SAAR, H. E.

      H. E. Saar is a western man by birth, training and preference, and possesses the true western spirit of progress and indomitable energy. Today he stands among the successful self-made men whose lives illustrate what may be accomplished through determined purpose and honorable effort in a land that offers, excellent possibilities to energetic and ambitious men.

      Mr. Saar was born in Oak township, Mills county, March 20, 1866. His father, Henry Saar, followed the occupation of a baker in Germany, his native land, and in 1840 came to America, believing that he might benefit his financial condition in the new world. During the first winter after his arrival he remained in Cincinnati, Ohio, and then removed to Jefferson county, Missouri, where he followed agricultural pursuits. In April, 1845, he was united in marriage to Sophia Plumer, and the subject of this review is the youngest of their eight children, six of whom are now living, and having married, are settled near the old homestead.

     Under the parental roof H. E. Saar was reared, and in the public schools of the neighborhood he acquired his education, while in the fields he received practical training at farm work. He began life for himself at the age of twenty-six and has since been extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising, his efforts being attended with a high degree of success. Close attention to business, unfaltering diligence and strong determination have enabled him to conquer all the difficulties and obstacles in his path and work his way steadily upward. Today he is the owner of twelve hundred and eighty acres of rich farming land and is largely engaged in raising and feeding stock. He has recently built near the old home a modern residence, containing ten rooms, heated by a furnace and supplied with all the latest improved conveniences which add to the comforts and joys of life.

     On the 20th of December 1893, Mr. Saar was united in marriage to Miss Minnie, a daughter of John and Angelina Feifer, residents of Oak township, Mills county, and natives of Iowa. They now have three children, Lester, Edna and Clifford. Their pleasant home is celebrated for its gracious hospitality, which is enjoyed by their many friends. Although a very energetic business man, Mr. Saar possesses a liberal and generous nature and contributes of his means to the support of many movements for the public good. He votes with the Democracy but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his time and attention to the work of the farm.

SALMONS, RANDOLPH

     The successful and prominent agriculturists of Deer Creek township, Mills county, Iowa, are well represented by Randolph Salmons the subject of this sketch. He was born in this county, in 1857, a son of James and Sarah (Silkett) Salmons, the former of whom was born in Kentucky and died in this county, in 1879, the latter was born in Virginia, but her last days were spent in Mills county. They lived good and respected lives, and in their death the family and community lost worthy people.

     The paternal grandfather of our subject was Randolph Salmons, who came to America from England and died in Indiana. Two brothers of our subject's mother, George and Jacob, were soldiers in the Union army during the Civil war and George died in the service, one brother of our subject's father also serving through that war.

     The parents of our subject came to Iowa in 1851 and located in Mills county, where they engaged in farming. Here Mr. Salmons was reared and obtained his education, and is now one of the best known and wealthiest of the farmers near the town of Emerson. His fine farm comprises two hundred and forty acres, which are well cultivated, improved in modern ways, and Mr. Salmons has demonstrated that he knows how to make agriculture a very satisfactory business.

     Mr. Salmons was married in this county, to Miss Euphie H. McMullen, a daughter of L. D. McMullen, of Indian Creek township. Three children have been born to this union: Jessie Blanche, Iva Iowa and Goldie Alice. Socially Mr. Salmons is a popular member of the I.O.O.F., the Modern Woodmen and A.F. & A.M., and is a prominent and active Republican. The family attend the United Brethren church, in which they are highly esteemed for many excellent traits of character.

SALYERS, SAMUEL S.

      Samuel S. Salyers, a farmer, was born October 24, 1831, in Jefferson county, Indiana. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Jerry and Mary Salyers, both of North Carolina, whence they removed to Kentucky, where they passed the residue of their lives. His maternal grandparents emigrated from Switzerland to the new world, taking up their abode in Kentucky, where they died well advanced in years. The father of our subject, Samuel S. Salyers, Sr., was born in North Carolina and died in Marion county, Iowa, at the age of seventy-five years. He married Miss Margaret Sidner, who was born in Switzerland of German parentage, and passed away in Marion county, Iowa, when sixty-five years of age. She was the mother of eleven children, three of whom are living.

     Mr. Salyers of this review remained in his native county until twenty-five years of age. He then removed to Marion county, Iowa, in 1856, and engaged in farming until 1861, when he went to Monroe county. On the 15th of August 1862, he enlisted in Company G, Thirty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and while in the service he participated in the following battlers: Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, the siege of Vicksburg, Yazoo City, Graham Plantation, Fort Gaines, Fort Morgan and Fort Blakely, being mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, August 16, 1865. He returned to Monroe county, where he remained until 1870, when he came to Mills county, and in 1874 located on section 13, White Cloud township where he now resides.

    Mr. Salyers was married, May 26, 1853 to Melissa Z. Copeland, a native of Indiana. There were born to them five children, of whom four are now living: George M., James M., William S. and Robert F. Mr. Salyers has lived in Iowa forty-four years. In politics his parents were Democrats, but he first voted the Know Nothing ticket and has been a prominent Republican ever since.

SANDILAND, DAVID

      Upon a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres, located on section 4, Indian Creek township, Mills county, resides David Sandiland, a well-known and enterprising farmer, who was born in Franklin county, New York, October 5, 1847, and is of Scotch lineage. His father, James Sandiland, was born in Scotland, December 19, 1813, and was the son of David and Catherine (Bailey) Sandiland, who came from the country of hills and heather to America in 1837. They located in lower Canada and there spent their remaining days, the father passing away when sixty-eight years of age, while the mother died at the age of ninety. James Sandiland left home in 1834, traveled over Upper Canada, and in 1836 came to the United States, taking up his abode in New York, where he remained until his removal to the west, arriving in Detroit on the day after Van Buren's election. In 1838 he became a resident of Illinois, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick.

       Subsequently, however, he returned to the old home, where he remained until 1843, and he was married there to Miss Janette Pringle, who was also born in Scotland, a daughter of John and Janette Harriatt Pringle. Her parents came to the United States with their family about the time the Sandiland family crossed the Atlantic and they, too, located in Canada, where the maternal grandparents of our subject died at a very advanced age. Mrs. James Sandiland departed this life while living near the present home of our subject, when sixty-eight years of age. She was the mother of seven children, four of whom are yet living. After his marriage James Sandiland took up his abode in Franklin county, New York, and in 1857 came to Blackhawk county, Iowa. He developed fine farms in both counties and is now spending the evening of life in the enjoyment of honored retirement from labor in Emerson.

      In taking up the personal history of David Sandiland we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Mills county. On his father's farm he was reared, and as soon as old enough to handle a plow he took his place in the fields, turning the furrows in many an acre. When the summer's sun had ripened the grain he harvested the crops and in the winter season he pursued his education in the neighboring schools. In August, 1880, he chose as a companion and helpmeet on life's journey Miss Emma Greiner. They lost one daughter, Ina, who died at the age of eleven years, and now have four living children: Libbie M., G. Earle, Florence and Clarence. Mrs. Sandiland is a daughter of John J. and Henrietta (Lieber) Greiner, both of whom were natives of Germany and came to the United States in early life, locating in New York, where they spent the remainder of their days, the father dying at the age of eighty-one and the mother when seventy-four years of age.

      Mr. and Mrs. Sandiland began their domestic life upon their present farm, comprising two hundred and forty acres of the rich land of Mills county. He had purchased the land the year previously and it was partially improved, but with characteristic energy he has continued its cultivation and development and now the rich fields bring to him an excellent return. He has also been engaged in the stock business for many years. He sustained an enviable reputation in business circles by reason of his fair dealing and none dispute that his success is well merited. He takes an active interest in local politics and has been a Republican since casting his first presidential vote for General Grant. He has filled several local offices in the township and has been the secretary of the school board for nearly thirty years. The family are members of the Presbyterian church, and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. He withholds his aid and co-operation from no movement or measure calculated to prove of public benefit.

SCHOENING, FREDERICK H.

      A native of Germany, Frederick Henry Schoening, who now resides near Mineola, Mills county, was born in Holstein on the 11th of August, 1829, and his parents, Henry and Margaret (Schale) Schoening, were natives of the same country. In 1858 they bade adieu to friends and native land and with their family crossed the briny deep to the new world, landing at New Orleans. However, they did not tarry long in the southern metropolis but came at once to Mills county, Iowa, settling in Oak township. The voyage was a long and tedious one, occupying two months, for they came by way of Cuba, New Orleans and St. Louis and up the Missouri river to Council Bluffs. The father died in Oak township, in 1887, at the age of seventy-eight years, and the mother passed away at the age of sixty.

       Mr. Schoening, who is now an enterprising farmer near Mineola, spent his childhood and youth in the fatherland, and was married in Holstein, on the 25th of April, 1858, to Miss Johana Fos, who was born April 26, 1836, and is a daughter of Louis and Margaret (Schoening) Fos. Her father died May 11, 1858, at the age of seventy-three years, and the mother passed away in 1869, when fifty years of age. Immediately after their marriage Frederick H. Schoening and his wife came with his parents to the United States. Ten children have graced their union, nine of whom are yet living, as follows: Minnie, who was born September 25, 1859, and is now the wife of John Hansen, a resident of Emerson, Nebraska, where he follows farming; Henry who was born April 3, 1862, and is engaged in farming in the same state; John, who was born February 17, 1864, and has taken up his abode on a farm near the old homestead; William, born March 4, 1866; Louis, born August 17, 1870; Mary, born March 11, 1873; Frank, born April 16, 1875; Emma, born October 25, 1877; Otto, born July 10, 1879; and Rosa, born May 11, 1883.

The father, Frederick H. Schoening, is now the owner of three hundred and forty-five acres of fine farming  land all of which he has acquired through his own efforts. For the past ten years he has been practically retired, enjoying a rest which he well merits, for previous to that time he had lived a very busy life and his unremitting toil, careful management and resolute purpose brought to him prosperity. He exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and he and his family are all members of the German Lutheran church of Mineola. As a citizen he is deeply interested in what ever pertains to the welfare and progress of his community along substantial lines of development and has given his hearty cooperation to many movements for the general good.

SCHOENING, HENRY E.

      Henry E. Schoening, one of the most thrifty and prosperous farmers of Mills county, was born in Holstein, Germany, October 28, 1838, his parents being Peter and Sylvia (Karsten) Schoening. The mother died in Germany, May 2, 1849, when fifty-six years of age but the father afterward came to the new world, crossing the Atlantic in 1860. He took up his abode in Oak township, Mills county, becoming one of the successful farmers there, his attention being given to agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his active business career. He died November 2, 1881, at the age of seventy-eight years, and is now survived by two of his four children, the brother of our subject being a resident farmer of Pottawattamie county, Iowa.

      Henry E. Schoening spent the days of his boyhood under the parental roof and when nineteen years of age started out upon an independent business career. He has been a very successful farmer and stock-raiser and now owns over five hundred acres of valuable land in Mills county, together with three hundred and twenty acres in Lancaster and Nance counties, Nebraska. He also has business interests in Council Bluffs, being a member of the firm of Peterson & Schoening, dealers in hardware and furniture. On the 18th of August, 1865, Mr. Schoening was united in marriage to Miss Katrina Brockman, a daughter of Peter and Ida (Boe) Brockman, natives of Holstein, Germany, whence they came to America in 1864, locating first in Nebraska, where they remained for four years, and then removing to St. Marys township in Mills county, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schoening have been born eight children, as follows: Emma Mary, August William, Charlie Edward, Marquart C., Anna Katrina, Wilhelmina Christina, and Nelly Sophia and Martha Louise, who are deceased. The two oldest children are living in Nebraska upon farms of their own, while the other surviving members of the family are still with their parents. There is a grandchild, Ernest M. Geise, who is living with Mr. Schoening.

     In his political views the subject of this review is a stanch Democrat, but cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has filled the offices of township clerk, assessor and trustee, and has been a member of the school board for twenty-eight years, the cause of education finding in him a warm friend. In all his public duties he has been found true and faithful, being known as a worthy and acceptable officer. His pleasant home is located about ten miles from Glenwood and eight miles from Council Bluffs. Mr. Schoening is public-spirited in an eminent degree, national progress and local advancement are both dear to the heart of this adopted and thoroughly loyal son of the republic. His devotion to the country is above question, and no faithful son of America is more true to her institutions or more faithful to his duties of citizenship.

SHEPARD, RICHARD P.

     For many years Mr. Shepard has been actively identified with agricultural interests. He was born in Kentucky in 1841. His grandfather, Henry Shepard, lived and died in that state, which was also the birthplace of James Shepard, the father of our subject. The latter wedded Miss Mary Biven, a native of Kentucky, although her father was born in Maryland, representing one of the old families of that commonwealth. He removed, however, to Kentucky, where he spent the residue of his life. By the marriage of James Shepard and Mary Biven three sons were born, namely: Richard P., Henry and James. Henry is now a resident of Center township, Mills county, while James is living in Indiana. James enlisted for service in the Civil war, joining a company which was raised in Mills county. The command joined Sully's expedition and was engaged in fighting the Indians in Dakota and Montana for two years. The father died in Kentucky in early manhood and the mother afterward removed to Indiana, where she remained until called to the home beyond.

     Mr. Shepard of this review was but sixteen years of age when he came from his native state to Mills county, Iowa. Afterward, however, he removed to Indiana, where he engaged in farming for twenty-three years, but on the expiration of that period he again came to this state and has since continuously resided in Mills county. His farm is located three miles southwest of Glenwood. His diligence, energy and ability led him to be classed among the most progressive agriculturists of his community. His efforts, directed along the lines of honorable business methods, brought to him a comfortable competence. In Indiana Mr. Shepard was united in marriage to Miss Ella Miner, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Thomas and Mary Miner. The following children were born of their union, namely: Willard, Thomas, Walter, Lou, Charles, John, deceased, Richard, Clarence, Oscar and May. The mother died about twelve years ago, her death being mourned by all who knew her. The sons of the family are young men of sterling worth, highly respected in the country. Richard has served as the county recorder for two years, his term expiring in the fall of 1900. He joined the volunteer army at the time of the breaking out of the Spanish war and was wounded at the battle of El Caney, July 1, 1898. John enlisted in the regular army at Fort Crook, Nebraska, in 1898, and served throughout the war in Cuba, being on the firing line in the engagements at El Caney and Santiago. Soon afterward he became ill and was sent to the hospital on Long Island, but recovered and rejoined his regiment, with which he went to the Philippines, and served with distinction during his term of three years, when he was honorably discharged, reaching home on the 5th of March, 1900. Later he was taken ill, as a result of the hardships suffered in the tropics, and died on the 27th of April, 1900, at the age of twenty-six. He was one of the popular and highly esteemed young men of the community and his death was the occasion of deep regret throughout the entire county. He possessed many noble qualities, consideration and kindness as well as bravery being numbered among his characteristics. Mr. Shepard's family is one of which he has every reason to be proud, and the members of the household occupy an enviable position in the social circles in which they move.

SKERRITT, JOHN THOMAS

      Among the numerous citizens of Mills county, Iowa, who came from Ohio and have attained to a conspicuous position as farmers and stockmen, there is none, who more richly deserves the success he has attained than John Thomas Skerritt, of Ingraham township.

      Mr. Skerritt was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, November 12, 1857, a son of Abraham and Jane (Parker) Skerritt. His parents were natives of Lincolnshire, England, and his father was born in 1830. They married in 1856 and the same year came to the United States and located on a farm in Wyandot county, Ohio, where Mr. Skerritt died in 1859, leaving his widow and two year old son, far away from Mrs. Skerritt's kindred, but with a few hundred dollars which stood between them and want. Later she married Robert Plumb and had eight children, and he died at the age of sixty-three, in September, 1896, leaving her in good circumstances. She lives in Malvern, Mills county, Iowa. Mr. Plumb moved to Ohio in 1853 and from there he came to Mills county, Iowa and became a prominent stock farmer in Ingraham township, where he owned three hundred and sixty acres of land.

     John T. Skerritt was reared to farm life and attended the district school in winters and thus acquired a fair English education. He became a farm hand at the age of twelve years, and the next year he did a man's work, plowing with a four-horse team. After his marriage he settled upon a portion of his present farm. The place originally consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, but now contains two hundred and forty acres. He does general farming and raises cattle, hogs and a few sheep. He makes a specialty of red polled, mostly graded cattle, and keeps a thoroughbred bull for breeding purposes. He raises and sells from seventy-five to one hundred Poland China hogs each year. His farm is under a high state of cultivation and is well fenced and supplied with suitable barns, granaries and other outbuildings.

     Mr. Skerritt, who is recognized as one of the enterprising farmers and well-to-do citizens of Mills county, is a stanch Republican, but has no desire for public office. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church in which he fills the office of trustee. He is a domestic man who appreciates his home and spends most of his spare time with his wife and children. He was married March 1, 1887, to Ella J. Howard, a daughter of Sampson Howard, of Ingraham township, and has five children: Elsie, who is twelve years old; Ralph, who is ten; Edith M., who is six; Ethel K., who is four; and Ella Fern, who is two years old.

SMITH, CHARLES T.

     Among the successful and progressive agriculturists of Mills county is Charles T. Smith, who resides near Hastings, his home being in Indian Creek township. He was born in Monroe county, Iowa, in October 1861. His father, Joseph Smith, was born in Kentucky, and had two brothers, John and James, who are still living, the former a resident of Missouri and the latter of Kansas. After arriving at years of maturity Joseph Smith married Miss Nancy Cox, a daughter of Charles Cox, who was born in Kentucky and is of Scotch lineage. She is an extremely pleasant and motherly woman and is numbered among the respected citizens of Mills county, Iowa. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, however, was celebrated in Kentucky and was blest with three children, namely: Charles T., of this review; James, who is living in Mills county; and Mrs. Maggie James, who makes her home in Iowa. the father is still residing in Monroe county, this state.

       Mr. Smith of this review has spent his entire life in Iowa and the true western spirit of enterprise and progress has dominated his business career and made him one of the prosperous agriculturists of his community. His childhood days were quietly passed on the home farm and the schools of the neighborhood afforded him his educational privileges. Farming has ever occupied his attention in a business way and since 1883 he has been identified with the agricultural interests of Indian Creek township, where he owns some very valuable and productive property.

     He married Miss Emma V. Hall, a daughter of Orrin Hall of Monroe county, who was born in Virginia and died in the early girlhood of his daughter, who was then reared by her uncle, Permenus Tuttle, of Monroe county. Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Helen Tuttle, was a native of the Old Dominion. The ancestors of Mrs. Smith were among the distinguished old southern families. Mr. Smith had the following named children: Chester R.; Arlie M.; Bessie G.; Esther E., who died at the age of six years: Robert R. and Edith. The parents are carefully educating their children that they may be well qualified to occupy useful and honorable positions in life.

      Mr. Smith was reared in the Democratic faith, but mature deliberation and consideration of the questions effecting the welfare of the country have led him to give his support to the Republican party, and he has always voted that ticket. He has been the township assessor for four years, his term expiring in the fall of 1900. His wife is a member of the Baptist church, but he is liberal in his religious views and allows his children to attend the churches of their own choosing. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend and he has done effective service in its behalf while serving as school director. Socially he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have a pleasant home and his labors enable him now to enjoy all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. The household is celebrated for its gracious hospitality, which is enjoyed by their large circle of friends.

SMITH, JAMES

     A prominent citizen and successful farmer of Indian Creek township, Mills county, Iowa, is James Smith, the subject of this sketch. He was born in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, in 1850, a son of James and Harriet (Pringle) Smith, both of whom were natives of Scotland, and both died in Canada. Immediately after marriage they emigrated to America. Mr. Smith being a Presbyterian minister, was stationed in Canada by his church, his last charge being located at Guelph. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Smith were: Mrs. Mary Taylor, of Michigan; Jessie, deceased; John, a farmer in Canada; Mrs. Maggie Colvin, in Canada; and Mrs. Jemima McClain, the widow of a Presbyterian minister.

    Our subject was reared on the farm in Canada and there obtained his education. His chosen occupation was that of agriculture. His advent into Mills county, Iowa, dates back twenty-four years; and if they have been principally years of toil he feels a measure of reward as he views his fine farm of two hundred and forty acres of land under a fine state of cultivation. His cattle range over the hills and pastures, and he has every reason to feel satisfied with his choice of location.

     The marriage of Mr. Smith took place in Mills county, to Miss Harriet Sandiland, a sister of David Sandiland, a prominent citizen. The eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Virgil by name, a fine young man, was taken from them by death at the age of seventeen. The surviving children are: Marion, Arthur and Ray. The family are intelligent and interesting people, and enjoy all the comforts of life in their substantial home.

     Mr. Smith being conscientiously opposed to the liquor traffic, votes for the Prohibition ticket in national and state elections; but in local affairs casts his vote mainly for the Republican ticket. He is now one of the efficient school directors of Mills county. Both he and his excellent wife are valued members of the Presbyterian church, and well represent the best element of citizens of this part of Iowa.