Marion County, Iowa Biographies

JOHN W. WRIGHT.
John W. Wright, whose identification with journalistic interests began more than a quarter of a century ago, has for the past thirteen years acted as city and county news editor of Knoxville Journal, the leading republican newspaper of Marion county. His acquaintance is very wide and is generally conceded that no citizen has taken a more active or helpful interest in the progress and substantial advancement of the community. His birth occurred in Oskaloosa, Mahaska county, Iowa, on the 4th of May 1860, his parents being Dillon and Susanna (Frazier) Wright, representatives of the old line Quaker families of Grant county, Indiana, and Highland county, Ohio. The Frazier family removed from Indiana to Jefferson county, Iowa, and settled in the vicinity of Pleasant Plain in 1838, while the Wrights came from the Hoosier state to Iowa in 1857, likewise taking up their abode near Pleasant Plain.
John W. Wright spent his childhood days in Oskaloosa and attended school intermittently until twelve years of age. His schooling, however, did not extend beyond the primary grades, for he was taken into the coal works as miner's helper in the winter after his twelfth birthday and subsequently labored in the mines during the winter months and in a brickyard throughout the summer seasons, his time being thus occupied until 1887. In that year he took charge of the "Questions and Answers" department of the old Des Moines Leader of a similar department in the American Rural Home, the latter being a farm paper of immense circulation published at Rochester, New York. These query departments he has continuously maintained throughout the intervening twenty-seven years. In 1888 he took the editorship of the "Notes for the Curious" department in The Republic, of St. Louis, Missouri, and also a position of the editorial staff of the Sunday Republic, furnishing the leading editor
ials in that edition during 1895 1896 and 1897. The "Notes for the Curious" department was published in the Saturday and Weekly editions from 1888 until Jan. 1, 1899, or for ten years and four months, without the exception of a single issue.
In 1879 Mr. Wright came to Knoxville, Iowa, and three years later was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Smith, by whom he had two children, namely: Loren S., who died at Beaver, Colorado, in 1904, when almost twenty-one years of age; and L. Bess, who is now the wife of Wilbur E. Brown, roadmaster of the Horton-Nelson branch of the Rock Island system, with headquarters at Fairbury, Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have one child, Lawrence Edward,, who was born at Fairbury, Nebraska, on the 5th of October, 1909.
No resident of Marion county of early or recent arrival has been more deeply concerned in the history and progress of the community than has John W. Wright. He enjoys a very extended acquaintance and is well known among all classes of people, including common laborers, miners, farmers and brickworkers, as well as merchants, lawyers, politicians, bankers and persons of statewide reputation, such as editors, educators and men of affairs. Having a mind practically unbiased by school education and as absorbent as a sponge, he has made himself known as a writer on a variety of different subjects, mainly scientific, and at present is a member in good standing of the Iowa Academy of Sciences and of the National Geographic Society. He declined the flattering offer of a place on the staff of McClure's Magazine and has been importuned to take a position under Curator E. R. Harlan at the Historical Building in Des Moines. Mr. Wright's one copyrighted book, "Christ in Myth and Legend," was published by Cranston & Curtis of Cincinnati, in 1894, and the entire edition sold from the prospectus before the first finished copy came from the press. For the past thirteen years and more, since December, 1901, he has been city and county news editor of the Knoxville Journal, the leading republican paper of Marion county. During ten years of that time he furnished three thousand words every week on popular scientific subjects under the general head of "Nature Snapshots," writing from six to ten short articles weekly on animals, birds, insects, fishes, reptiles, trees, plants, etc., with a goodly sprinkling of geology as found in the local field. His style is terse and clear and his contributions have been eagerly sought and read as being most interestingly instructive. As assistant editor of the Knoxville Journal, under the able management of Messrs. Curtis & Gilson, he has maintained an enviable position in journalistic circles of the county and has helped establish the reputation of the paper on a high plane. His influence is a potent factor in the upbuilding and development of the community, being always found on the side of right, justice, truth, progress and improvement.
["History of Marion County, Iowa, and its People", 1915, submitted by Sharon Wick]


WILLIAM A. YOUNG.
Since 1912 William A. Young has been the editor of the Pella Chronicle and has maintained its prestige as a paper that gives the latest news in an accurate and interesting form. He was for a number of years previous to his connection with the Chronicle a teacher, having taught at the Central University of Iowa here and also at Grand Island, Nebraska. He was born in Liberty township, this county, on the 7th of August, 1871, a son of Joseph H. and Lavinia (Jolliffe) Young. The father was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1839, and the mother in Edgar county, Illinois. The paternal grandparents, John and Mary (Hargrave) Young, both of whom were born in England, emigrated to this country and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, whence in 1842 they moved to Shelby county, Indiana, where they resided until their deaths.
Joseph H. Young served in Company D, Thirty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in the Civil war and in 1867 located on a farm in this county, remaining thereon until 1893, when he came to Pella. He made this city his home until 1912, in which year he removed to Knoxville, where he is now living retired. The mother of Mr. Young of this review was a daughter of Collins and Memima Jolliffe, of Virginia, who went to Illinois in 1832 and in 1853 came to this county, locating in Liberty township, where both passed away, Mr. Jolliffe dying in January, 1894, when about ninety-two years of age, as he was born in 1802. The demise of Mrs. Joseph H. Young occurred in 1874 and Mr. Young remarried, Mrs. Eliza Garrison becoming his wife. To the first marriage were born three children, the subject of this review being the eldest. Five children were born to the second union.
William A Young received broad educational training. He was graduated from the Central University of Iowa at Pella in 1898 with the Bachelor of Arts degree, in 1904 received the Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Chicago and then attended the Iowa State University for some time. For thirteen years he taught mathematics at the Central University of Iowa and was for one year a teacher in Grand Island College at Grand Island, Nebraska. A good mathematician himself, he also possessed the ability to develop the power of mathematical reasoning in those whom he taught and to train his students in accuracy. In 1912 he became the editor of the Pella Chronicle and has sine given his time and energies to that work. His leading articles are timely, vigorous and lucidly expressed, and under his management the news columns of the paper give the readers of the Chronicle an excellent account of local happenings and also of the more important events in the outside world.
Mr. Young is a member of the Baptist church of Pella and gives his moral and material support to movements that seek the betterment of the community life. In politics he is a democrat and a single taxer. He holds membership in Pella Lodge, No. 55, A. F. & A. M., and in Des Moines Consistory, No. 3, A. & A. S. R. Practically his entire life has been spent in this county, and he has risen to a place of honor among those who have known and respected him from youth. ["History of Marion County, Iowa, and its People", 1915, submitted by Sharon Wick]


THOMAS E. ROSE.
Thomas E. Rose is a representative farmer of Liberty township, living on section 7. He was born on the adjoining section - the old homestead farm of the family - February 24, 1856, a son of Richard and Matilda (Glenn) Rose, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Brown county, Illinois. They were married in the latter district and as the years went on six children were added to the household as follows: Thomas E., of this review; Catherine, who is the wife of Frank Williams, of Clay township, this county; Sarah, who gave her hand in marriage to Tim Gregory; Elizabeth, who died at the age of eighteen years; Charles I., who is a resident of Harvey county, Kansas; and George H., living on the old home place.
In October, 1855, the family home was established in Marion county, on a tract of land, two hundred and forty acres of which Mr. Rose had preempted a few years before. The father bent his energies to the development and improvement of the old home place and as they became old enough his sons assisted him in the farm work, and there Richard Rose passed away April 6, 1896, at the age of about seventy-five years, his birth having occurred June 1, 1821. His wife, who was born November 2, 1829, died in 1906, and they were laid to rest in Liberty cemetery. During the long years of their residence in this county they had become widely and favorably known and their memory is yet cherished by many. The father was a veteran of the Mexican war. He always carried on farming and stock-raising and his energy and determination enabled him to so successfully conduct his business that he provided a good living for his family. In politics he was a democrat and served as township tru
stee. He was much interested in public affairs, took a helpful part in advancing the welfare of the community and was among those who laid broad and deep the foundation upon which he has built the present progress and prosperity of the county. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian church and their lives constituted an example that any might well follow.
Thomas E. Rose was educated in one of the old-time log schoolhouses of the pioneer days and he shared with the family in all of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. He assisted in the arduous task of breaking the sod and developing new fields and as the years passed on his labors were attended with substantial success and brought to him the experience that enabled him to carry on his own farm work in a most capable manner. In March, 1884, he located upon his present place and is today the owner of two farms comprising one hundred and fifty-nine acres. He cultivates the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also successfully engages in raising stock.
On the 17th of March, 1878, Mr. Rose was united in marriage to Miss Nancy E. Stephens, her parents being Cumberland and Sarah J. (Ridlen) Stephens, who came to this county in the '50s and spent the remainder of their lives in Liberty township. They had thirteen children, six of whom survive. To Mr. and Mrs. Rose have been born six children, as follows: Myrtle, who passed away in 1906; Seth; Lena, who gave her hand in marriage to Roy Sherman, of Oglesby, Illinois; Ruth, the wife of Worth Phelps, residing in Lyon county, Minnesota; Dwight; and Arminta.
Mr. Rose exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him, as he has always preferred to devote his attention to his farming interests, with the result that success is now his in creditable measure and he ranks with the leading and representative farmers of the county. ["History of Marion County, Iowa, and its People", 1915, submitted by Sharon Wick]


J. T. ROBUCK.
J. T. Robuck is one of the energetic, wide-awake and progressive business men of Attica, conducting a general store and also handling farm implements and wire. He was born in this county Dec. 17, 1856, a son of John and Martha (Andrews) Robuck, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They came to Marion county in 1853, casting their lot with the pioneer settlers who were aiding in reclaiming a wild and undeveloped region for the purposes of civilization. The father established the family home upon a farm and throughout his remaining days devoted his energies to general agricultural pursuits. His wife has also passed away. In their family were ten children, of whom six are yet living.
J. T. Robuck spent his youthful days upon the old homestead, remaining there until he reached the age of twenty-two years, during which time he assisted his father in the work of the fields when not busy with his text-books, his education being acquired in the common schools. On leaving home he rented a tract of land and thus carried on farming for several years, at the end of which time he purchased a farm in Clay township with the money he had saved from his earnings. Upon that place he lived for fourteen years and after selling out he bought a farm in Franklin township, upon which he resided for four years. On disposing of that property he invested in land in Knoxville township and afterward retired from active farming, taking up his abode in the city of Knoxville, where he lived for two years. On the expiration of that period he again turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and for some time occupied and cultivated his farm but eventually sold out and turne
d his attention to merchandising at Attica, where he is now living. He conducts a general store, carrying a large and carefully selected stock of goods, and he also handles farm implements and wire. His business had grown to gratifying populations and he is one of the enterprising merchants of the county. In connection with his son he also owns a farm in Franklin township.
In 1878 Mr. Robuck was united in marriage to Miss Ida Force, a native of this county and a daughter of George and Permelia (Wade) Force, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father is now deceased but the mother survives. Mr. and Mrs. Robuck have had five children bur the first two died in infancy. The third child, Bessie, passed away at the age of fourteen years. The two surviving members of the family are John, who follows farming, owning property in connection with his father, and Mabel at home.
The parents are members of the Methodist Protestant church and Mr. Robuck belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Knoxville and to the Improved Order of Red Men. In politics he is a democrat, having always exercised his right of franchise in support of that party since attaining his majority. He has served as school director but has never occupied political office. His life has been a busy and useful one in which there have been few idle hours. He has always carefully directed his farm work and his mercantile interests and as the result of his indefatigable energy and sound judgment has met with a gratifying measure of success. ["History of Marion County, Iowa, and its People", 1915, submitted by Sharon Wick]


ALBERT L. MUNSELL
Albert L. Munsell, deceased, was long identified with mercantile interests at Hamilton and made for himself a creditable name and place in business circles. He was born in Alexandria, Ohio, on the 12th of March 1851, a son of Edward and Cynthia (Devereaux) Munsell, both of whom were born in the east. The family arrived in Marion county in 1858, settling at Hamilton. The father was a broom-maker by trade and in early life followed that pursuit but afterward turned his attention to merchandising, remaining in active business here until his death in 1878, his grave being made in the Hamilton cemetery.
Albert L. Munsell was only about seven years of age when brought to Iowa by his parents and in the schools of Hamilton he pursued his education. He afterward took up the profession of teaching, which he successfully followed in early manhood. Later he went to the west but in 1875 returned to this county in order to engage in merchandising at Hamilton. He established and successfully conducted his store, carrying a large and carefully selected line of goods and continuing in the business until his demise. He was ever found reliable in his trade transactions and recognized the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement.
On the 7th of March, 1877, Mr. Munsell was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Faivre, a daughter of Dr. M. J. and Melissa (Walker) Faivre. To them were born four children, namely: Ella, who is the wife of J. B. Skelton; Edward L.; Lowell and Julian L.
In his political views Mr. Munsell was a stalwart republican and kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He served as notary public, as a member of the school board, and was treasurer for thirty-five years. His aid and influence were always given on the side of progress, advancement and improvement, and he never acted with hasty judgment concerning any public move. He was an Odd Fellow for thirty-five years, loyal to the teachings of the organization, and he was equally consistent as a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In a word, his life was ever upright and honorable and won for him the high regard and unqualified confidence of those who knew him, so that his memory is yet cherished by many who called him friend. It was on the 17th of August, 1912, that he was called to his final rest. ["History of Marion County, Iowa, and its People", 1915, submitted by Sharon Wick]


BENTON A. MATHEWS.
Business enterprise in Marion county finds a worthy representative in Benton A. Mathews, who is today conducting one of the oldest nursery businesses of the state, established sixty years ago. He has the largest pear orchard in Iowa and the products of his nurseries are shipped over a wide territory, finding ready sale because of well known excellence and also by reason of the thorough reliability of the proprietor. The nursery is pleasantly and conveniently located a half mile from Knoxville and Mr. Mathews still occupies the old home that was erected by his father about 1855, much walnut lumber being used in the construction, while the shingles were brought from Burlington. At the time of its erection this residence was one of the best in Knoxville. It is surrounded by pine trees and is yet an attractive, comfortable home in which the spirit of hospitality reigns supreme.
Benton A. Mathews was born in Coshocton, Ohio, on the 4th of Jan. 1840, and is a son of James and Mary A. (Conley) Mathews, the former a native of Trumbull county, Ohio, and the latter of Goshen, New York. They were married, however, in the Buckeye state. The paternal grandfather, Alexander Mathews, was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and was a son of James Mathews, a native of Ireland, who became the founder of this family in the new world. He crossed the Atlantic to the United States with his two brothers, William and Thomas, and all three rendered valiant service to the colonies in the Revolutionary war, while the grandfather, Alexander Mathews, was an equally loyal soldier of the War of 1812. The same spirit of patriotic devotion to country was manifest by James Mathews during his service in the Ohio legislature and during the two terms in which he represented his Ohio district in congress. He arrived in Marion county in 1854 as one of his pioneer
settlers and purchased land where Knoxville now stands. He laid out the Mathews addition to the town and also the Mathews new addition and was in various ways prominently connected with the upbuilding and progress of city and county. He was a lawyer by profession and, opening an office in Knoxville, successfully engaged in practice here until his death, which occurred in1887 when he was eighty-three years of age. His wife passed away in 1899, at the age of eighty-five years. They were everywhere recognized as people of sterling worth and became leaders in the community in which they made their home.
Mr. Mathews was the oldest Mason in the county at the time of his demise and was ever a loyal representative of the craft which has as its basic element a recognition of the brotherhood of mankind. When serving in congress from Ohio, Mr. Mathews voted to admit Iowa into the Union, and it was not long afterward before he became identified with the new state, remaining an active factor in its development and substantial improvement for more than three decades. To him and his wife were born twelve children, as follows: Morton, who died in infancy; Mary, James, Louisa and Hannah, all of whom are deceased; Caroline, who has likewise passed away and who was the wife of Governor William M. Stone, of Iowa, also deceased; Benton A., of this review; Augusta, deceased, who was the wife of Dr. Foote, of Philadelphia; Matilda, who now resides in Washington D. C., and is the widow of F. C. Barber, for many years editor of the Knoxville Journal; Addie, who has passed away; Helene, d
eceased; and one child unnamed who died in infancy.
Benton A. Mathews acquired a public-school education in Ohio and Iowa, accompanying his parents to this state when a lad of fourteen years. The year which witnessed the outbreak of the Civil war was the year in which he attained his majority, and on the 22d day of May, 1861, only about six weeks after the first guns had been fired at Fort Sumter, he enlisted as a member of Company B, Third Iowa Infantry, becoming a second lieutenant. He went to the front and was on active duty for a year and a half and was wounded at Shiloh, his injuries being of such a nature that he was discharged on the 15th of October, 1862. He then returned to Knoxville and embarked in the nursery business, in which he has since been continuously engaged. His father had established this business in 1854, so that it has now been in continuous existence for six decades and is one of the oldest in the state. He engages in the production of nursery stock of all kinds suitable to the soil and climat
ic conditions of the temperate zone, and he has the largest pear orchard in Iowa. He has studied the business from every angle, acquainting himself with the scientific principles and with all the practical phases until his opinions are largely accepted as authority upon questions concerning the production and care of nursery stock and the further propagation of the trees. His business has reached large and gratifying proportions, bringing to him a substantial annual income. It was Mr. Mathews and his father who introduced evergreens into this county and, as previously stated, his home is surrounded by a beautiful grove of murmuring pines.
In 1878 Mr. Mathews was united in marriage to Miss Cynthia J. Lindley, a daughter of Judge Lindley, of Newton, Iowa, who came from southern Ohio to this state in the early 50's. A lawyer by profession, he successfully engaged in practice and his ability led to his selection for judge of the circuit court, in which position he remained for many years. He afterward removed to Nebraska, where he was again elected to the bench and later he returned to Ohio, where he passed away in January, 1896. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah McCracken, was also a native of Ohio and is now deceased. Our subject and his wife have two children, namely: Alice, the wife of John M. Weaver, who follows the profession of teaching and makes his home in Lawrence, Kansas; and Mary, at home.
In his political views Mr. Mathews is a democrat but has never been ambitious for office. He belongs to John C. Ferguson Post, G. A. R., and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. His life has been preeminently that of a business man, careful, reliable and energetic in the conduct of his interests, yet at all times his influence has been on the side of progress and improvement in affairs relating to the county in which he has now made his home for almost two-thirds of a century. ["History of Marion County, Iowa, and its People", 1915, submitted by Sharon Wick]


HIRAM T. STAPP.
The year 1866 witnessed the arrival of Hiram T. Stapp in Marion county and he remained a continuous resident of the county until he was called to the home beyond. He was well known in Columbia and Washington township and in other sections of the county, and wherever he went he made friends by reason of his sterling worth and many excellent traits of character. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, August 12, 1840, a son of Joseph Stapp, who lived and died in the south. The son acquired his education in southern schools and at the outbreak of the Civil war enlisted in the Confederate army. Later he came to the north, and because his opinions had changed regarding the condition of affairs, he enlisted at Crawfordsville, Indiana, for service in the Union army, with which he continued until honorably discharged at the close of hospitalities.
In the following year, or in 1866, Mr. Stapp made his way westward to Iowa, reaching Knoxville, Marion county, on the 2d day of March. He worked for others for a time and then purchased property in the village of Columbia. At length he acquired farm land and from that time forward followed agricultural pursuits and stock-raising until his death. He always held to high ideals in relation to his work and he added to his farm any valuable improvements. The place was divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences and in the pastures could be found good grades of stock. Barns and other outbuildings afforded ample shelter for grain and for his cattle and horses, and when invention brought out new machinery he secured it to promote the work of the fields. He was a breeder of fine Jersey cows and high grade horses. He loved all kinds of animals and became very indignant upon seeing them abused. It is needless to state, therefore, that the stock upon his place
was well treated and he did not a little to improve the grade of farm animals raised in this section of the state.
On the 8th of March, 1868, Mr. Stapp was united in marriage to Miss Juliett Kiger, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Huffman) Kiger, who had five children, two of whom are deceased. Mrs. Kiger died in 1847 and subsequently the father was again married. About 1850 he came to Marion county, Iowa, in search of a home, locating in Washington township, where he devoted his attention to the pursuits of farming and stock-raising. He gave his political allegiance to the democracy but never sought or desired office as a reward for his party fealty. He passed away on the 17th of April, 1892, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his remains were interred at Columbia.
The death of Mr. Stapp occurred on the 14th of August, 1902, and he was laid to rest in the Columbia cemetery. Two years after his demise his widow took up her abode in Columbia, where she now resides. She is widely and favorably known and has many friends in the village and throughout the surrounding country. Mr. Stapp voted with the democratic party and always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, so that he was able to support his position by intelligent argument. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church and his Christian faith guided him in all the relations of life, making him a man whom to know was to esteem and honor. ["History of Marion County, Iowa, and its People", 1915, submitted by Sharon Wick]


H. W. WARD
H. W. Ward, a worthy native son and representative merchant of Marion county, is the proprietor of a general store and meat market at Harvey and is meeting with well merited success in the conduct of his business. His birth occurred on the 22d of Nov. 1876, his parents being Jeremiah and Mary (Cox) Ward, both of whom were natives of Indiana. They came to Iowa in the '60s and the mother is till living here, but the father has passed away. Their two children survive.
H. W. Ward received a high-school education in his youth but started out to earn his own livelihood at the early age of twelve years, working at farm labor until he had attained his majority. He then secured employment in the Morrell packing house at Ottumwa and subsequently returned to this county, becoming railroad agent for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company at Harvey. On July 4, 1903, he embarked in business on his own account as a merchant of Harvey, where he has since conducted a general store and meat market, being accorded a gratifying patronage in both branches of his business. He owns a substantial residence and two lots in Harvey and is widely recognized as a prosperous and esteemed citizen of the community.
In 1902 Mr. Ward was united in marriage to Miss Edith M. Harrington, a native of Marion county and a daughter of Thomas N. and Mary (Loynachan) Harrington, the former having passed away. They had ten children, eight of whom are yet living. To Mr. and Mrs. Ward have been born two children, Marvin Reed and Merlyn Watson. Mr. Ward gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has ably served as a member of the city council and also in the capacity of school director. He and his wife attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church and are well known and highly esteemed for their many excellent traits of character. They have spent their entire lives in this part of the state and have a large circle of friends and acquaintances. ["History of Marion County, Iowa, and its People", 1915, submitted by Sharon Wick]


JOSEPH BRIDGEN.
On the pages of pioneer history of Marion county the name of Joseph Bridgen is inscribed, for he cast in his lot with the early settlers of 1854. He was a resident of Ohio and came to the west from Muskingum county, that state. There he had been married, but he and his wife were both native of Ireland and as young people had come to the new world, seeking the broader and better opportunities offered on this side the Atlantic.
Mrs. Bridgen bore the maiden name of Sarah McCollum and was a sister of the late James McCollum, a pioneer settler of Marion county, who arrived here in 1854. To Mr. and Mrs. Bridgen were born three children, of whom Mrs. Margaret J. Schmidt is the only one now living. One daughter died at the age of twelve years and the son, James Bridgen, died in early manhood.
Joseph Bridgen was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for, arriving in Marion county in March, 1854, he had scarcely begun the task of developing and improving his farm when death called him in October of the same year. Having lost her first husband, Mrs. Bridgen was married again in 1858, becoming the wife of Jackson Armstrong, who died in 1868. He, too, was one of the pioneer settlers of the county and aided in promoting its early development. To Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong were born five children, of whom two are yet living: Mrs. J. H. Pifer, whose home is at Larimore, North Dakota; and Mrs. J. W. Everett, living at Booneville, Iowa.
Mrs. Armstrong passed away on the 19th of May 1909, having reached the advanced age of eighty-two years. She was a most earnest and consistent member of the Presbyterian church and exemplified in her life her Christian faith and belief. She did many good deeds, was a helpful friend and neighbor and a most devoted mother and, in the words of the Psalmist, her children rise up and call her blessed. ["History of Marion County, Iowa, and its People", 1915, submitted by Sharon Wick]


PELLA'S WEEKBLAD NEWSPAPER.
Pella's Weekblad has a large and representative circulation among the residents of Iowa and adjoining states who are of Dutch birth or ancestry, and is one of the leading papers in this section of the country printed in the Dutch language. It was established in 1861 by Henry Hospers, a prominent figure in the state at that time. About 1870 he sold the business to H. Neyenesch, who took charge June 20 of that year and conducted it until January 1, 1899, and then sold it to the Rev. H. Poot, who conducted it for thirteen months, when Mr. Neyenesch bought the paper again and conducted it until October 11, 1901. He then sold the subscription list to Jansma Brothers, who were the publishers of the Nieuwsblad, which they had established on the 10th of February, 1899. On the 11th of October, 1901, they combined the two papers, retaining the name of Pella's Weekblad, as that was the older and better known publication. On the 28th of February, 1902, John Jansma died and his
brother James continued to publish the paper until 1904, in which year H. F. Johnson, the present business manager, purchased a half interest. On New Year's day, 1909, Mr. Johnson and H. L. Boland bought James Jansma's interest in the paper and have remained its sole owners ever since.
Pella's Weekblad, is its name indicates, is published weekly and is an excellent paper of eight pages of six columns each. It is printed in the Dutch language and has a large circulation which is steadily increasing. Its editor, E. C. Varenkamp, is a man of broad learning, with an intimate knowledge of the life of the people in whose interests it is printed, and under his direction a high standard of journalism is maintained and at the same time it is popular in its appeal. The business phase of this publication is ably managed by H. F. Johnson and its finances are in excellent condition. ["History of Marion County, Iowa, and its People", 1915, submitted by Sharon Wick]


WILLIAM RICHARDS.
On the list of Marion county's pioneer settlers appears the name of William Richards, who passed away November 21, 1901 at the home of his son Joshua. He was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, July 19, 1811, a son of William and Ann (Rose) Richards. The father was born November 27, 1871, and his life record covered the intervening period of the 13th of December, 1857. He served as a soldier in the Mexican war. The mother was born September 18, 1784, and died August 29, 1853. By trade William Richards, Sr., was a shoemaker. To him and his wife were born nine children, namely: John, Rachell, William, Jr., Juliann, Josiah, Samuel, Melinda. Ruann and Selena.
William Richards accompanied his parents on their removal from the Keystone state to Coshocton county, Ohio, in his boyhood days. He was there reared and married, Miss Margery Thompson becoming his wife on the 2ed of December, 1830. She was born May 7, 1808, in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Joshua Thompson, whose wife died during the early girlhood of their daughter Margery. Upon leaving Ohio Mr. and Mrs. Richards removed to Wabash county, Indiana, and there resided for about three years or until the fall of 1856, when they came to Marion county, Iowa. Mr. Richards was a farmer by occupation and his life was busy and useful one which in the course of years brought him a very gratifying and substantial measure of success. As his financial resources increased he kept adding to his property until his holdings aggregated nine hundred acres of rich and valuable farming land in Pleasant Grove and Swan townships. This he successfully cultivated and his prope
rty interest brought to him a gratifying measure of success as the years passed on.
Mrs. Richards passed away January 18, 1899, and the death of Mr. Richards occurred November 21, 1901. Their married life covered a period of more than sixty-eight years and their mutual love and confidence increased as time passed on and they met together the joys and sorrows, the adversity and the prosperity that checkered their lives. They were baptized and joined the Christian church in 1840 and they were thereafter consistent members until they were called to the home beyond. Mr. Richards was also a member of the Masonic fraternity from early manhood. To him and his wife were born ten children, as follows: Eleanor, whose birth occurred October 14, 1831, and who died in Indiana in young womanhood; Ann Jane, who was born January 30, 1833, gave her hand in marriage to David Forst and is now deceased; William T., born May 27, 1835, who resides near Bozeman, Montana; Joshua T., a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work; Samuel V., whose birth occurred Jan
uary 8, 1839, and who died in Indiana in young manhood; Juliann, born April 1, 1841, who became the wife of Harmon Caffrey and has passed away; Josiah, born July 4, 1843, who died while serving as a soldier of the Union army in the Civil war; John, a sketch of whom is given on another page of this work; James Allen, whose birth occurred October 4, 1847, and who is a resident of Pleasantville, Iowa; and Urias, born Sept. 10, 1849, who resides in Oklahoma.
William Richards gave his political endorsement to the whig party after age conferred upon him the right of franchise and when that party ceased to exist he joined the ranks of the new republican party. His worth and ability were widely recognized by his fellow townsmen and he was frequently called to public office, serving as mayor of Pleasantville for several years. He was prominent and influential as a supporter and promoter of churches and schools and was very active as a member of the Christian church. Both he and his wife lived to be more than ninety years of age and for a long period were the oldest couple of the county, having traveled life's journey together for more than sixty-eight years were separated by the hand of death. Every phase of frontier life was familiar to them and they bore an active and helpful part in the work of general development. Their influence was ever on the side of right, progress, reform and improvement and their memory is cherishe
d by all who knew them and remains as a blessed benediction to their friends. ["History of Marion County, Iowa, and its People", 1915, submitted by Sharon Wick]


FRED P. GRANT
Fred P. Grant is the owner of the only ice company in Knoxville and has developed his business to large proportions. He was born in New York state, at the foot of the Catskill mountains, on the 25th of February, 1846, a son of John F. and Mary M. (Miller) Grant. His paternal grandfather was General Grant, who was in command of militia from New York in the War of 1812. John F. Grant was a lumberman by occupation.
Fred P. Grant was taken to Pennsylvania by his parents when but ten years of age and lived there until his marriage. He then removed to New Jersey, where he resided until he came to Iowa, being superintendent of a lumber company in the east. In 1881 he came to Pella, this state, but late in the same year removed to Knoxville, where he started a creamery and conducted it until 1896. He then established the ice business of which he is still the owner. In the fall of 1913 a rival company was bought out and the Fred P. Grant Company now has the field to itself. It handles more than two thousand tons of ice per year and runs three or four wagons. The ice sold is natural ice and thirty-five men are employed in putting it up. Great care is exercised to prevent its contamination in any way, full weight is invariably given and the price is fair and reasonable. William L. Grant, the son of our subject, is associated with his father in business.
Fred P. Grant was married in 1872 to Miss Millie M. Pellett, of Pennsylvania, a daughter of Calvin and Eunice Pellett. Her father devoted his life to the work of the farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Grant were born four children: William L.; Nellie A., at home; Carrie B., who married Homer Carpenter, a resident of Trinidad, Colorado; and Edna, at home. Mrs. Grant passed away on the 9th of June, 1910.
William L. Grant, who was born in New York state on the 24th of September, 1873, after completing the public-school course at Knoxville, became associated with his father in the ice business when a young man. From 1903 to 1906 he was deputy sheriff of the county, serving under Sheriff Bybee. At the expiration of his term of office he lived in Colorado for seven years, but in 1913 returned to Knoxville and purchased the Goodspeed ice business, which he consolidated with that of his father, and he has since been a member of the Fred P. Grant Ice Company. He married Kate Kimball of Knoxville. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, in which he is past chancellor.
Fred P. Grant is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a republican in his political belief and has served as alderman from the third ward. He has been successful in business but has not allowed his private interests to take up his entire time, as he has always cooperated with those who have sought to promote the welfare of the community. ["History of Marion County, Iowa, and its People", 1915, submitted by Sharon Wick]


STEPHEN JENKINS.
Stephen Jenkins, who is a prosperous farmer residing two and a half miles south of Knoxville, is a son of the late Joshua Jenkins, who is mentioned at greater length elsewhere in this work. He was born upon the family homestead in Knoxville township, this county, on the 1st of September, 1863. Upon reaching the proper age he entered the public schools and after completing the course there became a student in an academy at Knoxville. Although he has devoted the greater part of his life to farming and stock-raising, for two years he conducted a grocery store at Knoxville. He now operates a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres on section 19, Knoxville township, which he owns and upon which he has mde many improvements. His residence is modern in its appointments and the buildings for the shelter of grain and stock are substantial and well adapted to their purpose. He uses the latest models of agricultural machinery and overlooks nothing the doing of which might a
dd to the value of his farm or increase the efficiency of his work. In early manhood he spent a year in the west but decided that the advantages of his native county were equal to those offered elsewhere, and since returning he has remained a continuous resident of Marion county. He carries on general farming and stock raising but pays special attention to the raising of Poland China hogs and shorthorn cattle.
On the 6th of February, 1887, Mr. Jenkins was united in marriage to Miss Zella Rogers, who passed away on the 31st of January, 1914, aged forty-eight years, two months and eleven days. She was born in this county on the 20th of November, 1865, a daughter of Benjamin and Mary Elizabeth (Ruffner) Rogers. Her father died on the 12th of September, 1905, and her mother is still living, making her home at Knoxville. To Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins was born a daughter, Mabel, who has completed the course in the local high school and is now at home.
Mr. Jenkins is a progressive democrat in his political affiliations and has held school office, as did his father, who was for many years secretary-treasurer of the school board. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was his wife, and willingly contributes of his time and means to the furtherance of its work. His practical knowledge of agriculture, coupled with his energy and good business judgment, has enabled him to win financial success in his chosen occupation and the straightforwardness uprightness of his life have gained him many friends, who value highly his good opinion. ["History of Marion County, Iowa, and its People", 1915, submitted by Sharon Wick]

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