WILLIAMS, LEROY E.

      Prominent among the business men of Mills county is Leroy E. Williams, who is closely identified with the history of this city as a representative of one of the most important business interests. He is a man of keen discrimination and sound judgment, and his executive ability and excellent management have brought to the concern with which he is connected a large degree of success. The progressive, safe, but conservative policy which he inaugurated commends itself to the judgment of all and has secured to the company a patronage which makes the volume of annual business transacted of great importance and magnitude. the prosperity of the company is certainly due in a large measure to its president and manager, the gentleman who is the subject of this review.

      Leroy E. Williams was born in Virginia, February 22, 1864, so that he is yet a young man, and the future undoubtedly holds in store for him greater successes. His parents, E. P. and Rebecca (Isler) Williams, were both natives of the Old Dominion, and the father still resides in that state, where the greater part of his life has been devoted to the operation of a pig-iron furnace in Giles county, his business being extensive. His wife died in January 1865, leaving two children, the daughter being Nannie R., now the wife of F. E. Dunklee, of Newport, Virginia.

     Mr. Williams, of this review, remained upon the home farm in Clark county, Virginia, until eight years of age. He pursued his education by tutor and in the public schools of Newport, Salem and Richmond, Virginia, and Baltimore, Maryland, and at the early age of twelve years began making his own way in the world, since which time he has been dependent entirely upon his own resources. He was one of four hundred boys that were examined for admission to the Baltimore City College and was one of two to pass the highest percentage at that time. When a lad of twelve summers he became assistant in the office of the clerk of Clarke county, Virginia, and the following year was made head bookkeeper of the Johns Mountain Iron Company, in Giles county, Virginia, in which capacity he served about three and a half years. On the expiration of that period he went to Atlanta, Georgia, where for two and a half years he was in the employ of the Bradstreet Mercantile Company.

     In September, 1884, he arrived in Glenwood, Iowa, to accept a position in the Mills County National Bank, of Glenwood, where he remained until January, 1893, when he resigned in order to give his attention to his personal affairs, having in the meantime become associated with the New Glenwood Canning Company, which was organized in 1882. He was made its bookkeeper and assistant secretary in 1886, and was thus engaged, in addition to his bank and other work, until 1890, when he became a partner in the enterprise, of which he at that time was also made secretary and treasurer, thus serving until 1897, when he became the president of the company. From a small industry in 1882 the plant has steadily grown until it is now one of the largest west of Indiana, having a capacity for packing one hundred thousand cases, or two million and four hundred thousand cans, during the canning season. The goods put up by this company are of a high grade, being prepared for the best trade. The company furnishes employment to about one hundred and fifty people during the canning season, which continues about six months. Tomatoes, sweet corn, beets, hominy, pumpkins and baked beans are among the products canned and shipped from their establishment. The company manufacturers its own tin cans, having in this department of the buiness a capacity for six million cans per annum. They also have a fine fruit evaporator, with a capacity of evaporating five hundred bushels of wood-dried apples per day. this is said to be one of the finest and best fruit evaporators in the United States. The business of the New Glenwood Canning Company has grown to an extensive volume and the industry is one of the most important in this section of the state, being of practical value to the community by furnishing employment to many men and women. Mr. Williams, the president, is a man of resourceful business ability who has not confined his efforts to one line alone. He is a stockholder in the Glenwood State Bank and the owner of a fine Mills county bottom farm.

     On the 21st of December, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Williams and Miss Bessie E. Anderson, of Glenwood, a daughter of the late William H. and Ella J. Anderson. Her father was one of the prominent men and bankers of Glenwood for many years, having located in this city in 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have one of the finest colonial homes in Glenwood, it having been erected in 1899. It is supplied with all the conveniences and adornments that fine taste can suggest and an added attraction is the air of gracious hospitality which ever pervades the home.

     In his political views Mr. Williams is a pronounced Republican, giving his time and money for the advancement of the interests of that party. He was, however, reared in the Democratic faith and affiliated with that political organization until 1894. His life has been one of continuous and arduous labor and is a brilliant illustration of the potency of earnest work in the acquirement of success. He is recognized as one of the most capable, far-sighted and enterprising business men of Glenwood, and his entire accomplishments but represent the result of the fit utilization of the innate talents which are his and the directing of his efforts along those lines where mature judgment and rare discrimination lead the way. There is in him a weight of character, a native sagacity, a far-seeing judgment and a fidelity of purpose that commands the respect of all. He is a man of indefatigable enterprise, industry and fertility of resources and has carved his name deeply on the records of Mills county.

WILLIAMS, MARSHALL J.

     A very wealthy landholder and prominent farmer of Mills county, Iowa is Marshall J. Williams, the subject of this sketch. He is the son of Dr. S. W. Williams and was born in Pottawattamie county, Iowa, July 4, 1864. His father, Dr. Williams, was a native of Ashtabula county, Ohio, and became a prominent citizen of Iowa, well and favorably known in his profession, and especially beloved in his family. His educational advantages in early life were very limited, but he applied himself to his books whenever opportunity offered, the result being that he acquired a fund of varied information which enabled him to take an equal position in life with those who had been more favored by fortune. When but fourteen years of age he went to Cape Girardeau county, Missouri, and engaged as a clerk in a mercantile business, remaining in this position for about seven years, quietly preparing all this time to enter the profession of medicine.

     Dr. Williams attended a course of lectures at the Louisville Medical College and then commenced to practice at his former home, shortly afterward returning to the college, where he finished the course and graduated at the head of his class, in 1851. Removing to Council Bluffs, Iowa, he engaged in practice in connection with Dr. P. J. McMahan, a prominent physician of that place. He became very successful and was valued highly by the residents of Council Bluffs. He possessed those noble traits of character which the world loves to find in a physician, kindness, courtesy and sympathy. He was ever ready to respond to the call of the sick, making no distinction between the rich and the poor.

     Owing to failing health Dr. Williams retired from practice in 1865 and located on a farm near Glenwood, Iowa. He was called upon very often to consult with brother physicians, but aside from this duty he entirely laid away his medical paraphernalia realizing that work in that line was at the expense of his own health. He became closely identified with all of the progressive measures intended to promote the growth of Mills county. For several years he was a member of the various county boards, and at one time was a candidate for representative. He labored to promote the interests of the Congregational church, of which he was a trustee. The death of Dr. Williams occurred June 8, 1880, at the age of fifty-seven. He had married Janet Frierson, in 1856, and three children were born of this union: Rowena; Sarah E., who married James Rec??l; and Marshall J., our subject. The mother of these children died January 31, 1886.

     Our subject was placed in a very trying and responsible position at the time of his father's death. He was but sixteen years old, and the care of the large estate fell upon his young shoulders, but he faced the responsibility and overcame the many difficulties. He took a trip to California, but with that exception has spent his life on his own land. He is the owner of three hundred and thirty acres, and a half interest in two hundred and seventy acres, both in Oak township, and eight hundred and eighty acres in Pottawattamie county. He has carried on farming in connection with stock-raising in both of which he has been very successful. He has never had a case of disease among his hogs, which are of Poland China and Berkshire breeds. Their pens and yards are kept clean and disinfected, and probably this precaution explains the vigorous health of his stock. Among his cattle the same conditions prevail. He has made a scientific study of the science of breeding and the care of stock and considers regular feeding a great factor in successful management of such a business. His preference in cattle is for the Hereford and Durham breeds of which he owns a great number.

The marriage of Mr. Williams took place March 24, 1887, to Miss Gertrude L. Starbuck, a daughter of Elisha Starbuck, a native of Ohio, and now engaged in the practice of law at Glenwood, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams has been born one child: Clifford Starbuck Williams, August 11, 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are among the representative people of Mills county. They are highly esteemed and well-known residents, and their hospitable home is familiar to their many friends.

In politics Mr. Williams is a Democrat but has never sought office, although he has been made chairman of the central committee for many years and at present is township trustee.

WILSON, JAMES J.

     James J. Wilson, the well-known and popular cashier of the First National Bank of Malvern, Iowa, was born in Monmouth, Illinois, on the 17th of November, 1856, his parents being John G. and Melvina (Skinner) Wilson, natives of Ohio. The father died at Monmouth, Illinois, in 1885, at the age of fifty-nine. The mother is still living in Monmouth with her daughter, Mrs. Carrie Ritchey.

     After completing his education in the school of his native city Mr. Wilson was employed as a bookkeeper for about ten years, and was also engaged in farming upon his own land for a time. In 1888 he came to Malvern and accepted the position of bookkeeper in the First National Bank. In 1893 he was promoted to cashier, which responsible position he has since efficiently filled. He has gained a wide reputation as a most capable financier, and to his business ability and sound judgment the bank owes much of its success.

     On the 29th of November, 1884, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Berigan, a daughter of Abraham and Bridget Berigan. By this union have been born two children, Robert H. and Carrie, the birth of both having occurred in Malvern. The family are communicants of the Catholic church and are quite prominent socially.

     Politically Mr. Wilson has been identified with the Democratic party since casting his first presidential vote for General Hancock, and socially he has affiliated with the Knights of Pythias for several years. He is one of the most prominent and progressive business men of Malvern, and well merits the high regard in which he is uniformly held.

WINKLER, ALPHEUS H.

    Among the most progressive and enterprising business men of Mills county none stand higher in public esteem than Alpheus H. Winkler of Glenwood. He was born in Holt county, Missouri, December 8, 1855, and is of English and German descent. According to tradition his great-great-grandfather was reared by King William III, of England, being educated by that monarch for the ministry. His father, Wyatt T. Winkler, was a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania and a son of William and Margaret Winkler. The grandfather was born in Germany and when a young man came to the United States, locating on a farm in Pennsylvania, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying there at the age of eighty-four years. He was a highly educated man, and prior to his emigration to the new world, took part in the German wars. In early days he was noted as a log-roller, being a man of great strength, and at the age of eighty-two could throw the best wrestler in his county, that being quite a pastime in those days. He devoted his life to farming and was also a tax collector.

     About 1849 when a single man, Wyatt T. Winkler, the father of our subject, left Pennsylvania and removed to Glasgow, Missouri, where he operated a ferry and also conducted a general store until 1861, when he removed to Holt county, Missouri, and thence to eastern Kansas. There he also engaged in merchandising and farming, and continued to make his home in that state until called from this life June 18, 1885, at the age of fifty-eight years. He was one of the old free-state Democrats, and was a man highly respected by all who knew him. He wedded Miss Mary J. Thrailkill, a native of Missouri, who is now living on a farm in Oklahoma. By this union were born ten children, all of whom are still living. Mrs. Winkler's grandparents were William and Polly (Ish) Thrailkill. William Thrailkill was born in Tennessee and died in California, and his wife was born in Scotland and died in Missouri. Reared on his father's farm and in the village where his father was engaged in business, Alpheus H. Winkler was principally educated in the district schools, but he attended high school for a time, and in 1882 was graduated at Bryant's Commercial College, of St. Joseph, Missouri. He was married on the 22nd of October, 1885, to Miss Margaret Culwell, a native of Nemaha county, Nebraska, and they have become the parents of three children: Ada M., Albert H. and Ethel May, all born in Hiawatha, Kansas.

    Henry Culwell, the father of Mrs. Winkler, was born in Tennessee, of which state his parents, Samuel H. and Margaret (Mayberry) Culwell, were also natives, while the latter was a daughter of James Mayberry. Samuel H. Culwell died in Nebraska at the age of sixty-eight years, and his wife passed away in the same state at the age of sixty-nine. The Culwells followed agricultural pursuits principally and were also businessmen. In 1855, in company with his parents and the four other children of the family, Henry Culwell removed to Illinois, and in the spring of 1857 went to Nemaha county, Nebraska, where he made his home until coming to Glenwood, Iowa, in May, 1900. In connection with our subject he is now running the electric light plant at this place. On the 20th of December, 1864, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Mayes, and to them were born four children, one of whom is now deceased. Mrs. Culwell was one of a family of fourteen children, whose parents were Joel and Martha Mayes, natives of Missouri and Tennessee, respectively. The former died in Nemaha county, Nebraska, at the age of forty-nine, the latter in Jackson county, Missouri, at the age of seventy-one years.

     After his marriage Mr. Winkler made his home in Hiawatha, Kansas, until 1895, when he came to Glenwood, Mills county, Iowa, where he has been a reputable business man of high standing ever since. He has large farming interests both here and in Nebraska, and also owns several hundred acres of valuable coal and iron lands in Tennessee. He is quite extensively engaged in the real estate and loan business, and also conducts the electric light plant at Glenwood, which he purchased in 1899. By putting in new machinery he now has one of the most modern plants in this part of the country. He is recognized as one of the leading and successful real estate men in southwestern Iowa. Since casting his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland Mr. Winkler has been an ardent Democrat, and fraternally is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, and they are recognized as valuable and prominent additions to the commercial and social circles of their adopted home. Thoroughly up-to-date and progressive Mr. Winkler is a man of excellent business and executive ability, whose sound judgment, unflagging enterprise and capable management have brought to him well-merited success. In manner he is pleasant and cordial, which, combined with his sterling worth, makes him one of the popular citizens of the community.

WOODROW, E. R. C.

      The name of this gentleman is inseparably interwoven with the history of Mills county, for through many years he was a prominent factor in its progress and development and up to his death was numbered among its honored and valued citizens. He was born on a farm in Guernsey county, Ohio, in the year 1830, the place of his birth being near the town of Byesville. He was one of a family of ten children who grew to adult age among the stern realities of life upon a farm in a comparatively recently developed region. At the age of twenty-three years he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Fisk, of Marshall county, West Virginia, and spurred on by the wonderful hardihood and Christian character which seemed to mark the men and women who brought to the country the first evidences of civilization, this young and inexperienced, but the hopeful couple set out from the homes of their youth, leaving behind them the friends and associations of childhood and came to Iowa.

     The journey was made by boat and on the 10th of May, 1853, Mr. Woodrow and his wife reached Glenwood, then a small hamlet known as Coonsville. Many hardships came to them in the years of the early settlement, and difficult to meet were the trials which they were forced to encounter. It is a very arduous task to establish a new home on a western frontier, deprived of the comforts and privileges of the east, but with brave hearts and resolute spirit Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow undertook the task which they finally successfully accomplished. Four children came to their home and thus added to their labors, but at the same time their lives were brightened by the prattle and happiness of the innocent little ones. Only one of the number however, is living, namely, Dr. E. G. Woodrow, a successful practicing dentist at Glenwood. In 1877 the wife and mother died and in 1880 Mr. Woodrow was married to the lady who is now his widow.

     Mr. Woodrow was a carpenter by trade and during the first eight years of his life in Mills county he diligently followed that calling in Glenwood. In 1861 he established a shoe store which he successfully carried on for seventeen years. Subsequently he embarked in the real estate business, in that enterprise being associated with J. E. Nickham up to a short time prior to his death, when Mr. Woodrow practically retired from active life. His career was one of marked diligence and enterprise and that he won success is due entirely to his own well directed efforts, guided by sound judgment and unquestioned honesty.

     In 1860 he became a member of the Baptist church was untiring in his works and contributed liberally to its support. He acted as trustee and deacon and did all in his power to promote its cause among men. He was also a trustee and the treasurer of the Iowa Institution for Feeble Minded Children, acting in that capacity until 1888, or for a period of eleven years. His Christian character was at once unique and interesting. Common sense and practical judgment predominated and was combined with wisdom and a genial and kindly manner which attracted people to him and won their regard and confidence. He was a safe and reliable advisor in common things and many persons will remember his friendly council. He listened with patience and careful consideration to the tales of woe and sorrow which were brought to him, and to the best of his ability he pointed the surest way of relief to them. Possessing a deeply religious temperament and strengthened by an unfaltering belief in an over-ruling Providence, he made religion at once a plain, practical thing which became a part of his daily life and not merely a Sabbath observance. To have known him well, to have been familiar with his mental tenderness, his moral traits, his clearness of perception, his accuracy of conclusion, his homely speech, his quaint metaphors, his patient attention, and his ready and responsive sympathy, was to be impressed with his resemblance to Abraham Lincoln.

      He had a comprehensive knowledge of pioneer life as he had seen it in the west through a period of nearly fifty years. Those who have sat for hours and heard him describe and comment upon the life, the customs and habits of that period, cannot forget the knowledge they thus obtained of one of the most interesting and eventful epochs of our history. If the reminiscences recounted by him in these talks and his observations of minor events and the life of the time could be preserved they would comprise a volume of rare value to the residents of the community. As a man, a citizen, a friend, a philosopher, a guide and helper among his fellows, his memory will ever be honored in the hearts of all who knew him. He left the impress of his life and character upon the community, its history and its progress. These are a public heritage graciously cherished. His influence was as a blessed benediction to all who knew him and no history of the community would be complete without a record of his career.

WOODROW, EDWIN G.

      Edwin G. Woodrow is engaged in the practice of dentistry in Glenwood, and his ability has won him prestige as a representative of the profession. He is numbered among the native sons of the city, his birth having here occurred on the 30th of September, 1864, his parents being Ebenezer R. C. and Mary A. (Fisk) Woodrow. His father was widely and favorably known in Mills county, where he first settled in 1846. He was prominently identified with the real-estate, loan and abstract business and his name figured conspicuously in connection with transactions along those lines.

       At the age of seventeen Dr. Woodrow entered the office of F. M. Shirver, a dentist of Glenwood, who directed his studies for three years, and at the same time he became familiar with the practical work of dentistry, as well as with the principles of the science. He had acquired a good education in the public schools of his native town and at the age of twenty years he became a student in the Iowa State University at Iowa City, where he pursued the study of dentistry with unremitting diligence for two years, and on the 21st of March, 1886, he was graduated in that institution with honor. He then located in Shenandoah, Iowa, where he succeeded Dr. Nance. In this profession he has doubtless found the occupation for which he was intended by nature. He follows the latest and best improved methods of dentistry and is particularly well qualified especially in the line of crown and bridge work. He has an office supplied with the latest equipments and instruments, and he is an earnest and enthusiastic follower of the profession in which his marked ability and unremitting toil have gained him high rank.

      The Doctor is a consistent member of the Baptist church and is active in religious work and in social circles. He possesses considerable musical talent and has had an influence in promoting the musical culture of the city. He is courteous and affable in manner, obliging and kindly in disposition and has the esteem of all with whom he comes in contact. In 1890 he sold his business in Shenandoah to Dr. Richardson and returned to his native city, where he has already secured a liberal patronage, which is constantly increasing. He is a member of the Iowa State Dental Society and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, while in his political affiliations he is a Republican.

WORTMAN, JOSEPH M.

     One of the well known and highly respected citizens of Deer Creek township, Mills county, Iowa, who is also an honored veteran of the Civil war, is Joseph M. Wortman. Mr. Wortman was born in 1839, in the state of Ohio. His father, Jacob Wortman, was a native of Virginia, and his mother, Valeria O. (Elliott) Wortman, was born in the state of New York.

     Jacob Wortman passed his last days in Mills county, Iowa, where he had removed with his family in 1856. He had served faithfully a short term under General Jackson in the war of 1812, and afterward engaged in Indian warfare. Benjamin Wortman, an uncle, served through the war of 1812 and through the Indian war, and one cousin, Benjamin Wortman, served in the Mexican war, the family seeming to have a taste for military life, our subject also making a brilliant record for himself in that line. The mother of our subject removed from New York, where she was born, to Kentucky, where she married, and passed her last days, after the removal of the family to Iowa.

     When the Wortman family drove across the country from Ohio to Iowa, they found very different conditions from those they are now accustomed to prevailing in that then remote corner. The claim they bought was fertile, but for a time they had to face all the adversities of pioneer life, drought, wind and crop failure, and bear for some time the isolation that was inevitable, for few neighborly visits could be exchanged in those days. These conditions were experienced by our subject, and he now has his reward, in the ownership of a fine farm of nearly five hundred acres, upon which he resides in deserved comfort.

     In 1861 Mr. Wortman left home and went to Omaha, where he enlisted in the First Nebraska Cavalry, but the regiment, not having its full number, was brought to Iowa and made a part of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, under Colonel Lowe. Its first move was to Benton Barracks at St. Louis, from there being transferred to Fort Donelson, where it engaged in the battle fought at that place in 1862. After that his regiment, now a part of the Army of the Cumberland, engaged in the chase and capture of guerrillas through Tennessee and Kentucky, and took part in the terrible battle of Corinth, since which time many a family has worn the token of woe. Following this battle the regiment to which our subject belonged was detached, and combined with the Fourth Michigan Cavalry (which captured Jefferson Davis) and the Seventh Pennsylvania Regulars. The new organization became known as the Saber Brigade, and under General Minty became as famous through the country as the Iron Brigade, under General Bragg. These trained soldiers were experts in sword practice, and their services were constantly in demand, at Stone River, Nashville, and all around Atlanta. On account of their skill and bravery this brigade was always placed at the front and experienced hard fighting all through the war. As a cavalryman our subject was frequently called upon to perform very hazardous picket and guard duty, often being exposed to the greatest dangers. Although escaping wounds he was captured by the enemy and placed in the terrible prison pen at Andersonville, contracting sickness there which necessitated a time in the hospital at Bedloe's island, after the close of the war. He was mustered out there in 1865. The war has long been happily over and its issues closed, but a grateful country cannot forget her heroes.

      Mr. Wortman married Amanda M. Dolph, of the well known Dolph family of Mills county, and two children were born to them, William S. and Mrs. Bertha White. Since the war Mr. Wortman has been an ardent Republican and has filled a number of local offices, such as trustee and school director. Both he and his estimable wife belong to the United Brethren church, where they are beloved for their many virtues. The general estimate of Mr. Wortman is that of a neighbor, a good man, whom everyone in the neighborhood respects, and this is worthy praise.