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.
Po - R
 Claude R. Porter |
CLAUDE R. PORTER - Prominent among the democratic leaders of Iowa, distinguished by reason of his patriotic and progressive service in the assembly and honored by reason of his ability in the practice of law, which he has made his chosen life work, Claude R. Porter has left and is leaving the impress of his individuality upon the history of the commonwealth. He was born in Moulton, Iowa, July 8, 1872, his parents being George D. and Hannah (Rodman) Porter. The father was born in Williamstown, Perry county, Pennsylvania, September 18, 1846, and was a son of the Rev. George D. and Sarah Jane (McCoy) Porter, the former of Irish and the latter of Scotch ancestry. In 1851 George D. Porter accompanied his parents to Tipton, Cedar county, Iowa, where his father, who was a Presbyterian clergyman, became pastor of the church of his denomination there. In that city George D. Porter was reared to young manhood and in the interim pursued his education in the intermediate and high schools. When eighteen years of age he began teaching school in Cedar county and later followed the profession in Ray county, Missouri, until 1870, when he entered upon the study of law in the office of the Hon. George W. Dunn, of Richmond, Ray county, Missouri. |
The same year he was admitted to the bar and located at Moulton, Appanoose county, Iowa, where he practiced until the fall of 1877, when he came to Centerville, where he was accorded a liberal clientage. He gave his political support to the republican party until 1877, when he joined the independent movement. In 1870 he had been elected city solicitor at Richmond, Missouri, and served for one term. In 1883 he was chosen mayor of Centerville and as its chief executive guided the interests of the city through one term. On the 6th of June, 1871, he was married in Richmond, Missouri, to Miss Hannah R. Rodman, a daughter of J. H. and Lydia (Jennings) Rodman. They became the parents of five children, Claude R., Sadie L., Northa I., George McCoy and Anna M. George D. Porter died in Centerville, February 11, 1899.
Passing through consecutive grades in the public schools Claude R. Porter was graduated from the Centerville high school with the class of 1889, and for one year was a student in Parson's College at Fairfield, Iowa. He also spent a year in the St. Louis (Mo.) law school and following his admission to the bar in 1893 has practiced continuously in Centerville. The date of his admission was the 6th of October, of that year, at which time he became junior member of the firm of Porter & Porter, of Centerville, which became one of the strongest law firms in southern Iowa. Time brought changes in the partnership relations, he being now senior partner of the firm of Porter & Greenleaf. The ability and careful manner in which he prepares his cases is evidenced in the strength with which he presents his cause before court or jury. He seems never at a loss for a reply and prepares for defense as well as for attack. Moreover, he holds to a high standard of professional ethics and bases his reasoning upon a comprehensive understanding of the principles of jurisprudence and correct application thereof to the points in litigation. In addition to his professional interests Mr. Porter is connected with various financial concerns including the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Plano, the Exline Savings Bank of Exline, and the Mystic Industrial Savings Bank of Mystic, Iowa. Mr. Porter, however, has perhaps become even more widely known through his political activity, at least to the people at large through- out Iowa. Elected to the state legislature, he took his seat in 1896 and the indorsement of his first term's service came in reelections which continued him in office until 1900. He was then chosen state senator for a four years' term and again took active and helpful interest in shaping Iowa's legislation through another four years. In 1898 he was the candidate of his party for secretary of state and was gubernatorial candidate in 1906 and 1910. On three different occasions in 1908, 1909 and 1910 he has received the democratic support of the Iowa legislature for the office of United States senator. He was one of the members of a committee appointed by the state legislature in 1897 to visit the state institutions of Iowa, out of which grew the present board of control law. His military record covers service as sergeant major of the Fiftieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American war.
On the 27th of December, 1899, Mr. Porter was married to Miss Maud L. Boutin and to them have been born four children, George, Julia, Northa and Dorothy. The family attend the Presbyterian church in which Mr. and Mrs. Porter hold membership.
In its various lines of work he has been active and helpful, serving as one of the elders of the church and as superintendent of the Sunday school. He has taken high rank in Masonry and is a member of the Mystic Shrine at Davenport. He also belongs to the Elks lodge of Centerville. Mr. Porter has figured prominently before the public for many years for when he was first candidate for state legislator on the populist and democratic tickets in the fall of 1895 he was but twenty-three years of age. Since that time he has been a leader in public affairs and he has never lowered his standard for the sake of public policy or to cater to public opinion in any way. His ideals of citizenship are high and his efforts to embody these in practical service have been untiring. He commands the respect of even those opposed to him politically while his ability and personal qualities have won him popularity among a large circle of friends.
AUGUST POST - The salient characteristics of August Post are such as to entitle him to mention among the representative business men of Appanoose county where he is widely known, being a member of one of Moulton's highly esteemed pioneer families. The first fourteen years of his life were passed in the state of Illinois, his birth having occurred at Plano, Kendall county, on the 28th of August, 1854. He is a son of Henry and Margaret (Schmidt) Post, who were born, reared and married in Nassau, Germany, which was the birth place of the three eldest of their eleven children. The father, who was the son of a farmer and landowner in the old country, was early trained to agricultural pursuits to which he devoted his energies during the remainder of his active life. Concluding that America afforded better opportunities to men in limited circumstances, he took in 1853 passage for the United States, accompanied by his wife and family. He went direct to Kendall county, Illinois, where for a time he farmed as a renter in the vicinity of Plano. Later he bought land in DeKalb county which he cultivated until 1868, when he disposed of his interests there and removed to Appanoose county, Iowa. Upon his arrival in this county he purchased a tract of land in Washington township, a portion of which forms the site of the present village of Moulton, and there passed the remainder of his life. In connection with the cultivation of his fields he engaged in stock-raising, making a specialty of the breeding of Clydesdale horses, being the first importer of that breed in this section of the state. He met with success in his undertaking and became one of the best known agriculturists and stockmen in the county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Post are now deceased. The members of their family who lived to attain maturity are as follows: Ferdinand, who is a resident of Biloxi, Mississippi; Caroline, the deceased wife of Herman Martin, of Moulton, and the mother of three children; Mrs. Lizzie Brown of Biloxi, Mississippi; Phoebe, who married H. H. Martin, of Biloxi; August, our subject; Lewis and Frederick, who are also residents of Moulton; and Amelia, the widow of W. E. Caldwell, of Des Moines, Iowa.
The education of August Post was acquired in the public schools of Illinois and Iowa. In common with the majority of lads who are reared in the country he was early trained in the duties of the agriculturist, and at the age of eighteen years engaged in the breeding and raising of fine horses with his father. He is not only diligent and enterprising but possesses more than average business ability, all of which qualities he early manifested in the pursuit of his undertaking. He subsequently purchased what is known as the Wayside Farm, which comprises two hundred and forty-five acres of land adjoining Moulton, and there for many years he successfully engaged in diversified farming and stock-raising. His energies were not confined to agricultural pursuits, however, but were directed along other lines, and in 1888 he went into the wholesale binding- twine business. He is still identified with this enterprise, which has developed in a most gratifying manner and now makes shipments to all sections of the United States and Canada. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Moulton in 1900, and was a member of its board of directors until 1910. In the year last named, together with Mr. Stickney, he purchased the controlling interest in this institution and has ever since held the office of president. Since assuming the duties in this connection he has practically withdrawn from agricultural pursuits, in which he was actively engaged for thirty years, but still owns his farm adjoining Moulton. From time to time he has made judicious investments in real estate in different sections and holds the title to a thousand acres of land located in various states. He is a man of keen discernment in matters of business to the support of which he brings the energy and tenacity of purpose that pave the way to success, and to the exercise of these qualities must be attributed the prosperity he is now enjoying.
In 1879, Mr. Post was married to Miss Mary V. Rudd, of Washington, Iowa, at which place her birth occurred in 1855, her parents being Major W. and Rhoda (Shirk) Rudd. The father, who was a member of an old Maine family, came to Iowa about 1850, and located in Washington county. There he engaged in farming during the remainder of his active life and he was also a school teacher. The Shirk family were natives of Indiana. To Major and Mrs. Rudd were born six children, Mrs. Post being the fifth in order of birth. The other members of the family are as follows: Emma, the wife of Dr. J. T. Atkinson of Kansas City, Missouri; Annis M., the widow of Captain Dana, a Civil war veteran, of Ottumwa, Iowa; Martha E., who is teaching school in Belpre, Kansas; Samuel J., who is also a resident of Belpre; and Olive, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Post have had six children, two of whom died in infancy. In order of birth those who are living are as follows: Vivian, who married L. E. Erlewine, of Spokane, Washington, and is the mother of one child; Edwin R., who married Edna Stickney, also a resident of Spokane; Paul A., who married Lulu P. Blosser and has one child; and Marjorie, who is living at home and attending school.
Mr. Post is an active worker in the Presbyterian church and has been superintendent of the Sunday School for several years. Mrs. Post is a member of the Baptist church and is interested in the work of its various organizations. She also belongs to the P. E. O. Society. In his political views Mr. Post is a republican. He was sergeant-at-arms at the national convention at St. Louis, when William McKinley was nominated for president, and was regarded as a possible appointee to the post of secretary of agriculture during the first term of that president. He has always taken an active interest in all movements affecting the agriculturist, and was secretary and treasurer of the National Farmers' Alliance and secretary and business agent for the State Farmers' Alliance. Mr. Post has always figured quite prominently in local public life and was a member and secretary of the commission appointed by Governor Bois to revise the revenue laws of the state of Iowa. He possesses high standards of citizenship and all questions affecting the general welfare of the community enlist his attention, particularly those of an educational nature, and he served for a long period as a member of the school board, during a portion of which time he was president of that body. Mr. Post is held in high repute as a private citizen because of his active cooperation in all public movements, as a business man because of the honorable and upright methods along which he conducts his transactions, and as a public official because of the capable and efficient manner in which he meets his responsibilities.
 Alfred & Eunice Pratt |
ALFRED J. PRATT - Iowa sent her full quota of soldiers to the Civil war and among the boys in blue who went to the front from this state was Alfred J. Pratt. Later he became widely known as a hotel proprietor in Centerville, where he also had other business interests. He was born in the state of New York, November 8, 1848, a son of George and Emeline (Delano) Pratt, the former a native of the Empire state, while the latter was born in Montreal, Canada. The father was a stage driver and came to Iowa at an early day, settling at Mount Pleasant before the building of the railroads. He drove a stage from that place to Burlington and was thus engaged until the building of railway lines put him out of business. He then removed to Centerville, where he established a hotel, becoming well known as its proprietor. He conducted the business from 1858 until 1886, when his wife died and he withdrew from the hotel. He then turned his attention to the livery business, which he carried on for a time but later went to Nebraska and afterward to Kansas. Following his return to Centerville he married again and here made his home until his death, which occurred on the 6th of November, 1906. He had a wide acquaintance here and was favorably known. |
Alfred J. Pratt was reared and educated in Centerville, Iowa, and also attended and graduated from the normal school at Ypsilanti, Michigan. He was a youth of but sixteen years when he offered his services to the government in defense of the Union cause, enlisting in 1864 as a member of Company B, Forty-seventh Iowa Infantry, for one hundred days' service. On the expiration of that term he again came to Centerville, where he was employed in different ways until 1886, helping in two surveys for the line of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railway from Centerville through Iowa and Nebraska. In 1886, however, he engaged in the hotel business, which he carried on continuously and successfully until June 24, 1911. The name of Pratt was therefore long connected with hotel interests in Centerville and ever stood as a synonym for enterprise and capable service in that direction. At length Mr. Pratt retired and is now making his home at No. 533 East Elm street, where he owns a good property.
On the 8th of November, 1886, occurred the marriage of Mr. Pratt and Mrs. Eunice (Brough) Creigo, a daughter of John and Nancy E. (Carper) Brough, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Virginia. Her father was a carpenter by occupation, coming to Appanoose county in an early day. His wife died in 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Pratt have no children but by her former marriage there was a daughter, Emma, now the wife of C. E. Delander.
Mr. Pratt votes with the democratic party and has three times represented his ward on the board of city aldermen, exercising his official prerogatives in support of many progressive public movements. He holds membership with the Grand Army post at Centerville and his wife is a member of the Christian church and the Women's Relief Corps. For more than a half century he has lived in Appanoose county and has therefore been a witness of the greater part of its growth and development. He has seen its wild lands converted into good farms, its primitive homes replaced by modern dwellings, its villages developed into thriving towns and cities, and as the years have gone by he has cooperated in many movements contributing to the progress that has placed Appanoose among the leading counties of this great commonwealth.
GEORGE S. PRATT - With the early development and improvement of Iowa George S. Pratt was closely associated. He was one of the stage proprietors of pioneer times and later a hotel proprietor in Centerville. He watched with interest the progress of events resulting in the transformation of the country and at all times bore his share in the work of progress and improvement. He was born in New York, August 17, 1822, a son of John and Martha Pratt. His education was acquired in the Empire state and he drove a stage there from the age of twelve years until he came to Iowa with his parents in 1849. The family home was established in Jefferson county where the father engaged in business and there George S. Pratt again became a stage driver, being thus employed in the southern part of Iowa for a number of years or until the building of the railroad. He then turned his attention to the hotel business in Centerville, conducting a hostelry for a number of years and running a livery stable in conjunction therewith, after which he went to Nebraska and carried on farming for a few years. In all that he undertook he met with prosperity, owing to capable management and wise direction of his interests. Upon his return from Nebraska to Centerville he retired from business life, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest.
On the 1st of January, 1895, occurred the marriage of Mr. Pratt and Miss Belle Fischer, a daughter of Isaac and Araminta (Fisher) Fischer, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Ohio. Mrs. Pratt was born in Louisville, Kentucky, August 4, 1853, and came to Iowa with her mother in 1857. They went to live on a farm with her grandfather near Corydon, Iowa. Her father, who was a physician, removed to Ohio in early life and there practiced medicine until his death, which occurred in 1855. His widow long survived him, passing away August 24, 1891.
The death of Mr. Pratt occurred November 7, 1906, and was the occasion of deep regret to many friends. Mr. and Mrs. Pratt had no children but by a former marriage Mr. Pratt had one son, Alfred, who resides in Centerville, where he was formerly engaged in the hotel business. Mrs. Pratt also reared her sister's son, who was left motherless when but ten days old. His name is George Williams and he is now attending high school in Centerville at the age of seventeen years.
Mr. Pratt was one of the oldest members of the Masonic fraternity in Centerville and was always loyal to the teachings and tenets of the craft. He belonged also to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party, but the honors and emoluments of office had no attraction for him. He held to the religious faith of the Christian church while his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. His was an upright, honorable life, in which he held to high principles of manhood and citizenship and thus won the esteem and kindly regard of those with whom he came in contact. Mrs. Pratt owns and occupies a pleasant home at No. 525 North Ninth street and many friends enjoy its hospitality.
EDWARD TRENTON PRINTZ, M. D. - The medical profession of Moulton finds a worthy representative in the person of Dr. Edward Trenton Printz, who for twenty-six years has been actively engaged in practice in Appanoose county, where he is recognized as a physician and surgeon of more than average ability. He was born in Newton, Jasper county, Illinois, on the 6th of November, 1856, and is a son of Solomon and Sarah (Kibler) Printz, natives of Virginia, the father's birth having occurred in the year 1816 and that of the mother in 1812. In the paternal line the family is of Dutch extraction, but they have long been residents of Virginia, the grandfather, Peter Printz having been born in Page county, that state. He was a mill owner and also had a large plantation and many slaves. His entire life was passed in the state of his nativity where he reared a large family, all of whom remained in the south with exception of the son Solomon. Accompanied by his wife and four children the latter brought a colony of Virginians to Illinois in 1848, locating in Jasper county, where he took up a large tract of government land. The remainder of his active life was devoted to the cultivation of his farm, where he passed away in 1876. He was one of the prominent pioneers of that section, and took an active and helpful interest in all community affairs, contributing his quota toward promoting the progress and development of the country. He served with efficiency in various township offices, and was known as a man of high principles and progressive ideas, who was accorded the esteem and respect of his neighbors and fellow townsmen. It was in Virginia Mr. Printz was married to Miss Kibler, a daughter of John Kibler, also a Virginian, who came to Illinois with his son-in-law's colony, in 1848 and purchased an extensive tract of government land in Jasper county, where he passed the remainder of his days. Mrs. Printz lived to the advanced age of seventy-five years, her death occurring in 1887. She was the mother of eight children, four of whom were born in Virginia, in order of birth they are as follows: Calvin F., who died in Jasper county, Illinois; Jane, who passed away at the age of twelve years; Sarah, who was eight at the time of her death; Hiram, who is a resident of Newton, Illinois; Lydia, the deceased wife of Albert Strole, of Jasper county, Illinois; John, a farmer and stock-raiser of Jasper county; Edward Trenton, our subject; and Mary, the deceased wife of Frank Davis, of Jasper county.
There was no event of especially importance to vary the routine characteristic of farm life during the period of Dr. Printz's minority. His early education was obtained in the public schools, following which he attended the normal school at Newton and then taught for five years. He early decided to adopt a professional career and in 1881 matriculated in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago, Illinois, from which institution he was awarded the degree of M. D. with the class of 1884. Immediately thereafter he returned to his home town and engaged in practice until 1886, when he came to Moulton and established an office, which he has ever since maintained. As he is a man of studious habits and has continually promoted his efficiency by keeping in close touch with the progress of his profession. Dr. Printz has met with more than an average degree of success and has built up a large and profitable practice. He has had ample opportunity to manifest his ability, both as a general practitioner and surgeon, during the long period of his connection with the medical fraternity of this county, and is held in high repute by the fellow members of his profession and the community at large, among whose citizens he numbers many close friends.
Dr. Printz has been married twice. His first union was with Miss Lizzie Marshall, whose father is mentioned at greater length elsewhere in this work. They were married in 1888, and in 1890 Mrs. Printz passed away. One child was born to them but it died in infancy. In 1895, Dr. Printz married Miss Verna Dye. Of this marriage were born two children: Esther and Edward Trenton, Jr., who are attending high school. The mother passed away in 1900.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Dr. Printz is a member. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic order, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while he maintains relations with his fellow practitioners through the medium of the Appanoose County Medical and the Iowa State Medical Societies. His political support he gives to the republican party, and he is now a member of the local school board. Dr. Printz is widely and favorably known in the county by reason of his sterling worth and integrity as well as because of his skill as a practitioner and the high professional standard he maintains.
DAVID W. PROBASCO - Among the successful and representative farmers whose work along agricultural lines may be regarded as a force in the development and upbuilding of Appanoose county is numbered David W. Probasco, who has resided in this part of Iowa since 1868 and who since reaching manhood has devoted his attention to general farming and stock-raising. He owns one hundred and seventy-seven and one-third acres of land and has been very successful in its management and development. He was born in Putnam county, Missouri, July 11, 1855, and is a son of Noah C. Probasco, who later moved to Macon county in the same state. There the father of our subject purchased the Green Top flour and sawmill, which he operated for five years, later selling the enterprise and returning to Putnam county, where he made his home until 1868. In that year he came to Appanoose county and purchased the farm upon which his son now resides. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having served for four years in the Second Missouri Cavalry. After coming to Appanoose county he resided for some time in Wells township but later moved to Caldwell township, where he purchased land. This he operated and improved for a number of years but spent the later years of his life in retirement in Exline, where his death occurred in 1910. His wife survives him and resides in Exline.
David W. Probasco inherited his father's sterling integrity and his capacity for hard and effective work and the prosperity which he today enjoys was won in former years by the labor of his hands and has come as the reward of his perseverance and determination. He was a lad of twelve years when he came to Appanoose county with his parents and here he was reared to manhood. When he was still a boy he was earning his own livelihood by working as a monthly farm laborer and he continued in this occupation until after his marriage, when he rented a farm which he developed for two years. He then purchased forty acres in Wells township and to this his father-in-law added forty acres, the nucleus of Mr. Probasco's present fine tract. Since that time he has given a great deal of his attention to his farming operations and has carried forward steadily the work of improvement, adding to his holdings from time to time until he is now the owner of one hundred and seventy-seven and one-third acres of productive and fertile land. Upon this he has erected a fine residence and good barns and has fenced and cross-fenced his property into fields of convenient size. He has erected the necessary outbuildings and in addition has planted a fine orchard and made other substantial improvements. He is extensively interested in stock-raising, buying young animals and feeding and fattening them for the market. He has large herds of cattle, hogs and horses and at present has fifteen high-grade colts.
In Appanoose county, on October 29, 1876, Mr. Probasco was united in marriage to Miss Alta Rochford, a native of Wells township and a daughter of Alexander Rochford, one of the first men to enter land in that section, where he later became well known as a prosperous farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Probasco are the parents of nine sons and three daughters, namely: Fred, a farmer and mechanic, of Colorado; Alexander and Noah, both of whom are operating farms in Wells township; Thomas R., who lives at home and assists his father with the work of the fields; Roy O., a farmer and mechanic of Colorado; David E., who is engaged in the plumbing business in Lubbock, Texas; Lloyd, Esco and John, all of whom reside at home; Florence, the wife of William Elliott, of Moulton, Iowa; Flossie, the wife of Andy Gwinn, Jr., a farrier in Appanoose county; and Verna, at home.
Since casting his first vote Mr. Probasco has affiliated with the republican party, voting this ticket always on national questions, although in local affairs he casts an independent ballot. He has become prominent in official circles, having served for some time as road supervisor. In 1910 he was elected to the township board as a trustee and is still serving in this capacity. He has been a resident of Appanoose county from his youth and has seen many changes during the period, his activity being a powerful element in the general advancement. He has won by his own labor and a life of toil and industry an enviable degree of prosperity and a position among the successful, influential and public- spirited men of his community.
GEORGE T. PULLIAM, who is now living retired in Moulton, where for many years he was engaged in the clothing business, belongs to that class of men who owe their advancement and success to persistent and intelligently directed effort. He was born in Pike county, Illinois, on the 1st of November, 1849, and is a son of James and Charity (Hinch) Pulliam. The father, who was a native of Barron county, Kentucky, was born on the 31st of December, 1818, while the mother's natal day was the 11th of February, 1822. The paternal grandfather, William Pulliam, who was of Welsh extraction, married a Miss Decker and located in Kentucky, where for many years he engaged in farming. Accompanied by his family he subsequently removed to Pike county, Illinois, where both he and the grandmother passed the remainder of their lives. James Pulliam made his home in Illinois until about 1853, when he came to Iowa, first locating in the vicinity of Eddyville. The next year he purchased some land near Orleans, Davis county, on which he settled. About two years later, in 1856, he extended the scope of his activities by establishing a general mercantile store at Orleans, which he conducted in connection with the cultivation of his farm and also bought and sold live stock. He continued to be identified with these various enterprises until 1864, when he disposed of his store and farm and removed to a place he had purchased two miles southeast of Moulton, now known as the George Ballew sheep farm. There he passed away in 1869. The mother's death occurred at Orleans in 1858. Mr. Pulliam was an industrious man of keen business ability and sterling worth and integrity. He possessed high standards of citizenship and took an active interest in all things pertaining to the welfare and progress of the community. He was one of the pioneers of this section who actively participated in breaking up the organized band of horse thieves operating in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, and was shot and severely wounded in a fight with this gang of outlaws. To Mr. Pulliam and his first wife, the mother of our subject whom he married in Pike county, Illinois, were born six children, who lived to attain maturity. In order of birth they were as follows: William H., a member of the Twenty-first Missouri Infantry and later of the Eighth Iowa Cavalry during the Civil war, who participated in the Battle of Shiloh and was killed in a skirmish in the vicinity of Atlanta, Georgia, July 31, 1864; Elizabeth, the wife of George M. Bunten, of Drakeville, Iowa, who was also a member of the Eighth Iowa Cavalry and was taken prisoner at the same time his brother-in law was killed; Mary J., the widow of J. F. Wooldridge, of Phoenix, Arizona; George T., our subject; Orlando S., a resident of Custer county, Nebraska; and James W., of Lyons, Nebraska. After the death of the mother of these children, the father married Miss Dorcas Wooldridge, of Bloomfield, Iowa, who passed away the next year. For his third wife he chose Miss Eliza Gale, of Orleans, Iowa, and of this marriage were born three children: Eva, who died at the age of three years; E. Burton, who passed away when he was forty-six; and Emma (Pulliam) Hickman, of Moulton, Iowa.
In the acquirement of his education George T. Pulliam attended the public schools of Iowa, completing his course of study in Moulton. After the death of his father, which occurred when he was twenty years of age, he started out to make his own way in the world, first engaging in the buying and shipping of live stock. About the same time he went into the clothing business in Moulton, subsequently devoting his entire energies to this enterprise. He continued to be identified with this activity until 1898, during a portion of which time he had as his partner J. F. Wooldridge, his brother-in-law, whose interest, he purchased in 1894. Mr. Pulliam conducted the business alone thereafter until 1898, when he disposed of it and has since lived retired.
On the 21st of June, 1885, Mr. Pulliam was married to Miss Ollie M. Gates, who was born in Minerva, Essex county. New York, her parents being David L. and Rosetta (Hough) Gates. The father was of Scotch- Irish extraction and the mother of English and German lineage. The family removed from Essex county. New York, to Iowa in 1856, locating in Jefferson county in the vicinity of Fairfield, where the father bought some land which he cultivated for many years. By profession Mr. Gates was an architect and when he first located in this state was employed by the Rock Island Railroad Company to construct the bridges on their line between Washington and Centerville. Mr. and Mrs. Gates were the parents of eight children, two of whom died in infancy. Those who reached maturity were as follows: Addie, the deceased wife of George Metzler, of Fairfield; Jennie, the deceased wife of George W. Cullison, of Harlan, Iowa; Mrs. Pulliam; Ellen V., the deceased wife of James A. Dunshee, of Troy, Iowa; David M., a resident of Jordan, Missouri; and Mary I., who married George W. Cullison, an attorney of Harlan, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Pulliam have no children of their own but reared and educated her nephew, Jay D. Dunshee, who is a physician at Keyston, Iowa.
Their religious faith they manifest through their connection with the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they take an active interest. Fraternally Mr. Pulliam is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Pulliam was one of the organizers of the P. E. O. of Iowa, and the local chapter of this order was organized in her home. She is a woman of marked culture and refinement and for fifteen years was a teacher, the last four years of that period having been spent in the schools of Moulton just prior to her marriage. Mr. Pulliam has never actively participated in local politics, although he is not at all remiss in matters of citizenship, and has always been interested in educational matters. For forty-two years he served as secretary of the local school board, in which capacity he gave most efficient service, establishing a record as a public official that is seldom equaled. A desire to withdraw from all public duties and responsibilities prompted him to offer his resignation, which was most reluctantly accepted, in 1912. Mr. Pulliam has led a life of intelligently organized and capably directed activity, and is now able to spend his latter years in well earned ease and comfort.
JOHN QUIGLEY, city marshal of Centerville, was born in Canada in May, 1863, but as the family name indicates comes of Irish ancestry. His parents, Dennis and Ann (Gleason) Quigley, were both natives of Ireland and the father, coming to America in early life, settled in Canada, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1867. He then removed with his family to Illinois, where he resumed farming, making his home in that state until his death, which occurred in 1878. His widow is still living and now makes her home in Jacksonville, Illinois, at the age of seventy-two years.
John Quigley was a little lad of but four years when the family went to Illinois, where he was reared, pursuing his education in the district schools of Morgan county. The limited financial resources of the family made it imperative that he earn his own living at an early age and he began work in the coal mines, following that business in Illinois, Missouri and Iowa until 1902. In 1894 he came to Centerville, where he again secured work in the mines, being thus engaged for eight years, at the end of which time he was appointed a member of the police force. He has since been in the employ of the city and at the present writing is filling the office of marshal. He had also served as deputy marshal for about six years.
In January, 1888, Mr. Quigley was married to Miss Kate Monroe, a daughter of Curt and Sarah Monroe, who were natives of Ohio. The father was a farmer and on coming to Iowa cast in his lot with the early residents of Appanoose county. He died in 1884 but the mother is still living on the home farm near Exline at the age of eighty years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Quigley was born one son, John, who is now twenty-three years of age. He is a printer by trade and resides in Chicago. Mr. Quigley owns a comfortable residence at No. 521 East Elm street. His religious belief is that of the Catholic church and his political faith that of the democratic party. His has always been a useful life and to his own labors may be attributed whatever success he has achieved and enjoyed.
JERRY A. REPLOGLE, M. D. , engaged in the practice of medicine in Udell, for which work he was carefully and thoroughly trained in a college course, was born in Udell township, Appanoose county, October 10, 1859, his parents being George B. and Catherine (McGee) Replogle. The father was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, October 3, 1831, and the mother was a native of Washington City, Maryland, born March 10, 1831. They were of French and Irish lineage respectively and were married in Baltimore, Maryland, December 19, 1852, after which they established their home upon a farm in Bedford county, Pennsylvania. In 1856 they became residents of Davis county, Iowa, and a year later removed to Appanoose county, George B. Replogle renting a farm in Udell township. As he prospered in his undertakings he purchased land in Vermillion township which he cultivated until 1863, when he removed to Moulton, where he engaged in dealing in grain. In 1874, however, he returned to his farm and from that time on gave his attention to bee culture and to the care of his orchard, which was one of the finest in the county. He had an extensive apiary and was well known in that respect, having many hives and gathering therefrom each year a large amount of honey. For a number of years he filled the office of township clerk and was always a progressive and public-spirited citizen, supporting many measures and movements for the general good. His wife died on the old homestead farm in Vermillion township in 1892, after which he left the old place and made his home with his children, dying at the residence of his son John in Udell township, February 5, 1910. Unto him and his wife were born eleven children: Martin L., who is a retired farmer and stock dealer of Longbeach, California; Jemima M., who was born August 3, 1854, and died October 17, 1871; David M., who was born April 9, 1856, and died April 16, 1857; John A., who was born August 25, 1857, and is a resident farmer of Udell township; Jerry A., of this review; Abraham J., who was born August 2, 1861, and is engaged in selling oranges at Santa Ana, California; Louise Elnora, who was born March 5, 1863, and is the wife of Richard Downing, chief clerk in the freight department of the Frisco railroad offices at St. Louis; Henry M., who was born April 3, 1865, and was graduated from Rush Medical College of Chicago in 1895 with the M. D. degree, after which he practiced his profession in Udell until his death May 29, 1904; Silas M., born January 19, 1871, who died November 10, 1872; Leah, born July 28, 1874, who died October 9, 1874; and Geneva, who was born March 20, 1876, and died April 6, 1891.
Dr. Replogle spent his youthful days under the parental roof, remaining at home until 1881, when at the age of twenty-two years he went to Pottawatomie county, Kansas, and in partnership with his brother purchased a ranch of one thousand acres. For a few years he lived in the Sunflower state and then returned to Udell township, where he carried on general farming until he resumed studies in preparation for a professional career. He was graduated from the Iowa State College at Ames in 1892 with the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Surgery and located for practice at Centerville in 1893. At length, however, he resolved to engage in the practice of medicine and became a student in the college at Iowa City, Iowa, completing the course in the medical department in 1898, when the M. D. degree was conferred upon him. He then returned to Centerville, where he practiced until 1904, when he removed to Udell, where he has since been located. He is constantly advancing in his profession as his ability increases through experience, reading and investigation, and his practice is now extensive and gratifying.
On the 9th of October, 1893, Dr. Replogle was married to Miss Maggie Gedney, a daughter of Captain J. B. and Sarah (Laseur) Gedney, the former a retired farmer living in Centerville. Mrs. Replogle died only eighteen months and twenty-one days after their marriage and on the 14th of October, 1900, the Doctor was married again, his second union being with Miss Christina Mitchell, a daughter of Alexander and Maggie Mitchell, both of whom were natives of Scotland, while the father became a coal miner of Centerville. In 1903, Dr. Replogle was again called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away in Centerville on the 12th of March. The following year he removed to Udell, where he has since made his home. By his first marriage he had one child, who died in infancy.
In addition to his growing practice, which claims much of his time and attention, Dr. Replogle gives his supervision to a farm of one hundred and forty acres which he owns. This is a well-improved tract of land on section 7, Udell township, and in the spring of 1912 he further increased his possessions by the purchase of a forty-acre tract of fruit land in Hidalgo county, Texas. He has never been an office seeker but gives his political support to the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Udell and the Rebekah degree and is also a member of the Court of Honor. He was formerly identified with several other fraternal organizations but has withdrawn. His religious faith is that of the Christian church, of which he is an active and valued member, serving as an elder in the church of Udell. His life has indeed been well spent, his usefulness and worth being acknowledged by all, and in his profession he is meeting with the advancement and success which follow capability and close application.
JAMES W. & DAVID H. RINEHART - Among the extensive landowners, prominent farmers and progressive and enterprising business men of Appanoose county James W. and David H. Rinehart hold places of weight and influence. Since the beginning of their active careers they have been in partnership and this association has been effective of lasting results, gaining for the two brothers a substantial measure of success. Both are natives of Monroe county, James W. having been born in January, 1862, and David H. on the 17th of February, 1864. They are sons of Samuel and Eliza (Potts) Rinehart, natives of Virginia, the former of whom came to Monroe county in 1858 and entered land from the government. He gave his entire attention to the development and improvement of this property during the remainder of his life, becoming a successful agriculturist and an extensive landowner. He had valuable holdings in both Monroe and Appanoose counties and for the last twenty years of his life resided in the latter section. He died in October, 1900, and was survived by his wife until May, 1909.
Both of the Rinehart brothers had the same educational advantages. They were still very young when their parents moved into Appanoose county and there they attended district school, later graduating from the Moulton high school. After completing his education James W. Rinehart taught in the graded schools of Appanoose county for eight years and did such able work along lines of public education that he was elected county superintendent of schools, holding this office for two years and accomplishing a great many lasting and beneficial results. On August 1, 1892, James W. and David H. Rinehart formed the partnership which has existed since that time. They have been engaged in many important business enterprises and have gradually become forces in the growth of Appanoose county, always working together in harmony, each supplementing and aiding the other's work in an effective way. Immediately after their association was formed they engaged in the newspaper business, purchasing the Centerville Journal, which was at that time a weekly democratic organ. The Rinehart brothers, however, published the paper semi-weekly, James W. acting as editor and David H. as foreman. For nineteen years they conducted this enterprise, doing much during that time to raise the standards of local journalism and to influence and direct public thought and opinion along worthy lines. In August, 1911, they sold the Centerville Journal and have since devoted their entire time to the management of their extensive farming interests and their valuable tracts of town property. At the present time they own and operate three hundred acres of land just across the state line in Missouri and they also have large coal mining interests in that state. The latter part of their interests is under the personal supervision of David H. Rinehart, while his brother manages their two hundred and sixty acre farm in Appanoose county, upon which they are extensively engaged in raising mules. Both are able, resourceful and progressive business men of acknowledged ability, capable of forming plans readily and determined in their execution, and accordingly in the course of years they have won a degree of success which places them among the representative citizens of this part of Iowa.
On the 13th of October, 1884, James W. Rinehart married Miss Ida Boal, a daughter of Dr. and Susan (Mills) Boal, natives of Ohio, where the father practiced his profession before he went to Bloomfield, Iowa. There he secured a gratifying patronage as a physician and surgeon and was very successful in the conduct of his affairs until his death, which occurred in 1892. His wife still resides in Bloomfield. Mr. and Mrs. Rinehart became the parents of three children: Delmar D., aged twenty-six, who is now in the newspaper business in Chicago; Earl, aged twenty-two, who is also a Chicago journalist; and Ruby, who is the wife of A. Ziver, well known in the cement business in Des Moines, Iowa. Ruby Rinehart inherited much of her father's news instinct and reportorial talent and before her marriage did some truly remarkable work in journalism. Of her ability in this direction one of the local papers wrote in part as follows: "Ruby Rinehart, the twelve-year-old daughter of Editor J. W. Rinehart of the Centerville Journal, experienced the unusual event that won for her the distinction of being the youngest newspaper woman in the world. Each day at the press table in the Centerville courthouse sat little Miss Rinehart, covering the murder case of John Junkin for her father's paper. All the horrible details of the murder of Clara Rosen by John Junkin were diligently recorded by the little newspaper woman, who covered the assignment in the absence of her father, who was otherwise engaged. Little Miss Rinehart is the youngest feminine reporter in the world, but this is only shown in her youthful appearance. Her stories have that degree of clearness and accuracy that would do credit to many older men, experienced in the profession. Her position at the press table placed her immediately in front of the accused negro, who was sentenced to hang, but she was too much engrossed in her work of reporting the case to be bothered by anything like that. Miss Rinehart has been doing regular work for her father since the death of her mother, some two years ago, and she hesitates not a moment in recording the most difficult stories for her paper. The youngster when but seven years old won the Demarest medal in a declamation competition and aside from her talents as an elocutionist she possesses a strong soprano voice. Her father has been in the newspaper business for seventeen years and little Miss Rinehart has practically had nothing but a newspaper environment her entire life." Mrs. James W. Rinehart died on the 23rd of December, 1906, after a long illness.
The Rinehart brothers are loyal democrats and James W. was for twenty years chairman of the democratic committee. He also served for a number of years on the Centerville board of education, discharging his official duties in a conscientious and straightforward way. Both James W. and David H. Rinehart are members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and belong to the Christian church. In numberless ways they have assisted in advancing the permanent welfare of this community and no record of Appanoose county would be complete without a review of their lives and of their long and honorable business association.
JOSEPH H. ROBERTSON, a representative of an honored pioneer family of Appanoose county, was in former years extensively and successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits as a farmer and stockman. For the past decade he has made his home in Centerville, where he is still actively engaged in business as a buyer and shipper of stock, but not on such a large scale as previously. His birth occurred in this county on the 8th of January, 1858, his parents being Moses C. and Elizabeth (Streepy) Robertson, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Knox county, Indiana. Moses C. Robertson was of Irish lineage, while Elizabeth Streepy came of German and Scotch descent. Throughout his active business career the former was successfully engaged in farming, stock-raising and shipping. When but a boy he accompanied his parents on their removal to Indiana, remaining under the parental roof until he was married and started out as an agriculturist on his own account. In the fall of 1854 he came to Iowa, locating in Appanoose county, where he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land. As his financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he augmented his holdings by additional purchase until they embraced more than eight hundred acres. He there engaged in general farming and stock-raising. In 1884 he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Cincinnati, this county, where he spent the remainder of his life in honorable retirement. He lost his first wife in 1862 and subsequently married Mrs. Sarah Patterson, a daughter of Briggs Shepherd, who was an agriculturist of Appanoose county and passed away in 1894, aged eighty-two years. Mrs. Sarah Robertson passed away at Cincinnati, this county, in 1898.
Joseph H. Robertson attended school in Cincinnati, this county, until fourteen years of age and then began providing for his own support, assisting his brother in the work of the fields for some time. Subsequently he spent two years at work in a blacksmith shop at Numa, this county, and on the expiration of that period took a trip to Indiana. Returning to Appanoose county, he was here married in 1878 and began farming on his own account. He first bought eighty acres of land a mile west of Cincinnati and from time to time extended the boundaries of his place by additional purchase until it comprised about four hundred acres. It was in 1887 that he embarked in business as a buyer and feeder of stock, feeding from two hundred to eight hundred head of cattle yearly, for a period of fifteen to twenty-five years. In 1902 he placed his farm in charge of a tenant and has since made his home in Centerville, where he still buys and ships stock to some extent. In his undertakings as an agriculturist he has met with an enviable and well merited measure of prosperity, and he has long been numbered among the substantial and representative citizens of his native county.
In 1878 Mr. Robertson was united in marriage to Miss Emma Marth Stevenson, who was born in Ohio on the 30th of November, 1857, her parents being Parkhill and Mary (Gunder) Stevenson, of Irish and German descent respectively. The father's birth occurred near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, while the mother was a native of Darke county, Ohio. Mr. Stevenson, a shoemaker by trade, was married in Ohio and in 1868 came west, locating at Hibbsville, Appanoose county, Iowa. In 1874 he removed to Cincinnati, this county, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1902. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and was a worthy exemplar of the craft. The demise of his wife occurred at Cincinnati, this county, in 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson are the parents of three children. Ava J., who was born in this county on the 30th of May, 1879, was graduated from the Cincinnati high school in 1898 and is the wife of Harry Talbot of Centerville. Ora B., whose birth occurred in Appanoose county on the 9th of June, 1881, gave her hand in marriage to J. G. Madden, an attorney of Lineville, Iowa, Joie C., born in Appanoose county on the 11th of June, 1891, is a farmer of Vermillion township, this county. He married Miss Ruth Bradley, a daughter of Henry and Carry (Abernathy) Bradley, the former being at one time county superintendent of schools here.
In politics Mr. Robertson is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. For two years he served as alderman at large in Centerville, making a creditable record in this connection. He is identified with the Masons and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star. Mr. Robertson's entire life has been spent in Appanoose county and his acquaintance here is a wide one, so that this record cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers.
SOL ROSENBAUM - Among the men of Centerville who have attained an honorable place in business circles because of their ability, shrewdness and dominating ambition is Sol Rosenbaum, who is operating a large furniture store in the town. He was born in Russia in November, 1870, and is a son of Moses and Etta (Rosenbaum) Rosenbaum, both natives of that country. In Russia the father was a successful grain dealer but in 1883 emigrated to America and settled in Omaha, whence after two years he went to What Cheer, Iowa. After four years in that city he went to Oskaloosa and there worked as a peddler for about seven years. When he came to Centerville he followed the same occupation but after five years went to Ottumwa, where he engaged in the shoe business, in which he is still active.
Sol Rosenbaum acquired his education in Russia and in 1886 came to America and joined his parents in What Cheer, Iowa. He accompanied them to Oskaloosa and then to Centerville, where he engaged in the second hand furniture business. Gradually he eliminated the second hand line and now deals exclusively in new goods, handling a modern, complete and up-to-date stock. His store is located at 308 North Twelfth street and occupies two stories and a basement. In its management Mr. Rosenbaum has shown a practical business instinct, which, controlled by his shrewd ability and ambition and guided by his high integrity and honesty of purpose, has won him a large patronage and made him very successful in its conduct.
On October 25, 1896, Mr. Rosenbaum married Miss Rebecca Ritchel, a daughter of Max and Rosie (Zetlovski) Ritchel, natives of Russia. The father was a farmer in his native country but abandoned this occupation after coming to America. He crossed the Atlantic in 1890 and located in Centerville, where he was active in the grocery business until his retirement in 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Rosenbaum have three children: John Lewis, aged fifteen; Harry, fourteen years of age; and Mildred, aged five.
Mr. Rosenbaum has in the course of years been drawn into important relations with the general business life of Centerville and is one of the best known men in business circles of the city. He owns an attractive home at 312 East Wall street and two other fine residences, which he rents out. He is also a stockholder in the Centerville Gypsum Company and his aid can always be relied upon in the promotion of worthy enterprises. He belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees but beyond this has no fraternal affiliations. He holds membership in the B'nai Israel congregation and is loyal in his adherence to the faith of his fathers. His political allegiance is given to the republican party but he is never active in official life. His success has been accomplished by the sheer force of hard work and not even the most envious could begrudge it to him, so worthily has it been won and so well used.
HENRY A. RUSSELL - For many years Henry A. Russell has been a well known resident of Centerville, occupied at different times with important mercantile interests and at other times with public affairs. He stands for progress and improvement along many lines and is accounted one of the representative citizens of Centerville. He was born near Jefferson, Greene county, Pennsylvania, April 23, 1851, and is a son of James and Sarah (Wathen) Russell, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a farmer by occupation and cultivated a tract of land in Greene county for about fifty years. He then sold his property and removed westward to Iowa. settling at West Grove, Davis county, where he bought and improved a farm, carrying on general agricultural pursuits there until his death, which occurred in January, 1881. His wife passed away in November, 1871. In their family were ten children.
Henry A. Russell was a lad of eight years when he accompanied his parents to Iowa and in the schools of Davis county he largely acquired his education. Afterward, however, he entered college at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and when he had put aside his text-books went to Arkansas, living with a brother for six years. On the expiration of that period he came to Centerville and purchased a drug store from his brother, conducting it with capability and success from 1876 until 1888. At the same time he was agent for the United States Express Company in this city and though he has now sold his drug store, he remains as agent for the express company, having occupied the position continuously since 1876. In 1881 he erected a modern, double, two-story brick building, now occupied by Latimer Brothers with a stock of dry goods. He conducted his drug business in that building for a number of years but finally sold the property. His place of business is now at No. 207 East State street.
On the 16th of January, 1883, Mr. Russell was married to Miss Theresa Rogers, a daughter of Dr. W. D. and Charlotte (Black) Rogers, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father engaged in the practice of medicine in Greene county, that state, for many years, his life's labors being ended in death in 1893. His wife survived him until 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Russell became the parents of three children, of whom one died in infancy and Miles W. passed away in 1908 at the age of twelve years. The surviving daughter, Elizabeth, is the wife of Dr. H. J. Shulze, a practicing dentist of Eveleth, Minnesota.
Mr. Russell has served on the town council for four years and has been otherwise connected with public interests of importance. He was secretary of the Centerville Street Railway Company during its building and for some time when the cars were operated by horse power. He also was president and secretary of the County Fair Association for eight years and did much to stimulate an interest therein. He is now a stockholder in the Centerville & Mystic interurban line and he owns considerable town property, including an interest in a ten-acre tract called Highland Park. His home is at No. 203 West Washington street, where he has lived for thirty-six years. It is an attractive property and his residence has always been noted for its warm-hearted hospitality. Mr. Russell votes with the republican party, of which he has been an earnest and consistent advocate since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, in which he takes an active and helpful interest, serving as one of its elders since 1880. In its teachings have been found the motive springs of his conduct, guiding him in all of his relations with his fellowmen. His life has indeed been well spent and the sterling traits of his character have won him high regard wherever he is known.