Past and Present of Appanoose County, Iowa. Volume II
Chicago: The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company. L.L. Taylor, editor. 1913
Transcribed by Renee Rimmert. A complete copy of this book is available on-line at archive.org.
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GEORGE B. ADAMS, was a life-long resident of Appanoose county, long associated with industrial interests here, his last employment being with the foundry of Joseph Goss. He was born near Numa, this county, June 24, 1864. His father, Isaac Adams, was a native of Kentucky, and became proprietor of a stone quarry in Appanoose county at an early period in the development of this section of the state. He continued in business here throughout his remaining days, passing away in 1885. In early manhood he had wedded Rachel Stevens, a native of Ohio and, surviving him, she now resides in Davenport, Iowa.
George B. Adams spent his youthful days in Appanoose county and when old enough began to earn his living by working in connection with mining interests, although his employment was outside of the mines. He was thus engaged for twelve years, at the end of which time he entered the service of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company in their car repairing department. He remained with them for some time and then went to work for Joseph Goss in the foundry, continuing there throughout the remainder of his life. He was always diligent, energetic and industrious and those whom he served found him ever faithful and reliable.
In September, 1884, Mr. Adams was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Swinford, a daughter of George W. and Louisa M. (Campbell) Swinford. The father was a farmer by occupation and following his arrival in Appanoose county when it was still a frontier district, he bought a farm which he improved and cultivated for many years. He worked diligently to make his land productive and at length with a comfortable competence acquired through his own labors, retired from active life and removed to Centerville, where he continued to make his home until he passed away February 7, 1907. He had long survived his wife, who died in 1875. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Adams were eight children: Lawrence, who is employed as an engineer on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail- road; Harry H., who is fireman with the same road; George B., who is also a fireman; Pearl H., who is working in the Burlington shops in Centerville; William Glenn, a student in the high school; Walter, who is also attending school; one, who died in infancy; and Owen, who died in February, 1906. The death of the husband and father occurred February 27, 1907, after an illness with pneumonia of twenty-one days. He was a member of the Foresters lodge and had many warm friends within that organization. He served in the fire department here and was interested in the activities which were potent forces in promoting the welfare and progress of the city. He always voted with the democratic party and kept well versed on the questions and issues of the day. He held membership in the Christian church, to which Mrs. Adams also belongs. She owns a pleasant home at No, 710 South Seventeenth street and is comfortably situated in life.
H. CLAY ADAMS, partner in the Red Cross Drug Company and well known in Centerville as an active, able and progressive business man, is a native of Iowa, born in Sigourney, March 4, 1882. His parents were Henry C. and Sophronia (Minteer) Adams, both natives of Iowa, the father having the distinction of being the first white male child born in Washington county. He grew to maturity in that section and for a number of years worked at the blacksmith's trade. Later he was elected sheriff of Keokuk county and served with ability and conscientiousness from 1878 to 1882. Under President Cleveland's administration he was appointed to the Indian service and was stationed first at Fort Defiance, Arizona, and later at Fruitland, New Mexico. He was an honored veteran of the Civil war, having served through four years of that conflict as a member of Company D, Thirteenth Iowa Infantry. His death occurred in New Mexico in 1893, in which year he was accidentally drowned. His wife survived him two years, dying in 1895.
H. Clay Adams acquired his education in the public schools of Sigourney and when he laid aside his books secured employment in a drug store and continued in this position for three years, registering in 1902. In 1903 he came to Centerville and entered into partnership with A. J. Weller, under the name of the Red Cross Drug Company. The enterprise which they conduct is run along progressive and modern business lines and the success of the undertaking is attributable in no small measure to Mr. Adams, whose careful and systematic methods and keen business discernment constitute an important element in the attainment of prosperity. Since coming to Centerville Mr. Adams has made some judicious investments and has now important realty holdings, including his fine home at 704 West Washington street and other valuable residence property. He is a stockholder in the Centerville Savings Bank.
On the 20th of April, 1904, Mr. Adams married Miss Effie M. Wendt, a daughter of David O. and Emma (Heiser) Wendt, natives of Pennsylvania. The father followed farming in that state for a short time but came to Sigourney in early times and bought land, which he has operated since that time. Mr. and Mrs. Adams became the parents of a son, Henry C, who is six years of age. Mrs. Adams is a devout member of the Methodist church and fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Royal Arcanum. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but never seeks public office. Early realizing that persistent labor is the basis of all honorable success, he has put forth diligent effort and has secured a gratifying trade by reason of his honest dealing and his sincere desire to please his patrons.
ELZA W. ADAMSON, representative of one of the oldest pioneer families in Appanoose county, a native son of this section and today one of its active and progressive farmers and public-spirited citizens, was born in Pleasant township, December 23, 1868. His father, Henry Adamson, was a native of Fayette county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. From that state he moved into Iowa in 1848 and came as a pioneer to Appanoose county, dating his residence in this locality from May 1, 1852. In that year he preempted six hundred and forty acres of land and turned his attention to general farming, being obliged to break the soil before he could begin the work of development. He married in Lee county, Iowa, near Fort Madison, Miss Penthesilea Frost, a native of Ohio, who grew to womanhood in Lee county. She was active in religious circles and a charter member of the First Christian church in the state of Iowa, which was founded at Lost Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Adamson have both passed away, the former dying November 18, 1911, at the advanced age of ninety-four, and the latter on the 15th of October, 1894.
Elza W. Adamson is the youngest in a family of nine children, all of whom married and became heads of families. Mrs. J. W. Shively, an only sister, died on the 14th of January, 1906. J. B. Adamson, a brother, was killed in a railroad accident on the 1st of May, 1912. Elza W. Adamson was reared upon his father's farm in Pleasant township and received his primary education in the public schools, supplementing this by a course in the Centerville high school. Later he attended the Western Normal at Shenandoah and at the age of eighteen received his certificate and began teaching in the common schools of his native section. He later followed the same occupation in Cincinnati, teaching in the grammar grades and doing work which won him wide recognition and promotion to the position of principal of the Unionville schools. After three years he was elected school superintendent for Appanoose county, served one term and was reelected in 1897 for another term. He reduced the affairs under his charge to a definite organized system and in this way accomplished effective and far-reaching results, holding institutes every year with the assistance of some of the best educators in the state. In this way he brought the county teachers closely in touch with the advancement of educational methods and in a noticeable way raised the standard of efficiency in the profession throughout Iowa. He was connected with the schools of Appanoose county for a period of twenty years.
Since leaving office Mr. Adamson has devoted most of his attention to the further development of his fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres on section 27, Franklin township, upon which he engages in general farming and stock-raising, being ranked among the most successful and progressive agriculturists of Appanoose county.
In Lincoln township, on the 15th of November, 1892, Mr. Adamson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Condra, a native of Appanoose county and the only daughter of Franklin Condra, whose family was numbered among the first settlers in the state, coming here as early as the year 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Adamson had six children. The eldest, Esther, died at the age of ten months. Neil C. completed the course in the Seymour high school and is now in his first year in the Iowa State University. U. Gene completed the course in the country schools and is now attending the Seymour high school. The other children born to Mr. and Mrs. Adamson are Elsie Luvey, Ersel and Thelma.
Mr. and Mrs. Adamson united with the Christian church at Centerville in January, 1896, and remained members there until they removed to their present farm in Franklin township, where they have been actively identified with the Mt. Olive church since 1904. Mr. Adamson has since served continuously in the capacity of Sunday school superintendent and also as an official of the church board. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is now serving with ability and conscientiousness as township trustee. He has for many years been active in the public life of the district and has been chosen delegate to numerous county conventions. In his business dealings he has ever been straightforward and reliable, enjoying the full confidence of those with whom he has been associated, and he is in every sense of the word one of the representative citizens of Appanoose county.
LOUIS ANDERSON, manager and treasurer of the Center Coal Company, is a well known and prosperous business man of the city. His birth occurred in Karlstad, Sweden, on the 27th of March, 1861, his parents being Andrew and Annie Anderson, who spent their entire lives in that country. The father followed agricultural pursuits throughout his active career.
Louis Anderson spent the first twenty-one years of his life in the land of his nativity and in 1882 crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating at Reed City, Michigan, where he entered the service of a large lumber concern as inspector. After having served in that capacity for about three and a half years he returned to Sweden and spent one year in a business college of that country. In 1886 he again came to the United States and, making his way to the northern part of Wisconsin, began working in the iron mines. In the fall of 1887 he came to Appanoose county, Iowa, and here worked in the coal mines until 1888, when he was elected secretary of the newly organized Anchor Coal Company. In 1889 the concern sold out to Jim Wilson, Sr., and Mr. Phillips, of Centerville, and Mr. Anderson went back to Wisconsin, remaining in that state until 1893. In that year he returned to Centerville, this county, engaging in coal mining until 1901. At the time of the organization of the Exline Coal Company he was chosen its secretary and manager. In 1910 he went to Laneville, Appanoose county, and embarked in business on his own account as a coal miner and shipper. In July, 1912, he became identified with the Center Coal Company as manager and treasurer and has since served in the dual capacity, his efforts being a potent factor in the growth and success of the concern. He is a man of splendid business ability and keen discernment and well merits the prosperity which has come to him.
In December, 1890, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Emma Johnson, who was born in Sweden on the 1st of December, 1862, her parents being John and Emily (Peterson) Johnson, likewise natives of that country. They emigrated to the United States in 1883, locating first in Wayne county, Iowa, and later coming to Appanoose county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. John Johnson devoted his attention to farming throughout his life. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have been born nine children, as follows: Matilda, whose birth occurred in Wisconsin on the 11th of August, 1891, and who is the wife of George Shinonegel, of Centerville; Walter, Abbie and Luella, all of whom are deceased; Gerhard, who was born on the 27th of December, 1897; Loyce, whose natal day was May 23, 1899; Theodore, born November 28, 1900; Violet, whose birth occurred on the 28th of August, 1902; and Herman, born December 11, 1905. The two oldest children were natives of Wisconsin, while the remainder were born in Appanoose county, Iowa.
Politically Mr. Anderson is independent, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Swedish Lutheran church of Centerville, to which his wife also belongs. Fraternally he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Centerville. Coming to the new world in early manhood, he eagerly availed himself of the opportunities offered in a land unhampered by caste or class and has worked his way steadily upward to a place among the prosperous and esteemed citizens of his community.
JOHN C. ASHBY , Appanoose county numbers among its most substantial, progressive and influential citizens and among its most worthy native sons John C. Ashby, who since 1903 has been engaged in the real-estate and insurance business in Centerville. He was born near this city on the 11th of August, 1866, and is a son of E. G. and Sarah (Hollingsworth) Ashby, the former a native of Indiana, born October 4, 1840, of Scotch-Irish stock. The mother of our subject was also born in Indiana, her natal day being June 22, 1845. She is of English and Irish ancestry and she came to Appanoose county in the early '50s. The father of our subject settled in this part of Iowa before the Civil war, beginning his independent career as a schoolteacher. He served in the Federal army and after his discharge he returned to Appanoose county, where he married and engaged in farming. He followed general agricultural pursuits for a few years but finally abandoned this occupation in favor of teaching, in which he engaged until his death, which occurred on the 11th of August, 1894. He became gradually prominent in educational circles of the section and was for a number of years county superintendent of schools, serving with ability and conscientiousness. After his demise his wife moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she still resides.
John C. Ashby is in all essential respects a self-made man, for he began his independent career at the early age of fourteen years, and has been dependent upon his own resources since that time. He learned independence and self-reliance in the school of experience and the lessons have been of utmost value to him in the development of his later career. When he laid aside his books he obtained a position in a grocery store conducted by Drake & Lane in Centerville and remained in their employ for twenty-two years, gaining steady advancement. He was economical and farsighted and saved a great deal of the money which he earned until he had accumulated a sufficient sum to establish himself in business. In 1902 he became engaged in the real-estate and insurance business at Centerville and is still connected with both lines of activity, giving close attention to the management and control of his enterprise. He has proven himself a man of great ability, strong and determined purpose and undaunted energy, and his business judgment is rarely if ever at fault. Consequently, in the course of years he has won success and is numbered among the representative men of his community.
In 1891 Mr. Ashby married Miss Eunice Gunn, a daughter of Isaac F. and Johanna (Rowden) Gunn, the former a general contractor and builder of Centerville. Mrs. Ashby 's father was born in Illinois and moved from that state to Missouri, where his marriage occurred. Later he and his wife came to Centerville and remained here until 1900, when they moved to Oklahoma. There the father's death occurred in 1906. His widow makes her home with the subject of this review. Mrs. Ashby is a native of Missouri, her birth having occurred February 20, 1870. She and her husband have one son. Max R., who was born October 10, 1892. He was graduated from the Centerville high school in 1912 and is at present in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, studying architecture and drawing.
Mr. Ashby gives his allegiance to the republican party and from 1903 to 1905 served on the Centerville city council, working earnestly and conscientiously in the interests of the public. He belongs to the Masonic lodge and his religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Methodist church. He is one of the most enterprising men in Centerville, always ready and willing to do what he can for the general upbuilding and growth, and is held in high respect as a progressive and influential business man.
AMOS BAILEY, needs no introduction to the readers of a history of Appanoose county, for he has been known as a force in the agricultural development of the section since he began his active career and has attained local prominence by reason of the splendid work he has done in his efforts to evolve a higher grade of corn. He has lived in this part of Iowa practically all his life, for he was born on his father's farm in Davis county, near the Appanoose county line. His birth occurred May 20, 1872, and he is a son of Sylvester and Euphane (Tate) Bailey, both of whom came to Iowa among the early settlers. The father came into the state in company with his brother. Orange Bailey, and the mother of our subject made the journey with her parents. Both families settled in Davis county, where the marriage of the parents of our subject occurred. Afterward they located on a farm in Marion township, near the Appanoose county line, which the father entered from the government. There they resided for many years, the mother dying in 1876 and the father in 1886.
Amos Bailey was fourteen years of age when his father died and for some years afterward he made his home with his brother, Simpson Bailey. However, even as a child he was ambitious and energetic and very soon was earning his own livelihood, not wishing to accept outside support. He married in 1894 and immediately afterward located on the old home farm which he operated for four years, after which he moved to W. J. Steckel's farm in Davis county, cultivating the soil as a renter. For three years he remained upon this property but in the fall of 1901 bought his present tract of one hundred and forty acres in Union township and in January of the following year moved into the new home which he had built upon it. Here he has resided since that time with the exception of one year which he spent in South Dakota, where he proved up on a homestead in Stanley county. He still owns this property but in 1908 returned to Iowa and again settled on his farm which today is one of the finest agricultural properties in this part of the state.
On the 12th of April, 1894, Mr. Bailey married Miss May Hopkins, a daughter of William F. and Sarah (Vandover) Hopkins, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter, of Indiana. Both came to Iowa before their marriage and after that event located on a farm in Davis county, where Mr. Hopkins died in 1901. His widow still resides upon the family homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey became the parents of five children, three of whom are living. Flora Euphane, Sylvester Ellsworth and Bertha May, all attending school.
For a number of years past Mr. Bailey has devoted a great deal of his attention to the development of a better and more perfect grade of corn and has accomplished some very gratifying results along this line. So successful has he been indeed that he is now regarded as an authority upon everything connected with corn cultivation and his work has received state-wide appreciation and recognition. For the past three years he has exhibited at the state corn show and two years ago won the prize for the best corn shown by farmers from Appanoose county. He was fourth in the state contest, missing the grand champion prize only by four points and taking several of the other prizes offered. The exhibition that year was held at Des Moines but the last show was in Newton, Iowa, and there Mr. Bailey won three prizes on corn. He took fourth place among the exhibitors of one class of corn and received as his share a cash prize of one hundred dollars, the premiums on that class amounting to six hundred dollars. In recognition of his work along this line Mr. Bailey was appointed one of the judges for the corn show held by the Iowa Corn Growers' Association. His family share in his ambition and enthusiasm along this line and have united their labors with his with successful results. His son Ellsworth received the second prize at the Farmers' Short Course at Ames in January, 1912, and won the Grand Champion Sweep Stakes over all states except three, namely, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, with the best single ear of corn exhibited at Topeka, Kansas, in the Capper Boys' Corn Club, held December 14, 1912. The prize was a large silver trophy with his name engraved thereon and was given by Arthur Capper. The daughter. Bertha, now nine years of age, who possesses judgment rare in a child of her years and who has worked with her father for some time in the selection of seed corn, took first prize in 1911 and 1912 at the Farmers' County Institute held at Centerville for the best selected ear of corn. She herself had both times chosen the ear for exhibition from the crop of a large field. Mr. Bailey and his son Ellsworth received both the first and second prizes at the County Institute held at Centerville in 1911 and 1912, and Mrs. Bailey is not far behind her husband when prizes are being awarded, for she took both first and second honors in watermelons at Centerville and at Moravia, afterward selling one wagon-load of her melons for twenty dollars.
Mrs. Bailey is a devout member of the Baptist church and one of the best known and most widely popular women in this section of Appanoose county. Mr. Bailey is a republican in his political beliefs and active in his support of the men and measures of that party. In local affairs he takes a considerable interest and for some time served as a member of the school board. He is now in the prime of life and enjoys to the fullest extent the many advantages afforded to the farmer in the present day and, being progressive and a man whose life has always been in keeping with high standards, he justly deserves the full measure of confidence and respect entertained for him by all who know him.
W. S. BAILEY, carries on general farming on section 13, Union township, and the excellent appearance of his place indicates his careful supervision and practical methods. He was born in Marion township, Davis county, Iowa, a half mile from his present home, February 6, 1861, and he is now the owner of a part of the old homestead farm, upon which his birth occurred. His parents were Sylvester and Euphain (Taite) Bailey, both deceased. The father was born near Columbus, Ohio, in 1821, and died in September, 1886, when in the sixty-sixth year of his age. His wife, who was born in Kentucky, was brought to Iowa by her parents during her childhood and died in 1876. Sylvester Bailey arrived in this state in 1845 and entered from the government a tract of land upon which his son, W. S. Bailey, was born. He converted the wild land into rich and productive fields and continued to remain upon that farm, comprising one hundred and seventy-four acres, throughout the rest of his life, being well known as one of the energetic and progressive agriculturists of his community. Unto him and his wife were born seven children : W. S. ; Smith, who died in infancy; Mrs. Amanda Mclntyre, deceased; Letitia, the wife of Louis Swaim, of Marion township, Davis county; Mrs. Annie Kenyon, who has passed away; Amos, a resident of this county; and Orange, who died in childhood.
W. S. Bailey has spent his entire life in this part of the state and has always engaged in farming. He owns four hundred and fifty acres in one body, embracing a part of the old homestead. His residence is situated on section 13, Union township, Appanoose county, and much of his property lies within that township but fifty acres is across the boundary line in Davis county. He carries on general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising and in connection with his sons is engaged extensively and successfully in the breeding of Hereford cattle. He also raises other kinds of good stock and that branch of his business is proving a profitable source of income. His business methods are such as will bear close investigation and scrutiny, for he is reliable as well as enterprising and at all times is actuated by a spirit of progress and improvement.
In 1885 Mr. Bailey was united in marriage to Miss Eva Roland, who was born in Warsaw, Missouri, May 26, 1868, but has spent the greater part of her life in this county. Her parents, William and Perlina Roland, are both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have been born eleven children: Eli, living in Chariton, Iowa; Harrison; Jack; Ada; Tillie; Clara; W. S., Jr.; Carrie; Emery; Alice Mildred, who died in infancy; and Halbert.
In politics Mr. Bailey has been a lifelong republican and has served as township trustee, as clerk of the election board and as a member of the school board. He has a wide acquaintance and many friends in this county and is well known as a representative citizen and farmer. His carefully managed business interests have won him substantial success and indicate what may be accomplished when determination and energy lead the way.
 C.C.
Baker |
CALLOWAY C. BAKER - Through a residence in Appanoose county dating from pioneer times Calloway C. Baker firmly entrenched himself in the affection and regard of those with whom he came in contact, while his activity in general farming and cattle raising and shipping gained him a high place among the representative and valued citizens of the community. He was born in Hancock county, Tennessee, near the Virginia line, April 26, 1834, a son of George W. and Martha (Lockmiller) Baker, both natives of that state. The father, of New England stock, and the mother, of German ancestry, lived and died in their native county, where the former followed general agricultural pursuits. |
Calloway C. Baker acquired his education in the district schools of his home section and for a time after he had laid aside his books worked upon his father's farm. He then went to Texas and in 1852, came to, Appanoose county, locating on land two miles south of Unionville. He found here pioneer conditions upon every side, for the country around Udell township was sparsely settled and the only trading facilities were offered by a little log store conducted by "Uncle" John Miller. Mr. Baker purchased a one hundred and sixty acre farm and gave his attention entirely to agricultural pursuits, attaining a gratifying degree of success. In 1865 he went to Washington county, Arkansas, and there opened a general store but after five years he sold this enterprise and returned to Appanoose county, where he purchased a homestead and farmed upon this property continuously until his death, on July 28, 1905. In addition to his general agricultural pursuits he was extensively engaged in buying and shipping stock, his cattle commanding a ready sale in the Chicago markets.
On the 24th of May, 1857, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Lucy J. Bishop, a daughter of William and Nancy (Clark) Bishop. When the wife of our subject was ten years of age her parents determined to locate in Iowa and, accordingly, they Set out upon the journey. The father, however, died in McLean county, Illinois, and was buried in that section. His widow and children were left with the teams, for Mrs. Baker's brother Robert had also succumbed to typhoid fever. She therefore wrote to her son, Joseph Bishop, who was then in Iowa, and he joined her in Illinois and drove the teams into Appanoose county. The widow here purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Udell township, the property which the subject of this review afterward bought and developed. She died upon this farm on September 26, 1891. She and her husband had seven children: Judy Ann, Joseph Jackson, Robert, William W. and Louis N., who have passed away; Lucy J., the wife of the subject of this review; and Putnam F., formerly of Moravia, Appanoose county, who died December 5, 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Baker became the parents of three children. Nancy Isabella, born August 8, 1862, married A. J. Dickson, a ranchman and stockman of Beaver county, Oklahoma, and they have one daughter, Anna. Martha Elizabeth, who was born January 14, 1874, is the wife of William Miller, a farmer of Udell township, and they have four children, Claudius C, Marian Mildred, Max and Neil. William Russell was born September 6, 1875, and died February 2, 1876. After the death of her husband Mrs. Baker moved to the home of her daughter, Mrs. William Miller, of Udell township, and there resided for one year, after which she sold her farm and purchased a residence in Unionville, where she now makes her home.
Mr. Baker was a firm democrat in his political beliefs and his religious views were in accord with the doctrines of the Missionary Baptist church, to which his wife also belonged. She has now, however, transferred her membership to the church in Unionville. Mr. Baker was for many years assessor of Udell township and school director of his home district. Fraternally he was affiliated with the Masonic lodge of Unionville and he was a diligent, enterprising and resourceful business man, whose labors along constructive lines brought substantial results. Whatever he undertook he carried forward to successful completion and became one of the most progressive factors in local affairs. His death occurred on the 28th of July, 1905, after a residence of over fifty years in this county. He was in all things loyal to high ideals, progressive in citizenship, able in business, and prized above all the companionship and regard of his wife and children. He was known throughout the community as an exemplary citizen.
PETER BALES, is classed among the substantial pioneer residents of Appanoose county, dating his residence here from 1851. He owns and operates a well improved and valuable farm of three hundred and thirteen acres, located on section 3, Franklin township, and has so carried forward the work of development that his activities are regarded as important factors in local agricultural growth. He was born in Tennessee, near Knoxville, November 23, 1849, and is a son of Washington and Mary (Huffaker) Bales, both natives of that state. The father of our subject was a farmer in Tennessee and remained upon his property there until 1851, when he came as a pioneer to Iowa, where he preempted land. He later filed upon four hundred and eighty acres in Franklin township, upon which he made permanent location. This was all raw prairie land when it came into his possession but with characteristic energy he at once began its improvement and development. He broke the soil, fenced the fields and built a small log cabin in which he made his home until it was replaced by a more modern dwelling. Upon the outbreak of the Civil war he left the farm and enlisted in Company I, Thirty-sixth Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered into service and went south, where he served for six or eight months, at the end of which time he was taken sick and sent back on a furlough. He never reached his home but died at Keokuk, where he was buried. His wife, bravely took up the work of the farm and reared her five sons, all honorable and upright men and themselves the fathers of large families today.
Peter Bales, the eldest in this family, grew to maturity upon the homestead. He received his education in the common schools and was for a time in the Davenport Orphans' Home. At an early age, however, he returned to his mother and aided her in the operation of the farm, so that whatever success he enjoys today is due entirely to his own efforts. In early life he inherited forty acres of the home farm, upon which he located in 1871 and whereon he has since made his home. He began the work of development along practical lines and has steadily carried it forward for over forty years, being today one of the most prosperous and substantial agriculturists of this locality. He built upon his farm a commodious residence and a barn and outbuildings and, in addition to the orchard which he set out, planted beautiful shade and ornamental trees, for he has always paid special attention to the attractive appearance of his place. From time to time he added to his holdings and now owns three hundred and thirteen acres of fertile land under cultivation, with the exception of one hundred acres in timber and pasture. The farm is well fenced and cross- fenced into fields of convenient size and, in addition to general farming, Mr. Bales engages also in stock-raising, feeding and fattening fine herds of high-grade Shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs and raising horses.
Mr. Bales married in Franklin township on December 22, 1871, Miss Clara McCabe, who was born in Saratoga county, New York, and is a sister of W. H. McCabe, a prominent farmer in Franklin township, of whom more extended mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Bales are the parents of three children. Laura Winnifred, the eldest, is the wife of E. Harl, a prosperous farmer of Franklin township, and they have five children, Bessie B., Edna C, John T., Herbert Peter and Grace Lillian. Luella B. married Estes Desper, also a farmer in Franklin township. Alda A., who completes the family, is the wife of Edward E. Condra, who is operating a farm in the same section. Mr. and Mrs. Bales are both active in religious work and are members of the Baptist church, Mr. Bales acting as deacon and was superintendent of the Sunday school. Mrs. Bales is a Sunday school teacher and in all the relations of her life exemplifies the doctrines in which she believes.
Mr. Bales gives his allegiance to the republican party, and although he has never sought or desired public office, he has often been called upon to serve in an official capacity. He is especially interested in school work and for a long time served as school treasurer, promoting in an able and conscientious way the cause of public-school expansion. He has also been a delegate to a number of county conventions and has proved his loyalty and progressive citizenship by his efficient work. During the long period of their residence in Appanoose county Mr. and Mrs. Bales have made for themselves a real home upon their farm and have kept alive within it the warm spirit of hospitality which marked the pioneer era in Iowa. Their numerous friends find always a hearty welcome at their fireside, good cheer and happiness and as a result they are held in high regard and have the confidence and friendship of the entire community. Through the years of an active, industrious and useful life Mr. Bales has watched the development of the great commonwealth and in an important way has been identified with it, being counted among the notable pioneers of Iowa.
 Miles Bateman |
MILES BATEMAN, is a prominent and well known representative of manufacturing interests in Centerville, his success having come to him as the direct and logical result of unfaltering enterprise and industry guided by sound judgment. He was born in England in November, 1855, his parents being Thomas and Elizabeth (Askew) Bateman who were also natives of the same country. The father was a farmer and always followed agricultural pursuits in England. He represented one of the old families of his county, his ancestors having occupied one house upon the old homestead farm for three hundred years. There Thomas Bateman passed away in 1870, having for five years survived his wife, whose death occurred in 1865. |
Miles Bateman remained a resident of England until fifteen years of age and during that period pursued a public-school education. He then crossed the Atlantic to the new world and, settling in Omaha, where he had relatives, learned the moulder's trade. Desirous for a better education that should further qualify him for the responsibilities and duties of life he attended night school during that period. He remained in Omaha for five years, after which he returned to England, where he continued to live for three years. Once more, however, he came to the new world, this time settling in Moline, Illinois, where he entered the employ of the John Deere Plow Company, working at his trade in their factory for a year. He was afterward employed in various places until 1885, when he came to Centerville and secured a position as foreman in the Kirchman foundry. He served in that capacity for six years, after which he engaged in business on his own account in connection with B. A. Fuller, conducting a foundry and machine shop. This was successfully carried on for four years, at the end of which time Mr. Bateman disposed of his interest to his partner. He then went to Lone Tree, Iowa, where he organized a business that is now conducted under the name of the Zimmerman Steel Company. He was in active connection therewith for three years and on selling out returned to Centerville, where he again became a partner of Mr. Fuller, organizing the Hercules Manufacturing Company for the manufacture of stump pullers. The business has since been incorporated and they are now controlling the largest stump-pulling and land- clearing machinery plant in the world, their output being sent to all parts of the country. Mr. Fuller is president and treasurer of the company, with Mr. Bateman as vice president. The plant is splendidly equipped with the latest improved machinery needed in their work and the business is growing steadily year by year, Mr. Bateman's practical knowledge of mechanics as well as his business experience constituting an important factor in its success. In addition to his manufacturing interests Mr. Bateman is a stockholder in the Centerville Gypsum Company and is the owner of considerable valuable real estate here, including a fine home at No. 423 Bank street.
In June, 1881, Mr. Bateman was married to Miss Florence Lindsay, a daughter of Mace and Elizabeth Lindsay, who were natives of Ohio. In 1868 the father came to this state, settling at Oskaloosa, where he worked at the blacksmith's trade, continuing to make his home in that city until his death in 1872. His widow is still residing there. Mr. and Mrs. Bateman have three children: George, twenty-nine years of age, who is a moulder by trade employed by the Westinghouse Electric Company at Cleveland, Ohio; Harold, twenty-seven years of age, who is a locomotive engineer running west out of Rock Island, Illinois; and Walter, twenty-two years of age, a student in the State University at Iowa City.
Mr. Bateman votes with the democratic party and keeps well informed on the issues and questions of the day but does not seek nor desire office. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church and he is always loyal to its teachings. He came to the new world practically empty-handed, his capital consisting mostly of courage and determination; but upon those qualities he has builded his success and although the way has at times seemed hard, he has gradually advanced along the path of prosperity until he now occupies an enviable position.
JESSE M. BECK, senior partner of the firm of Beck & Needham, has not only been active and successful in developing and promoting the interests of the Iowegian Printing Company, publishers of one of the leading papers of the southern part of the state, but has also proven a valued cooperant factor in the conduct of other interests and business enterprises that constitute important features in the upbuilding and prosperity of the state. He was born on a farm in Keokuk county, near the Mahaska and Wapello county lines, November 8, 1873. His father, George W. Beck, born in Hocking county, Ohio, December 13, 1842, was a son of David Beck, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, whence he came to America in 1835. Sixteen years later or in 1851 David Beck removed with his family to Mahaska county, Iowa, and since that time George W. Beck has been a resident of Mahaska, Keokuk or Wapello counties. About 1875 the latter removed to a farm in Wapello county, eight miles north of Ottumwa, and as his financial resources increased he extended the boundaries of his place from time to time until it now comprises four hundred acres. He continuously cultivated the place until he retired from active business life, establishing his home in Fremont, Mahaska county, where he now resides. In early manhood he wedded Lottie McFall, a daughter of Gideon B. and Mary (Newsome) McFall, who came to Iowa from Indiana in 1846. Mrs. Beck was born in Mahaska county, near Fremont, April 23, 1849.
In the district schools Jesse M. Beck began his education and supplemented his early studies by preparatory college work in Penn College at Oskaloosa, Iowa, and by a collegiate course in the Iowa Wesleyan College at Mount Pleasant, from which he was graduated in 1899 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Throughout this entire period from 1875 he had lived on the old homestead farm with his parents and for one year ere completing his college course he engaged in teaching. Following his graduation he left the farm and did reportorial work on the Ottumwa Courier for a short time in 1900, and later on the Muscatine Journal, of which he became managing editor in 1901 and so continued until March, 1903. At that date he was joined by John R. Needham, of Sigourney, in the purchase of the Centerville Iowegian, of which Mr. Beck became and has since remained editor. The firm has prospered in the conduct of the business of the Iowegian Printing Company. The circulation of the paper has grown to thirty-eight hundred and the departments of the business have increased very materially. Moreover, the firm has given financial support to various Centerville enterprises, being liberal subscribers to the Mystic Interurban railroad, becoming stockholders in the Centerville Savings Bank on its organization and also of the Gypsum Company which is now developing an important industry. Furthermore, they have become owners of a choice business lot on which they are contemplating the erection of a new building soon, and they also own a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Walnut and Chariton townships.
On the 11th of September, 1901, in Sigourney, Iowa, Mr. Beck was united in marriage to Miss Edna Pauline Needham, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Needham. Her father was formerly connected with the publication of the Oskaloosa Herald and later was owner and editor of the Sigourney News. He likewise served as postmaster of Sigourney for some time and during the Civil war was a member of the Twenty-second Iowa Cavalry Regiment in which he became a lieutenant. Mrs. Beck possesses natural musical talents which have been cultivated by study, being a graduate of the Iowa Wesleyan Conservatory at Mount Pleasant, of the class of 1899. She takes an active interest in club work, being a member of the P. E. O. Society, the Wednesday Club and the M. X. L. Society. Mr. and Mrs. Beck have two sons, Harold Needham and Paul Ralph, aged respectively eight and five years.
The parents are members of the Methodist church, active and helpful in its work, Mr. Beck serving as superintendent of the Sunday school and as chairman of the board of stewards. He was a delegate from the Iowa conference in 1912 to the general conference of the church in Minneapolis which meets once in four years to legislate for the church and elect its bishops and leading officials. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and his political support is given to the republican party. He is a believer in its principles, in its past record, in its present ability to meet the problems of the day and in its future possibilities for promoting good government. He stands as a stanch and helpful advocate of various projects and measures which have contributed to the welfare and upbuilding of Centerville. He was a director of the Commercial Club and later of the Booster committee. He was secretary of the Chautauqua during its entire existence of six years, was a member of the school board for three years and is president of the Drake Free Public Library board. A spirit of progress actuates him in all that he does and while working toward high ideals he utilizes practical methods in their attainment.
MOSES H. BEER - Liberal college training fitted Moses H. Beer for the work which he has done in the field of pharmacy. He is now proprietor of a well-appointed drug store in Centerville, where he also has other financial investments. He was born in Livingston, this county, January 14, 1880, and is a son of Joseph and Emma (Fuller) Beer, who are natives of Ohio and Iowa respectively. The father came to this county in 1856, when but four years of age, his parents settling with their family near Livingston. Upon the home farm Joseph Beer was reared to manhood, being well trained in the work of the fields, and eventually he came into possession of his father's farm, which he cultivated until 1888, when he retired and removed to Cincinnati, this county, where he and his wife are now living.
Their son M. H. Beer was a pupil in the public schools of Cincinnati until graduated from the high school with the class of 1896. His early commercial training came to him in a drug business and later he entered Highland Park College at Des Moines, where he pursued a course in pharmacy. With the completion of his college training he removed to Centerville, where he entered the employ of William McCreary & Son, with whom he continued for eight years. In June, 1906, he bought the store, of which he is now proprietor, and for more than six years he has successfully managed this enterprise. He has a well-equipped establishment, the neat and tasteful arrangement of which is a feature in its success, combined with his reliable business methods and reasonable prices. Gradually his trade has increased until his patronage is large, and he derives therefrom a substantial annual income. He is also a stockholder in the Hercules Manufacturing Company of this city.
In January, 1900, Mr. Beer was married to Miss Nellie Swearingen, a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Bryant) Swearingen. Her father was one of the early settlers of Appanoose county and for many years engaged in the grocery business here. He still lives in Centerville and is cultivating a small farm in addition to doing house moving. To Mr. and Mrs. Beer have been born two children, Paul S. and Joseph F., aged respectively nine and six years. The family residence is a nice home at No. 612 West Maple street and its hospitality is greatly enjoyed by the many friends of the family.
Mr. Beer is well known in fraternal circles, holding membership with the Elks and with the Knights of Pythias, belonging to both the subordinate lodge and the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan. Politically he is a democrat but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him, as he has always preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, in which he has met with signal success. His religious faith is that of the Christian church, to which both he and his wife belong. They are well known throughout Appanoose county and possess the social, genial qualities which render them popular wherever they are known.
SOLOMON W. BEER, one of the well-known and prosperous farmers of Pleasant township, owns and operates a tract of land of three hundred and twenty acres, which is known as the Highland Stock Farm and which is one of the most valuable and productive properties in this part of Appanoose county. He is a native son of Iowa, born in Walnut township, December 31, 1861. His father, Joseph Beer, was born in Miami county, Ohio, and grew to maturity in that section, coming to Iowa when he was a young man. He made permanent location in Appanoose county and soon after his arrival bought land in what is now Walnut township. He was married in Kansas to Miss Sarah Sheets, a native of South Carolina, where she was reared and educated. They began their wedded life upon the undeveloped farm which Mr. Beer had purchased and worked together through the years, finally winning prosperity and success. The father of our subject improved one hundred and sixty acres and later added to this tract, becoming finally the owner of two hundred acres, which constituted one of the best farms in Walnut township. He died upon his property in 1899 and was survived by his wife until 1902. In their family were four sons and one daughter: S. W., of this review ; one son, who died in infancy; Ed, who is a farmer in Appanoose county; Martha, who resides in Missouri; and Dr. George Beer, deceased, who was an osteopath, located in Minnesota.
Solomon W. Beer grew to manhood upon his father's farm in Walnut township, acquiring his education in the district schools. After he had attained his majority he purchased eighty acres of land, slightly improved, in Pleasant township, which constitutes a portion of his present holdings. He at once began to cultivate and improve this tract, built a fine two-story residence, two large barns and an entire set of improvements for the use of a tenant. He has also planted an orchard and, as his financial resources grew, added to his original tract, becoming finally the owner of three hundred and twenty acres. He keeps everything about the place in excellent condition and is numbered among the progressive and enterprising agriculturists of this section of the state. In addition to the cultivation of the land he is extensively interested in raising good grades of stock, keeping fine herds of Hereford cattle, Duroc Jersey hogs and a good grade of draft horses. He owns also one hundred and sixty acres in Brown county, South Dakota, and is prominent in business affairs of Numa, Iowa, being one of the promoters and stockholders of the bank in that community.
On February 12, 1884, Mr. Beer was united in marriage to Miss Arthela Haines, who was born and reared in Appanoose county. She is a daughter of David Haines, one of the pioneers in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Beer have three children: Henry Irving, who resides in South Dakota; Frank R., of Des Moines, Iowa; and Grace Ethel, the wife of E. C. Woodbum, a druggist of Watsonville, California. The family are members of the Christian church of Cincinnati.
Mr. Beer gives his allegiance to the democratic party, with which he has been affiliated since casting his first vote. He is interested in school matters and for a time served as a director on the board of education. He has spent his entire life in Appanoose county and his upright and honorable methods and standards have gained him a wide circle of friends. Although he is not an active politician, he keeps in touch with the trend of modern thought in matters of general interest and of local importance and his record of well-directed activity, with its resulting success, is a proof of what industry, diligence and business ability will accomplish.
WILFORD FRANCIS BERRY - The life record of Wilford Francis Berry is that of a man of stalwart purpose and untiring activity, who in the pursuit of his career has won the advancement which invariably rewards well organized methods when intelligently and persistently pursued. For practically twenty-five years he has been identified with the business interests of Moulton, where he has met with constantly increasing success and is now numbered among the foremost representatives of the commercial fraternity of Appanoose county. Mr. Berry is a native of Iowa, his birth having occurred in Wapello county on the 21st of April, 1863. In the paternal line he is descended from one of Kentucky's pioneer families, his father, Austin Perry Berry, having been born in Bourbon county, that state, November 11, 1824. There the grandfather, Joseph Berry, was born, reared and married, but in 1825 he removed with his family to Zanesville, Ohio, where he made his home for about twenty-four years. In 1849, he continued his journey westward to Wapello county, Iowa, and there passed the remainder of his life. Upon his arrival in that county he took up a tract of government land in Adams township and thereafter engaged in agricultural pursuits, although he was a mechanic by trade. To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Berry were born seven children, the three eldest being natives of Kentucky. In order of birth they are as follows: Nye, the deceased wife of Henry Van Ness, of Wapello county; Isaac, who is a resident of California; Austin Perry, the father of our subject; Lydia Ann, the widow of Joseph Ralston, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; George, who is residing in Montana; Eliza, the widow of Page White, of Wapello county; and Loraine, the widow of John Biven, of Wapello, Iowa.
Austin Perry Berry was only an infant when his parents removed to Ohio in which state he was reared. His education was obtained in the public schools of Zanesville, following which he learned the carpenter's trade and cabinet-making, following these occupations during the greater part of his active life. He accompanied his people on their removal to Wapello county, where he subsequently acquired forty acres of land, which he improved and cultivated while following his trade. In 1870, he came to Moulton and established a furniture factory, which he operated with a fair measure of success for many years. He also followed his trade and engaged in contracting and building, many of the residences and business buildings of that period having been erected by him. He was an earnest Christian and zealous worker in the Baptist church, and in addition to his many other duties often filled the pulpit of some church of that denomination on Sunday. Not only was he largely instrumental in founding the Baptist church of Moulton, but he assisted in the erection of the church edifice, and always took an active interest in the work of its various organizations toward the support of which he liberally contributed. Mr. Berry was a man of more than average versatility and possessed many admirable qualities, his sterling worth and integrity making him a desirable acquisition to the community, where he was held in high esteem and had hosts of friends. He went to the front with an Ohio regiment during the Mexican war, and served until the close of hostilities. During the Civil war he again offered his services to the country, serving as a private in the Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He always took an active and helpful interest in all movements affecting the intellectual, moral or material welfare of the town, and accorded his support to every worthy enterprise. Mr. Berry was married at Zanesville, Ohio, on the 9th of February, 1849, to Miss Harriet Euphemia Dickinson, who was born and reared in Ohio. The Dickinsons located in that state during the pioneer days, and were among the early settlers of Zanesville, where the maternal grandfather followed the silversmith's trade. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Austin P. Berry numbered eleven, eight of whom lived to attain maturity, as follows: Anna, the wife of Samuel Jennings, of Centerville, Iowa; Mary, the widow of A. R. Price, of London Mills, Illinois; James Perry, who was drowned in 1877 at Des Moines, where he was employed on the Daily Register; George L., national president of the National American, a fraternal organization, who resides in Kansas City; Wilford Francis, our subject; Abel Sherman, who makes his home in California; Luretta, the wife of J. W. Halden, postmaster at Moravia, Iowa; and Lydia B., the wife of O. E. Soule, of Tacoma, Washington. The parents are both deceased.
As he was only a lad of seven years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Moulton, Wilford Francis Berry has passed the greater part of his life in this city. He pursued his education in the public schools and upon completing his high-school course obtained employment in a drug store at Moulton, where he diligently applied himself to the study of pharmacy, being awarded his certificate by the state board of pharmacy on the 22nd of May, 1882. He continued in the employ of others for about six years thereafter and in 1888 entered in business for himself at Moulton, where he established the store he is now conducting. Owing to his limited means he had to begin in a very small way, but as the years have passed he has prospered and has enlarged his establishment until he is now the proprietor of one of Moulton's most thriving enterprises. About 1900 he began the manufacture of a preparation known as Berry's Barb Beater, to be used for wire cuts. As it is a remedy of unquestionable merit the demand for it has steadily increased until he now makes consignments to twenty-five states. He has the largest mailing list of any manufacturer in the county, his postage frequently amounting to five hundred dollars per month. He not only does a large business with the wholesale drug houses of the middle west, but he carries the names of over ten thousand retail dealers on his ledger. Mr. Berry possesses the initiative and resourcefulness essential to success in any field of endeavor, and to the support of these qualities he brings the determination of purpose and tireless energy which win achievement. Having unlimited confidence in the future of Moulton, as opportunity has afforded, he has acquired extensive property interests here, in both the residence and business sections. He also owns and operates two farms in Appanoose county.
In Moulton on the 26th of June, 1886, Mr. Berry was married to Miss Lillian Moore, who was born in Hollidayburg, Pennsylvania, on the 16th of December, 1862, and is a daughter of Ithimer and Katharine (Malloy) Moore. The father, who was of Irish lineage, removed with his family to Iowa about 1869, first locating in Fairfield. In 1870, they removed to Moulton, where Mr. Moore conducted a hotel until a few years prior to his death. Mrs. Berry, who is the second in order of birth in a family of seven, is the mother of five children, as follows: Alfred Keene, who is engaged in the drug business in Kansas City, Missouri; Herbert Trevor, who is in business with his father; Marguerite, who is at home; and Bertram Bernard and Wilfred Gerald, who are attending school.
The family are members of the Presbyterian church of which Mr. Berry is one of the trustees. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic order, belonging to the blue lodge of Moulton, chapter and commandery of Centerville, and the shrine at Davenport. He is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, of which he was elected associate grand patron for Iowa, and of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a trustee of the last named order and also of the Masonic lodge. Although he takes an active and helpful interest in all local matters Mr. Berry has never figured prominently in political affairs, the extent of his private interests precluding the possibility of his meeting the requirements of an official position. He is public-spirited and progressive in matters of citizenship, however, and is always ready to cooperate in promoting the development of any worthy enterprise, extending his indorsement to all movements that will advance the general welfare of the community.
HENRY W. BLACHLEY - For forty-two years Dr. Henry W. Blachley has been a practitioner of dentistry in Centerville and throughout the entire period has kept in touch with the improvements in dental methods made by the representatives of the profession. He was born in Independence, Washington county, Pennsylvania, October 19, 1849, a son of Oliver B. and Eleanor J. (Creacraft) Blachley, who were natives of the same county. The father was a capitalist of Independence but in 1872 left the east to become a resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1889. His wife had passed away ten years before.
Dr. Blachley spent his boyhood and youth in Pennsylvania and Ohio, pursuing his preliminary education in the public schools of the two states and afterward entering Mount Union College, a Methodist school at Mount Union, Ohio. In 1867, in Fredericktown, Ohio, he took up the study of dentistry under the direction of the firm of Swingley & Bonar, capable dentists of that place, and in 1870 he came to Centerville, where he entered upon active practice in connection with Dr. R. S. Glenn, with whom he remained for a year. The partnership was then dissolved, after which Dr. Blachley practiced alone until his son Carl joined him, having prepared for the profession. Theirs is a well-equipped office, supplied with modern appliances and the most improved instruments, and the work being done by father and son is according to the most advanced scientific methods. Their patronage is extensive and is well merited, Dr. H. W. Blachley having throughout the forty-two years of his residence here conducted a large practice which has brought to him a gratifying financial return.
On the 5th of March, 1873, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Blachley and Miss Lillian E. Wentworth, a daughter of Caleb and Eliza (Baldridge) Wentworth, the former a native of Maine and the latter of Tennessee. The year i860 witnessed the arrival of the father in Centerville, where he engaged in merchandising, conducting the business until 1865. He had previously been justice of the peace, serving in that capacity in all for a quarter of a century. His death occurred in this city in 1877 and his wife passed away in the '60s. The four children of Dr. and Mrs. Blachley are: Owen D., who died in 1875; Olive B., who was born June 21, 1876, and is the wife of Dr. J. R. Pennington, of Chicago, Illinois; Carl W., who was born July 2, 1878; and Tracy W., who was born July 23, 1884, and is a physician and surgeon of Centerville. The daughter, Mrs. Pennington, has been highly educated in music, being a graduate of the Goldbeck Musical College of St. Louis, Missouri, and the Chicago Musical College. The elder son, Carl W., is a graduate of the dental department of Drake University at Des Moines of the class of 1902 and is now actively engaged in practice with his father in the conduct of a business that is constantly growing in extent and importance. He was married June 28, 1905, to Miss Edna Stanton, a daughter of Colonel C. A. and Emma (Houston) Stanton, both of whom are natives of Appanoose county and now residents of California. Her father enlisted from this comity and served throughout the Civil war. He engaged in merchandising here for a number of years and subsequently removed to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where he conducted a lumber business for several years. He then retired and, as previously stated, is now located on the Pacific coast.
The family residence of Dr. Blachley is a fine home at No. 510 West State street, in addition to which he owns a number of residence and business properties here, having made judicious investment in real estate. Dr. Blachley was formerly connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows but is not affiliated with any lodge at the present time. His wife is a member of the Methodist church. Politically he is a democrat, voting for the men and measures of the party yet not seeking or desiring office. He has always concentrated his energies upon his professional duties and his labors in that direction have brought him well- deserved prominence and success.