-235- THOMAS MEEHAN    General agricultural pursuits claim the time and energies of Thomas Meehan, the owner of two hundred and forty acres of valuable land on section 26, Marcus township. His birth occurred in Mechanicsville, Cedar county, Iowa, on the 5th of March, 1862, his parents being William and Mary (Norton) Meehan, of whom more extended mention is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of John Meehan, brother of our subject.    Thomas Meehan attended the public schools of his native town in the acquirement of an education and when eleven years of age began working as a farm -236- hand, being thus employed for a period of eleven years. When a young man of twenty-two he removed to O'Brien county, Iowa, where he cultivated rented land and broke prairie for about four years. On the expiration of that period he came to Cherokee county and here cultivated rented land in association with his brother for eleven years. Subsequently he purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 26, Marcus township, and began its improvement. As time passed and his financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he augmented his holdings by additional purchase and now owns two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land in Marcus township. His undertakings as an agriculturist have been attended with an enviable measure of success and he is widely recognized as one of the prosperous and substantial citizens of his community. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Marcus, Iowa.    On the 12th of February, 1895, Mr. Meehan was joined in wedlock to Miss Ellen Shearen, who was born at Amboy, Illinois, on the 29th of January, 1862, her parents being Patrick and Rebecca (McCormick) Shearen, natives of Ireland and Scotland, respectively. They emigrated to the United States in an early day, locating first in Philadelphia and subsequently removing to Amboy, Illinois, where Mr. Shearen cultivated rented land for at time. Later he made his way to Boone, Iowa, where he purchased land and followed farming for some time, eventually disposing of the property, however, and removing to Plymouth county, Iowa. There he also acquired property and followed agricultural pursuits until 1897, when he came to Marcus, where he has since lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned ease. His wife is also living. Mr. and Mrs. Meehan are the parents of five children, as follows: Emmet, who is seventeen years of age; Marie, a maiden of sixteen; and Charles, Andrew and Margaret, who are fifteen, thirteen and eleven years of age respectively.    Mr. Meehan is a democrat in his political views and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to positions of public trust. He has held the office of county supervisor for one term and ably served as trustee of Marcus township for fifteen years, while in the capacity of assessor he has likewise made a creditable record. HIs religious faith is that of the Catholic church. The period of his residence in Cherokee county covers a quarter of a century and he enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance within its borders.

-236- EUGENE WEBER    Eugene Weber has lived in Cherokee county since 1883 and during that period has risen from the position of a farm laborer to be one of the largest landholders and leading agriculturists of this section of the state. He has four hundred and forty acres of improved land in Amherst township and by his intelligent management of this property has surrounded himself with a gratifying measure of success. He was born in Luxemburg, Germany, February 2, 1854, and is a son of Eugene and Elizabeth (Pitts) Weber, also natives of Germany. The father was a linen weaver by trade, and working at that occupation until -237- his death, which occurred in 1905. His wife survived him some years, passing away in 1910.    Eugene Weber was reared and educated in his native country and afterward learned the weaver's trade, at which he worked until 1883. In that year he emigrated to America, locating immediately in Cherokee county, this state, where he secured work as a farm hand, attending school during a portion of this time in order that he might learn the English language. At the ned of five years he rented a farm in Cherokee township and one year later moved to Rock township. He afterward moved to Amherst township and purchased one hundred and twenty acres on section 24. This forms a portion of his present farm, but he has greatly increased his original tract, having today four hundred and forty acres of well improved and valuable land. In addition to general farming he engages extensively in stock-raising, keeping full-blooded Poland China hogs and shorthorn cattle.    On the 13th of October, 1891, Mr. Weber was united in marriage to Miss Frances Unkruer, a daughter of Henry and Magdelena (Gerke) Unkruer, natives of Westphalia, Germany. The father farmed in his native province during the entire period of his active life, dying in Westphalia in October, 1890. He was survived by his wife five years. Mr. and Mrs. Weber have become the parents of six children, Lena, Amos, Henry, Elsie, Louis and Alvina.    Mr. Weber is a member of the Holy Name Roman Catholic church of Marcus and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. For twelve years he was school director, for ten years road supervisor and is now in the third term of his able service as township trustee. He is recognized as a prominent factor in the affairs of his township, his influence being felt along many lines which affect the public welfare.

-237- JAMES WILLIAMS    Since 1895 James Williams has owned and operated a farm of three hundred and fourteen acres on section 32, Marcus township, and, having managed his interests capably and conscientiously, has surrounded himself with a gratifying measure of success. He was born in JO Daviess county, Illinois, April 7, 1856, and is a son of Thomas and Amelia (Tonkin) Williams, the former a native of Cornwall and the latter of St. Agnes, England. The father came to America about 1853 and located in Pennsylvania, where he was foreman of some mines. He afterward followed the same occupation in Virginia and finally moved to Illinois, where he lived retired until his death in 1863. His wife survived him many years, dying in 1900.    James Williams was reared and educated in Illinois and from his early childhood worked upon the homestead, aiding in the support of his widowed mother. He and his brothers continued at home until the spring of 1879, when they disposed of the farm and moved to Ida county, this state, where they rented land. At the end of two years James Williams and one of his brothers bought a quarter section in the same locality but after operating this for a similar period of time Mr. Williams of this review sold his interests and came to Cherokee. -238- county, buying one hundred and twenty acres in Amherst township, and one hundred and sixty-six in Tilden township. This first tract of land he operated until 1895, when he sold the Amherst township farm and moved upon three hundred and fourteen acres of excellent land on section 32, Marcus township. He has improved this place with two sets of buildings and has carried forward the work of its development in an able way. For the past twenty years he has devoted most of his time to stock-raising, keeping thoroughbred Poland China hogs, Duroc Jersey hogs, Aberdeen Angus cattle and Percheron horses. Within the last year, however, he has disposed of practically all of his cattle and horses and concentrates his attention upon breeding and dealing in registered hogs.    On the 22d of June, 1884, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Priscilla Harvey, a daughter of Joseph and Eliza (Hancock) Harvey, natives of England. The father was a miner in that country but after coming to America engaged in farming in Illinois for several years. He afterward resumed his mining operations but during the last fifteen years of his life again followed agricultural pursuits. He died in July, 1884, and was survived by his wife until 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Williams became the parents of six children: Bertha, the wife of J. H. Hendrickson, a farmer in Amherst township; Edward J., who assists his father in the operation of the home farm; Sadie, Gladys and Lydia, all of whom live at home; and Hazel Ruth, who died in 1894, at the age of two years.    Fraternally Mr. Williams is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Modern Brotherhood of America. He is a member of the Methodist church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. For a year before and during the World's Fair in Chicago he was in the live-stock commission business in that city and he still retains his interest in this line of work. He is a stockholder and director in the Farmers Cooperative Store in Marcus and is a man of recognized business ability. In this section of the state he is known as one of the most prosperous live-stock breeders and dealers and his success is entirely the result of his practical methods and his unremitting industry.

-238- HUGH C. FOWLER    Hugh C. Fowler, who for many years was closely identified with agricultural interests of Cherokee county and who is now employed in the general store operated by Colby & Helin in Cherokee, was born in Rochelle, Ogle county, Illinois, in August, 1868. He is a son of James E. and Clarissa (Gleason) Fowler, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New York. The father moved to Illinois in 1861 and worked at the carpentering trade there for some time. He afterward bought a farm in Ogle county, operating this until 1882, when he sold his holdings and moved to Cherokee county, this state. He purchased a farm in Cedar township and contained to develop this for the remainder of his life, dying in August, 1908. HIs wife survives him and makes her home in Cherokee with the subject of this review. -239- Hugh C. Fowler acquired his education in the district schools of Ogle county, Illinois, and of Cherokee county. He remained with his parents until he was of age and then rented the home farm, which he operated for one year. At the end of that time he bought eight acres in Cedar township and after living upon this for three years sold it and returned to Ogle county, Illinois. There he rented land for three years and after he returned home again operated the home farm for two years. Returning to Illinois at the end of that time, he associated himself with his brother in the general merchandise business and when he sold his holdings he came again to Cherokee county, renting land for acres in Cedar township and this he improved and operated for three years. The next year he spent upon the homestead and at its expiration he purchased another tract of one hundred and twenty acres, also in Cedar township. During this time he also owned land in South Dakota which he has since sold. After operating the Cedar township farm for one year he was taken with typhoid fever and obliged to sell his holdings. He invested the money in Kansas land and moved into the city of Cherokee. At the end of three years he disposed of all of his landed interests at a profit. For the first three years of his residence in this city he was rural mail carrier and for the past three years he has been in the employ of colby & Helin, general merchants. He owns a fine home surrounded by four acres of land at No. 726 North First street and has planted three hundred apple, cherry and plum trees, from the sale of the fruit of which he derives a comfortable income. He deals also in fancy white Wyandotte chickens. In addition to the property above mentioned he owns also another residence in Cherokee. All of his business interests are carefully managed and have brought him a gratifying measure of success.    In February, 1896, Mr. Fowler was united in marriage to Miss Mittie M. Slaughter, a daughter of Aden and Eleanor (Cayder) Slaughter, natives of Ohio. The parents went to Ogle county, Illinois, at an early date and purchased land there which the father improved and operated until his death, which occurred in June, 1904. The mother passed away in November, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have three children: Verna C., aged fourteen; Ruth A., twelve; and Adrian E. ten.    Mr. Fowler gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is a man whose life has always been in keeping with high standards and he deserves the full measure of confidence and respect now entertained for him by all who know him.

-239- J. H. DUART    J. H. Duart, who for the past seventeen years has been well known in Washta as a successful grain and stock dealer and who since 1913 has been manager of the Farmers Elevator Company of the city, was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, in July, 1858. He is a son of James and Margaret (Philpot) Duart, natives of Ireland, of Scotch-Irish ancestry. The father came to America in 1842 and located in New York state, where he purchased and improved a farm, -240- operating this for many years. Eventually he moved to Delhi, Delaware county, Iowa, and there resided until his death, which occurred in 1905, when he was eighty-three years of age. His wife passed away in 1883, at the age of sixty-five.    J. H. Duart was reared in New York state and there acquired his education. He afterward worked as a farm hand for some time but eventually moved to Schaller, Sac county, Iowa, where he became connected with the grain business as an employee of Butler & Wimchel. He remained connected with this firm for eighteen years thereafter and then moved to Washta, where he bought a grain elevator in partnership with his brother-in-law. After operating this for some time they disposed of their interests to the Farmers Elevator Company, which Mr. Duart aided in organizing and of which he has been manager since July, 1913. He is also a stock feeder and shipper on an extensive scale, feeding his animals upon six and one-half acres of land adjoining the corporation limits of Washta. He has been engaged in that line of work in Washta for the past seventeen years and he is regarded as an expert judge of stock values. His business has increased yearly and has reached extensive proportions at the present time.    In 1879 Mr. Duart was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Williamson, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Beatty) Williamson, natives of Ireland. The parents came to America in early life and located in Pennsylvania, whence after a short time they moved to Delaware county, Iowa. There the father bought land and operated this during the remainder of his life, dying November 27, 1911, having survived his wife since 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Duart became the parents of four children: Viola, the wife of Clarence Boothby, of Washta; Minnie at home; Lewis, who died in 1888; and Mavis, at home. Mrs. Duart passed away March 17, 1911, after a short illness.    Mr. Duart is connected fraternally with the Masonic lodge and the Modern Woodmen of America and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. Many years of close connection with business interests of Washta have carried him forward into important commercial relations and his name stands as a synonym for honesty, integrity and straightforward dealing.

-240- C. E. WARREN    Among the extensive landowners and prosperous farmers and stock-raisers of Spring township who have in the past quarter of a century made substantial contributions to the agricultural growth and development of Cherokee county is numbered C. E. Warren, who owns eight hundred and eleven acres of and lying on sections 8, 9 and 5. He was born in Iowa, August 31, 1868, and is a son of N. S. and Jennie (Morrison) Warren, the former a native of Canada and the latter of New York state. Their marriage occurred in Iowa in 1865 and the father took up a homestead claim in Cherokee county in 1868, following farming and stock-raising until his retirement. His principal farm lay on section 1, Cedar Township, and comprised two hundred and forty acres. He died in Cherokee in 1908 and is survived by his wife, who makes her home in Cherokee. To -241-    their union were born nine children, eight of whom still survive: C. E., of this review; Nellie, the wife of A. C. M. Chapman, of Spring township, this county; Hugh F., of Walnut Grove, Minnesota; Hattie, who married Martin Denslow, a telegraph operator in North Dakota; E. B., of Spencer, Iowa; H. E., of Cherokee; H. P., who resides on the old homestead; and Vere, of Cherokee.    C. E. Warren acquired his education in the public schools of Cherokee county and when he was twenty-two years of age began his independent career, renting land for a short time. He later purchased one hundred and sixty acres and when he sold this bought the farm which he now operates. It lies on sections 8, 9 and 5, Spring township, and comprises eight hundred and eleven acres, five hundred of which are in a high state of cultivation. In addition to general farming Mr. Warren makes a specialty of raising high-grade stock and under his able management both departments of activity have become important and profitable.    On NOvember 4, 1890, Mr. Warren was united in marriage to Miss Hattie May Negus, who was born in Kankakee county, Illinois, September 17, 1873, a daughter of John and Eliza (Sherman) Negus, the former a native of New York state, and the latter of La Salle county, Illinois. Both are now residing in Alta, Iowa. To their union were born six children: W. J., of O'Brien county; Hattie May, wife of the subject of this review; ruth, who married George Lockwood, of Larrabee; Scott, of the same city; Walden, of Alta, Iowa; and a child who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Warren have become the parents of nine children: Pearl, who was born August 10, 1891, and who married A. McCulla, of O'Brien county; Guy B., born January 3, 1893, and Harry E., born April 4, 1894, who live at home; Vera O., born May 19, 1896, who died at the age of fifteen; Roy A., born January 17, 1898; John S., born April 14, 1900; Orlow E., born April 19, 1903, and Everett R., born March 10, 1905, at home; and Harold, born May 15, 1812, who died in infancy.    Mr. Warren is connected fraternally with Larrabee Lodge, No. 720, I.O.O.F., and is a republican in his political views. In his business dealings he has ever been straightforward and reliable, enjoying the full confidence of those with whom he has been associated, and he stands among the successful and representative citizens of Cherokee county.

-241- CHARLES R. McCONNELL    Charles R. McConnell, the owner of Fair View stock farm, a four hundred and eighty acre tract in Marcus township, upon which he has resided since 1897, was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, on the 24th of August, 1862. He is a son of James and Margaret (Lytle) McConnell, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father was born in 1814 and when he was a young man came to America on a sailing vessel, locating near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he worked on a farm for a time for his board. He afterward, for six years and a half, received six dollars per month during the summer and worked in the mill in the winter for ten dollars per month. In 1854 he came by boat to Rock Island and bought land in Rock Island county at twelve dollars -242- per acre. This farm he improved and operated for the remainder of his life, dying May 23, 1894, at the age of eighty. He had survived his wife several years, her death occurred in 1885, when she was sixty-two years of age.    Charles R. McConnell was reared and educated in Rock Island county, Illinois, and remained on the home farm until he was about thirty years of age. In 1897 he came to Cherokee county and bought a half section of land in Marcus township. Upon this property he has steadily carried forward the work of improvement, adding more land to his holdings from time to time until he now owns four hundred and eighty acres. This is known as the Fair View stock farm and is a well improved and well managed property, equipped with substantial buildings and everything necessary for carrying on agricultural pursuits according to the most modern and practical methods. Mr. McConnell is a stockholder and director in the First National Bank of Marcus and in the Farmers Cooperative Company and is known as a farsighted, resourceful and discriminating business man.    In February, 1886, Mr. McConnell married Miss Elizabeth Heath, a daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Cunningham) Heath, natives of Pennsylvania. The parents came to Iowa and settled in Scott county at a very early date, the father afterward engaging in farming in that locality for a number of years. He finally moved to Rock Island county, Illinois, and after farming there for a long period retired from active life and removed to Milan, where he died in September, 1910. He is survived by his wife, who makes her home in Milan. Mr. and Mrs. McConnell became the parents of four children: Roy, who died April 18, 1890; Russell, whose birth occurred July 5, 1891; Ralph, born November 10, 1895; and Lotus, who was born in April, 1901, and died in November, 1911.    Mr. McConnell is a member of the Methodist church and is independent in his political beliefs. He is interested in all that pertains to general progress and cooperates heartily in many movements for the good of the community, being at all times a public-spirited and progressive citizen as well as a successful agriculturist.

-242- A. W. BALTIMORE   Full size    A. W. Baltimore, who devotes his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits with excellent results, in the owner of a tract of land comprising two hundred acres on sections 13 and 14, Pitcher township. His birth occurred in Henry county, Illinois, January 25, 1870, his parents being Levi and Annie (Riner) Baltimore, who were natives of Indiana and Ohio respectively. The father was of English ancestry, a lineal descendant of the Lord Baltimore of American history. Following their marriage they removed westward to Illinois, locating in Henry county, where the father purchased land and carried on farming until called to his final rest in 1899. His widow still survives and makes her home in Galva, Illinois. Levi Baltimore was twice married and by his first wife had two children, both of whom are deceased. For his second wife he chose Miss Annie Riner, a daughter of Michael Riner, and unto them -243- were born four children, as follows: A. W., of this review; Arthur, who is a resident of La Fayette, Illinois; Laura, the wife of John Weir, of Woodhull, Illinois; and Guy, living at Nekoma, Illinois.    A. W. Baltimore acquired his education in the schools of his native state and subsequently followed farming in Illinois for a period of twelve years. In 1901 he came to Cherokee county, Iowa, purchasing and locating on a tract of land in sections 25 and 16, Afton township. At the end of four years he disposed of the property and bought the northeast quarter of section 14, Pitcher township, where he has remained continuously since. He extended the boundaries of his farm by an additional purchase of forty acres and it now embraces two hundred acres of valuable land, one hundred and seventy-five thereof being in a high state of cultivation. In his farming operations he has constantly followed the most progressive and practical methods and his work is evidenced by the excellent condition of his property, which shows the care and skill of an able agriculturist. He engages in the cattle business quite extensively, feeding a large number each year.    On January 26, 1892, Mr. Baltimore was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Baldwin, a native of Iowa and a daughter of Daniel and Rebecca (Reeves) Baldwin. She is the oldest of three children and has two brothers, Simon and Simeon, twins who are residents of Kewanee, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Baltimore have three children. Ray C., whose birth occurred May 2, 1893, was married December 3, 1913, to Miss Edna Myers, a daughter of Henry Myers of Aurelia, Iowa. He will engage in farming one-half north of his father's farm. Harry D., born February 24, 1901. Orville R., born October 9, 1905.    In his political views Mr. Baltimore is a republican, casting his ballot in support of the men and measures of that party. He held the office of township trustee for three years and ably discharged the duties devolving upon him in that connection. The religious faith of his family is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. His salient characteristics are such as have gained for him the friendly regard and good-will of all with whom he has been associated through either business or social relations and he is well entitled to a place among the substantial agriculturists and respected citizens of his community.

-245- THOMAS P. DWYER    Thomas P. Dwyer, operating one hundred and twenty acres of valuable land on section 29, Marcus township, was born in Sheridan township, this county, March 6, 1879. He is a son of Patrick and Nora (Regan) Dwyer, natives of Ireland, the former of whom came to America and located in Michigan in 1861. After eight years in the railroad business there he came to Cherokee county and purchased land in Sheridan township, improving and operating this property during the remainder of his life. He died in February, 1906, and is survived by his wife, who makes her home upon the farm.    Thomas P. Dwyer was reared and educated in Sheridan township and after laying aside his boots remained upon the farm wit his parents until he was -246- twenty-one. He then rented land in Sheridan township and operated it for three years, after which he moved onto one hundred and twenty acres on section 29, Marcus township, a property which belonged to his father and which is still part of the estate. Mr. Dwyer operates it on shares and has been very successful, the farm reflecting everywhere his careful supervision and practical management.    Mr. Dwyer is a member of the Roman Catholic church and a democrat in his political beliefs. He is a man who through enterprise and honesty has attained an excellent reputation in the community and high standing among progressive and representative agriculturist.

-246- ANDREW J. WHISMAN    From 1867 until 1910 Andrew J. Whisman was closely connected with agricultural interests in Cherokee county, witnessing during that time a great deal of the development and growth of this part of Iowa and bearing an active and honorable degree of prosperity and he is now able to live retired. He was born in Monroe county, Indiana, September 28, 1838, and he is a son of David and Catherine (Brown) Whisman, natives of Virginia. At an early date the father engaged in farming and also operated a freighting line out of Louisville, Kentucky. In 1853 he went to McLean county, Illinois, and there farmed until 1875, when he moved to McLean county, Illinois, and there farmed until 1875, when he moved to Cherokee county, where he lived retired until his death. His wife also passed away.    Andrew J. Whisman is one of a family of eighteen children. He acquired his education in the public schools of McLean county, Illinois, and worked upon his father's farm for eighteen years. At the end of that time he moved to Livingston county, in the same state, and there engaged in farming independently until 1866. On the 26 of October, 1867, he came to Cherokee county and took up a homestead claim of one hundred and sixty acres. To this he afterward added one hundred and twenty acres and upon this fine property farmed for forty-three years, following always the most progressive and practical methods and becoming in time one of the leading agriculturists of this locality. For a number of years he operated a general store upon his farm and later had a similar enterprise in Washta. Since 1910 he has lived retired, having won a period of rest and leisure by earnest and competent work in the past.    On April 17, 1858, Mr. Whisman married Miss Delinda Pindell, a daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Bowman) Pindell, of Livingston county, Illinois. They became the parents of three children: Mary C., the wife of Earl Edmonds, an attorney of Correctionville, Iowa, by whom she has three children: Grace, Edna and Lucille; Miles D., a real-estate dealer of Huron, South Dakota, who is married and has two children, Ray and Harlan; and Elizabeth, deceased. Mrs. Whisman was born in McLean county, Illinois, February 17, 1839, and died in Washta, May 23, 1912.    Mr. Whisman is a member of the Congregational church and has served as deacon and Sunday-school teacher. He gives his political allegiance to the -247- republican party and has held the offices of township trustee and school director. He is numbered among the early settlers in this part of Iowa and has seen the locality develop from a frontier district into a rich and populous farming community. He named the town of Washta and became its first postmaster in 1867, holding this position thereafter for seventeen years. His upright and honorable life and his integrity in all business and official relations have won him the respect and esteem of those with whom he has come in contact and he is today one of the leading and representative citizens of his locality.

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