Spar, of Ada, Ohio. For some years prior to his marriage he had discharged the duties of deputy postmaster in connection with his barbering business, and in September, 1883, he was appointed postmaster to succeed his father, who had passed away. He filled the office acceptably until 1886 and in that year purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty acres in Union township, two and a half miles west of Cambridge. The further cultivation and improvement of that property claimed his time and energies until 1909, when he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Cambridge. While residing on the farm he extended its boundaries by additional purchase until it embraced one hundred and ninety-seven and three-fourths acres. The property is still in his possession and is now being operated by his son-in-law, Lewis B. Erickson.
Mr. and Mrs. Southwick are the parents of seven children, as follows : Clarence W., who is a resident of Artesian, South Dakota ; Edith F., who lives on her father's farm, which is being operated by her husband, Lewis B. Erickson ; Minnie C., a trained nurse in Mercy Hospital of Des Moines; Pearl F., who is a teacher in the public schools of Story county; Ilo G., a high school student; George Leslie, who is in the primary grades; and Forest A.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Southwick has supported the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. He has held the office of township assessor for the past six years and was a candidate for reelection in the fall of 1910. The cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend and for about twenty-one years he furthered its interests as a member of the school board in his district. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the United Brethren church. He has an extensive circle of friends throughout the community, for his life has ever been upright and honorable and the motives which have guided his actions have, been such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny.
FREDERICK COOK.
The subject of this sketch is one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of Union township, where he was born December 7, 1867, a son of John and Lucy (Sears) Cook, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of Jasper Cook on another page of this volume. He remained at home, assisting his father on the farm and obtaining his elementary education in the district schools. After reaching his majority he continued to give his time and attention to agricultural pursuits in conjunction with his father and at the latter's death acquired the homestead, which consisted of eighty acres of improved land. To this Mr. Cook has from time to time made additions, as his needs and facilities increased, and at the present time