NIMS, D. B.
The subject of this sketch, D. B. Nims, is a prominent resident of Deer Creek township, Mills county, Iowa, and is one of the proprietors of the well known stock farm of Cedar Lawn, whose products are celebrated all over the United States. Mr. Nims was born in 1845, near Princeton, Bureau county, Illinois, and was the son of Eli B. and Emily C. (Brainard) Nims. He was reared on the farm, received a good common-school education and entered into farming and stock-raising in Mills county, Iowa, in 1874, in connection with his brother, John W. Nims.
Since locating at this place Mr. Nims has bent every energy toward making Cedar Lawn a model stock farm, and his success has been most encouraging. He is a man of penetration and good judgment, who had educated himself thoroughly on the lines of his chosen business and understands it in every detail. His reading is extensive, and every work of merit that is published concerning stock and agriculture finds its way to his already fine library. He and his brother in 1876 originated and developed the Legal Tender Yellow Dent seed corn, since which time they have obtained the first prize medal and diploma for it at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, in 1893, the Trans-Mississippi Exposition in Omaha, in 1898, and the Paris Exposition in 1900. They re also extensively and successfully engaged in the raising of Poland China hogs, which they first put upon the market in 1889.
Mr. Nims was married to Miss Jane Levi, a sister of his brother's wife, Mrs. J. W. Nims, and to them have been born: Mrs. May Zaelke, Mrs. Edna Knight, Mrs. Orra J. Shaw, Mrs. Cora Shaw, Henry and Archie. Orra and Cora are twin sisters and married brothers - Frank and Charles Shaw. Mr. Nims has taken a deep interest in politics at various times, is a staunch Republican and has served as township trustee and also as justice of the peace. He is now vice-president of the Iowa Seed Corn Breeders' Association. The religious connection is with the Asbury Methodist church, and the family enjoy the esteem and respect of their friends and members of the community. The name and fame of Cedar Lawn stock farm is not confined to this locality, shipments being made to nearly every state in the Union and also to Europe. The business has been established and carried on by the application and energy of the Messrs. Nims, and to them belong the credit of one of the most complete and satisfactory enterprises of Mills county.
NIMS, JOHN W.
A prominent and influential farmer and stock-raiser, one of the proprietors of the celebrated Cedar Lawn Stock Farm, is John W. Nims, our subject, who owns and operates a large estate in Deer Creek township, Mills county, Iowa. Mr. Nims, although born in Ohio, in 1848, deems himself a native of Illinois, the family residence being there, his birth occurring while his parents were visiting in the former state.
The parents of our subject were Eli B. and Emily (Brainard) Nims, the former of whom was born December 17, 1813, in Jefferson county, New York, and died in 1861 in Jones county, Iowa, where he moved in 1853, and became a prominent citizen. The latter was born in Medina county, Ohio, August 5, 1822, was married in Ohio, and is now residing with her sons in Deer Creek township. The family is not an extensive one, but Mr. Nims has an uncle, William Nims Nichols, who has been a minister of the Methodist church for half a century and went through the Civil war, as chaplain in the Union Army, and is now a resident of Norwood, New York.
Our subject was reared on the farm and received a very good common school education in Jones county, and came to Mills county twenty-seven years ago, with his brother, D. B. Nims, where they purchased a quarter-section of land in Deer Creek township and settled down to scientific farming and stock-raising. Three years later our subject bought another quarter-section of land only a mile distant from the first, and has made this one of the noted farms of the state of Iowa.
Mr. Nims makes a specialty of fine blooded hogs, of the Poland China strain, and these are celebrated throughout the whole county, and have been most profitable to our subject. Another specialty for which Cedar Lawn farm is noted is its seed corn, this being one of the most important elements of a farmer's equipment. Large sales are annually made of this cereal, which is so carefully prepared that no failures ever occur. Corresponding with his fine stock, the brothers Nims have erected suitable buildings fitted them up with all modern devices for the proper care of stock, and pay particular attention to the sanitary surroundings of their pens and yards.
Our subject was married in Jones county , Iowa to Miss Margaret Levi, who was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, and came with her parents to Canada when three months old. She was a daughter of James and Ellen (Hardy) Levi, the former of whom was born in Scotland, July 2, 1823, and emigrated to Canada in 1851, removed to Indiana in 1853, and came to Iowa in 1869 where he still resides. The latter also was born in Scotland and was married to James Levi in 1844. They had eleven children, all of whom are living, a fine testimonial to the health and rugged strength of the Levi family. An uncle of Mrs. Nims served in the Union army during the Civil war.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Nims are: Mrs. Mina Zaelke, Mrs. Alice Knight, Nettie, Fred, Wesley and Grace, the daughters all having been singularly educated at Simpson College, at Indianola, Iowa and Fred being a student there for some time.
Mr. Nims is a zealous and steadfast Republican and has decided views as to the necessity of purity in politics, believing that what is termed "bossism" in the political jargon of the day is a thraldom which every lover of his country should resent. With his wife and family he is actively interested in the Asbury Methodist church in Indian Creek township, belonging to the board of trustees of that church and in all the deliberations of that board giving invaluable advice.
NIPP, HENRY
A prominent and influential citizen of Mills county, Iowa, now living a retired life in Mineola, who also was a soldier during the Civil war, is Henry Nipp, the subject of this sketch. He was born in Holstein, Germany in October, 1831, and was a son of Peter Nipp, also a native of Germany who died when our subject was but two years of age. In his early youth limited means compelled him to engage in any occupation which he could find. He was a workman in an oil-mill for one year, at a salary of thirty-four dollars a year, and some idea may be obtained of the characteristics of our subject when it is stated that he was able to save a part of this to pay on his passage to America.
At the age of nineteen he entered the German army and served in the war then in progress between Germany and Denmark, serving in all five years, from 1848 to 1853, inclusive. His great desire was to reach America, and this he accomplished after many experiences too long to be related in the limits of this sketch, although they might give encouragement to many youths struggling against adverse circumstances. He reached St. Mary's township, Mills county, Iowa, June 9, 1857, after a voyage of two months, coming up the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. He secured work on the railroad, the Chicago, St. Joseph & Hannibal road then being in course of building, but returned to Mills county and from his earnings bought forty acres of land, which was the beginning of his large landed possessions in this county.
On November 5, 1864, our subject enlisted in the Union army, joining the Thirteenth Iowa Infantry, Fourth Brigade, Third Division, and took part in the battle at Marshall, Tennessee, which was fought between Hood and Thomas, and he also was with his regiment at the fight at Kingston, North Carolina, they then being transferred to Sherman's army, where he continued in service until the close of the war. He was honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa, in September, 1865, returning to his farm in Mills county. Success has attended the efforts of Mr. Nipp, and he now owns seven hundred acres of land, this, in connection with elevator and grain interests in Hastings, Iowa, making him one of the wealthy and influential citizens of the state.
In 1861 our subject took for his wife Miss Katrina Knise, and six children have been born to them, as follows: William and Mena, both deceased; Ferdinand, now engaged in the stock and elevator business at Mineola; Emma, now Mrs. James Graham, of Hastings; Julia, now Mrs. John Flynn, living on the home farm; and Charles, the agent for the Wabash Railroad living at Mineola.
For the past fifteen years our subject has lived retired from active business. He has been called upon by the Republican party, of which he is an active member, to fill some of the local offices; he has been road supervisor for two terms. He has been prominently identified with the German Lutheran church for many years, where all of his family are also connected, and was one of the leading organizers of the church in Mineola. Mr. Nipp has always taken a great interest in his section, and has done all in his power to advance the interests of Oak township. The family is one of the most prominent in this part of Mills county.
O
OAKS, CHARLES C.
The reputation of Mills county, Iowa, for the possession of fine farms, can not be successfully disputed. Among these is that of Charles C. Oaks, the subject of this sketch, who is located on section 35, in Anderson township. He owns large tracts, upon, which he employs tenants, as farmers, giving the most of his attention to the breeding of horses, mules, cattle and Poland China hogs, which he ships and sells in great numbers.
Charles C. Oaks was born in Warren county, Illinois, April 19, 1847. He was the son of Seth Oaks, of Vermont, who was born in 1815 and died in Warren county, Illinois, in 1875. Our subject lost his mother when he was but twelve years of age and his father married a second time, adding five more children to the five already gathered around the hearth. Four children of the immediate family of our subject are still living: A. D. Oaks; S. M. Oaks, Ada L., the wife of G. W. Tinkane; while a sister, Fanny E., married John Bell and died in this county, at the age of twenty-seven, leaving one son, C. W. Bell. Of the second family of children all are living, and are these: W. E. Oaks, of California; J. M. Oaks, of Kirkwood; W. E. Oaks; F. M. Oaks; and Lydia B., the wife of Alvin Creamer.
Our subject was reared on the farm of his father, although not to the drudgery, as his parent was the owner of some two thousand acres and engaged in stock-breeding and dealing in stock to an extensive degree. He had reached Illinois when settlers were few and at that time was without means, but energy and thrift had enabled him to accumulate a large acreage of valuable land and much stock. Mr. Oaks, the senior, died in 1875, and Charles C. remained at home to assist in the settling up of the large estate, valued at $150,000. He had received a good education and had come to Iowa in March, 1876, settling on a farm of eighteen hundred and forty-six acres which his father had bought in 1874, for which he had paid twenty-seven dollars and fifty cents per acre. Here he has resided ever since and has engaged extensively in the feeding of stock. His farms supply the corn used in feeding, and the reputation of his cattle and hogs for excellence in every point is known throughout the state, especially at the yards where he disposes of them.
Mr. Oaks was married March 20, 1878, to Miss Anna M. Fox, of Biggsville, Illinois, born in Pickaway county, Ohio, and an interesting family have been added: David Earl; Gale Estelle, a very talented young lady who is an accomplished pianist and vocalist; and Charles Walter, a lad of nine years. In his political views Mr. Oaks holds with the Republican party, and has never desired any office, his vast business employing his attention sufficiently, but has consented for the past three years to act as township trustee. The comfort and beauty of the surroundings of Mr. and Mrs. Oakes and their prominence in the county make them and their home representative.
OGDEN, CHARLES N.
Charles N. Ogden, one of the prominent and esteemed residents of Mills county, Iowa, was born November 12, 1857, in Menard county, Illinois, and is a son of David and Mary (Young) Ogden, the former a native of Hopkins county, New York, where his birth occurred on the 25th of July 1831. In 1853 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Young, and unto them were born ten children, five of the family having now passed away. In the spring of 1860 the father removed with his family to Colorado and later became a resident of Montana, residing in the vicinity of Alder Gulch during the season of intense excitement over the discovery of gold in that locality. He and his family were among the first settlers of Helena, Montana, and on leaving that place removed to Nebraska, where they remained for twelve years. In the spring of 1877 they continued their westward journey, settling in the Black Hills at the time when the discovery of gold in the locality was drawing to Dakota many settlers from all sections of the country.
In 1882 Mr. Ogden went with his family to Crook county, Wyoming, and took possession of a large ranch six miles south of Sun Dance. There he carried on agricultural pursuits with excellent success, placing his fields under a high state of cultivation and raising stock on an extensive scale. He made many improvements upon the ranch, adding substantial buildings and other accessories found upon the model farm. Although his agricultural interests claimed much of his time and attention he yet engaged to a considerable extent in ministerial work as a preacher of the Methodist church. Throughout the greater part of his life he was a consistent and active member of that denomination and never tired in his labors to advance its teachings and to inculcate the principles of Christianity among his fellow men. His life's labors were ended in death in August, 1897. His death came as a great shock to the community where he was so well known and highly esteemed. While driving one day his horse became frightened and he was thrown from the carriage, striking his head. Death was instantaneous. His loss throughout the county was widely mourned, for he was one who held friendship inviolable and every trust sacred. His devotion to his family was most marked and it seemed that he could never do too much to promote the happiness and enhance the welfare of his wife and children. His word was as good as any bond ever solemnized by signature or seal, and his sound judgment was widely recognized, so that his word was often taken as final in the settlement of disputes, he being frequently chosen to act as arbitrator when difficulties arose between his neighbors. His widow is still residing at Sun Dance, Wyoming, and is now sixty-five years of age.
In taking up the personal history of Charles N. Ogden we present to our readers the record of one who is widely and favorably known in Mills county. He was reared upon a farm near Sterling, Nebraska, acquiring a good common school education, and after putting aside his text-books he began farming and stock raising on his own account. He has since followed those occupations, and his close application and earnest efforts have made his work a profitable source of income. In 1894 he came to Mills county, Iowa and in the spring of 1900 took up his abode upon the farm which he yet makes his home. It is pleasantly located in Mills county, near Council Bluffs, and the rich tract of land is highly cultivated, yielding a golden harvest in return for the cultivation given by the owner.
In 1878 Mr. Ogden was united in marriage to Miss Emma Sarnes, who was born in Illinois, in 1860, and is a daughter of John and Ann (Shoup) Sarnes. Four children have been born of this marriage, three sons and a daughter, namely: William B., David S., Hattie J., and Charles H. In his political views Mr. Ogden is a Democrat and keeps well informed on the issues of the day although he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and wherever he is known he commands uniform confidence and respect by reason of his fidelity to principle and to duty.
OTIS, GEORGE
George T. Otis was born June 2, 1842, on Dutch Creek, Ohio. His father William Otis, was a native of New York and was a wagon-maker by trade. Emigrating westward, he took up his abode in Ohio, locating in the town of Lowell, in the year 1815. He was married in that state to Sabrina Rice, and in 1857 he came to Glenwood, where he spent his remaining days passing away at the age of seventy-nine. His family is one noted for longevity, and the maternal grandmother of our subject lived to be over ninety years of age.
George T. Otis was with one exception the youngest in a family of seven children, six of whom are yet living. He assisted his father in wagon-making and started out in life for himself at the age of nineteen. As a companion and helpmate he chose Miss Florence Yockey, a daughter of Henry Yockey, who was a native of Pennsylvania and also a wagon-maker by trade. Her father removed to Ohio at an early period in the development of that state and about 1865 he came to Glenwood, where he has since followed his chosen occupation. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Otis was celebrated on the 1st of December, 1867, and has been blessed with four children, three sons and a daughter, all at home, namely: Carl H., George D., Della and Howard.
For a quarter of a century Mr. Otis was engaged in the livery business, with excellent success, but in 1892 he sold that enterprise and removed to Oregon, hoping thereby to benefit his wife's health. For a year they traveled through the western country and then returned home. Mrs. Otis was spared to him for a number of years following, but died in February, 1900 at the age of fifty-one. Our subject first visited the northwest in 1862, when he went to Montana, where he was engaged in mining until 1866, and then returned to Mills county. During the greater part of the time through the past third of a century he has resided in Glenwood. Few men in Mills county are more widely known or more highly respected. He is always ready and willing to accommodate his friends and customers in any way within his power, is whole-souled and generous, and his many admirable qualities have won for him high regard.
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PADDOCK, JOHN D.
John D. Paddock, who is now occupying the position of postmaster of Malvern, is one whose name is inseparably connected with the history of Mills county. He built the first house in Malvern and has been largely instrumental in promoting the growth, development and progress of the city. His influence in its public affairs can scarcely be estimated, but it has always been on the side of advancement along material, intellectual and moral lines.
Mr. Paddock is a native of Steuben county, New York, born June 17, 1842, of the marriage of Captain John H. and Nancy (Armstrong) Paddock. The father was also a native of the Empire state and was a farmer by occupation. At the first call for troops to aid in crushing out the Rebellion in its infancy, he offered his services to the government and was made captain of Company I, of the Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, in which he served for one year. His father, Philip Paddock, was a native of New York and there spent his entire life; but Captain Paddock left New York for the west in the year 1844. Accompanied by his family, he journeyed to Michigan and for a brief period resided near Adrian, in that state. In 1846 he took up his abode in McHenry county, Illinois, where he was living at the time of the inauguration of hostilities between the north and the south. Thus it was that he became a member of an Illinois regiment.
When his services at the front were concluded he returned to his farm in McHenry county and throughout the period of his active business career he devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. He is still living in McHenry county, one of the venerable and respected citizens of the community. In early manhood he married Miss Nancy Armstrong, also a native of New York, and a daughter of Andrew Armstrong, who was born on the green isle of Erin. She died in McHenry county, Illinois, at the age of thirty-four years, leaving four children, all of whom are yet living
John D. Paddock, whose name introduces this record, was but four years of age when his family became residents of Illinois. He remained under the parental roof until his fourteenth year, when he started out in life for himself as a teacher, a profession which he followed for three years in Illinois. Aside from the educational advantages afforded by the common schools he had the privilege of continuing his own studies in the Elgin Seminary and in Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College in Chicago, being graduated in the last named institution with the class of 1863. While in that school Mr. Paddock responded to his country's call. He was a cripple and twice offered his services to the government when he was not accepted, but in 1863 he joined Company F, of the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry, for one hundred days' service. The regiment was sent to Tennessee to relieve the regulars and remained at the front for six months, when he was mustered out on account of the expiration of his term of service.
On his return from the war Mr. Paddock located in Chicago, as a bookkeeper in the employ of the firm of Copples & Marsten, with whom he remained for six years. In August, 1869, he came to Mills county, Iowa, locating in the village of Milton, now known as Malvern. He purchased the lumber and erected the first building in town. Under General Grant's administration he was made its first postmaster. In the first store erected he and his brother, Charles H. Paddock, opened a stock of general merchandise and conducted the store together until 1895. When the express company established an office in Malvern Mr. Paddock was appointed its first agent. He became the first postmaster in January, 1870, and was reappointed by General Grant in 1874, serving until 1876, when he resigned. Once more he was appointed to the office in 1898, by President McKinley, and is now the incumbent, discharging his duties in a manner highly satisfactory to all concerned. He is prompt, energetic, capable and reliable, and his business and political records are alike above reproach. Mr. Paddock was married on the 1st of March, 1869, to Miss Helen McRae, a native of Woodstock, McHenry county, Illinois. They have no children of their own, but have reared an adopted son, Charles S. Roe, who was the son of the Rev. J. W. Roe, a former pastor of the Baptist church in Malvern. Charles S. Roe on arriving at his majority married, but has lost his wife, who died leaving a little daughter. He is now traveling.
Mr. Paddock and his wife are prominent members of the Baptist church, taking an active part in its work and doing all in their power for the advancement of the cause. He is now serving as a deacon, while his wife fills the position of church treasurer. Of the Masonic fraternity of Malvern he is a charter member and also belongs to Milton Summers Post, No. 224, G. A. R. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend. He aided in organizing the school district, was its secretary and has done capable service as a member of the school board. No movement for the public good has sought his aid and cooperation in vain. He belongs to the class of representative American citizens who have the good of the county, state and nation at heart and whose patriotism is above question.
PARKER, HON. JOHN
The keynote to the success of men like John Parker, a prominent farmer and stock man of Ingraham township, Mills county, Iowa, is industry. Other characteristics aid such men in worldly advancement, but hard work, early and late, is what wins the battle. Mr. Parker is one of those enterprising Englishmen who have done so much to develop the agricultural interests of their parts of the state. He was born in Lincolnshire, in 1837, one of eleven children of George and Elizabeth (Beet) Parker. His father was born December 24, 1812, his mother on Christmas Day, 1813, and they were married in 1833. Mr. Parker was an agricultural laborer and he taught his sons how to farm and encouraged them to work hard. Some of his children died in infancy, some in youth, and five were reared to manhood. His son George went to Ohio in 1854, and settled in Wyandot county. From there he came to Iowa in 1867, accompanied by his brother, John Parker, the subject of this sketch. George Parker was born in September, 1835, became a prosperous farmer and a local official and died in Anderson township, Mills county, in 1890, leaving a good property to his eight children. James and John Parker, came over together from England in 1857, on a sailing vessel which consumed five weeks in making the journey from Liverpool to New York. James is a well-to-do farmer with a large family, and lives near Hastings, Mills county. Henry Parker is a farmer and breeder of Poland China hogs and owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Pottawattamie county. He also has a family. Joseph Parker, likewise a man of family, is a farmer near, Oakland, Pottawattamie county. The mother of these children died in England in 1866, as the result of a fall, and the father came to Iowa at about the age of seventy years and lived in a house built for him by John Parker on the latter's farm until he died in 1895, leaving a widow. He was a Wesleyan minister, a zealous preacher of the gospel, a self-educated man of mental ability and moral worth, who was highly esteemed by all who knew him.
John Parker was educated in the common schools until he was about ten years old, when he began to work on the farm. From the age of fourteen to the age of twenty he worked by the month and by the year. In 1857, when he was twenty years old and had saved sixty dollars with which to pay his passage and expenses, he and his brother James joined their brother George in Wyandot county, Ohio. In 1867, as has been stated, John and George came to Iowa where they were tenant farmers for about four years. In 1871, John Parker bought forty acres of new prairie land and five acres of timber, for which he paid sixteen dollars an acre. On this property he erected his first house, which in 1882 gave place to his present residence. By four subsequent purchases he has increased his holdings to two hundred and eighty-five acres of fertile upland rolling prairie, one hundred and twenty acres of which is devoted to corn, yielding an average of from fifty to fifty-five bushels an acre. He has preserved the fertility of his land by strict attention to rotation of crops. He sells some corn but feeds most of his crop on the farm. His stock consists principally of cattle and hogs and he milks from twelve to fifteen shorthorn cows, keeps a blooded bull and raises calves. He breeds about seventy-five Poland China hogs for the market each year and keeps ten horses and raises colts.
Mr. Parker is a Republican and has represented his district two terms in the state legislature, his service ending January, 1900. He was for three years one of the commissioners of Mills county and has several times been trustee of his township and has been school trustee and has held other minor offices. While a member of the legislature he took an active part in the state legislation and was one of the leading members of the house. He is prominent in state and local politics, ever taking an active interest in the affairs of his party. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for thirty years and his wife since her early girlhood. He has held every office in the church except that of minister, and has been Sunday school superintendent many years. He is an Odd Fellow.
Mr. Parker was married in Ohio, September 19, 1861 to Miss Mary Johnson, who was born in Morrow county, Ohio, in 1841, a daughter of John and Lucy (Alger) Johnson, natives of Vermont who came early to Ohio, where they were well-to-do farmers, and reared ten of their eleven children, five of whom are living, as follows: Mrs. Arabella Strickler, a widow who lives at Columbus, Ohio, and has three children; Andrew J. Johnson who has nine children and lives in Shenandoah, Iowa; Amanda who married Alpheus Miller, of Ohio, and has three children; William Henry Harrison Washburn, Mrs. Parker's half-brother is a son of her mother by a former marriage. John Johnson, Mrs. Parker's father died at the age of fifty. Her mother married a third time and died in 1869, aged sixty-two years. Her father and mother are both buried in Morrow county, Ohio.
John and Mary (Parker) Johnson have had ten children, all of whom are living: Elizabeth W. married William H. Salzers, a Mills county farmer, and has two daughters; Alice Jane married William Tucker, of Saline county, Nebraska, and has a son and three daughters: Cora A. married Richard Tucker, of Saline county, Nebraska, and has a son and five daughters; Emma L. married J. E. Johnson of Mills county, Iowa, and has one son and three daughters; Ida J. married G. W. Phelps, of Fillmore county, Nebraska; Harry Grant, a farmer in Mills county, married Miss Nellie Jackson; Rosa, who is the wife of D. N. Salzers, of Mills county, has one daughter; Howard Roy a farmer on a part of his father's land, married Maggie Crow, who has borne him a son; and Sanford J. is a member of his father's household and he and John Guy Parker are students and the later will soon enter Simpson College.
PHIPPS, CHARLES M.
Among the native sons of Iowa, was numbered the gentleman whose name introduces this review, and he was accounted one of the valued residents of Mills county. He was born in Madison county, on the 30th of October, 1849, and was of English lineage, the family having been founded in America by two brothers who came from England to the new world at an early epoch of our country's history, one locating in Maryland and the other in Virginia, thus founding two branches of the family. Locke Phipps, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Maryland, and resided for some time in Georgetown, District of Columbia. Subsequently he removed to Kentucky and spent his last days in White county, Illinois. He was a carpenter by trade, following that pursuit throughout his entire life.
William McKendree Phipps, the father of our subject, was born near Frankfort, Kentucky, in 1810, and was named in honor of Bishop McKendree. He spent the first nine years of his life in Kentucky and then accompanied his parents on their removal to White county, Illinois, the family casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers of that locality. There he learned the blacksmith's trade, serving a thorough apprenticeship after the manner of the times. In 1846 he left Illinois and crossing the Mississippi entered eastern Iowa; taking up his abode in Winterset, where he lived for five years. On the 20th of October, 1852, he arrived in Center township, Mills county. The family spent their first night in this county in the log cabin home of David Lewis, the father of Judge W. S. Lewis. Mr. Phipps afterward purchased the right to a pre-emption claim from James Mickelwait, also one of the pioneer settlers in this locality, and transformed the wild land into a richly developed tract, making a valuable farm upon which he spent his remaining days. His death occurred on the old Phipps homestead three miles southwest of Hillsdale in the year 1886. His early political support was given to the Whig party and he was a warm admirer of Henry Clay, and when the new Republican party was formed he joined its ranks and was one of its most earnest advocates. William M. Phipps was twice married. He first wedded Miss Martha Greer, and unto them were born four children. After the death of his first wife Mr. Phipps wedded Miss Eliza McBrune, a native of Tennessee and a representative of an old North Carolina family. This marriage occurred in White county, Illinois. One of her brothers, Jon McBrune, enlisted for service in the Mexican war and was never heard from again. It is believed that he was killed in battle. To the parents of our subject were born ten children. Two were Union soldiers in the Civil war. One was held as a prisoner in Andersonville for one month and was then transferred to the prison in Florence, South Carolina.
Charles M. Phipps, the subject of this memoir, spent his entire life in the Hawkeye state and witnessed much of its growth, development and progress. His education was obtained in the district schools of Mills county. His training at farm labor was not meager. Practical experience early acquainted him with the work of field and meadow. the occupation to which he was reared he has made his life work and he was numbered among the most successful agriculturists of the community, having a large and well developed tract of land, the rich fields bringing to him a good return. All the modern accessories and improvements are there found. The rotation of crops keeps the soil in good condition and the stock which he raised was of good grade.
On the 26th of September, 1878, Mr. Phipps was united in marriage to Miss Minerva Rains, an intelligent and cultured lady. Her father, Laurence Rains, was a native of Ohio and after arriving at years of maturity he wedded Miss Mary Troth, who was also born in that state, but like her husband was a representative of an old North Carolina family. They came to Iowa in 1849. Mr. Rains had a brother who was killed in the Mexican war. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Phipps was blessed with three children: Ethel M., Roscoe and Everet G. The eldest is a graduate of the Glenwood high school, and is now following her chosen profession as a teacher in Mills county. She is a very bright and ambitious young lady. The other children are students in the Glenwood high school.
In his political affiliations Mr. Phipps was a Republican and was honored with a number of local offices, serving for several terms as a road supervisor and township trustee. He attended the Methodist Episcopal church at Glenwood. He died January 29, 1901, aged fifty-one years, two months and twenty-nine days, after an illness of two months, leaving a widow supplied with a beautiful home, which has always been characterized by hospitality.
PLUMER, CRIS
Among the foreign nations that have furnished citizens to the new world, Germany stands prominent, by reason of the industrious and thrifty class which she has sent to American shores. Practical, peaceable, contented and energetic, the sons of Germany have made the best of their opportunities, have readily adapted themselves to new customs and surroundings and have made marked advancement in the business life. The western cities have been settled by many of the best and most enterprising representatives of the Fatherland, who, on coming to the arena of larger opportunities where there is fertile soil and congenial climate, have developed a progressive spirit and unfaltering energy that is peculiarly western. Among the number is Cris Plumer, who was born in Drephols, Germany, October 7, 1838.
His father, John Henry Plumer, was a farmer by occupation and came to America in 1840, locating first in Jefferson City, Missouri. There he took out naturalization papers in order to become a citizen of his recently adopted land. After spending about eleven years in Jefferson City he came to Mills county, Iowa, in 1851, locating in Oak township, where he purchased and improved a government claim, for which he paid one dollar and a quarter per acre. His attention was then given to farming and stock-raising, in which he was very successful. In his family were five children: Henry, the eldest, resides in Pottawattamie county, as does also William Plumer, both residents of Lewis township. One of the daughters of the family is Mrs. Henry E. Saar, of Oak township; Frederick Wilhelm died August 4, 1899; and Margaret Caroline died at the time of the terrible epidemic of cholera at St. Louis, Missouri. Her daughter, Julia Bower, was reared by Mr. Plumer, of this review, and is now the wife of Carl Green, a resident of Lewis township, Pottawattamie county, Iowa.
Cris Plumer, whose name begins this sketch, was only two years old when brought by his parents to the new world. On attaining his majority he started out in life on his own account, and is strictly a self-made man, for all that he has acquired is the merited reward of his own effort. His possessions indicate his success, the result of an industrious and well-ordered life. He is now the owner of five-hundred acres of rich farming land, divided into highly cultivated fields, meadows, pastures and timber tracts. He is largely engaged in raising and feeding stock, and finds that a profitable source of income.
In the year 1860 Mr. Plumer was united in marriage to Miss Anna Schoning, a daughter of Henry Frederick Schoning, a resident of Oak township, Mills county. Nine children were born unto them, of whom five are yet living: Mry Louise, Gustoph Christian, Charley Christoph, Ella Sophia Caroline and Ferdinand. The mother died in 1879, and Mr. Plumer was again married on the 2d of March, 1882, to Mrs. Sarah Teressa Askwig, a daughter of P. G. Dunn, a resident of Mills county. Mr. Plumer's youngest son, Charley, resides at home and is actively engaged in managing the farm work. He seems to have inherited the sterling qualities and business ability of his father, who has long been numbered among the leading and progressive agriculturists of the community. The son is now serving his third term as township clerk. He was first appointed to the office and has since been twice elected. Practical and energetic, he is a young man who undoubtedly has before him a successful future.
Mr. Plumer of this review, is one of the leading Democrats of his township and is influential in all matters of church and society. He and his family hold membership in the German Lutheran church. Their home is pleasantly located seven miles from Glenwood and eleven miles from Council Bluffs, and is celebrated for its gracious hospitality. A resolute purpose, a laudable ambition and unflagging industry have been the salient features in the career of Mr. Plumer, and his example should well serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others who are forced to begin life as he did, without financial aid.
POTTER, CLAYTON C.
Rising above the head of the mass are many men of sterling worth and value, who by sheer perseverance and pluck have conquered fortune, and by their own unaided efforts have risen from the ranks of the commonplace to eminence and positions of respect and trust. The records of the lives of our forefathers are of interest to the modern citizen, not alone for their historical value but also for the inspiration and example they afford; yet we need not look to the past. Although surroundings may differ the essential conditions of human life are ever the same and a man can learn from the success of those around him if he will heed the obvious lesson contained in their history.
Turn to the life record of Clayton C. Potter, study carefully the plans and methods he has followed and you will learn lessons of value. A strong determined purpose, guided by sound judgement and honorable effort, has been the keynote of his success, and today in Mills county no man enjoys the unqualified regard of his fellow citizens in a greater degree than the present efficient clerk of the district court. He was born in Dekalb county, Illinois, on the 25th of April, 1859, his parents being Charles H. and Sarah (Montanye) Potter. The father was born in Onondaga county, New York, and throughout all of his life followed farming. In the '40s he removed to Illinois, where he resided through the succeeding thirty-four years. He then sold his property interests in that state and in 1874 removed to Nodaway county, Missouri, where he died at the age of fifty-seven years. He was a son of Hart and Betty Potter, both of whom were natives of the Empire state and both died in Sandwich, Illinois, the grandfather at the age of eighty-four years, while the grandmother passed away at the age of eighty. The mother of our subject was born in Pennsylvania and was a daughter of John Montanye. He and his wife were residents of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, and the former died in Marysville, Missouri. The mother of our subject spent her last days on the home farm in Illinois, passing away when about thirty three years of age. She had four children, three of whom are yet living, namely: Clayton C. and two sisters, Nettie, who is now the widow of Ira Connett and has one son, and Jessie, wife of Walter J. Eddington, by whom she has five children.
In taking up the personal history of Clayton C. Potter we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Mills county. His early life was spent upon a farm and he began his education in the district schools, but when about seven years of age entered the schools of Sandwich, Illinois. He afterward spent one term in study in Valparaiso, Indiana, and later pursued a commercial course in Keokuk, Iowa. Subsequently he spent one year in the Normal College at Valparaiso. In 1877 he returned to his home, joining the family in Nodaway county, Missouri. He engaged in clerking in a drug store and devoted his evenings to the study of telegraphy About 1878 he entered a railway office where he continued the study of telegraphy and was employed at nights for a year and a half. He was then out of employment for thirty days, after which he was given a better position at Hamburg, Iowa, in June 1881. Here he remained for a year acting as telegraph operator. He afterward spent about three months traveling, hoping to gain a better position, and on the expiration of that period went to Forest City, Missouri, where he remained for five years in the railroad office. Again he spent one year in Hamburg, Iowa, and in the fall of 1886 he did extra work on the main line of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, being thus employed until the 1st of February 1888. He then secured a regular position at Pacific Junction, Iowa, where he remained five years, when, in December, 1892, he accepted the office of clerk in the district court, being elected in the fall of that year. He was re-elected in 1894, 1896, 1898 and 1900, so that he is the present incumbent. His entire service in this office will have covered a period of ten years in 1902. No one else has ever made so creditable a record in this position; no office has ever been managed in a way more free from corruption; no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil has been cast upon his public career. His fidelity to duty is known to all and he has the unqualified confidence of men of all parties. His public record is one that is certainly worthy of emulation. He has been a staunch Republican since casting his first presidential vote for General Harrison in 1888.
Mr. Potter is a member of the Masonic lodge, belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias fraternity, with which he has been identified for four years, and with the Knights of Khorassan, an auxiliary of the Knights of Pythias. He was reared in the Presbyterian faith and though not a member of the church he has throughout his career closely followed the golden rule, and his life record is indeed creditable. Crippled in infancy he has from early boyhood been dependent upon his own resources, and though handicapped he has worked his way steadily upward until he is able to command a responsible political position and at the same time enjoys the highest regard and confidence of his fellow men. That he has been a popular officer is shown by the fact that he has been five times elected to the position which he is now filling. He discharges his duty with great promptness, ability and fidelity.
POWELL, FRANCIS M., M. D.
The exemplification of the text, "inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me," is certainly found in the life record of Dr. F. M. Powell, the superintendent of the State Institution for Feeble Minded, at Glenwood. The misanthrope today has no place in the world. Never before in the history of the race has man had such a just appreciation of the ethical relations, of his duty to his fellow man, and his value in the world is reckoned not by what he has accomplished, but by what he has done for others. The far reaching influence of the labors of Dr. Powell is incalculable, but hundreds of homes hold him in grateful remembrance for what he has done for their unfortunate little ones. A man of broad humanitarian spirit and wide sympathy, he devotes his life to the benefit and assistance of some of the world's unfortunate children, and has built up an institution at Glenwood which is indeed a credit to the state and its people.
The Doctor was born in Ohio, in 1848, a son of William Powell, a native of Virginia, whose parents were James and Ellen Powell, who were of Welsh descent. Throughout his life William Powell carried on agricultural pursuits, but also devoted his time to the intellectual and moral improvement of the race, following school-teaching through a considerable period, while for fifteen years he preached the "glad tidings of great joy" as a minister of the Christian church. He died in Virginia, at the ripe old age of seventy-six years. His wife, Mrs. Melissa Powell, was born in Ohio, and died in Wisconsin when about forty-eight years of age. She became the mother of six children, the Doctor and his sister, Mrs. Ida M. Ward, of San Francisco, being now the only surviving members of the family.
The Doctor spent the first ten or twelve years of his life under the parental roof and then went to Wisconsin, where he began earning his own livelihood. He was employed as a farm hand, in a store, and afterward in a printing office, and at the age of seventeen engaged in teaching in an old log school house in Vernon county, Wisconsin, where many of his scholars were older than he. At the age of nineteen he began the study of medicine, which he continued, as opportunity offered, for several years, throughout that period being associated with a young medical practitioner. He also taught at intervals for ten years, and thus provided for his support while continuing his professional studies. Entering the Starling College of Medicine, at Columbus, Ohio, he was graduated with the class of 1875, and immediately afterward entered upon the practical work of his profession at Hastings, Iowa, to which he has since devoted his energies.
In September 1873, Dr. Powell was united in marriage with Miss Louise M. Newton, a native of Ohio, and unto them have been born five children, four of whom are yet living: Ida M., now the wife of E. E. Black, by whom she has one daughter: Velura M., who is now a student in the medical department of the Michigan State University, at Ann Arbor; O. W., who is engaged in the lumber business in the state of Washington; and Fred M., now a practical engineer.
After his graduation Dr. Powell came to Mills county, Iowa, where he has since remained. His marked skill in the line of his chosen profession soon won him recognition in a constantly increasing patronage, and in 1882 his ability secured for him the appointment to the position of superintendent of the State Institution for Feeble Minded Children, at Glenwood, a position which he has retained since that time. There are now nearly one thousand inmates in the institution. The almost phenomenal development of the school is due almost entirely to Dr. Powell and his excellent wife, who has indeed been a helpmeet to him in his work. everything about the place is characterized by order, neatness and cleanliness. Amusements and recreations of various kinds contribute to the happiness of the children, while the utmost attention is given to sanitary and healthful regulations. The institution and its work is certainly most praiseworthy, its value incalculable and its influence far reaching. The Doctor's strongly sympathetic nature, kindly and genial manner, combined with his excellent business ability and executive force, well qualify him for the position in which he has been the incumbent for almost two decades, and the citizens of the state have every reason to feel grateful to him for what he has accomplished in behalf of one class of its unfortunate citizens.
In his political views the Doctor is a stalwart Republican, having unswervingly supported that party since casting his first presidential vote for General U. S. Grant, in 1872. His wife holds membership in the Christian church in Glenwood, and he is a member of the Masonic lodge of Glenwood, and of Ivanhoe Commandery, K. T., of Council Bluffs. He also belongs to the State Medical Society and to the National Organization of Organized Charities. He is also active and prominent in horticultural circles, was president of the State Horticultural Society for two consecutive terms, and his knowledge of that great branch of science is comprehensive, accurate and practical. Still an active factor in the world's great work, he is in touch with the great universal movement of progress and helpfulness, which is one of the signs of the times and indicates the onward march of truth and the right.
PULLMAN, GEORGE
The value of character was demonstrated in the life of the late George Pullman, of Ingraham township, Mills county, Iowa, who left to his descendants a priceless legacy in good name. Mr. Pullman was born in the province of Darmstadt, Germany, November 24, 1834, and died September 6, 1898, aged sixty-four years, ten months and twenty three days. He was educated in his native city and at the age of eighteen came to America and joined his two sisters who had previously located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and who took a special interest in him because he was the youngest of six children and the only son in their family. He learned wagon and carriage making in Philadelphia, and worked at that trade until 1856. He went from Philadelphia to Chicago and from Chicago to Muscatine, Iowa, where he was married, January 4, 1856, to Elizabeth Hettinger, a native of Darmstadt, Germany, born October 3, 1838, and a daughter of George and Margaret (Buck) Hettinger, who made the voyage from Germany to the United States in a sailing vessel in 1848, the passage consuming thirty-six days.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pullman began life as tenant farmers at Muscatine. Fourteen years later, on September 1, 1870 they set out for Ingraham township, Mills county, Iowa, by wagon, driving through in thirteen days and arriving September 13th. They settled on one hundred and sixty acres of new prairie land for which Mr. Pullman paid ten dollars an acre and which is now worth sixty-five dollars an acre. Later, from time to time, he bought other land until he owned six hundred acres, most of it in one body, and for one eighty acre tract he paid twenty-nine dollars an acre. He gave attention to general farming, but made a specialty of raising hogs and cattle, feeding his own crops largely, except wheat and barley, of which he raised good quantities and for which he received the highest market price. The Pullman farm is one of the best and most productive in the county. The present residence of the family was built in 1892 and the barns, granaries and other out-buildings were erected earlier, according to necessity and opportunity.
Mrs. Pullman is one of a family of ten children, of whom seven grew to manhood and womanhood and of whom Mrs. Pullman and four of her brothers are living. John Hettinger is a salesman at Silver City, Iowa. Another brother is a hotel-keeper at Silver City, Iowa, and the eldest is a farmer at Humboldt, Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Pullman had fourteen children, who were born at the dates mentioned: George Pullman, at Muscatine, April 1857; William, 1858; Margaret, who was born in 1860 and married Frank Plummer; Sophia, who was born in 1861 and married William Mosley; Mary born in 1862; Philip, in 1864; John, who was born in 1866 and lives at Silver City, Iowa; Henry A., born in 1868; Charles, in 1871; Edward, in 1872; Lizzie, who was born in 1874 and is the wife of Davis Greenwood, of Silver City, Iowa; Frank, born in 1876; Albert, in 1878; and James, in 1880. Eight grandsons and eight granddaughters of Mr. and Mrs. Pullman are living. The family are members of the Lutheran church, of which Mr. Pullman was a liberal supporter, and was interested also in public education and served his fellow townsmen as school director and was many times elected trustee of his township on the Democratic ticket. All of his children received a good common school education and three of his sons were graduated from the Gem City Business College, at Quincy, Illinois.
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