-159- ZOMA COOMBS    Zoma Coombs is the owner of three well improved farms in Cherokee county and is numbered among the substantial and representative agriculturists of this part of the state, his success in the development of his individual holdings being an important factor in general advancement. He was born in this county June 17, 1873, and is a son of William and Matilda (McKennan) Coombs, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Iowa. The father came to this state when he was fourteen years of age and settled in Greene county, where he made his home until 1869. In that year he moved to Cherokee county, where he was one of the first to homestead land, and he operated a farm in this locality until his retirement. Some years before his death he moved to Aurelia and passed away in that city July 4, 1912. His wife survives him. In their family were nine children: Ida, who has passed away; Etta, the wife of Frank Wasson, of Utah; Libbie, who married Charles Parker, of Waterloo, Iowa; Zoma, of this review; Alice, who has passed away; Charles of Buena Vista county; Effie, the wife of Bert Waddell, of Pitcher township; Mildred, who married W. G. Whitney, of Aurelia; and Pearl, the wife of Roy Whitney, also of Aurelia.    Zoma Coombs acquired acquired his education in the public schools of this county and when he was twenty years of age began his independent career, engaging in farming upon rented land. In 1898 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres on sections 25 and 26, Pitcher township, and he lived upon this property until 1913, when he bought another farm similar in extent, on section 14. He has made other additions to his original holdings and now owns seven hundred and twenty acres divided into three farms, all in a high state of cultivation.    Mr. Coombs was united in marriage to Miss Ella Gulbranson, who was born in Buena Vista county, a daughter of Christian and Sophia (Johannson) Gulbranson, natives of Norway. The parents came to America in 1870 and after a year's residence in Chicago moved to Iowa, where the father took up a homestead in Buena Vista county, remaining upon it until his death, in February, 1911. His wife survives him and makes her home in Alta, Iowa. Six children -160- were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gulbranson: Mrs. George Bell, of Buena Vista county; Mrs. Richard Johnson, of Alta; Ella, wife of the subject of this review; Mrs. Elmer Jorgenson, of Jackson, Minnesota; Mrs. Charley Coombs of Buena Vista county, Iowa; and Carl, of Buena Vista. Mr. and Mrs. Coombs became the parents of ten children: Inez P., whose birth occurred August 25, 1895; Clifford C., who was born February 2, 1897; Ruby S., born October 15, 1899; Lurline I., born November 25, 1901; Oren William, born June 3, 1904; Gwendolyn J., born September 2, 1907; Zoma, who passed away at the age of one year; Donald L., born April 22, 1910; Olive L., born April 20, 1912; and Audrie Ella, born September 26, 1913.    Mr. Coombs is a member of the Masonic lodge and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He served for six years as township trustee and proved a capable official, discharging his duties in a far sighted and progressive manner. He occupies a high place in agricultural circles of this locality and socially has an extensive circle of friends.

-160- JAMES LAMONT    James Lamont, who has been actively identified with general agricultural pursuits in Cherokee county for more than a quarter of a century, is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 27, Liberty township, and makes a specialty of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. His birth occurred near Belfast, Ireland, on the 20th of March, 1863, his parents being Hugh and Ann (Davidson) Lamont, more extended mention of whom is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of W. H. Lamont, brother of our subject.    James Lamont was reared to manhood at Apple River, Illinois, and there attended school in the acquirement of an education. After putting aside his text-books he worked as a farm hand for two seasons and in 1886 came to Cherokee county, Iowa, here cultivating rented land for four years. On the expiration of that period, in 1890, he purchased a tract of eighty acres on section 27, Liberty township, and began the improvement of the property. Subsequently he bought a tract of similar size adjoining, so that his farm now embraces one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land. He cultivates the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also makes a specialty of the raising of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income. His place is well improved and thoroughly modern in every respect and is equipped with an electric plan which furnishes light to the residence and outbuilding.    In February, 1890, Mr. Lamont was united in marriage to Miss Alice B. Levitt, who was born on the 5th of October, 1867, her parents being John and Sarah (Alderson) Levitt, natives of England. The father emigrated to the United States in an early day and made his way to Wisconsin, spending the remainder of his life on a farm in that state. He passed away in the spring of 1897, when eighty-four years of age, while the demise of his wife occurred in 1900. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lamont were born four children, as follows: Charles -161- Edward, who is twenty-two years of age; Lela H., twenty years old; and Josephine and Myrtle Alice, who are eighteen and sixteen years of age respectively. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 3d of May, 1907, at the age of thirty-nine years and seven months, passing away after about six months of illness.    Politically Mr. Lamont is a stanch republican, exercising his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of that party. The cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion, and for about twenty years he has done able service as a school director. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America at Cleghorn, while his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He is a man well liked and highly esteemed, and his efforts contribute substantially to the upbuilding and promotion of the interests of the community.

-161- WILFRED EVERETT HOSMER    Wilfred Everett Hosmer, who passed away in 1909, was one of the best known citizens of Cherokee county, his connection with railroad interests bringing him a wide acquaintance, while his social, genial manner and unfailing courtesy gained him the friendship of those with whom he was brought in contact. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on the 16th of November, 1860, and was a son of Luther Hosmer. During his boyhood the family removed to Springfield, Massachusetts, where his education was acquired, and in 1880, when a youth of twenty years, he came to the middle west, settling first at Minneapolis, and later to Waterloo, Iowa, on the Illinois Central. Entering the railway service, he devoted his life thereto. He removed to Cherokee and while living here acted as a passenger conductor between Sioux Falls and Onawa, Iowa. While faithfully guarding the interests of the corporation which he represented he was always courteous and obliging to the patrons of the road and ever willing to do a kind act or lend ready assistance if it was within his power.    On the 24th of October, 1900, Mr. Hosmer was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Toman, a daughter of William and Harriet (Raymond)Toman, of Cherokee, Iowa. Her father was a native of New York, born in Westfield, and became a newspaper man. Removing to the west, he settled first in Cleveland, Ohio, and afterward came to this state. After living for a time in Mitchell county, Iowa, he removed to Independence and edited the Bulletin, a newspaper of that city, for a quarter of a century. A short time prior to his death he came to Cherokee, where he passed away in 1900. He was a republican in his political views and an Odd Fellow in his fraternal relations. His wife, who was born in Saratoga county, New York, died in 1898. They were the parents of eight children: Frank and William, both now deceased; Sidney, living in New York city; Henry, whose home is in Cherokee; Mary, the wife of F. B. Bicknell, of Cleveland, Ohio; John, who has passed away; Mrs. Wilfred E. Hosmer, who was born in Independence, Iowa, February 18, 1872; and Albert, who has -162- departed this life. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hosmer have been born four children: John W., Wilfred Toman, Ruth and Harriet.    Mr. Hosmer was a republican in his political views and always exercised his right of franchise in support of the candidates of that party. He belonged to the Order of Railway Conductors and to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He never sought to figure prominently in a public way, but his sterling worth impressed all who came in contact with him, and because of the many friends whom he gained his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret.

-162- JAMES AUGUSTUS SHERMAN, M. D.  Full size    Although fourteen years have elapsed since the death of Dr. James Augustus Sherman he is still remembered in Cherokee as an able and conscientious physician and surgeon and one who made his proficiency in his profession the basis of far-reaching work of personal service. He ever held to the highest professional standards and ethics and again and again he improved the opportunity of doing good to others even when he knew that there was no hope of a pecuniary reward. A spirit of helpfulness characterized him throughout his entire life and his sterling qualities of manhood and of citizenship gained him the highest regard. He was born in Springfield, near Erie, Pennsylvania, on the 1st of October, 1846, and he acquired his early education in the public schools of his native city. In 1862, when a youth of sixteen years, he removed to the west, where at Aurora, Illinois, he was a clerk in a dry-goods store for a number of years. He afterward studied medicine in Keokuk, Iowa, and in Rush Medical College, Chicago. Many years subsequent to that time he pursued post-graduate courses in New York at Bellevue Hospital and other noted colleges. He began the practice of his profession in 1873 at Cherokee as a partner with Dr. Butler but after the latter's death continued alone. He built up a large and representative patronage, for he was known to be a conscientious, thorough and able practitioner and one who conformed at all times to the highest standards of professional ethics. HIs death, which occurred October 10, 1899, deprived Cherokee of one of its leading physicians and is still felt as a distinct loss in the ranks of the medical fraternity of this section of the state. In his practice he ever carefully diagnosed his cases and was seldom if ever at fault in judgment concerning the outcome of a disease. He was a constant student of the profession, reading broadly and thinking deeply, and thus he continually added to his knowledge and efficiency.    Dr. Sherman was married twice. In 1873 he wedded Miss Nancy Terry, who was born at Wilton Junction, Iowa, and was a daughter of I. K. and Caroline K. (Colegrove) Terry. Dr. and Mrs. Sherman became the parents of two children: Gussie, who died in childhood; and Anna, the wife of W. T. Chantland, of Washington, D. C., assistant secretary to Attorney General Wickersham. Mr. and Mrs. Chantland have two children, Grace and Augustus. On the 1st of January, 1889, Dr. Sherman was united in marriage to Mrs. Carrie (Maxwell) Williams, a daughter of Embry S. and Amy (Quackenbush) Maxwell. Mrs. Sherman's parents were natives of Saratoga county, New York. The father was -165- in the wool, sheep and cattle business there for a number of years but in 1861 moved west to Iowa, buying a farm near New Harford. In 1888 he moved to Cherokee and there resided until his death, which occurred August 28, 1913. He was a republican in his political views. He was raised a Quaker but at the age of about twenty-one years he became a convert to the Baptist church. Shortly after his marriage he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was for seventy-five years a Christian in though and action. He was also connected fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife passed away December 19, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell were the parents of four children. George now resides with his sister, Mrs. Sherman, John is deceased and Carrie Hattie, the wife of Edward Miller, lives at Cut Bank, Montana. The third member of the family is Mrs. Sherman, whose first marriage was to Edward Williams, a prominent grain dealer of Cherokee, Iowa, who passed away January 18, 1887. By her first marriage Mrs. Sherman had a daughter, Mae Williams, the deceased wife of Irving Weart. Extended mention of Mrs. Weart follows.    Dr. Sherman was a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he attained high rank, and became a member of the Mystic Shrine. He was also identified with the Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Sherman is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the ladies' auxiliary of Masonry, and she is very prominent as a leader in social, club and educational circles. She is a Daughter of Isis and is an honorary member of the Cherokee Art Club. For a number of years she has been a capable and successful teacher of oil, water color and pastel paintings. She was also for ten terms a teacher in the public schools of Butler county and she is president of the Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which she holds membership. Her influence has long been a potent one on the side of progress and improvement and she is actively interested in all that tends to public uplift and the improvement of sociological and economic conditions.

-165- MRS. MAE WEART   Full size    In all the history of Cherokee there have been few deaths as deeply and widely deplored as that of Mrs. Mae Weart. Hers was an ideal character and throughout the years of her girlhood and young womanhood she shed around her much of life's sunshine. She was born in 1877, of the marriage of Edward and Carrie (Maxwell) Williams. Following the death of her father the mother became the wife of Dr. James Augustus Sherman, whose sketch is given above, and Mrs. Weart was reared as a daughter in the Sherman household. For six years she was a most popular teacher in the public schools of Cherokee and she was also a noted vocalist. On the 25th of December, 1900, she became the wife of Irving Weart and on the 11th of January, 1907, she passed away, leaving a little son, Spencer, who was born October 12, 1906.    In the funeral services the minister took as his text, "She hath done what she could," saying: "this short and simple statement marks the strong outlines of our much beloved sister, Mrs. Mae Weart. The work of this gentle, modest woman is immeasurable. Her thoughfulness and beautiful womanly services, -166- rendered in the name of her Master, will ever be as a memorial of her true womanly devotion. Her very best touched her whole surroundings, her home, her relations, her church, her school, her neighbors and her community; and all enjoy the sweet fragrance of the costly ointment of a pure life which she earned with great self-forgetfulness. She did what she could to make the burdens of others lighter; to pour a little sunshine into the places where darkness was most; to add cheer and smiles where there was little laughter; to soothe and comfort where hearts were lonely; and then trip away quite unconscious that she had done anything. She seemed like one born to bless. She came like a heavenly benediction to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Williams and she was the joy of her fond, indulgent mother, Mrs. Sherman, from her sweet babyhood to lovely womanhood. And she was no less a blessing to her fond, devoted husband, who was privileged to keep her for only too less than his heart could wish. And such she was to her relatives, who watched over her with such tenderness and love through the long painful weeks of her sickness; and such was she to her church, the school and the community—a blessing. She was verily 'a brand plucked from the burning,' and God raised her up to be a joy to all who knew her and an advocate of the beautiful graces of the spirit of gentleness, meekness, patience and goodness. She was born in Afton township, Cherokee county, in 1877, and her early years, knowledge of them and blessings which later came to her gave her a large heart, a kind spirit, a gentle thoughtfulness that made it so easy for her to serve others with gladness as others had served her as by an angel's hands. One cannot conceive of her as unkind and thoughtless to the measure of marring the pleasure of others. She could not display an arbitrary spirit for she had none. She could exhibit only a desire to gratify the desires of others. Her best service to Christ was given, like all great service, to those about her. Her best to Christ pervaded the community with cheer and brightness that made one think of her Master and Lord. Her frank and openhearted genuineness disarmed all suspicion, won and held our confidence immovable. She did not play a part of duty, love and service; she could not affect a position which she did not feel. She held no mask before her heart and life. She needed none. She was a woman of true genuine worth, and those who knew her best loved her most. She had a true nobility of character. She was a genuine Christian woman. She was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal church when she was ten years of age, and was always an active worker, a member of the choir for years, always joyfully responding to every call of duty. As a soloist of her church her renderings were among the chief attractions of the services, as there was such a sweetness and pathos in her voice and a richness in her soul. She was in every quality of her soul a Christian; a Christian realizing more than most of the disciples of the blessed Christ do, what it means to be a Christian. She was so gentle, so kind, so girlish in the purity of her heart and womanly in the fulness [fullness] of her sympathies; and so strong and manly in the tenacity of her convictions that right was always right and wrong was never right,that it made her a steady light in the world to light the way to the Lamb of God.    "Mrs. Weart possessed a bright intellect. Her mind was keen. She was trained in our public schools and graduated in March, 1895, after which she spent two years in the Iowa State Normal School, from which she graduated in -166- "1879, and taught in the primary room of our high school for six years. She was fitted for cultured circles. She dwelt with the most perfect ease among the highly educated and companioned with the scholars with comfort. She was equally at home with the less favored and showed the same grace and charm among the poorest of the poor. No child half clad and poorly housed felt out of place in her presence. The children were drawn to her, and she to them, and the young were so impressed by her genuineness, her personal friendliness, the glow in her eye, the light in her face, the charm in her speech, the gentleness of her heart, that they drew toward to her. All who knew her admired the genial manner in the presence, her gentleness of spirit, her beautiful purity of character."

-167- WILFORD IRVING WEART    Wilford Irving Weart is the secretary of the Weart-Lysaght Company, a prominent lumber company, and as such is active in the management of one of the important business enterprises of Cherokee. He was born at Blawenburg, New Jersey, and was educated at Hopewell, that state. He came to the west in 1895 and for about a year was connected with the lumberyard of Weart & Lysaght. Realizing the need of a more thorough business training, he went to Quincy, Illinois, spending five months in the Gem City Business College, pursuing a commercial course. Returning to Iowa, he became connected with the lumberyard at Cherokee and in this connection gradually worked his way upward until he was the secretary of the company, which is today one of the foremost in business circles in this part of the state. The business of the Weart-Lysaght company was established by David P. Burr and William H. Fisher under the style of D. P. Burr & Company, about the time the Iowa Falls and Sioux City Railroad, now a part of the Illinois Central, was completed. business was continued under that name for one year, when Lemuel Hixon was admitted to a partnership. About two years later Mr. Burr retired and the business was then carried on by Mr. Hixon and William H. Fisher, under the name of Hixon & Fisher. James Weart afterward became connected with the business. The lumberyard was conducted by J. R. Fisher, agent for William H. Fisher, until 1890, when he sold out to Albert Hollister of Manchester, Iowa, who in turn sold to James F. Weart and W. H. Lysaght in 1893. The firm of Weart & Lysaght was then formed and so continued until May, 1900, when the business was incorporated under the name of the Weart-Lysaght Company. The business is today an extensive one. They have yards in Cherokee, Marcus and other towns and also elevators at different places. The present officers of the company are J. F. Weart, president; W. H. Lysaght, vice president; and W. I. Weart, secretary.    The last named was united in marriage to Miss Mae Williams, deceased, and unto them was born one son. Mr. Weart belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is regarded as one of the representative business men of Cherokee county—alert and enterprising. He readily recognizes and utilizes opportunities and as the years have gone by he has to -168 directed his efforts, that splendid success has attended the enterprise with which he is connected. He does not claim all credit for this; on the contrary he gives due recognition to his partners, who are also capable business men. Mr. Weart, however, loses no opportunity to promote the interests of the company along strighforward lines, being careful at all times to conform the business to the highest standards of commercial ethics.

-168- JAMES F. WEART    James F. Weart is president of the Weart-Lysaght Company, prominent lumbermen of Cherokee. He was born in Hopewell, New Jersey,a nd there acquired his education. In the spring of 1888 he left the east and went to St. Paul, Minnesota, dividing his time between that city and Duluth until July, 1889. He then came to Cherokee, where he secured a position in connection with the lumberyard of which he is now one of the owners. Gradually he worked his way upward until he was made manager. He became one of the partners in the business and has since been joined by W. H. Lysaght and W. I. Weart. On the reorganization of the business under the present style of Weart-Lysaght Company, James F. Weart became the president with Mr. Lysaght as vice president and W. I. Weart as secretary. In addition to his other interests James F. Weart is president of the Home Mutual Hail Association. He takes an active interest in all affairs pertaining to the public welfare and improvement and his cooperation can ever be counted upon to further any movement for the general good. He is prominent in Masonic circles and for two years was eminent commander of the commandery. He also holds membership with the Modern Woodmen and with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and he is a member of the building committee of the Presbyterian church. The name of Weart today figures prominently in commercial and financial circles in Cherokee county and has ever been a synonym for enterprise, integrity and fair dealing.

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