Mills County, Iowa
History of Fremont and Mills County, 1901
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1901
Biographical Sketches
R

RANKIN, WILLIAM S.
        When the hydra-headed monster of rebellion lifted its horrid front and menaced the safety of the Union there flocked to the standard of the country men from all walks of life - the toilers in the shops and in the fields, the merchants and salesmen from the stores and the professional men and clerks from the offices. Among the number who "donned the blue" was W. S. Rankin, prompted by a spirit of patriotism which has ever been a characteristic of the family which he represents. His paternal grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812 and also in the Mexican war, serving with distinction in both places. Others of the family have been prominent on the fields of battle, risking life in defense of principle and of country. Four of the brothers of our subject were with him in the Civil war, and there were uncles and cousins to the number of nearly a dozen who fought for the preservation of the Union.
        W. S. Rankin was born on a farm in Ohio sixty-two years ago, a son of Castleman and Eliza Rankin. They were farming people, who removed from Ohio to Indiana in 1842. The father was born near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and the mother was a native of the Buckeye State, where her people were representatives of agricultural interests. In early youth W. S. Rankin became familiar with all the work of the farm, assisting in the labors of field and meadow.
        The public schools afforded him his educational privileges, and in the summer months he gave his father the benefit of his services until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he could no longer content himself to follow the plow, but with patriotic ardor offered his services to the government to aid in the perpetuation of the Union. It was at Prophetstown, Illinois, in August, 1861, that he joined Company K, of the Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry, under command of Captain O. Q. Herrick and Colonel S. M. Kirk. The regiment was organized at Springfield and proceeded southward to Louisville, Kentucky. During the winter of 1861-2 it was employed in guarding the bridge on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad at Munfordville, Kentucky, during which time there occurred a number of skirmishes with Morgan's raiders in that vicinity. In the spring of 1862 Mr. Rankin participated in the battle of Shiloh, which was the most hotly contested engagement in which he took part. His regiment alone buried two hundred and four men after that battle. He was with the regiment at the siege of Corinth and in many other important battles waged by the Army of the Cumberland until the 12th of July, 1865, when he was mustered out at Louisville, receiving an honorable discharge at Chicago. He had been with Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea, taking part in all of the engagements which occurred as they went from Atlanta to Savannah. He was wagonmaster from Rossville, Georgia, on the Atlanta campaign to the sea, and on to Washington, and was mustered out as wagon master. His bravery and valor were many times displayed. He was always faithful to his duty whether on the picket line or on the firing line and loyally defended the starry banner in the thickest of the fight.
        With a very creditable military record Mr. Rankin returned to his home in Illinois. The following year, 1866, he was united in marriage in that state, to Miss Ada Bacon, whose people were Canadians. Her father was a member of the Seventy-fifth Illinois Regiment during the war of the Rebellion, having enlisted in that command in 1861. He was wounded at the battle of Perryville. He also had a cousin and uncle in the Union Army. Mr. Rankin and his wife removed from Illinois to Guthrie county, Iowa in November 1879, and secured a farm there but after a short time went to Kansas. In the fall of 1880, however, they returned to this state taking up their abode in Hillsdale, Mills county, where Mr. Rankin has since carried on agricultural pursuits. He now has a well improved tract of land, the place being modern in all its appointments and equipments. Mr. and Mrs. Rankin are widely and favorably known in the locality where they have now made their home through two decades. They have six children. Their son, Charles C. served in company H of the Twenty-second U.S. Infantry throughout the war with Spain, being actively engaged in duty in Cuba. He afterward served in the Philippine campaign and has recently been discharged on the expiration of his three years tern. The other children are Eliza, Ella, Louise, Robert C. and George.
        In his political views Mr. Rankin is a stalwart Republican, having supported that party with unwavering loyalty since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. That he is a popular man among his neighbors is shown by the fact that he was recently elected constable, having practically no opposition. He belongs to Abner Kearney Post, G. A. R., of Glenwood, Iowa, and both he and his wife hold membership in the United Brethren church in Hillsdale. they are people of sterling worth, widely known and respected for their many excellencies of character, and the circle of their friends is very extensive.

REW, GEORGE T.
        The record of George T. Rew is one which contains many valuable lessons, showing the possibilities of accomplishment that lie before men of determined and earnest purpose. He has met with a high degree of success. Success is not measured by the height which one may already have, but by the distance between the starting point and the altitude he has gained, and therefore Mr. Rew has won a most brilliant success, a just reward of earnest and honorable effort which commands the respect and admiration of all. He is an example of the boys who educate themselves and secure their own start in life, determined, self-reliant boys, willing to work for advantages which other boys inherit, destined by sheer force of character to succeed in the face of all obstacles and to push to the front in one important branch of industry or another. As a man his business ability has enabled him to advance steadily on the high road to success and today he stands among the most prominent stock dealers in Iowa, having extensive farming interests.
        Mr. Rew is of English birth, a native of Devonshire, England, where he was born on the 13th of August, 1851. His father, John Rew, was born in the same locality June 21, 1824, and is still living there. the grandfather of our subject was Thomas Rew, a tenant farmer of Devonshire, who reared five sons and five daughters. After arriving at years of maturity John Rew was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wilson, who was also a native of Devonshire and died in middle life, leaving three sons: John, George T. and Thomas. John and Thomas Rew still reside in Devonshire, being well-to-do citizens of their native county.
        George T. Rew, now actively connected with the farming and stock-raising interests of Ingraham township, Mills county, pursued his preliminary education in the village schools and afterward spent one year in college. He was reared to the practical work of the farm, early becoming familiar with its labors in every department. When twenty years of age he came to America in company with his elder brother, John, and they landed in New York City June 11, 1851, together with two other English farmer boys whom they met on the voyage. Proceeding westward to Cleveland, Ohio, they spent a short time in that city and afterward went to Burlington, Iowa, where they remained for two years, working by the month as farm hands. On the 24th of September, 1873, the brothers purchased three hundred and twenty acres of prairie land and fifteen acres of timber land, the latter being in Mud Creek Grove. For this they contracted to pay thirteen dollars per acre. They had to incur a large indebtedness in order to make the purchase, but they went to work with a will and their earnest labor and unflagging diligence won for them prosperity. Eventually they received funds from home with which to pay off their indebtedness. Meantime they acquired much other land, and at the expiration of ten years, when John Rew returned to England, they were the owners of about one thousand acres in which he retained an interest, and he still owns four hundred and eighty acres in Anderson, of which George T. Rew has charge.
        In 1874 Mr. Rew of this review was married and took up his abode upon a part of his original farm. He extended the boundaries of the place until it now comprises five hundred and sixty acres, and thereon he resided until 1895, when he removed to his farm of three hundred and forty acres near Silver City, there remaining until 1900, when he returned to the former place. He is now the owner of two very valuable properties, the Spring Valley Stock Farm, comprising three hundred and forty acres, and the Maple Grove Stock Farm, of fifteen hundred acres. During the early years of his connection with the farming interests of Iowa he engaged in the raising of various crops adapted to this climate, but in later years he has given his time largely to stock-farming, raising cattle, horses and hogs, but makes a specialty of the first named. He has a very fine herd of thoroughbred Hereford cattle, numbering from two to three hundred head. He established this herd November 5, 1891, and in the breeding and raising of Herefords he has been very successful, having some very fine stock. He began with four cows and one bull, the former from such famous sires as Anxiety 4th and Grove 3d; and since then strains from the famous Lord Wilton, Archibald, St. Louis, Romeo, Lord Derby, Hesiod 29th, and more directly in this herd Lord Brandon, Earl of Shadeland 30th, the World's Fair champion at Chicago, for his get; Lord Merlin, now at the head of this herd, which bull was sired by the noted Captain Grove 2d, for many years at the head of C. G. Comstock's herd; Hilarity, a son of the celebrated Corrector; Lord Laurel, from the famous Beau Brummel Jr.; Glenwood, a son of the great Mercury; Bowman's Prolific, of the Lord Wilton strain, of extraordinary good qualities and in fact, from nearly all the leading sires, as opportunities offered.
        Mr. Rew refuses to fix any price for his best cows. By purchasing no sires but those of individual merit he has developed a herd equal to any in the state. He has done much to improve the grade of stock raised in his portion of Iowa and in consequence his labors have been of great benefit to the state; for as the grade of stock is improved its market value naturally increases and the farmers therefore receive higher prices. He feeds and disposes each year of about two thousand head of cattle for market, shipping to Chicago about one hundred carloads. Not only does he feed the grain which he raises but annually buys from one hundred to one hundred and fifty thousand bushels of corn, thereby providing an excellent market for the products of the farms in the neighborhood. He has become widely known as one of the most successful stockmen of Iowa, and his business each year amounts to many thousands of dollars. One reason of his success is the personal supervision which he gives to his farming and stock-raising interests. He has made a close study of the question of caring for stock, known their needs and provides for them such shelter and feed as will conduce to the best results among the herd.
        In 1874 Mr. Rew was united in marriage to Miss Phebe A. Miller, who was born in Indiana and is a daughter of Johnson and Elizabeth (Kisling) Miller. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rew have been born nine children, but only one is now living, Elizabeth M., who is the wife of James Burgoin, a farmer of Ingraham township, Mills county, by whom she has one son, born February 25, 1901. The other members of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Rew died in infancy and early childhood, with the exception of John E. and Clifford W., both of whom passed away when about eleven years of age. In his political views Mr. Rew is a Democrat, believing in the principles of the party; but at local elections, where no national issue is involved he often casts his ballot regardless of party affiliations, considering only the capability of the candidates. He has never sought or desired official honors for himself and has never served in office, save that of trustee of his school district. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he serves as one of the officers. They have a very pleasant home, which was erected in 1886. It is built in modern style of architecture and is supplied with all of the conveniences and accessories which add to the comfort of life.
        Such in brief is the career of one of the valued adopted citizens of the republic. Coming to this country as a young man without capital, he has improved his opportunities, and by diligence, perseverance and unfaltering industry he has advanced steadily on the high road to success. He owes his prosperity entirely to his own efforts, and his close application as the years have rolled by have won for him rank among the leading and prosperous stock raisers of the state of Iowa.

ROBBINS, FRANK
        A country can have but one chief ruler, be he king, emperor or president; comparatively few men can attain to the highest offices in civil or military life; but commerce, agriculture and the industrial walks of life offer a broad and almost limitless field in which one may exercise his powers unrestrained and gain prominence as a representative of the calling which he makes his life work. Drawing the lessons which we do from the life of Mr. Robbins, we learn that the qualifications necessary for success are a high ambition and a resolute, honorable purpose to reach the exalted standard that has been set up. From the age of seventeen the gentleman whose name begins this review has depended upon his own resources.
        He was born in Athens county, Ohio, October 6, 1854, and is descended from good old Revolutionary stock. His paternal grandfather was one of the minute men who watched for the coming of the British at Lexington. He participated in the first engagement of the war that brought independence to the nation and on many occasions loyally fought for the cause of liberty. The family was also represented in the war of 1812 by Captain Nathan Robbins. The father of our subject was Joseph J. Robbins, a native of Massachusetts, born in the year 1803. when about eighteen or twenty years of age he cast his lot with the pioneers of Ohio and was employed by the month for a time, but afterward successfully engaged in merchandising in Athens county, that state. He was married on the 31st of May, 1828, to Miss Harriet Coe, who was born in Connecticut and died in Athens county, Ohio, after passing the eighty-ninth milestone on life's journey. The father of our subject also died in the same county, on the 20th of December 1873, and is survived by five of his eleven children.
        Among the number is Frank Robbins, who pursued his education in the schools of Athens county, Ohio. At the age of seventeen he entered upon an independent business career, being employed as a salesman in the dry-goods store for some time. On attaining his majority he came to Mills county, Iowa, and has since been identified with its agricultural and stock-raising interests. He secured six hundred acres of land and has developed therefrom a splendid farm. All of the buildings upon the place stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. His first home was a little frame building, sixteen by twenty-four feet, and in that he resided until about 1893, when he erected his present fine residence, and completed his arrangements for a home by his marriage to Miss Minnie Brower. The wedding ceremony was performed on the 1st of March, 1894. The lady was born in Madison county, Iowa, and is a daughter of William P. and Wealthy (Terry) Brower. Her paternal grandfather was Abraham Brower, of Pennsylvania. Her father was born in St. Joseph county, Michigan, and when nine years of age came to Iowa with an uncle, living first in Madison county. In 1856 he came to Mills county, where he still makes his home, being located a few miles north of Malvern. His wife also survives. Mr. and Mrs. Robbins became the parents of five children, of whom three are now living: Gladys J., a lovely little daughter of two summers, who was born on the farm where they now live on the 1st of July, 1898, and Clifford H. and Clinton C. (twins), born December 11, 1900.
        Since coming to Iowa Mr. Robbins has largely carried on the stock business, and as the years have passed and his financial resources have increased, he has made judicious investments in property until his landed possessions now aggregate thirteen hundred acres, two miles east of Malvern. This is probably one of the finest valley farms in southwestern Iowa. Well-tilled fields, verdant meadows, rich pasture lands, fine modern buildings and good stock are the prominent features of the place, and everything upon the farm indicates the supervision of the progressive and wide awake owner. He also has a ranch of five thousand acres in Phillips county, Kansas, which is largely stocked with cattle, which he brings to his Mills county farm and here fattens for the market. His stock finds a ready sale in the city, for he raises good grades and always has the cattle in excellent condition for sale.
        In his political views Mr. Robbins has been a stalwart Republican since casting his first presidential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. Endowed by nature with a strong character, Mr. Robbins has developed and strengthened his latent powers and has become a successful business man, occupying a very enviable position among the representative stockmen in his portion of the state. His name is synonymous with integrity in commercial transactions and his record should serve to encourage those to whom fate has not vouchsafed a fortune, and who must depend upon their own efforts for advancement in life.

ROBBINS, H. C.
        H. C. Robbins, who is classed among the well-known and energetic farmers of Mills county, was born in Athens county, Ohio, on the 9th of November, 1843, his parents being Joseph J. and Harriet (Coe) Robbins. The paternal grandfather of our subject was one of the heroes of the Revolution and participated in the battle of Lexington. He was one of the original minute men who watched for the British at the opening engagement of the war, and on many a battle-field displayed his loyalty to the cause of liberty and fought for the independence of the nation. Among the ancestors of our subject were those who served in the war of 1812, including Captain Nathan Robbins. Joseph J. Robbins was born in Massachusetts in the year 1803, and became a successful business man, following merchandising for a number of years. When about eighteen or twenty years of age he removed to Ohio, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of that state. He was employed by the month for a time and afterward removed to another county in Ohio, where he devoted his energies to mercantile pursuits. He was married on the 31st of May, 1828, when in his twenty-sixth year, to Miss Harriet Coe, who was a native of Connecticut. His death occurred in Athens county, Ohio, December 20, 1873, and his wife passed away in the same county, at the ripe old age of eighty-nine years. This worthy couple were the parents of eleven children, five of whom are yet living.
        Mr. Robbins, of this review, was educated in the village school, and after putting aside his text books he was employed in his father's store for four years. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted, in 1862, as a member of Company A, Ninety -second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Elmer Golden. He was first in camp at Marietta, Ohio, for a month, and then went to the front, where he was on duty every day, receiving an honorable discharge at Columbus, Ohio, at the close of the war. Had he remained at the front three weeks longer he would have been in the service an entire three years. He participated in every battle and skirmish with his company and regiment, and was one of twenty of a hundred who returned without having been injured in some way.
        A year prior to the war Mr. Robbins had come to Iowa. His father had purchased some wild land in this state in 1860, and our subject made his way westward in order to look over the location. He and his brother Louis journeyed westward with a wagon and team, and after a year returned to Ohio. Louis Robbins subsequently became a resident of Nebraska, where his death afterward occurred. When mustered out of the army Mr. Robbins returned to his Ohio home, and three months later came to Mills county, Iowa, settling on section 23, in Indian Creek township. His first home was thirty-two by sixteen feet, which was then one of the best houses in this part of the country. He began the development of the farm, and chose as a companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss Mary J. Barrett, their marriage being consummated on the 2d of February, 1869. She was born in Illinois and was the daughter of Dr. William and Mary (McCoy) Barrett. Her father was a native of England and on coming to Iowa, in 1854, he took up a tract of wild land from the government, continuing its cultivation for some time. He was widely known as a physician, and as he traveled over the country he would leave word at each house where his next visit would be, so that any one in need of his services would know where to find him. He wedded Mary McCoy in September, 1840, and they traveled life's journey together until 1873, when he was called to his final rest. His wife, who was a native of the Empire state, died on the 23rd of March, 1899. By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Robbins four sons have been born, namely: William E., who is married and resides in Gage county, Nebraska; Joseph J., who is married and has one daughter, and resides in the same county; Selma C.; Ralph E. and Frank A., who are with their father upon the home farm.
        After his marriage Mr. Robbins resided for eleven years upon the old homestead, and in 1880 built his present fine residence, in which he took up his abode the following year. This is a very attractive country seat and his farm is a modern one, improved with all the accessories and conveniences found upon the model farm of the twentieth century. He has always given his attention to agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. He was at first the owner of six hundred and forty acres, but has added to that property until he now has eleven hundred and forty acres. He is also president of the bank at Hastings and for eleven years was the vice president.
        His life has been one of marked industry, and his unflagging efforts, guided by sound business judgment, have resulted in bringing to him the success for which every man strives. He cast his first vote for the nominee for governor of Ohio, and his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864. He has always been a Republican, unswerving in his advocacy of the principles of the party. Socially he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Hastings, and with the Grand Army of the Republic. He belongs to the Presbyterian church, and withholds his support from no measure or movement calculated to prove of public good or to the uplifting of his fellow men. The family is one of prominence in Iowa, its representatives being people of sterling worth. During the thirty-four years of his residence in Mills county Mr. Robbins has ever commanded the esteem and confidence of those with whom he has been associated. As a citizen he is as true and loyal to his duty as when he enlisted under the stars and stripes in defense of the Union.

ROBBINS, JOSEPH DEFOREST
        One of the most highly esteemed residents and successful agriculturists of Mills county, Iowa, is Joseph Deforest Robbins, whose acres of beautiful bottom farm lands extend for many miles through Anderson township. He was born at Valparaiso, Porter county, Indiana, December 4, 1854, and is a son of Samuel Putnam Robbins, a namesake of Gen. Putnam, of Revolutionary fame. His father was born near Boston, Massachusetts, on March 26, 1809, a son of Samuel Robbins, also of Massachusetts, who located at Nelsonville, Ohio, in 1819, establishing there a tannery and gristmill. His wife was a great-granddaughter of Israel Putnam. These grandparents of our subject passed the remainder of their lives at Nelsonville, rearing six children, all of whom, with their parents, have passed away. Samuel Putnam Robbins was married to Caroline Coe, June 18, 1837 in Athens county, Ohio. She was a native of that county, born September 6, 1815, a daughter of Josiah and Mary Ann Coe, the youngest of thirteen children. Her death occurred October 19, 1898, her husband having died on April 8, 1889.
        Samuel Putnam Robbins was a pioneer in Indiana, reaching that state from Ohio when twenty-six years of age, and owning at that time a pair of oxen, a saddle pony and a cash capital of three hundred dollars. He filed upon a quarter-section of government land in Porter county and that land is still owned by one of his sons, always remaining free from mortgage. At one time he owned eighteen hundred acres of land in Indiana and engaged largely in agriculture, and later became a railroad contractor, constructing at one time eleven miles of road. He was made county commissioner, which position he filled for twelve years, giving perfect satisfaction. In his political faith he held with the Republican party. He and his good wife left an estimable family, some of them still living, owners of large farms. Amos K., ws born in 1841 and died at the age of thirty-eight. He had married Laura V. Stafford and had one daughter; Andrew died at the age of one year; Lyman died in infancy; Levi is a resident of Woodson county, Kansas, owning there two thousand acres of land and has eight children; James (now deceased) owned seven hundred acres of Indiana farm land; and Lewis is an Indiana farmer on thirteen hundred acres.
        Our subject enjoyed exceptional educational advantages, attending the normal school at Valparaiso, where he received a diploma in the commercial course. He early engaged in farming and when nineteen years old received a guarantee deed for a one-half interest in nine hundred and thirty acres of land in Porter county, with his brother Lewis. In 1881 he married Miss Henrietta Gaylord, who was born in Porter county, a daughter of Charles Henry and Theodosia (Sayles) Gaylord, both of whom were natives of New York. Mr. Gaylord was a soldier in the Civil war, and died in a hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of forty-four, April 14, 1865, the day upon which occurred that horrible crime, the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Mrs. Gaylord survived him until 1874, dying at the age of fifty-one, and was laid at rest in the church-yard at McCool, Indiana. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Gaylord were: Elizabeth D., who died at the age of thirty-one; Emily J., the wife of James B. Robbins (deceased); she died at the age of thirty-seven, leaving three children; Charles, who died in infancy; Ina A., the wife of L. W. Miller, a farmer of this county; and Mrs. Robbins, the wife of our subject.
        Mr. and Mrs. Robbins began domestic life in Woodson county, Kansas, where Mr. Robbins removed in 1880 and bought two hundred and forty acres of land and established a cattle ranch. In the fall of 1882 he left Kansas and returned to Indiana, remaining there until February, 1883, when he came to his present location, buying one thousand and fifteen acres of land, paying for the same fifty-three thousand, five hundred dollars. Only eighteen acres were improved. In 1893 Mr. Robbins invested in a half-section of wild land in Dawson county, Nebraska, realizing that that land will soon more than double its value.
        Mr. Robbins makes a specialty of fine stock, breeding registered stock, raising Aberdeen Angus cattle and Poland China hogs. His first experiment with this fine stock was made in 1887, through imported animals, and he now owns six hundred head and ships from one car-load to two hundred and sixty-nine head per year, shipping to Chicago and Omaha.
        In 1894-5 Mr. Robbins erected his fine residence, the most complete and imposing in all this neighborhood. It is a beautiful modern residence, supplied with all modern conveniences, and as elegantly appointed within as it is imposing without. Its location is particularly fine, overlooking the beautiful surrounding landscape for many miles.
        Mr. and Mrs. Robbins have three children: Ina May, born September 23, 1883, who has spent two years at Simpson College, Illinois; Lewis Leroy, born June 14, 1887, a bright, manly little gentleman; and Fern Lynette, born June 9th, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Robbins are most valued members of the Methodist church, of twelve years standing, in which Mr. Robbins has acceptably filled many official positions.

ROBINSON, LEWIS S.
        The name of Lewis Scott Robinson is found high on the roll of representative journalists and political leaders of southwestern Iowa. He was born December 1, 1861, in Knoxville, Knox county, Illinois, a son of W. T. Robinson, a newspaper publisher, who learned the business in the office of the old Cincinnati Commercial, where he was employed in 1849 and 1850. In early life Mr. Robinson of this review entered his father's newspaper office and was thus employed, mastering the business in both principle and detail. His tastes have always been of a literary character. The first money which he acquired was by taking the old carriers address to a route of subscribers on the Knoxville Republican. In 1875 he accompanied his father and the family on their removal to Leon, Iowa, and after his school days were ended he accepted a position as bank teller in the Farmers and Traders Bank in Leon, serving in that position for four years, after which he went into partnership with his father in the publication of the Decatur County Journal, issued at Leon. He was connected therewith until 1886, when he sold his interest and removed to Glenwood. Here he purchased J. F. Record's interest in the firm of Record & Ewing. Later he purchased Mr. Ewing's interest and for the past eight years has been sole proprietor. In 1889 in connection with W. E. Baarfield, he purchased the Glenwood Opinion, of which he is at present one of the editors and publishers. This paper has been in existence for thirty seven years and has been a potent factor in the progress and development of Glenwood. Through the columns of his paper Mr. Robinson gives an earnest support to all measures which he believes will prove of public benefit, is the champion of works of reform and progress and the opposer of all that has a demoralizing influence upon the city. In addition to his connection with journalistic interest he is a stockholder in the Glenwood State Bank.
        Mr. Robinson has occupied various city and county offices, but has never been an aspirant for official honors, although he takes a very keen and active interest in the growth and progress of the Republican party. He believes most firmly in his principles and policy and has been chairman of the Republican central committee for the ninth district of Iowa when the Hon. Smith McPherson was elected to congress in 1898, and also in 1900 when Judge Walter I. Smith was chosen to represent the district in the legislative halls of the nation. Mr. Robinson is still serving as chairman and is well fitted for the position on account of his executive ability and power as an organizer. He marshals his forces with the skill and precision of a military commander on the field of battle and he has the tact to harmonize the various elements of the party, thus securing the best results.
        On the 30th of November, 1887, in Leon, Iowa, Mr. Robinson was united in marriage to Miss Marian A. Mowatt, a daughter of S. M. Mowatt, a graduate of the Edinburgh University in Scotland. She was born at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, her mother's home, November 30, 1867, and she now has one son, Lewis S., born August 8, 1899. Socially Mr. Robinson is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he was initiated in 1882. He is at present chancellor commander of Glenwood Lodge, No. 43, K. P., and is a member of the Congregational church of Glenwood. With a capacity and experience which would enable him to fulfill any trust to which he might be chosen, he has never sought to advance himself in office, but has been content to do his duty where he could and leave the self-seeking to others. Viewed in a personal light, he is a strong man, of excellent judgment, fair in his views, and highly honorable in his relations with his fellow men. He is a man of very strong convictions, and his integrity stands as an unquestioned fact in his career. He has always been a student, and the scope and amplitude of his knowledge renders him a charming conversationalist. He is in full sympathy with all the great movements of the world about him, and watches the progress of events with the keenest interest. Though severe at times toward men and measures deserving criticism, he is nevertheless a generous friend and warm advocate of those who are battling for the right, and of principles and policies for the public good.

RODMAN, LEROY C.
        A native of Illinois, Leroy C. Rodman was born in Henderson county, that state, on the 2nd of July, 1842, his parents being William H. and Sarah (Salter) Rodman, natives of Franklin county, Kentucky, whence they removed to Peoria county, Illinois, in 1833. After two years there passed they went to Henderson county, where the father carried on farming and stock-raising on an extensive scale. His business was profitable, bringing to him a very gratifying income, and he continued his labors there until called to his final rest on the 11th of May, 1860, when he was sixty years of age. His wife survived him for seventeen years, and passed away in 1877, at the age of seventy five. The Rodmans were of German and Irish lineage.
        Under the parental roof Leroy C. Rodman, spent the days of his childhood and youth, working in the fields and meadows as the crops were gathered and the hay cut. In the winter months he pursued his education in the public schools and thus his time was passed until he had attained his majority, when he began farming on his own account. The pursuit to which he was reared he has made his life work. He entered upon his business career with a very limited capital, and the first land which he owned was a tract of forty acres. By industry and good management his capital was increased and proportionately his landed possessions were extended until he today owns a fine farm of two hundred acres in Rawles township, Mills county, supplied with all modern conveniences, the latest improved machinery, good outbuildings and a comfortable residence.
        On the 14th of November, 1867, Mr. Rodman was joined in wedlock to Miss Martha Mackey, a daughter of James and Eliza (Beal) Mackey, natives of Indiana, whence they removed to Missouri in an early day. They were also among the first emigrants from Missouri to Oregon. the father died in Mills county, at the age of fifty-two years, and the mother passed away on the 14th of April, 1897, at the age of seventy-two. Mr. and Mrs. Rodman became the parents of seven children, namely, Eliza, William H., James Luther, Effie, Rosa, Melvina and Leroy T. The family are well known in Mills county, and the members of the household enjoy the warm regard of many friends and occupy an enviable position in social circles of the community. Mr. Rodman is widely recognized as a man of sterling worth, and any one may be glad to claim him as a friend.

ROENFELD, C. F.
        C. F. Roenfeld is one of the extensive land-owners of Mills county, and also one of the honored pioneer settlers who since 1858 have resided within its borders and have witnessed the many changes that have occurred here, a transformation seemingly marvelous that has been wrought. The star of empire has steadily moved westward and in its wake have come all of the comforts of civilization and the accessories of modern business life. Mr. Roenfeld feels a just pride in what his county has accomplished, and he is one of her early settlers of whom she has every reason to be proud, owing to his upright and honorable career and of his successful business record.
        A native of Holstein, Germany, Mr. Roenfeld was born on the 10th of May, 1836, and is a son of Detlif and Lottie (Low) Roenfeld, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father's death occurred in that country, being occasioned by the accidental discharge of a gun, when he was forty-eight years of age. The mother died in the same country, when seventy-four years of age, and the paternal grandfather, Henry Roenfeld, passed away at the advanced age of ninety-eight years. The Roenfelds come from a long line of sturdy people, possessing the qualities which go to make citizens of worth. He whose name forms the caption of this sketch spent the days of his childhood and youth in his native land, and when twenty-two years of age sought a home in the new world, believing that better opportunities would be afforded in a country where competition is not so great. Accordingly he crossed the broad Atlantic in 1858 and at once made his way to Mills county, Iowa, taking up his abode in Oak township, where he has since remained with the exception of about one year spent in the employ of a stage company, in driving stage from Council Bluffs. Farming has been his principal occupation through life and his methods have been extremely practical, and at the same time have been in touch with the onward march of progress. As his financial resources have increased he has added to his property until his realty now aggregates thirteen hundred acres of land in Mills county.
        Forty-two years have passed since Mr. Roenfeld arrived in Iowa. He found here a wild and unsettled region, giving little promise of future development. On many a broad acre not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made, but the pioneers came, men of resolute spirit and laudable ambition, and they transformed the wild prairie into rich and fertile fields, while here and there sprang up villages, and churches and schools were built. During the first year of Mr. Roenfeld's residence here he drove about thirty-two miles to the nearest mill. Previous to 1861 the highest prices paid for butter in the market at Council Bluffs was two and a half cents a pound, while eggs were two and a half cents a dozen, wheat was thirty-five cents a bushel, corn from five to twelve cents a bushel, and other farm products sold in proportion.
        On the 14th of March, 1864, Mr. Roenfeld was united in marriage to Miss Lena Kruse, a daughter of Hans and Katrina Kruse, both of whom were born in Germany and came to America in 1862, locating in Oak township where they remained throughout the residue of their days. Unto our subject and his wife have been born seven children, and the family circle is yet unbroken by the hand of death. In the order of birth they are as follows: August, Ferdinand, Henry, Lena, Mary, William and Lewis. The last two are living at home and relieve their father of the greater part of the care of the farm. The other children are all married and are comfortably settled on good farms not far from the old homestead. The entire family are devoted members of the German Lutheran church and are people of the highest respectability. Mr. Roenfeld has always been a hard working man, and that he is today numbered among the most successful farmers of Mills county, his possessions embracing broad acres, is due to his own efforts, guided by sound judgment. His example is one well worthy of emulation and it is with pleasure that we present the record of his life to our readers. back to Mills County

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