[page 213] Andrew T. Irwin, who for many years was closely associated with business interests, his careful control thereof leading to success that now enables him to live retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest, was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, September 17, 1833. He is a son of William B. and Jane (Ten Brook) Irwin, natives of Pennsylvania. The latter was a daughter of Andrew Ten Brook, who was born in New Jersey in 1772. Her mother bore the maiden name of Eleanor Correy and was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1776.

William B. Irwin was a blacksmith of McEwensville, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and was thus closely associated with the industrial life of the community for many years. He died in 1888 at the age of eighty years. His political allegience had been given to the democracy and for forty-five years he had served as justice of the peace, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial, so that he "won golden opinions from all sorts of people." A lifelong member of the Presbyterian church he served [page 214] as one of its elders for many years and took a most active and helpful interest in its work. His first wife, the mother of our subject, died in Northumberland county, Pennyslvania, at the early age of twenty-five years when her son, Andrew, was but two years of age. There was also a daughter in the family, Mrs Jane Smith, who died in Oklahoma in 1903. After the death of the mother the father married again, his second union being with Mary Reeder, a native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, born in 1839. By this marriage there were five sons: Ellis L., who was a member of the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry during the Civil war and is now deceased; John C., who became a member of the Fifty-third Pennsylvania Infantry and died while being held as a prisoner of war at Millen, Georgia, in 1864; James C., who was a member of the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry and died in Louisville, Kentucky, about 1862, while serving his country; Henry R.; and Edward P., who is living in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

Andrew T. Irwin was reared in Pennsylvania, remaining in that state until he attained his majority. He supplemented his preliminary education, acquired in the district schools, by study at McEwensville Academy, with the intention of preparing for the ministry but gave this up. Leaving school at the age of nineteen years, he afterward carried on farming until twenty-one years of age, when he removed westward to McDonough county, Illinois, where he acted as station agent for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Prairie City, for sixteen years. In 1881 he removed to Shenandoah and accepted a clerkship with a grain firm--Burr & Randolph--with whom he continued for two years. He was afterward employed by another grain firm for six months, at the end of which time he became bookkeeper in the First National Bank and so continued for five and a half years. He next became assistant cashier of the bank in Templeton, Carroll county, Iowa, after which he returned to Shenandoah and acted as bookkeeper in the Shenandoah bank for several months. He then took charge of the business of the Home Building & Loan Association, acting as its secretary for eleven and a half years, at the end of which time he resigned on the 1st of January, 1909, and is now living retired. He has led a busy and useful life and his well directed energy, thrift and perseverance have brought to him the creditable measure of success which he is now enjoying.

On the 11th of December, 1856, in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, Mr Irwin was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Everitt, a native of that county. Unto them were born two children: Kate, who is now principal of the Forest Park school of Shenandoah; and William E., who is manager of the Andrew's dry-goods store, the leading establishment of that character in Shenandoah. The family residence is at No 402 West street and is one of the attractive homes of the city.

The parents are members of the Presbyterian church and take an active and helpful interest in its work and make generous contributions to its support. Mr Irwin has for twenty-eight years been one of the elders in the church and has also been one of its trustees. His political support is given [page 215] to the democracy and he is much intersted in the political questions and issues of the day. He has served as secretary of the school board since 1895 and the cause of education finds in him a warm and stalwart friend. He has been again and again called upon for official service in various connections and since 1888 has been honored as the secretary of the Odd Fellows lodge. He is much interested in literature, Dickens and Thackery being among his favorite authors, and he has also been a great reader of history.He is today recognized as a man of broad intelligence and general culture, whose life in all of its salient characteristics is well worthy of emulation and regard. Without invidious distinction he may well be termed one of the foremost residents of Shenandoah.

[page 216] Mrs Sarah M. Turner, residing in Coin, has many warm friends in the town and throughout this part of the county. She is the widow of William H. Turner, who was born in Vinton county, Ohio, August 3, 1842, and was a son of Andrew and Mary (Dixon) Turner, who were early settlers of Vinton county. the father was a miller by trade and during the boyhood of his son William he was accidentally killed in a grist mill, so that William Turner had to assume the burden and responsibilities of supporting the family, managing the property interests and attending to the farm, for he was the eldest son. There were seven children: Nancy and Amy, both deceased; Sarah; William H.; David; Mary J. and Andrew, who have also passed away. The mother died in 1862.

Soon after the death of the father the family removed to Stark county, Illinois, and there William H. Turner attended the public schools. He was a farmer throughout his entire life, which was a busy and useful one, his labors being crowned with a creditable measure of success. After arriving at years of maturity he married Miss Sarah M. Fantz, who was born in Stark county, Illinois, and was a daughter of George and Sallie (Springer) Fantz. Her father was born in Baden, Germany, and when thirteen years of age came to the United States with his parents, Michael and Elizabeth Fantz. They settled in Ohio, near Columbus, where the grandfather rented land, he and his wife spending their remaining days there. George Fantz and a younger brother then removed to Illinois, settling in Stark [pages 217/218 are a picture] [page 219] county, where they purchased land. They traveled westward with a family in a covered wagon and Mr Fantz became identified with agricultural interests in Stark county, where he continued to engage in general farming until his death in November, 1888. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sallie Springer, was born in Pennsylvania and was a daughter of George and Elizabeth Springer, early settlers of the Keystone state. Later they became residents of Illinois. Unto Mr and Mrs George Fantz were born twelve children: John, who is now living in California; Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Richard Hare; Pollie, the wife of Joseph Armantrout, living at Duncan, Illinois; Noah, who died in Andersonville prison during the Civil war; Andrew, who died in Arkansas; Catherine, deceased; Lavina, the deceased wife of Wallace Steele; Mrs Turner; Henry, who has also passed away; David, who is living in Atchison county, Missouri; Ellen, the wife of Arthur Wheeler, of Ellenwood, Stark county, Illinois; and Martha, the wife of Thomas Standard, whose home is in Pomona, California.

Mrs Turner was reared in the county of her nativity, where she remained until nineteen years of age and during her girlhood days she mastered the branches of learning taught in the district schools. She was married in Stark county, Illinois, May 31, 1868, and for a year they remained in that county, after which they removed to Iowa [sic, Missouri] , settling in Nodaway county. A year was there passed, at the end of which time they went to Atchison county, Missouri, where they purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. Upon that place they lived for nine years, when they sold their property there and returned to Illinois, settling in Peoria county where Mr Turner purchased two hundred acres of land. Through the succeeding decade his time and energies were devoted to the cultivation and improvement of that property and on the expiration of that period they disposed of their interests in Illinois and in December, 1888, came to Page county, Iowa, settling just west of Northboro, where they purchased one hundred and sixty acres. Upon that farm they lived until 1899, when they again sold out and removed to the vicinity of Shenandoah, purchasing the old John Ross farm of one hundred and sixty acres. While living upon that place Mr Turner died on the 13th of August, 1907, his remains being interred in the Blanchard cemetery. Recently Mrs Turner has sold the farm for one hundred and forty dollars per acre. Following her husband's death, she removed to Coin in 1907 and has since made her home in the town.

Unto Mr and Mrs Turner were born nine children: Mary, the eldest, is the wife of Peter Currey, living at Hopkins, Missouri. Hattie became the wife of Otto Miller, a resident of Oklahoma, and died in March, 1907, at the age of thirty-seven years, leaving two children--Andrew and Fred. Virgil O. married Hattie McGarry and resides at Vivian, South Dakota, with his wife and two sons--Olin and Virgil. Delia is an accomplished young lady who resides at home with her mother, to whom she is most devoted; Alice is the wife of Mark Bloom, who resides on a farm formerly owned by Mrs Turner near Shenandoah, and they had four children, of whom Lyman and Glenda are living, while Otto and Melvin are deceased. Andrew married Maud McCord and with their two sons, Marvin and Tal, they reside at Coin. Marvin, who married Grace McGarry and has one son, Edward, makes his home near Blanchard, Iowa. Richard died at the age of four years and one child died in infancy.

Mrs Turner is a member of the Methodist church and in past years took an active and helpful interest in its work. She first became a resident of Iowa in 1868 and has lived in Page county since 1888. In the intervening years she has become widely known and her many good qualities have won her a host of warm friends.

[page 221] Charles H. Oates, for forty years a resident of Page county, is thus numbered among its pioneer settlers and, moreover, is classed with those whose efforts and labors have constituted a vital force in the county's upbuilding and progress. He is now a successful and enterprising merchant of Clarinda, enjoying a good trade as a furniture dealer. He was born November 5, 1855, his parents being John F. and Rebecca (Foute) Oates, both of whom were natives of Virginia. At an early date they removed westward to Ohio and after living there for some years sought a home in Page county, Iowa, where they arrived in 1869. The father was a wheelwright and followed that trade in early manhood but subsequently engaged in farming and continued to till the soil through the period of his residence in this state. He passed away in 1871, while his wife survived him for some time and died on the old homestead farm.

Charles H. Oates was in his youthful days when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa. He pursued his education in the public schools until he had mastered the work of the grammar grade and later he continued his studies in the high school at Villisca. He then engaged in farming from that time until 1899 and through the period of his connection with agricultural interests put forth earnest, persistent effort in tilling the soil and in the cultivation of crops best adapted to climate and conditions here. Thinking, however, to find commercial pursuits more congenial and profitable, he came to Clarinda ten years ago and through the intervening decade has been connected with the commercial life of the city. On his arrival he purchased an interest in a furniture and undertaking busi[page 222]ness and three years later bought out his partner's interest and became sole proprietor. He has since conducted his store in his own name and now has a well appointed furniture and undertaking establishment. His line of good covers a wide range, including some of the best manufactured products of the furniture factories as well as those of cheaper grades and he is, therefore, able to meet the various tastes and demands of his patrons. Throughout his career he has made it his purpose to adhere closely to a high standard of commercial ethics and he enjoys the respect and honor of all with whom he has been associated in trade relations. His store is twenty-six by one hundred and forty feet and its tasteful arrangement constitutes an important feature in his success. He is also a licensed embalmer and does a good business as an undertaker.

In October, 1877, Mr Oates was united in marriage to Miss Sadie McVay, of Page county, a daughter of Emanuel McVay, who was a farmer by occupation but is now deceased. Mr and Mrs Oates have a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance. In Nebraska township, where he lived so long, Mr Oates served for twenty years as the treasurer of his school district and was also road commissioner. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is greatly esteemed by his brethren of those organizations. He likewise belongs to the Methodist church, of which he is a trustee, while for the past six or eight years he has been a member of its official board. He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful business man and in his present connection, through his prompt and honorable methods, he has won the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellow citizens.

[page 222] Joseph Warren Cozad. While Joseph Warren Cozad has but recently entered the real-estate field, his previous business experience and his spirit of determination and enterprise argue well for his success in this line. Joining W.L. Lundy, he organized the Clarinda Real Estate Company and with offices in the National Bank building they are conducting a real-estate, loan and insurance business with a rapidly increasing clientage. Mr Cozad came to Clarinda in 1903 but prior to this time was well known in the county, for he is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred in Red Oak, January 26, 1870. His parents were William and Mary Elizabeth (Hewitt) Cozad, who were farming people, the father devoting his life to the tilling of the soil in order to provide a competence for himself and family. As the years passed he prospered in his undertakings and is now living retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He has been somewhat prominent and influential in local political circles and for eight years served as a member of the board of supervisors of Montgomery county, his labors in that connection being highly satisfactory to the general public and creditable alike to himself and his constituents.

Reared on the home farm Joseph Warren Cozad early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He was educated in the public schools and, passing through consecutive grades, at length became a student in the Red Oak high school. He made his initial step in the business world in connection with the clothing trade, conducting a store of that character until 1903, when he sold out and removed to Clarinda. Here he engaged in the purchase and sale of horses and also conducted a livery business. He met with prosperity in that undertaking and continued therein until 1909 when, recognizing the opportunity for successful operation in real-estate fields, he joined W.L. Lundy in organizaing the Clarinda Real Estate Company. They now not only handle property but also place loans and represent various insurance companies, each department of their business being now well organized, so that they are meeting with substantial success.

On the 18th of February, 1901, Mr Cozad was united in marriage to Miss Nellie McCartney Butler, a daughter of William Butler, of Clarinda and of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. For six years they traveled life's journey happily together and were then separated by the death of the wife who passed away on the 4th of July, 1907. She left one son, William Butler Cozad, who was born August 7, 1902. In all of his business relations Mr Cozad has been actuated by the spirit of enterprise which is a dominant factor in the upbuilding and progress of the middle west. He is a man of resolute spirit, brooking no obstacles that can be overcome by determined and persistent effort and his achievevement of success represents the fit utilization of his innate talents and powers.

[page 227] A.W. Goldberg, representing commercial interests in Shenandoah as proprietor of a clothing and men's furnishing store, is classed with the worthy citizens that Germany has furnished to Page county. His birth occurred in that country, February 11, 1864, his parents being Samuel and Rachel (Mincer) Goldberg, both of whom were natives of Germany, where they were reared and married. In 1865 the father crossed the Atlantic to America, where he was joined by his wife and son four years later. Locating first in Chicago, he entered business there as a commercial salesman. From that city he removed to West Union, Iowa, in 1874 and three years later became a resident of Hamburg, Fremont county, where he established himself in the clothing and men's furnishing business. Success attended him in the venture and in 1887 he extended the scope of his activities by opening another store in Nebraska City. This he continued in connection with his Hamburg store and in 1892 he removed the Hamburg store into more commodious quarters to accommodate the increasing trade and added a general line of dry goods, shoes, etc. A successful and growing business was conducted until 1897, when the store was destroyed by fire and the business in Hamburg was discontinued. Soon after the fire the store in Shenandoah was opened and A.W. Goldberg came to this point to look after the business here, his father remaining in Nebraska City to manage the interests of the firm there. He still resides in Nebraska City and is one of the progressive merchants of that place.

A.W. Goldberg was only five years of age when brought by his parents to the United States. He acquired his early training in the common schools [page 228] and as a boy in his father's store, so that from early youth he has been connected with merchandising and has had broad and practical experience in this direction. In 1892 he was taken into the business as a partner in the Hamburg store and after his father opened the Nebraska City store the Hamburg store was left under the management of A.W. Goldberg and a partner. On the opening of the Shenandoah store in 1897 Mr Goldberg assumed the complete management of this business and in the intervening years has built up a leading clothing and men's furnishing goods enterprise of the city. The business was conducted under the firm name of S. Goldberg & Son until July 1, 1909, when our subject purchased his father's interest and is now sole proprietor. The store is altogether a modern one and only high grade lines are carried. The trade has constantly increased until it has now assumed extensive proportions and the enterprise of the owner makes him one of the representative and valued merchants of the city. He has from the beginning of his residence here been closely associated with the commercial development of Shenandoah and is a member of the board of directors of the Home Building & Loan Association, is secretary and director of the Shenandoah Fair Association and is a member of the Shenandoah Commercial Club.

In 1895 Mr Goldberg was married to Miss Minnie Levy, a resident of Nebraska City, and unto them have been born two sons, Albert L. and Leland R. Mr Goldberg is a member of Tricentum Lodge, No 300, F. & A.M.; Sheshbazzar Chapter, No 82, R.A.M.; and Shenandoah Chapter, No 81, O.E.S. For many years he was high priest of the chapter and has always taken an active and helpful interest in Masonic affairs. He belongs to Juniata Lodge No 105, K.P., and is its present chancellor commander. He also belongs to Shenandoah Lodge, No 1122, B.P.O.E., and to Page Camp, No 1049, M.W.A. In politics he is somehwat independent with republican proclivities. His life is preeminently that of a successful, energetic and enterprising business man, yet his interest are not so self-centered as to exclude his active participation in affairs relative to the interests of the public. In fact he stands as a loyal supporter of many measures for the general good and his opinions are backed by tangible and substantial support.

[page 228] William W. Welch. The activities of William W. Welch have been of such extent and importance as to leave the impress of his individuality upon the history of Clarinda and this part of the state and he is numbered among the most prominent and honored residents here, his labors contributing in substantial measure to the development of this and other cities. With keen foresight he seems to recognize the value of a business situation and opportunites that others have passed by heedlessly he has noted and improved. A native of Pennsylvania, Mr Welch was born in Wilkes-Barre, April 9, 1858, and is a [page 231] son of John and Susan (Houpt) Welch. His father was a blacksmith by trade but for the past fifty years has resided upon one farm and has been closely identified with general agricultural pursuits. He and his wife, both living, have traveled life's journey happily together for fifty-eight years.

William W. Welch was educated in the public schools and after putting aside his text-books served a four years' apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which he completed in 1875. He afterward came to Clarinda, where he secured employment as a carpenter, spending about two years in the service of others. He then began contracting and building on his own account and as the years have passed has conducted a very successful business as a builder in Clarinda and vicinity. From 1890 until 1895 he resided in Omaha. He has been frequently called by reason of his ability in the line of his trade to execute large contracts in Iowa and western Illinois. In Creston he built the Masonic Temple, a large Catholic church and also a Methodist Episcopal church, and he has been awared contracts for the erection of nearly all of the large and substantial buildings in Clarinda, including both residence and business property. Nearly all of the business blocks on the public square stand as monuments to his skill and handiwork. He has likewise erected public buildings in Creston, Mount Pleasant and Glenwood and has executed contracts for the state to the amount of a half million dollars. He designed and erected the public library, which is without doubt one of the prettiest little libraries in the state. He has never held pulbic office but has been very active in public measures for the benefit of Clarinda and vicinity in promoting the attractive appearance of the place and in indicating the substantial character of the city.

In June, 1883, Mr Welch was married to Miss Minnie B. Hinman, a daughter of Charles and Cornelia Hinman. Her father was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit in support of his family. Mrs Hinman still resides in Clarinda and has made her home in Page county for the past half century, so that her memory forms a connecting link between the primitve past and the progressive present. She relates many interesting incidents of the early days and has been a witness of many of the events which have left their impress upon the annals of this part of the state. Her daughter, Mrs Welch, was a graduate of the high school of Clarinda of the class of 1881, and, a popular young lady, she became one of the greatly esteemed matrons of Clarinda. By her marriage she became the mother of eight children, of whom seven are yet living. Helen, who is a graduate of the Clarinda high school and of the Northwestern University of Illinois, where she completed her course in 1905, is now successfully engaged in teaching in the public schools of this city. Phillip, also a graduate of the high school is now pursuing his studies in the Armour Institute at Chicago. Margaret is a pupil in the public schools, being a member of the class of 1910. Earl is a high school student. Ruth, Edith and Edgar are all attending the public schools. Harry died at the age of nine years, in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1903 the family were called upon to mourn the loss of the wife and mother, who passed away on the 19th of October of that year. She was very active in all the branches of work connected with the [page 232] Methodist Episcopal church and her religious faith proved a permeating influence in her life. Before her marriage she taught in the Clarinda high school and her influence was ever on the side of culture, improvement and progress. She was born, reared, educated and died in Page county and her loss was deeply regretted by many friends as well as by her immediate family.

On the 21st of February, 1906, Mr Welch married Mrs Edith Gibson, a daughter of J.L. Brown, a native of Page county. She had a daughter, Edith Grace, by her first marriage. Mrs Welch is a member of the Methodist church and is active in its various societies and branches of church work. Mr Welch also holds membership in the Methodist church, of which he has been a trustee for the past two years. He has been on the official board for ten years and was steward for a number of years. His fraternal relations are with the Masons, and in his life he exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. What he has accomplished in the business world represents the force of this character and the fit utilization of the innate talents and powers which are his. Centuries ago the Greek philosopher, Epicharinus, said: "Earn thy reward. The gods give naught to sloth." Realizing the truth of this admonition Mr Welch has worked persistently and diligently to attain the position which he now occupies in business circles and which is a most creditable and honorable one.

[page 272] S.E. Ashmore. The time and attention of S.E. Ashmore is devoted to the improvement and operation of a fine farm of one hundred and seventeen and a half acres of land situated in Valley township, Page county. He is a native of the state of Iowa, born in Des Moines county, June 24, 1853, and a son of George and Margaret (Sheldon) Ashmore. The mother was born on the Emerald Isle but the father was a native of the Buckeye state, whence he came to Iowa at an early day. He was long identified with its development and improvement and became an influential citizen, passing away in 1904. The mother is still living and now makes her home in Monona county, Iowa, at the advanced age of seventy-seven years.

S.E. Ashmore of this review is one of a family of nine children. The son entered the common schools at the usual age and therein acquired the knowledge that fitted him to face the responsibilities of life. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and then began work as a farm hand, being thus engaged two years. Subsequently he engaged in the dairy business, which he followed six years. However, believing that agricultural life would prove more congenial as well as profitable to him, he then rented land in Des Moines county, operating the same two years, after which he spent seven years on a farm in Monona county. At the end of that period he made a permanent location in Page county, operating rented land here seven years. He had worked earnestly and carefully saved his money, so that he eventually felt justified in making a purchase of land and accordingly became the owner of his present farm, consisting of one hundred, seventeen and a half acres in Valley township. Since taking possession he has made all the improvements which are here found, including a good farm residence, barn and outbuildings, and he uses only the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. He understands the best methods of farming and his efforts are rewarded with good crops each year.

It was in 1880 that Mr Ashmore established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Maggie Reynolds, who was born in Louisa county, Iowa, and is one of a family of nine children whose parents were J.R. and Amanda (Sterling) Reynolds. The former was a native of England, while the latter was born in Indiana. Both the parents have departed this life. Unto Mr and Mrs Ashmore have been born seven children, namely: Maud C. and May C., twins, the former deceased, while the latter is now the wife of William Narigon, a resident of Nodaway, Adams county, Iowa; Guy G., at home; J.W., who makes his home in Page county; Myrtle, deceased; Neva B., still under the parental roof; and Theada E., also at home.

[page 273] Mr Ashmore's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the republican party although he has never been active in public life. He has, however, served as school director and is ever deeply interested in a good school system. He is also at the present time serving as road supervisor. Both he and his wife affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr Ashmore is acting as a steward.

It is through the efforts of such men as Mr Ashmore that Valley township has been brought to its present well developed and attractive state. He not only keeps his land in a tillable condition but takes great pride in keeping the buildings and fences about his place in repair. His life has been a busy and active one as is evidenced by the property of which he is today the possessor, and which was acquired through his own earnest and honest toil. The family is one of Page county's best and they have a host of warm friends by whom they are highly esteemed.

[page 273] John T. Stuart is an octogenarian, having started upon life's journey more than eighty years ago. He has witnessed many changes in that time for in his youthful days railroad travel was unknown in the west and practically so in the east. Steamboat navigation had made comparatively little progress and such conveniences as are offered by the telegraph and telephone were not as yet dreamed of. Then, too, the greater part of this middle west country was wild and unimproved but it was rich in its possibilities and natural resources. As the years have gone by Mr Stuart has rejoiced in what has been accomplished and has borne his share in the work of general improvement throughout the period of his residence in Iowa. For a considerable time he was closely identified with farming interests and his official service has also made him a valued and representative resident of this state.

He was born October 3, 1828, in Kentucky, his parents being Roy and Elizabeth (Williams) Stuart, who were natives of Virginia and in childhood days accompanied their respective parents to the Blue Grass state. John T. Stuart spent his youthful days in the acquirement of an education in the subscription schools and in 1847, at the age of nineteen, he came to Iowa. He entered land in Mahaska county from the government, securing one hundred and eighty acres. His brother, who preceded him to Iowa, had located in what is now Van Buren county many years before when it was still a part of Michigan, while subsequently it was a part of Wisconsin. Later the territory of Iowa was set off and eventually was admitted to the Union.

After securing his land John T. Stuart visited his old home occasionally for the next fifteen years but made his home in Van Buren and Lee counties, in both of which he owned land. About 1870 he removed to Council Bluffs and was appointed deputy United States marshal for the western [page 274] division of Iowa, filling the position in an acceptable manner for twelve years but his health became somewhat impaired and feeling that a change might prove beneficial he went to Missouri, residing for about a year and a half with a brother in that state.

The year 1884 witnessed the arrival of Mr Stuart in Shenandoah, where he has since made his home. For a few years he was engaged in the grain business after coming to this city but recently has devoted his time solely to looking after his financial affairs. For twenty-five years he has been a stockholder and director in the First National Bank of Shenandoah, and is a stockholder in the Swanson Manufacturing Company.

Mr Stuart was married in 1854 to Miss Caroline Dunning, of Van Buren county, Iowa, and unto them have been born two daughters, Ella and Elizabeth, both at home. The wife and mother died in 1861 and later Mr Stuart wedded Miss America Wagner, also of Van Buren county. The only child of this marriage is deceased.

Mr Stuart is a stalwart republican in politics and while in Van Buren county was appointed sheriff to fill out an unexpired term. At its close he was regularly elected to the office and proved a competent official, discharging his duties without fear or favor. He belongs to the Congregational church and is loyal to its teachings. More than sixty years have passed since he first came to Iowa. He stands as a splendid example of those men who have ever been true to their obligations to their fellowmen and yet through persistent, earnest effort have found the path to success.

[page 281] JOHN MIDDAUGH. John Middaugh, a representative agriculturist of Page county, owning a well improved and productive farm of two hundred and forty acres in Nodaway township, was born in Mercer county, Illinois, on the 4th of May, 1851, his parents being George and Susan (Oswalt) Middaugh. The family is of German extraction. George Middaugh, the father of our subject, whose birth occurred in Indiana, removed to Illinois in his boyhood days and in 1871 came to Iowa, locating on a farm in Douglas township, Page county. He continued to reside upon that place until the year 1880, when he took up his abode near Neck, Jasper county, Missouri, where he has made his home to the present time. His time and energies have been given to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career and he has won a gratifying measure of success in his undertakings. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Susan Oswalt and whom he wedded in Illinois, was a native of the state of Ohio. Her demise occurred in 1875 at Villisca, Iowa, where her reamins were interred. By her marriage she became the mother of eight children, as follows: John, of this review; Anna, who passed away when two years of age; James, who died at the age of nine years; Louisa, whose demise occurred in 1877; Rosa, who passed away at Maryville, Missouri, in 1881; one who died in infancy; [page 282] Lydia, the wife of Frank Reeder, an agriculturist of Neck, Missouri; and Susie, the wife of B.J. Hoffman, of Pittsburg, Kansas.

John Middaugh obtained his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until twenty-four years of age. He then began farming the place on which he now resides, first renting the property for three years. On the expiration of that period he bought forty acres of land across the road, erected a house and barn, as well as all necessary outbuildings, and as the years have gone by has equipped the place with all modern improvements. His farm now embraces a tract of two hundred and forty acres of rich and arableland and in its cultivation he has won a substantial and well merited degree of prosperity, annually garnering bounteous harvests. The success which he today enjoys is due entirely to his own efforts, for he started out in life empty-handed and through his own energy, economy and perseverance he has gradually worked his way upward until he is now numbered among the prosperous and enterprising citizens of the community.

In 1876 Mr Middaugh was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Fisher, by whom he had one child, Charley, now deceased. In his politcal views Mr Middaugh is an unfaltering republican and an active worker in the local ranks of the party. He has held the office of trustee for nine years and is now serving as president of the board. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No 139, at Clarinda, in which he has filled some of the chairs. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of Page county and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and cooperation to any movement calculated to benefit this section of the country or advance its wonderful development.

[page 294] Henry J. Sunderman. Among the native sons of Page county who have always remained residents of this part of the state is numbered Henry J. Sunderman, whose birth occurred in Douglas township on the 3d of November, 1883. He is a son of Henry and Sophia Sunderman, the former now deceased and the latter of Douglas township. The father for many years was one of the extensive farmers and landowners of this portion of the state, recognized as a business man of marked ability, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.

In the usual manner of farm lads of the age and locality Henry J. Sunderman was reared, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He remained at home until he had attained his majority and they removed to one of his father's farms, which he now owns. He is today the possessor of one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land on section 14, Douglas township, and he handles stock of all kinds, keeping in his fields, lots and pastures good grades of horses, cattle and hogs. His fields, too, are well tilled and everything about his place indicates the supervision of a careful and progressive owner. In addition to his farming interests he has other business affairs, being now treasurer of the Fairview & Bethesda Telephone Company.

Mr Sunderman was united in marriage to Miss Sedalie Goecker, who was born in Nodaway township in 1881 and is a daughter of John and Mary (Riskey) Goecker, who are now living in Nodaway township. They were the parents of four daughters. Unto Mr and Mrs Sunderman have been born four children: Harley J., whose birth occurred May 24, 1902; Bertholdt J., born on the 12th of March, 1904; Elvira M.S., born December 11, 1905; and Clara R.V., born April 20, 1907.

[page 295] The parents are affiliated with the German Lutheran church and Mr Sunderman is a progressive citizen, interested in the welfare of the community and active in support of many measures for the public good. He is a busy man, constantly occupied with the duties related to the development and improvement of his farm, and during the years of his residence in this county his substantial probity as a business man and his progressiveness in citizenship have gained him his present firm hold on the good will and regard of his fellow townsmen.

[page 299] William F. Stipe, who since 1902 has been successfully engaged in the general practice of law at Clarinda and now the senior partner of the firm of Stipe & Clark, was born in Montgomery county, Iowa, on the 7th of March, 1870, his parents being David and Amy (Overman) Stipe, now of San Diego, California. The father was a cooper and farmer by occupation but is now retired.

Mr Stipe of this review was afforded excellent educational advantages, attending the high school at Villisca, Iowa; the Western Normal College at Shenandoah, Iowa; and also the Highland Park College at Des Moines. Subsequently he became connected with journalistic interests, editing the Stanton Iowa Call for four years, while at one time he was also local editor of the Villisca Review. Having determined upon the legal profession as a life work he then took up the study of law under the direction of United State District Judge Smith McPherson, an attorney of Red Oak, Iowa, and R.W. Beeson and after being admitted to the bar practiced for a year in that city. He afterward pursued a post-graduate course in the George Washington University at Washington, D.C. In 1902 he came to Clarinda for the practice of his profession and in May, 1908, he formed a partner-ship with A.B. Clark under the firm style of Stipe & Clark. They practiced in all the courts and are accorded a good clientage, having proven themselves fully qualified to successfully handle the legal interests entrusted to their care. Mr Stipe is recognized as a lawyer of broad knowledge, who prepares his cases with thoroughness and is strong in argument and logical in his deductions.

[page 300] In his political views Mr Stipe is a stalwart republican and has always been an active worker in the ranks of the party, exerting a widely felt influence in its behalf through his advocacy of its men and measures by voice and pen. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. The rules which govern his conduct and shape his life are such as command confidence and regard in every land and clime and he has a host of friends who are not only willing but eager to testify to his sterling worth.