-559- ISAAC LANE, the proprietor of the Washta House, Washta, Iowa, and one of the early settlers of Willow Township, has been a resident of Cherokee County since 1869. He was born on a farm near Eagle Village, Boone County, Indiana. March 19, 1835, and is the son of John and Charity (Standige) Lane. His father was born in Kentucky, of Irish ancestry, and his mother was a native of Georgia, a descendant of Dutch colonists who came to Georgia in the early history of the State. Isaac Lane is the youngest of ten children, and to him fell the responsibilty of caring for his parents after his brothers and sisters had grown up and left the old Indiana homestead for the new States then coming into favor in the region of the setting sun. He grew to manhood in Howard County, Indiana, whither his parents had moved when he was yet a lad. In 1864 he came to Benton County, Iowa, with his mother who died there. He worked at farming in this county until 1869, when he moved to Willow Township, Cherokee County, and took a homestead of 160 acres, section 32, on which Joseph McCoun now lives. This land Mr. Lane sold before he proved upon it, and bought 120 acres in sections 31 and 32, Willow Township, which he improved. He built a house, a barn and sheds, equipped the place for the raising of live-stock and grain, in which pursuits he was engaged until coming to Washta in 1888. In that year he sold his 560- farm and built the Washta House, near the station of the Cherokee & Dakota Railroad. The Washta House is the pioneer hotel in the town, and through the efforts of Mr. Lane and his gentlemanly associate, Charles Tuel, Esq., it has become deservedly with the traveling public. Mr. Lane is also proprietor of two liver barns in Washta, which he manages. July 22, 1862, finds our subject enlisted in Company B, Thirty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Captain George Dearth. He served with his command until 1865, and saw some hard fighting at Chickasaw Bluffs, Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, Atlanta, Jackson and in other battles and skirmishes. He was wounded in the left arm by a bullet at the battle of Arkansas Post; he was with Sherman when that famous General made his immortal march to the sea, and shared the hardships and the glories of that grand campaign. He is the present trustee of the township, and is a member of William Barker Post, NO. 292, G. A. R., Correctionville, Iowa. In politics he is an ardent Republican. He is a member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Lanes's brothers and sisters are as follows: Mrs. Mary McCoun, Mrs. Margaret Dodson, Thomas Lane, John T. Lane. CHARLES M. SMITH is one of the well-known farmers of Willow Township. He was born in Meltonborough, Carroll County, New Hampshire, and is one of a family of twelve children of Elephalet B. and Mary (Leavitt) Smith. His father is of English ancestry. His grandfather, John Smith, was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy in the War of 1812, and was wounded at Portsmouth Harbor. Charles M. lived in his native State until 1853, when his father died, and left him to rely upon his own resources. He went to East Cambridge, and ran an engine in the cabinet manufactory and planing mill of Bartlett & Brown. He remained in the employ of this firm for seven years, and then went to Pontiac, Livingston County, Illinois, and rented a farm which he cultivated until 1873, when he determined to try his fortune in the new country of Cherokee, Iowa. He settled on section 29, Willow Township, buying 160 acres of land which had not been improved. He broke out the land, built a house, barn and granaries, and otherwise equipped the place for general farming purposes. The fine groves which are found on the Smith homestead were planted by the present owner's own hand, and are not only a beautiful ornament, but serve as a windbreak. When Mr. Smith first settled where he now lives, there was not a single house in sight toward the east, and Cherokee was the nearest trading point. His neighbors were A. J. Whisman, Mr. Guilliams, Elias Stratton and Joseph McCoun. In those days the mills at Denison, Sioux City, Smithland and Oto did the grinding for people living in Willow Township. Soon after coming to Cherokee County Mr. SMith began to pay especial attention to the raising of cattle and hogs, and was one of the first men from his neighborhood to sell hogs in the town of Cherokee. He was married January 10, 1861, to Miss Ellen Cook, of Livingston County, Illinois. She was born in Kentucky, and is a daughter of Micajah and Elizabeth (Lewis) Cook. This marriage has resulted in the birth of six chidren: Mary, wife of Joseph Campbell; Cade, whose biography is given in this volume; Sarah, William B., Effie and Cora. James and Mary (Smith) Campbell are the parents of one child, Earl. Mr. Smith has given his children the advantage of a common-school education, two of them advancing 561- beyond this course. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Congregational Church. In politics Mr. Smith is Democratic. Although not one of the earliest setters he has many recollections of pioneer times in his neighborhood. At the first election after his coming to the county there were but twenty votes cast in the townships of Willow and Grand Meadow, which were then combined and known as Willow Township; there were no bridges across the waters of the Little Sioux, and the mail was brought twice a week on horseback to the Washta postoffice. ARTHUR G. STEWART is an intelligent and enterprising member of the farming community of Cherokee Township. He was born in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, October 2, 1853. His parents, John and Sophrona (Dunham) Stewart, were also natives of the State of Massachusetts; the father was of Scotch-Irish ancestry. The youth of our subject was passed within the borders of his native State, and his education was obtained in the public schools. Choosing the trade of painting he served an apprenticeship, and afterward worked as a journeyman for some time; later he became foreman, contractor and jobbe in the business. Not content to spend his life in Massachusetts without at least seeing something of the rest of the world, he removed to Illinois in his twenty-first year and settled at Waterman, De Kalb County. Afterward he went to Genoa and worked at his trade until 1883, when he came to Iowa and bought eighty acres of land; this was partly broken, but there were no improvements in the way of buildings. Mr. Stewart erected a good residence of a modern plan, on a most attractive site; there are shade and evergreen trees, and a beautiful lawn nicely laid out in walks. the conveniences for farming are numerous, and indicated the thrift and good management of the owner. He has since added forty acres to his farm. Mr. Stewart was married in De Kalb County, Illinois, October 31, 1875, to Miss Zelia A. Spencer, a daughter of N. W. Spencer, whose biography appears upon another page of this volume. Three sons have been born of this union: Norman W., Herbert A., and Clarence I. Mr. Stewart is an active member of the Adventist Church. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. He is a man in the prime of life, and has won an enviable position in the county. PHILIP CLINE, a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Willow Township, was born in Washington County, Ohio, august 14, 1843, and is the third of a family of twelve children of Samuel and Phoebe (Gray) Cline, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. His father was born of German ancestry, and his mother was of Welsh origin. When Philip was seven years of age his parents removed to Jones County, Iowa, where they lived for some time. they then removed to Fayette County, where they were among the early settlers. The father entered 160 acres of Government land on which he lived until his death, which occurred in the spring of 1888. Mr. Cline grew to manhood near Fayette, Fayette County, and bought a farm near that place, which he owned until he came to Cherokee County in October, 1882. About the year 1867 he went to Indian Territory, and afterward to Kansas; while in the latter State he was foreman of a force of men who built the first house in the present thriving city of Wichita. At that -562- time a thousand Indian tepees were standing on the site of that prosperous city. Mr. Cline took a homestead of 160 acres in the State of Kansas, but when the Indians became troublesome there he returned to Iowa, and afterward disposed of his claim. As before stated, he came to Cherokee County in October, 1882, and bought what had once been the Whitehouse homestead, a farm of E. P. Purcell. He made numerous improvements upon this place, and in addition cultivates the rest of the north half of section 14. Never-failing springs supply an abundance of pure water, which admirably adapts the farm to the purpose of raising live-stock. A good barn, sheds and other buildings betoken thrift and prosperity. Mr. Cline received his education in the common schools of Fayette County, and in the Commercial Department of the Upper Iowa University. While a young man he was a successful teacher in Fayette and Wright counties. He was married November 30, 1864, to MIss Harriet F. Roberts, of Salem, Massachusetts. Two children were the result of this union: Harriet F., who died in childhood, and Etta, the wife of J. D. Bing. Mrs. Cline died August 15, 1870, in Fayette County. Mr. Cline was married a second time March 3, 1872, to Miss Sophia J. Fox, daughter of Stephen and Mary Ann (Harrington) Fox, natives of New England, of English ancestry. Her parents are now residents of Willow Township. Mr. and Mrs. Cline are the parents of three children: Charles E., Martin W. and Edwin L. the parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Cline was made a Mason at Oelwein, Fayette County, Hebron Lodge, No. 374. He is a charter member of Alpine Lodge, No. 471, A.F. & A.M., Holstein, Iowa, which was organized in 1886. In Fayette County he was called to fill several local offices, and the same honor was conferred upon him since coming to Cherokee County. In politics Mr. Cline adheres to no party principles, but casts an independent vote. D. A. CHAPMAN, an active agriculturist of Cherokee Township, was born in Essex County, New York, November 5, 1827. Alpheus Chapman, his father, was a native of Vermont, and was a lumberman by trade. His mother was Nancy (Messenger) Chapman, a native of Massachusetts, of Puritan stock. D. A. was reared in the county of his birth, and was trained in farming pursuits. He received his education in the common schools. December 25, 1849, he was untied in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Worcester, who was born in Essex County, New York, near Fort Ticonderoga. Her parents were New England people, of Puritan stock. In 1850 Mr. Chapman emigrated to the West, and settled in Winnebago County, Illinois. There he engaged in farming and made his home until 1884; then he came to Cherokee County and bought his present farm, which was partly improved. He has not lagged in carrying out the plans begun by the former owner, and the place is now one of the best in the township. There is a fine residence built in the midst of a grove, a large barn, and four miles of fence. The land has been well handled, and the harvests have been abundant. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman have seven children: Isabelle, wife of Andrew Bulis; Fidelia, wife of H. B. Perry; Mary, wife of Albert Thompson; Lois, Ellen, Grace, and Lahrett, who owns a good farm adjoining his father's, and lives at home. The parents have given their children good educational advantages, the two oldest daughters being very successful teachers for several years. The family are all members of the Presbyterian Church, and are among the most highly respected people of the county. R. S. GATES has been identified with the history of Cherokee County since 1869. He was born in Steuben County, New York, June 21, 1852, and is a son of D. J. Gates, one of the old settlers of Sheridan Township, who took a Government homestead. When R. S. was a lad of nine years his father removed to Michigan, and the family lived there three years, during which time D. J. Gates was in the army. They then removed to Dodge County, Minnesota, and resided there until 1869, when they came to Cherokee County. R. S. was then eighteen years of age. The country was new and wild, and the task of improving a farm was not a light one. Our subject remained with his father for some time, and gave him much needed assistance. When his father was able to spare him he engaged in breaking prairie for several seasons. He bought and sold two or three different tracts of land, and in 1882 located on his present farm, which he has improved in good style. A fine two-story residence was erected in 1887, and buildings and feed lots and yards indicate the thrift and wise management of the owner. At the age of twenty-seven years Mr. Gates was married to Miss Flora Kenyon, a daughter of William Kenyon, of Cherokee County. Two children were born of this union: Herbert and Flora. Mrs. Flora Gates died January 15, 1883. Mr. Gates was married a second time, in December, 1886, to Miss Mary Hinkeldey, a native of Germany. By this marriage two children have been born: Mabel and an infant son. Mr. Gates is a member of the Baptist Church, and gives a liberal support to all enterprises tending to advance the educational and religious interests of the community. He adheres to the principles of the Republican party. He is honorable in all his dealings, and is one of the leading farmers of the township. JOHN FLETCHER, proprietor of Derby Manor. this substantial and thoroughly reliable farmer and stock-raiser is one of the self-made men of Cherokee County. He was born at Buxton, England, May 12, 1838, and is the son of George and Anna (Walley) Fletcher. At the tender age of five years he was left an orphan, without brother, sister or other relatives to care for him: consequently he was reared in Belper Poor-House, Derbyshire, England, until he was nine years old, when he was bound out as parish apprentice to James Leland, who was an iron and coal contractor in South Staffordshire, England. Mr. Fletcher worked in the iron and coal mines until he was eighteen years old, at which time he was free to work for himself. He was married November 19, 19860, to Miss Harriet Shore a native of England, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Bailey) Shore. Her father died in England when she was about three years old, and the mother is residing in England now. In 1865 Mr. Fletcher sailed from Liverpool to New York, determined to make a home in the New World. He went directly to Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and worked for two years and three months in the mines. He then concluded to push farther west, and removed to Boonesborough, Iowa, in which place he lived until 1868, when he became a resident of Cherokee County. He made the journey from Boonesborough with a team -564- and wagon, and located in Pitcher Township, on a Government homestead of eighty acres. He lived upon this place twelve years, and then sold it and bought 280 acres, known as the Belden farm. This place has been brought to an advanced state of cultivation, and has numerous excellent improvements; there is a good residence, one of the most commodious barns in the county, and a six horse-power windmill for grinding grain and supplying water to the different sheds and yards. The barns and machinery cost $4,000, and are perfectly adapted to the care of live-stock. Mr. Fletcher is one of the most extensive live-stock feeders in the county. In 1887 he wintered 200 head of cattle; in 1888, 400 head, and in 1889, 470 head. He buys annually from 10,000 to 20,000 bushels of corn, and feeds large numbers of swine besides the cattle. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher are the parents of nine children: Lizzie, wife of J. E. Carpenter; Sarah, wife of William H. Sleezer; George, Harriet, Jennie M., James, Nellie and Bertie J., who died at the age of ten months. Mr. Fletcher adheres to the principles of the Republican party. Beginning at the bottom of the ladder, by his own unaided exertions he has risen to a position of affluence, and deserves the honor and respect in which he is held. E. W. GIFFORD, a thrifty and enterprising farmer of Cherokee Township, has been a resident of Cherokee County since 1875. His parents are T. C. and Lydia (Kenyon) Gifford, natives of the State of New York, and he was born July 18, 1847, in Rensselaer County, New York. There he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the common schools. At the age of twenty-one years he came West in search of what fortune there was in store for him. He settled in Marshall County, Iowa, and engaged in farming until 1875. Mr. Gifford was united in marriage, February 13, 1869, to Miss Elvinna Far, a daughter of L. B. and Clarissa (Goodrich) Farr, and a native of Addison County, Vermont. The Farr family came from Vermont to Poweshiek County, and thence removed to Jones County, and then they removed to Marshall County, Iowa. In 1875 Mr. Gifford bought his present farm of J. M. Parshall, Esq. who had purchased the place of G. W. F. Sherwin, Esq. one of the prominent early pioneers, who surveyed and laid out the town of Cherokee. On this farm was built the first frame house erected in the county; it was built in 1858, and is still standing, forming a portion of a barn. The farm has been improved until it is one of the best in the neighborhood. In 1887 a beautiful residence was erected, at a cost of $1,200, situated on an eminence from which a fine view of Cherokee is obtained. There are groves on the place, adding both to its beauty and its value, and large barns, sheds and cribs. All the surroundings are indicative of economical management and thrift. The farm contains 220 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Gifford are the parents of four children: Clarence A., Lyle C., Pearl Agnes and Lester M. In political thought and action Mr. Gifford is Democratic. He is highly esteemed and respected by all who know him. W. F. CASEY, an enterprising farmer of Cherokee Township, has been a resident of the county since 1878. He was born in West Virginia, January 16, 1853, and is a son of John and Matilda (Stone) Casey. In his infancy his parents removed -565- to the State of Ohio, and after a short residence there they went to Illinois; thence they came to Iowa, and settled in Jones County, where they were pioneers. The father died in 1859, and the mother is still living, making her home in Cherokee County. W. F. Casey was brought up on a farm, receiving the training usually given a farmer's son; the pioneer schools to which he had access afforded very limited advantages. As before stated, he came to Cherokee County in 1878; he first bought the Eagle farm, north of the town of Cherokee, and a year later exchanged it for a portion of his present farm. He afterward was enabled to make an addition to his farm, and now owns 160 acres in an advanced state of cultivation. The residence was built at a cost of $1,200, and the barn in large and conveniently arranged. One hundred and thirty acres are under cultivation, and the remainder in pasture. Mr. Casey was married March 2, 1878, to Miss Lizzie B. Brookfield, a daughter of Mahlon and Sarah (Howard) Brookfield, the father was a native of Canada, and the mother, of one of the Eastern States. Mr. and Mrs. Casey have had born to them one child, Veda, born October 13, 1888. Mr. Casey affiliates with the Republican party, and is a strong advocate of the Prohibition movement. He is a worthy and consistent member of the Free Methodist Church, of the Le Mars and Western Iowa Conference. He has served as class-leader of the church, and has ever done his duty in advancing Christianity. CHARLES K. DIXON, Superintendent of the Cherokee division of the Illinois Central Railroad, was born in Canada, in July, 1846. His father, John Dixon, died in 1849, and when he was twelve years old he removed with his mother, Matilda (Savage) Dixon, to Forreston, Ogle County, Illinois. In 1861, when there was a call for men to defend this fair land, Charles K. Dixon enlisted in the first three years' regiment, which was formed of Company A and Company H, and joined the Fifteenth Illinois Infantry. He was sent to Alton, Illinois, and thence to Missouri, joining the Sixth Missouri, which with the Twenty-first Illinois was organized into the First Brigade, the first formed in the West, and commanded by General U. S. Grant. From Missouri he was ordered to Fort Donelson, and thence to Shiloh, where he took part in the battle and was wounded by a minie-ball; this was taken out near his hip joint, and he still has it in his possession. He was taken to the hospital, where he was confined ninety days. Rejoining his regiment at Memphis, Tennessee, he was ordered to Vicksburg and took part in the siege and capture of that place. After the fall of Vicksburg he took part in one more campaign, and was then mustered out of the service by reason of the expiration of the term of his enlistment. He returned to Forreston, Illinois, and entered the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad in 1864, in the capacity of station agent. He steadily worked his way up to the position of train dispatcher, which he held for some time, when he was transferred to that of train master at Fort Dodge, Iowa; thence he was sent to Waterloo, Iowa, where he occupied the same position. When the construction commenced on the new line known as the Cherokee & Dakota Branch, Mr. Dixon was given the position of superintendent of transportation, and on the completion of the new line he was made division superintendent, which responsible position he still holds. In November, 1881, Mr. Dixon was united in marriage to Miss Kittie Beals of Amboy, -566- Illinois, a daughter of H. H. Beals, Esq., who for many years has been a passenger conductor on the Illinois Central Railroad. Mr. and Mrs. Dixon have had born to them two children: John B. and Ruth R. Mr. Dixon is a member of Lodge No. 178, A.F. & A.M., at Amboy, Illinois; of Nathan Whitlesy Chapter, No. 176, R.A.M.; of Franklin Grove and Dixon Commandery, No. 21, K.T. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. He owns one of the most attractive homes in the town of Cherokee, and is a man highly esteemed by all who know him. JOHN McDONALD is sprung from that hardy and vigorous race, the Scotch, and Scotland is his native land. He was born May 16, 1824, and is a son of James and Jenette (Hunter) McDonald. When he was seventeen years of age he came to this country but his parents did not come until after he settled in Clayton County, where they still reside. The father is nearly 100 years old, and the mother is ninety years of age. John McDonald was untied in marriage in Clayton County, Iowa. March 6, 1854, to Elizabeth Davie, who was born in Scotland, and came to America with her mother at the age of eleven years; her father, Peter Davie, died in Scotland; her mother's maiden name was Louisa Ferguson. In 1880 Mr. McDonald came to Cherokee County and bought his present farm. It was the old homestead of Dr. Butler, and contained 240 acres; he has added to his first purchase until now he owns 440 acres. The McDonald farm is one of the best in the neighborhood, and its broad fields of grain, meadow and pasture-land are evidences of the advanced civilization of the country. Mr. McDonald is a thorough farmer, and has been very successful in raising cattle and swine. His residence is a comfortable building, surrounded by a grove of nine acres; there is a good barn, and also buildings for stock and grain. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald are the parents of eight children: Jeannett, James, Louisa, George, John, Grant, Alexander and Lizzie. James owns 120 acres of land adjoining his father's farm. Mr. McDonald was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of Speculative Lodge, No. 307, A.F. & A.M., and of Burning Bush Chapter, No. 90, R.A.M. He was made a Mason in Clayton County, Iowa. He is a man firm in his convictions of right and wrong, and has the respect of all who know him. ARTHUR POLKINGHORN is a member of the firm of C. H. Stevens & Co., dealers in farm machinery, buggies, carriages and wagons. the firm was founded in 1886, and everything belonging to a first-class establishment can be found in their stock. Mr. Polkinghorn was born in Iowa County, Wisconsin, September 13, 1857, and is the fourth of a family of eight children. His parents, Stephen and Eliza J. (Arthur) Polkinghorn, were born in England, and immediately after their marriage emigrated to America, landing in the city of New York; thence they continued their journey to Wisconsin, where they have since made their home; the father is a farmer by occupation. Arthur spent his boyhood in the State in which he was born, dividing his time between the common schools and the duties that usually devolve upon a farmer's son. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty years old; he then went to work in a carriage and plow factory, working for two -567- months in the blacksmith department. In the winter of 1879 he came to Ida County, Iowa, and the following fall he removed to Cherokee County. He bought eighty acres of land in Sheridan Township which he improved and made his home for four years. He then sold it, and purchased a tact of 120 acres in Sioux County, Iowa. The two years following he rented a farm in Sheridan Township, and in the winter of 1886 he moved to Cherokee and formed the partnership before described. Mr. Polkinghorn was married in December, 1881, to Miss Minerva Walters, a daughter of Christopher and Minerva Walters, and a native of Johnson County, Iowa. Three children have been born of this union: Elmer A., Miron S. and Carl W. Our subject was appointed censor enumerator in 1884-'85, and served as assessor at the same time. He is a member of Cherokee Lodge, No. 188, I.O.O.F. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party. THOMAS GREER, proprietor of the Merchants' Hotel, Cherokee, Iowa, has been identified with the interests of Cherokee County since 1869. He was born in the County of Cork, Ireland, February 2, 1835, and is the youngest of a family of seven children of William and Elizabeth (Smith) Greer, both of whom died in their native land. The father worked in the copper mines, and died when Thomas was but six years' old. Our subject received a limited education, and started out for himself at an early age. He worked in the mines, and also on the farm; when engaged in the mines he was gravel sifter, separating the copper ore from the gravel. Becoming discouraged with the heavy burdens he was called upon to bear, he determined to bid adieu to his native land, and seek a country where he would have a better chance in the struggle for existence. And naturally enough he turned to America, "the land of the free, the home of the brave." At the age of sixteen years he set sail, and landed in the city of Boston; thence he went to Haverhill, Massachusetts. He afterward went to New Boston, New Hampshire, and then drifted out of New England into New York; he spent a short time at Youngstown, and then went still farther west. During his stay in Massachusetts he had learned the shoemakers' trade, and he afterward traveled as a journeyman, visiting many cities. Finally he came to Cherokee, Iowa, and opened a shoe-shop, continuing the business for a number of years. On account of ill health he was compelled to abandon the business. We next find him the genial host of a boarding-house, and in this enterprise he was very successful. He bought a farm and a house and lot in the Township of Kilkenny, Le Seuer County, Minnesota, of which he afterward disposed to a good advantage. From there went to Monona, Clayton County, Iowa. In 1876 Mr. Greer erected what is known as the Merchants' Hotel, which was at that time the leading hotel of the place; it was the first brick hotel built in the place, and is 40x40 feet, two stories high. In 1867 our subject was united in marriage to Miss Anna O'Brien, a native of Ireland, and a daughter of John and Kate O'Brien. Four children have been born of this union: Daniel, George, Thomas and Eliza Ann. Mr. Gree owns a farm of 320 acres, moderately improved; this he runs in connection with his hotel; he also owns some houses and lots in Cherokee. When he began his business career in Haverhill, Massachusetts, he had not a dollar, but by energy, industry, and judicious investments he has accumulated a good property. In politics he adheres to the principles of the Democratic party. Two sisters and a brother of Mr. Greer have also found their way to America, and are living in Kilkenny, Le Seuer County, Minnesota.

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