state. At the present time he is employed as the local and special attorney for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company.

The marriage of Judge Winslow, which occurred on the 7th of November 1858, united him with Miss Sarah E., a daughter of Silo and Elizabeth Dunklee, of Pittsford, VT. They are the parents of two children; Kate E., who was born March 14, 1860, and Jessie L., who was born March 21, 1862. p. 171.

~ John T. Woody ~

Among the goodly number of farmers in Jasper County who have won a competence from the productive soil, and have retired to enjoy the fruits of their industry, is the gentleman above named. He has long been a prominent citizen of Fairview Township, where he owns a well-improved farm of one hundred and thirty acres, on which he has a substantial home, where he and his family enjoy the comforts of life.

The parents of our subject bore the names of John and Mary (Horton) Woody, and were born in North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. Grandfather Joseph Woody, left his native state in the year 1816, and located in Jackson County, Ind., on a farm, where his son was inured to the pursuits of agriculture. John T. is one in a family of twelve children, all but two living to manhood and womanhood. The living are: Joseph N., James A., William H., Lucy A., John T., born March 13, 1839, in Lawrence County, Ind., Asa N., Sarah E., Emily J., Eliza and Nancy. It was in 1849 that John Woody came to Iowa, and settled on a farm in Marion County, which by persistent efforts he increased in acreage to four hundred and twenty acres of as finely improved land as any in the county. In religion, he and his good wife were united with the Baptist Church. In politics, Mr. Woody was a Democrat. He was called from this life when but fifty-six years old; his wife lived to the age of sixty-three.

Making his home with his parents until reaching his twenty-fifth year, John T. Woody decided to establish a home for himself, taking for his life companion Maria Whitted, a daughter of John S. and Elizabeth (Owens) Whitted. By this marriage were born four children: Mary E., Lora A., Albert J., who is deceased; and Flora J. The mother was reared and educated on a farm in this state, and was connected with the Baptist Church. She died at the early age of twenty-five years. The second wife of our subject bore the maiden name of Alvia Elwood, a daughter of Washington and Narssus (Shockley) Elwood, both natives of Ohio. To this union were born four children: George H., Ethel E., Arthur E. and Clyde C. Mrs. Woody was brought to this state by her parents when but three years old, and here received a fair common- school education.

Mr. Woody has given his entire attention to his farming pursuits, and as a result now owns one of the best farms in the township. This farm speaks for itself the character of the owner, and a passer-by is at once attracted to it. He has ever been an industrious worker, and by his push, pluck and perseverance is now enabled to rest from his labors, while the place is carried on by his sons. He is a man of good habits, and is well thought of in the community where he has so long resided. Page 344.