Mills County, Iowa
History of Fremont and Mills County, 1901
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1901
Biographical Sketches
T - V

TITTERINGTON, THOMAS
        One of the energetic, resolute, wide awake and prosperous farmers of Indian Creek township, Mills county, Iowa, is Thomas Titterington, who was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, on the 29th of October, 1839. He is of English lineage on the paternal side. His father, Charles Titterington, was born in England, a son of Thomas Titterington, who crossed the Atlantic to the new world and spent his last days in Rock Island county. His son Charles was but three years of age when the family left the merrie isle, and since that time he has been an American citizen, his home being now in Rock Island county. He married Sophia Eberhardt, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Charles and Anna Eberhardt. Her father died in Rock Island county at the age of seventy-seven years, after having been blind for a number of years. Mrs. Titterington also died in the same county, when seventy-seven years of age, and left many friends to mourn her loss, for she was highly esteemed by all who knew her. By her marriage she became the mother of eight children, all of whom are yet living and are married.
        Thomas Titterington spent the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof, and in the public schools acquired his education, gaining a good knowledge of the common English branches of learning and thus becoming well equipped for the practical duties of life. When twenty-eight years of age he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Gonsoles, a native of Pennsylvania, and their union was blessed with four children. The family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death, and three of the children are married and there are now six grandchildren.
        It was the 28th of May, 1873, that Mr. Titterington arrived in Mills, county, where he has since made his home, becoming one of the leading and influential farmers of Indian Creek township. His labors have been attended with a gratifying success, for as the years have passed he has added to his landed possessions until the homestead now comprises nearly five hundred acres of rich land, and in addition to this he has two hundred and forty-three acres in the western portion of the county. His home farm is splendidly improved with all modern accessories, fences in good repair, the latest improved machinery, substantial buildings and fine grades of stock. Neat and thrifty in its appearance, the farm indicates his careful supervision and his progressive methods. He is orderly and systematic, in the control of his business affairs and his labors, and has strict regard for the ethics of business life, so that naught can be said against his straightforward career.
        In his political views Mr. Titterington has always been a stalwart Republican since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, and does all in his power to promote the growth and secure the success of his party. He has served as school treasurer for twenty years, a fact which stands in unmistakable evidence of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He is public spirited, withholding not his support from any movement or measure calculated to prove of general good. His activity in business affairs has resulted very desirably to him, and his life record commends itself as an example to all who would gain success and have no outside aid or influence to help them.

TUBBS, JUDGE L. W.
        The name of Tubbs is so inseparably interwoven with the history of Mills county that this volume would be incomplete without the record of him whose name heads this review. For years he was one of the leading citizens and most extensive landowners in this section of the state. Not only has he been prominent in business affairs, but also his influence and aid were ever freely given in support of all worthy measures and movements which were calculated to prove of public benefit. In his business career he energetically prosecuted his labors and his life stands in exemplification of what may be accomplished through determined purpose when guided by sound judgment.
        Judge Tubbs was a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in Binghamton, New York, on the 4th of January, 1826. His father, Nathaniel Tubbs, was at one time a member of congress from the Albany district of New York. The family is of English lineage and was founded in America previous to the Revolutionary war. The paternal grandfather of our subject served as a soldier in the war for independence. Nathaniel was born at Worcester, New York, on the 14th of June, 1797, followed the occupation of farming throughout his life, and died in Ohio. Mary (Hanford) Tubbs, the mother of the Judge, was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, August 15, 1800, and died at Malvern, Mills county, Iowa, on the 19th of April, 1892.
        The Judge spent the first eleven years of his life in New York and then accompanied his parents on their removal to the Western Reserve, in Ohio. Much of his youth was spent upon a farm, where he assisted in the labors of field and meadow, his character developing naturally and strongly amid the untrammeled life of the country. His education was acquired in the city schools of Sandusky, and at the age of thirteen he was apprenticed to learn the miller's trade. Six years later he went to Michigan, where he engaged in the milling business until 1849, when, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he made his way to the Pacific slope, acting as the captain of a company of miners who journeyed westward in search of fortune.
        The strength of his character was soon manifest, and his ability for leadership was quickly recognized in the community, where men of sterling worth by right take their place at the head of affairs. He entered political life there, and in 1851 was elected a member of the first legislature of California. In the summer of that year he was employed by the governor of the state to locate a road from the headwaters of the Sacramento to the Willamette valley of Oregon, an enterprise which claimed his attention until the spring of 1852. He spent the succeeding winter in the Sandwich islands, which, almost a half century later, were to become the property of the United States.
        On his return Judge Tubbs again took up his abode in Michigan and engaged in the milling business until the spring of 1856, when he came to Iowa, locating on the present site of the town of Malvern. Here, too he took leadership and in 1858 was elected by a popular vote to the office of judge of the probate court for Mills county, a position which he filled with marked ability and fidelity until the office was abolished. He was one of the first two men ever elected on the Republican ticket in Mills county. Throughout the years that have since passed he has had considerable influence in public affairs. yet has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business interests, which constantly grew in volume and importance. In May, 1861, imbued with the martial spirit of the time, he organized the first cavalry company ever formed in the state and was elected its captain. The organization was formed for state protection and was known as the Mills County minute men. A peculiar fact connected therewith is that this company has never been mustered out.
        In 1869 Judge Tubbs sold his Malvern farm and located in Emerson. However, he continued his active connection with agricultural interests, and under his supervision large tracts of land were cultivated and improved. He became one of the most extensive land-owners in this section of the state, his property comprising thirty-two hundred acres in Mills county. He also had much valuable town property and twelve hundred and eighty acres of land in Texas. As his financial resources increased he made judicious investments in real estate and derived there from a handsome income as the land increased in value and productiveness, owing to the continued growth of the county and to the cultivation which was bestowed upon the fields. He also dealt largely in stock, and in the various branches of his business gained that prosperity which always rewards persevering efforts when guided by keen business discrimination.
        On the 1st of October, 1853, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Judge Tubbs was united in marriage to Miss Sybil J. Wheeler, who was born October 13, 1836, and is a daughter of William Wheeler. By the marriage of Judge and Mrs. Tubbs eight children were born, of whom six are now living, namely: William L., Mary D., Hattie M., Volna V., Bertha F., and Ray B. The family is one of prominence in the community, enjoying the high regard of many friends who delight in the generous hospitality of the Tubbs home. Socially the Judge was connected with the Masonic lodge of Emerson and served as its first master. He joined the craft in Michigan in 1853, and in his life exemplified its benevolent teachings. He was a man of true worth, honorable in all his life's relations, straight forward in business and faithful in friendship. He was entirely free from ostentation and commanded the respect and confidence of all, enjoying the warm friendship of a large majority of the best citizens of Mills county. His death took place February 28, 1901, at his home in Emerson, which gave occasion to the public to renew in their memories his many excellent qualities and exemplary character.

TUBBS, WILLIAM L.
        More than a century ago Washington said: "Agriculture is the most useful as well as the most honorable calling to which man devotes his energies;" and the truth of this is as manifest today as when uttered. It forms the basis of all commercial relations, it furnishes employment to a vast majority of mankind and is a source of the greatest wealth to nations. William L. Tubbs is actively interested in agricultural pursuits, being a leading farmer and stock-raiser of Mills county, his farm being on sections 13 and 24, Indian Creek township, near the city of Emerson.
        Almost his entire life has been passed here, for by his parents he was brought to the county on the 14th of April, 1856, three days before the anniversary of his birth, which occurred on the 17th of April, 1855. Under the parental roof he was reared and in the common schools received his elementary education, which was supplemented by a course in Tabor College. When he had completed his college work he entered upon his business career as an employee in the mercantile house of Messrs. Paddock, at Malvern, where he continued for two years. After his marriage he was engaged in merchandising on his own account in Emerson for two years, where he now resides. He has two hundred acres of land, all under a high state of cultivation and improved with all modern accessories and conveniences of a model farm. His fields are well tilled and yield to him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. In his methods he is progressive and practical and his work has resulted in bringing to him a handsome competence. All the latest improved machinery are to be seen upon his place and everything is up-to-date. He raises high grades of stock, and in this branch of his business he is also equally prosperous. In 1900 he built the Judge Hotel at Emerson, one of the best hotel buildings in this part of Iowa. He was sheriff of Mills county from 1896 to 1900, and refused the nomination for a third term.
        On the 20th of September, 1876, Mr. Tubbs was united in marriage to Miss Allie N. Tomblin of Illinois, and they became the parents of Harry S., John W., and W. L., Jr. Mrs. Tubbs' father was Sheldon Tomblin, who died in February, 1876. Her mother was Nancy Tomblin, and her death occurred in 1857.
        Mr. Tubbs belongs to the Masonic fraternity at Emerson and to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Council Bluffs, Iowa. He is an active and energetic business man who forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution. He carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and his resolute will and diligence have been important factors in his success. His entire life has been passed in Mills county, and those who have known him longest are numbered among his best friends, a fact which indicates that his character is at all times worthy of respect.

- V -
VAN KIRK, JOHN
        Old Pennsylvania families, such as have given strength to American character throughout the west, produced the subject of this sketch, a prominent, retired farmer of Silver City, Mills county, Iowa, who has for many years been a leading dealer there in live stock and lands.
        John Van Kirk was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, July 24, 1835, a son of Hamilton and Eliza (Snodgrass) Van Kirk. Hamilton Van Kirk was born in Pennsylvania about 1800 and died in Mills county, Iowa, in 1885. He was a son of John Van Kirk, who was born in Philadelphia about 1775 and died in Pennsylvania about 1838, leaving one son, Hamilton Van Kirk, and three daughters. He was a stone and brick mason and contractor and builder, prospered well at his business and became the owner of about five hundred acres in Washington county, Pennsylvania. Many stone and brick buildings erected by him are still standing there, including his own large two and one half story brick residence, which was his last work.
        John Van Kirk was the first born of Hamilton and Eliza (Snodgrass) Van Kirk's four children. Samuel died at the age of four years. Sarah Mary died in her thirtieth year. Mrs. Van Kirk, the mother of these children, survived her husband some years and they and their daughter are buried in the cemetery at Silver City, Iowa. John Van Kirk obtained a fair, common school education and was thoroughly instructed by his father in everything pertaining to farming. He remained at home with his father until his marriage, which occurred when he was about twenty-one years of age. A year later, in the fall of 1857, he came to Iowa to look at a thousand acres of land for which he had made an exchange, and in 1869 he became a resident of Mills county where he settled permanently with his family. He bought the old stage station farm, consisting of a half section, partially improved, but some fifty acres of it in timber land, at fourteen dollars per acre. Since then he has bought and sold lands extensively, and at this time he owns twelve hundred and twenty acres, mostly in a body. He early turned his attention to stock and fed the first lot of cattle in his vicinity. In those days he fed about one hundred head, but more recently he and his sons have fed about two thousand head each year. Formerly he bred short-horns and black polled Angus cattle, but his sons now buy up cattle wherever they are able to buy good cattle to advantage. He and his sons are all settled in their own homes at Silver City and they are among the prominent men of the town.
        Mr. Van Kirk is a Democrat, but voted for William McKinley in 1900, because of a sense of duty to his country and his fellow citizens as he understood it. Too busy to give much attention to public affairs, he has held aloof from public office and managed to escape service on the grand jury.
        Mr. Van Kirk was married May 15, 1856, to Miss Anne Van Kirk, whose grandfather was a half brother of his own grandfather Van Kirk. They have had eight children, only three of whom gre3w up, namely: E. H. who is married and has four children; M. J., who became a resident of Silver City and died January 15, 1901, leaving a young daughter; and Anne Laura, who is the wife of Walter Hostetter, and has a daughter.

VESTAL, ROMULUS S.
        One of the prominent residents of Mills county, Iowa, living in Deer Creek township, is Romulus S. Vestal, the subject of this sketch. He was born in Yadkin county, North Carolina, on the Yadkin river, in 1844, a son of Daniel and Nancy (Davis) Vestal, the former of whom as born and died in North Carolina, and the latter also passed away in that state. The grandfather of our subject was David Vestal, who married Mary Pickett, both of whom were born in America. Their ancestors came from England.
        Our subject's family engaged in farming in North Carolina, and he was reared on a farm, attending the schools of the Yadkin district. When the war broke out between the states the members of our subject's family were obliged to endure persecution. They were of the religious denomination known as Quakers, who bear testimony against slavery and war and through their peculiar ways of thinking often come into conflict with the opinions of their neighbors; hence, about 1864 our subject with about one hundred and forty-five others, left the old home and started for Indiana, where there are large bodies of Quakers. Some forty-four of this number, our subject among them, were captured and taken as prisoners to Petersburg, but Mr. Vestal effected his escape and made his way to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he had an uncle, coming to Mills county, Iowa in 1870. He settled first in Rawles township, but in 1874 he removed to his present farm. This consists of one hundred and sixty acres of cultivated land, and he very successfully conducts a business of farming and stock-raising.
        Mr. Vestal married Margaret E. Mackey, a daughter of Simon and Eunice (Hobson) Mackey, natives of North Carolina, her birth having taken place in Missouri. Mrs. Mackey was of English descent, and her father of Scotch-Irish blood. Her grandfather was Robert Mackey. Mrs. Vestal's oldest brother, Christopher Mackey, was a soldier in the Civil war, and died in Helena, Arkansas, while in the service.
        Mr. and Mrs. Vestal were married in Andrews county, Missouri, near St. Joseph, and these children have been born to them: Ida May, who is the wife of Charles W. Salyers; Mrs. Mary I. Criswell; Charles S. Vestal and Wood M. Vestal.
        In politics Mr. Vestal is a Republican and at present is one of the three members of the efficient board of supervisors of Mills county, filling the office with judgment and dignity. both Mr. and Mrs. Vestal are connected with religious denominations, the latter being a valued member of the Methodist church, of Strahan, the former of the Christian church, at Malvern. Socially Mr. Vestal is a Mason, having lately taken some of the degrees. The family is one that commands the respect and esteem of the whole community.

VINER, JOSEPH BENJAMIN
        The subject of the present review is a popular citizen of Anderson township, Mills county, Iowa, located on section 23, where he owns a fine and productive farm of three hundred and twenty-five acres and engages in the raising of stock and farms upon an extensive scale. Mr. Viner was born in Somersetshire, England, Februry 8, 1851, and was a son of John and Eliza (Glass) Viner, residents of the same shire where they lived and died, he in 1867 at the age of seventy-seven and she in 1894 about eighty-four years of age. They had been parents of six children, four of whom are still living: Thursa, the wife of Frank Barber, of England; Henry, a farmer of Platte county, Nebraska; Thomas, who, with his three children, still resides in England; and Joseph, our subject. Henry Viner came to America in 1886, after the death of his first wife, bringing his two boys with him.
        The educational advantages afforded Mr. Viner, of this sketch, were meager, indeed, and he was reared to life on a farm, living at home and working there until he came to America, in 1872. He then became a switchman on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, at Burlington, Iowa, continuing at this employment for four years. Tiring of this life, Mr. Viner rented a farm in Des Moines county, Iowa, and lived there seven years, then came to Mills county and bought a farm, comprising one hundred and thirty-seven acres, in Deer Creek township, and here he settled with his wife in 1881. For ten years Mr. Viner remained upon that place, finally selling it with profit, when he came to his present fine location, paying for it thirty dollars an acre. His land grows from forty to sixty bushels of corn to the acre and this he makes his principal crop planting from eighty to one hundred and sixty acres to that cereal. With shorthorn cattle he has had great success, owning from twenty-five to eighty head, and raised many hogs, although the hog cholera has caused him some loss. At one time he has owned as many as one hundred head of Poland China hogs, and regularly feeds two car-loads of beef cattle a year, also raises a number of horses.
        Mr. Viner was married June 9, 1873, to Miss Elizabeth Pring, of Devonshire, England, whose father died while she was yet a child. Her mother again married and as an interesting coincidence, Miss Pring and mother sailed from England for America on the same day as did Mr. Viner, although their first meeting was in Burlington, Iowa. Our subject and his excellent wife are able to take great comfort in seeing their exemplary children and grandchildren growing more and more prosperous every year, while all are living near. Alice married Oscar Braden, who conducts a farm in Mills county and has two children; William Henry resides in Montgomery county, Iowa; Gertrude, the wife of John B. Lentz, is a bride and lives on the homestead farm; Joseph Roy; Edwin Arthur died when about ten years of age; and Ralph John is the remaining member of the family.
        In politics, Mr. Viner is an independent voter, the ties of party not seeming to him of as much importance as the fitness of the man. He is a pleasant, social man, a good and kind neighbor and both he and his wife are highly respected and valued in the community.

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