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JAMES B. CROZIER, deceased, was a farmer residing on section 10, Oregon Township. He was a native of Ireland, born in 1835, and was a son of John and Fanny Crozier, who came to America in 1847, and settled in Washington County, Pa., where they remained until their death. The subject of this sketch came to America with his parents when twelve years of age, and remained with them until he was sixteen. He was reared on a farm, and as a farmer spent his entire life.
In 1866, James B. Crozier was united in marriage, in Washington County, Pa., to Miss Sarah Morrison, a daughter of Benjamin and Rebecca Morrison, who were natives of Pennsylvania, the former being of Scotch-Irish, and the latter of Irish descent. She was born in Pennsylvania, March 18, 1845. Her parents both died in that State. Mr. and Mrs. Crozier were the parents of seven children, five of whom are living—Dawson J., William J., Roy H., Laura Fa. and Howard B. Walter and Belle are deceased.
Mr. Crozier came to Washington in December, 1866, and settled on the farm now occupied by Mrs. Crozier. At that time he was in very limited circumstances, but by hard work, economy and good management, assisted by his amiable wife, he left at his death a farm of 222 acres of fine land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. His death occurred Jan. 22, 1887. Mr. Crozier was regarded as one of the best citizens of Washington County. He was a kind and affectionate husband, and indulgent father. The widow still resides on the home farm, which is cultivated by her sons. Everything around the place denotes thrift and enterprise. On the premises is a good residence, barn and other necessary out-buildings. In addition to general farming, her sons are engaged principally in raising stock.
CAPT. LUTHER J. WASHBURN, of Brighton, is one of the prominent citizens of Washington County. He is a native of Portage County, Ohio, where he was born Dec. 24, 1827, and is the son of Cyrus and Eliza (Hart) Washburn, natives of Connecticut, the former born in 1797, and the latter Dec. 15, 1806. Cyrus Washburn went with his parents to New York State, and at the breaking out of the War of 1812, enlisted. He afterward went to Trumbull County, Ohio. Eliza Hart, when six years of age, removed with her parents to Trumbull County, Ohio, where
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they were among the early settlers. Here she became acquainted with the father of our subject, and they were united in marriage Sept. 15, 1820.
When a boy Cyrus Washburn was apprenticed to the tailor's trade, which he learned, and which occupation he followed for several years, until the failing of his health. In 1836 he left Ohio, looking for a location. He first went to Indiana, then to Chicago, which was then a village, and from there to Wisconsin. In 1837 he came to Brighton, where he made a claim, to which his family came the the following spring. At that time there were 300 Indian lodges there. His first winter was spent in a little log cabin 10x12, engaged in splitting rails to fence a coop. The Indians were generally peaceable. They were the first family to settle in Brighton. They were the parents of two children: Albemarle, a resident of York, Neb., and L. J., the subject of this sketch.
Mr. and Mrs. Washburn were members of the Congregational Church for many years, and were highly respected by the community in which they resided. In politics he was an old-line Whig, a great admirer of Henry Clay, Daniel Webster and the Adamses. At the organization of the Republican party he adopted its principles, and remained a member of it until his death, which occurred Dec. 30, 1881. Mrs. Washburn died Oct. 6, 1886. They lived together as man and wife for fifty-six years.
The subject of this sketch, Capt. L. J. Washburn, was educated in Trumbull County, Ohio, and Washington County, Iowa, having come to this county with his parents when ten years of age. Here he assisted in opening up a farm. He was married, Nov. 20, 1849, to Miss Julia A. Brier, a native of Ohio, born June 14, 1830, and daughter of John Brier, one of the early settlers of this county. By this union there are two living children: Charles H., of this county, born June 13, 1854, and George W., Sept. 11, 1858, now residing in Nebraska.
On the 12th of August, 1861, Mr. Washburn enlisted in Co. A, 2d Iowa Vol. Cab., and was mustered into the service at Davenport. He enlisted as a private, was promoted Corporal, and then Sergeant. In the winter of 1863-64 he was discharged from the service and raised a company which became one of the 7th Heavy ARtillery, receiving a commission as Captain in March, 1864, and served as such until Sept. 8, 1865, when he was mustered out at Memphis, Tenn. On receiving his discharge he returned home to Brighton, where he has since been engaged in business. Mr. and Mrs. Washburn are members of the Congregational Church. He is a member of the G.A.R., and in politics is a Republican.
JOHN H. KEPHART, farmer and stock-raiser, section 34, Washington Township, is a native Hawkeye, born in Henry County, Iowa, on the 14th of January, 1840, and has spent his entire life in this "beautiful land." He was educated in the common schools of his native county, and in 1857 came to Washington County, where he has since continued to reside. On the 16th of March, 1861, he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Easton, a native of Washington County, N.Y., born June 24, 1837, and who came to this county with her parents in 1854. By this union there are eight children: Andrew E., of this county; Mary B., the wife of Henry Lovelit, of this county; Robert, Franklin, Charley, Flora, John and Maggie, all residing at home. Mrs. Kephart died March 22, 1875. She was a member of the Christian Church of Marion Township, one who honored her profession.
On the 31st of January, 1880, Mr. Kephart again married, choosing as a companion, Caroline Thompson, a native of Ohio. By this union there have been four children, two living—Rosa and Willie. Mr. and Mrs. Kephart are members of the Christian Church of Marion Township, Mr. Kephart being one of the Deacons of the congregation, having filled the office for a number of years. Few men are better known in the southern part of the county than Mr. Kephart. He is the owner of 600 acres of fine land, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, the improvements on the place being of the better order.
Like many others of the well-to-do farmers of Washington County, Mr. Kephart began life in limited financial circumstances, but by close attention
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to his business, by toiling early and late, has added greatly to his possessions, and is entitled to the comforts that should follow a life of toil. He is not only well known, but is universally respected by all who know him. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and has been honored by his fellow-citizens with various local offices, which he has filled satisfactorily to one and all.
 JESSE LEWIS, deceased, was for many years a resident of Marion Township, residing on section 8. He was born in Ohio Nov. 23, 1832, and was the son of William and Doretha (Hedrick) Lewis, who were natives of Virginia. when but a small boy, the family moved to Indiana and located in Delaware County, where Jesse grew to manhood while laboring upon the farm and attending the district schools as opportunity was afforded him. He was married in 1854 to Martha Smith, a daughter of Matthew R. and Hester Ann (Carter) Smith, who were natives of Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis came to Washington County in 1865, and settled on section 8, Marion Township, where he bought 240 acres of land, which had been partially improved. Here he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1877, at the age of forty-five years. To them were born eleven children: Amanda Olive married Perry Beenblossom, and died July 28, 1885; Matthrew W. is a carpenter and joiner, now residing in Gove County, Kan.; Thomas Jefferson is a farmer, residing in this county; Allen died in 1858, at the age of eighteen months; Samuel, Clark, James, Emma Catherine, and Estella Alice reside at home.
In his youth Mr. Lewis learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed in connection with farming. At the time of his marriage he had less than $100 worth of property to begin with, but by hard work and economy in financial matters, assisted by his wife, he succeeded well in life, having at the time of his death 340 acres of land, all of which was well improved. He was a man greatly respected for his many virtues, and in all his dealings with his fellow-men endeavored to do as he would be done by. He was a member of the Christian Church, uniting at the age of seventeen, and was for many years a Trustee. He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. Lewis is also a member of the Christian Church. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Lewis with the aid of her sons, has carried on the home farm; in this work she has been prosperous, and has added to the estate 119 acres of land in Marion Township, and also has purchased 160 acres in Gove County, Kan. She is a woman of excellent judgment, a good business manager, and enjoys the respect and confidence of all. Left a widow, and with a large family depending upon her, she has certainly made good use of her opportunities. Her mother died in 1854, at the age of forty years, and her father in 1884, at the age of seventy-five years.
Feeling a deep and abiding interest in the cause of Christ, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis secured the erection of a church edifice near their residence, in which services are regularly held. That friends and coming generations may have the opportunity of at least looking upon the portrait of one who did so much for his fellow-man, it is given upon an opposite page. May the young emulate his virtues, and like him, try to do good as the opportunity is afforded them.
BENONI TRIMBLE, a farmer and stock-raiser, resides on section 10, Oregon Township, where he owns 120 acres of land under a high state of cultivation. He was born in Indiana County, Pa., Nov. 10, 1818, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Williamson) Trimble, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, and have since died there. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, but in his youth was apprenticed to a blacksmith, learning that trade and following it for about twenty years, since which time he has been engaged in farming.
In 1862 Mr. Trimble was untied in marriage in Montgomery County, Ohio, with Margaret Batty, a native of that State, born about 1840. They
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have six children—Lillie B., Rosella, Birdie, Benoni, Fidelia and Lovella B. Miss Birdie is a graduate of the High School of Ainsworth, receiving her diploma in 1877. She is now engaged in teaching. Mr. Trimble came to Washington County, Iowa, in 1866, and has since made this his home. Receiving but a limited education himself, he determined as far as was in his power to give his children better advantages in that respect than he himself enjoyed. The old log school-house, with its puncheon floor and benches, while it may have been the only college enjoyed by some of the great men of this land, and therefore must be appreciated at its real worth, is yet not such as this age demands, and therefore Mr. Trimble has been a strong friend of education.
Politically, our subject is a Republican, and is well able to express himself upon all questions of a political nature that may be before the people. He is an industrious and enterprising man. The home that he now enjoys and all that he possesses in life were acquired by his own exertions. He is a man who enjoys the respect of the community in which he resides.
RALPH DEWEY, farmer, residing on section 30, township 75 north, range 7 west, and attached to Franklin Township, is one of the earliest settlers of Washington County. He is a native of Summit County, Ohio, born Jan. 8, 1824, and is a son of Moses and Electa (Fowler) Dewey, the former being a native of Westfield, Mass., born April 29, 1879, and the latter of Northampton, Mass., born May 22, 1790. They were married Sept. 1, 1813. In about 1815 or 1816, they emigrated to Summit County, Ohio. Six children were born to them: Richard died in Ohio in 1882; Electa died in infancy; Norman died in Tomah, Wis., in 1875; Parmelia, the wife of Silas C. Thompson, lives in Monroe County, Wis.; Ralph is the subject of this sketch; Mary married James Kellogg, and is now deceased. Moses Dewey died in 1826, and Mrs. Dewey subsequently married Marshal Harrington, by whom she had one son, Elisha, now living in Ohio. She died in Summit County, Ohio, in 1843.
The subject of this sketch was placed by his mother when but five years of age with Isaac W. Kingsley, with whom he remained until he was twelve years old, during which time he attended the common winter school. He then went to Bainbridge with his mother. During the fall and spring of 1842-43 he attended the High School at Shalersville, Portage Co., Ohio. In the winter of 1843-44 he taught school at Shalersville, and about the same time took up the cooper trade, but soon afterward abandoned it. In the winer of 1844-45 he taught school at Mantua Station, Portage County, and in the following summer worked for his brother. In the fall of 1845, he came to Washington County, this State, and stopped at Brighton. In the following winter he taught school in Clay Township, and in the spring of 1846, returned to Ohio.
On the 28th of April, 1847, Mr. Dewey was married, at Shalersville, Ohio, to Miss Lucinda Miller, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born Aug. 6, 1824, and a daughter of Stephen and Lydia Miller. In the fall of 1847, he came with his wife to Washingotn County and settled in Clay Township, teaching school the following winter and also the two succeeding winters in the same district where he first taught, and chiefly engaged in farm work during the summer seasons. In 1851, he removed to Brighton, where he remained until 1859, engaged in farming. In the summer of 1858, he was nominated, and in the fall following was elected Clerk of the district courts. He was twice re-elected, and served for six years, with credit to himself and constituents. On retiring from office, he formed a partnership with Edwin Blair, and engaged in the grocery business. In 1866, he purchased the interest of his partner, but in 1867 closed out the business, but continued as Clerk until 1868. He was then chosen by the County Judge as Deputy Auditor, and in the fall of 1869 was elected the first Auditor of the county, serving during the years of 1870 and 1871. In the spring of 1872 he was employed by Mills & Co., of Des Moines as traveling salesman, remaining with them some eighteen months. He was then appointed Deputy
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County Treasurer by J. W. Anderson, and remained with him one year. Retiring from that office he engaged in the insurance business, in which he continued till 1885. Among other offices held by Mr. Dewey is that of Mayor of Washington, during 1865 and 1867, being the first Mayor elected in the city, and Justice of the Peace.
In politics, our subject is a stanch Republican, and has affiliated with that party since its organization, having attended its first state convention in Iowa City Feb. 22, 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Dewey are the parents of five children: Charles A., a railroad agent, who resides in Memphis, Mo.; Laura E. died infancy; S. B. is a jeweler in Washington; Richard P. and Lettie J. reside on the farm. Few men in Washington County are better known or more universally respected than Ralph Dewey, one of the pioneers of 1845.
DAVID TWINAM, deceased, was a native of Harrison County, Ohio, and the son of John and Hannah (Wham) Twinam, who for many years resided near Athens, Ohio, almost in the shadows of Franklin College, which in its day gave the graduating degree to more theological students than any other college in the United States. John Wham was a Presbyterian of the strictest sort, and for many years was an Elder in the Church. John Twinam had five children, who grew to be adults—David, Margaret A., William, Nevan and Rebecca, who were educated in that noted college. The father was one of the most noted men of his township for enterprise, strict religious life, and most conscientious business habits.
The parental family emigrated to Bureau County, Ill., in 1854, and in 1860 removed to this county, settling near Washington, purchasing at the time the large farm now owned by Daniel Eckerman. His death occurred in 1865, and the fond wife and loving mother was borne to the tomb in 1879. Both had lived to see their children well settled in life, and to see the Union they so dearly loved, preserved, although at a cost of thousands of valuable lives. The principles so early advocated by John Twinam had been established, namely, the abolition of slavery, of which he had a perfect horror. All the children came with them to Iowa, and David was the first one married, his wife being Miss Susan, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Holmes) Thomas, who were both natives of Harrison County, Ohio, emigrating to Iowa in 1847, settling in this township. Three years later, the farm upon which Mrs. Twinam resides was purchased, upon which the parents remained during the rest of their lives, the mother dying soon after their coming. They were the parents of eight children, all coming to Iowa except Aaron, the husband of Alice Brown, and Sarah, the wife of Samuel Elliott, both of whom remained in Harrison County, Ohio.
After the marriage of our subject, which was celebrated Sept. 7, 1860, the young couple made their home with her parents. Later, he enlisted in Co. I, 25th Iowa Vol. Inf., and remained for eighteen months in the service, then being discharged for disability. the battle of Arkansas Post was the only battle in which he was engaged, being unfit for duty, and an inmate of the hospital most of the time. The disease contracted during his service mad him a great sufferer during the remainder of his life, which was terminated in August, 1886, from the kick of a horse. During all these years, although the owner and manager of a large farm, he was unable to do manual labor, but aided by his energetic, loving wife, the business was continued, she having been reared and educated to the methods of farming in Ohio, in its fullest sense. Mr. Twinam drew a small pension for several years. This was stopped at his death, but his widow surely deserves the pittance for her unremitting devotion to her husband, and the cares taken upon her shoulders, all of which were brought about from the continued illness of her soldier husband, who, while in the defense of his country's flag, contracted disease which cut him down in his prime, and deprived him of the pleasures which were his by right.
Three children graced the union of our subject and his wife: Hannah E., deceased; John T. and William Wade. John cast his first vote for James G. Blaine, in 1884, and William is now sixteen years
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of age. The careful training given the sons by their fond parents has developed into the best business habits, and the large farm is now under their management. A handsome country residence was completed in 1887. Although the loss of a kind father is deeply felt, a happy family circle yet remains. Both David and his wife were members of the United Presbyterian Church for more than a score of years, and the sons are both members of that organization. The sketch of that patriotic soldier adds luster to the history of the hundreds of the brave boys in blue, who fought valiantly and well, and whose names are found enshrined upon the altar of their common country.
C. A. SNYDER, farmer and stock-raiser, section 14, Dutch Creek Township, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, April 22, 1830, and is the son of John and Anna (Crow) Snyder, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Connecticut. They were the parents of twelve children, eleven of whom grew to be adults, and ten of whom are yet living, our subject being the third in order of birth.
Mr. and Mrs. Snyder were pioneer settlers in Ohio, and there upon his father's farm the subject of this sketch spent his boyhood and youth, receiving his education in the district schools. After he came to Iowa he taught school in winters for seven years. When nineteen years of age he left his Ohio home, came to Denmark, Lee Co., Iowa, and engaged in farming and other occupations. In 1851 he pre-empted 160 acres of land on sections 13 and 14, Dutch Creek Township, to which he moved, improved and added to until he now owns 240 acres of tillable land, and twelve and half of timber. On the premises is a large two-story frame house, containing eight rooms, with good barn and such other buildings as are necessary in conducting a well-regulated stock and general farm.
On the 5th of March, 1856, C. A. Snyder married Miss Lorinda Wildman, an adopted daughter of Enos Andrews. She was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, Nov. 2, 1835. She was the only child of the family. Her father was a native of New York and her mother of Connecticut, but of English ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have had seven children: Eva A., born Nov. 27, 1856, is now the wife of William Robertson, a farmer in Harlan County, Neb.; she was born in Pleasant Ridge, Lee Co., Iowa. Mary Belle, also born in Pleasant Ridge, Lee Co., Iowa, Oct. 6, 1857, is now the wife of T. A. Jones, a merchant in Dublin, Washington County; Harlan T., born Sept. 8, 1861, is a farmer in Decatur County, Kan.; Ernest B., born Oct. 9, 1863; Frank E., Oct. 16, 1864; Bert E., Sept. 10, 1869, and Addison J., Sept. 16, 1871. In the education of their children Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have taken special pride. They are members of the New Haven Baptist Church of Dutch Creek Township, Mr. Snyder being one of its Deacons. In the work of the Church they are both quite active, and in fact are active in every good work.
Starting in life without a dollar, by his own exertions assisted by his wife, Mr. Snyder has accumulated a large property, and is now considered one of the well-to-do farmers of Washington County. He is a practical farmer, and in the general management of the farm endeavors to use good common sense, while at the same time making use of the experience of others.
JOSEPH D. NICHOLS, section 1, Marion Township, is a farmer and stock-raiser. He was born in Washington County, Ohio, Feb. 21, 1829, and is a son of James and Christina (Benson) Nichols, who were natives of Virginia. He was reared on a farm, and in his youth learned the trade of blacksmith and boiler-maker, at which he worked five or six years. He came to this county in May, 1856, and settled in Washington, where he worked one year in a machine-shop. He then came to Marion Township, where he purchased and ran a sawmill for some years, in addition to which he purchased eighty-nine acres of land.
Mr. Nichols was twice married. His first marriage occurred in 1856, when he wedded Miss Julia Ann Underwood, a native of Indiana. She died
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in June, 1857, and in 1860 Mr. Nichols was united in marriage with Miss Charity Laughlin, a native of Iowa. By this union there was one child, John William, who died in infancy. Mrs. Nichols died in 1862, and Mr. Nichols was again married, Dec. 20, 1863, choosing as a companion Miss Louisa Ellen Tucker, a native of Washington County. Five children have been born to them—James T., Charles C., William W., Zilla Ann and Wilson J.
Mr. Nichols is the owner of eighty-nine acres of fine land, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. He is a member of the Christian Church, and fraternally belongs to the I.O.O.F. Politically he is a Democrat, though liberal in his views. He is of Scotch-Irish descent, and inherits the indomitable will an perseverance of men of that race. Commencing life in poverty with nothing but strong arms and a will to do for himself, he has persevered, and although not surrounded by the wealth of many others, he is comfortably fixed in life, and has no cause to look back on the past with regret.
GEORGE G. RODMAN, attorney-at-law, Postmaser, and editor of the Washington Democrat, was born in Martinsburg, Knox Co., Ohio, June 15, 1849, and is the son of Wesley F. and Edith T. (Cadwallader) Rodman, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. (See sketch of Wesley F. Rodman on another page of this work.)
In 1856 the subject of this sketch came to Washington with his parents, and here grew to manhood. His primary education was obtained in the common schools of Washington, and his higher education in the old Washington College, at Washington, and also at the State University. In 1870 he entered the law office of Hon. J. F. McJunkin, where he remained two years. He then entered the law department of the State University at Iowa City, from which he was graduated in 1872. After graduating, he returned to Washington, opened an office, and engaged in the practice of his profession. For four years he was City Solicitor, and three years City Clerk, discharging the duties of those offices with satisfaction to himself and to the taxpayers of the city. He was also a member of the City Council for six years. Politically, he is a Democrat of the straightest sect, and has advocated the principles of that party his entire life. In the councils of his party, in both county and State, his advice has for many years been eagerly sought.
In NOvember, 1881, Mr. Rodman became associated in the publication of the Washington Democrat, assuming the entire editorial control, which position he still continues to fill. He is a fluent writer, and knows well how to express himself upon every subject of general interest. The Democrat, under his editorial management, takes rank with the best country newspapers in the State of Iowa. On the expiration of the term of service of Col. Bell, in November, 1886, Mr. Rodman was appointed Postmaster of the city of Washington, and is now discharging the duties of that office in a perfectly satisfactory manner. As a citizen of Washington, he takes an active interest in everything calculated to build up both city and county. No enterprise calculated for the public good but what meets with his active co-operation, giving not only the influence of his paper in its support, but contributing of his means as well. He is a member of Washington Lodge No. 26, A.F. & A.M., and as a Mason, cherishes the principles of the fraternity, believing them to be conducive to the public good.
THOMAS MAXWELL, farmer and stock-raiser, resides upon section 16, Washington Township, where he has 250 acres of fine land, all under a high state of cultivation. He is a native of Harrison County, Ohio, born Oct. 29, 1817, and is the son of Robert and Martha A. (Crossen) Maxwell, both of whom were natives of Virginia, the former being of Scotch-Irish descent, and the latter of Irish descent. They were pioneers of Harrison County, Ohio, settling there when it was an almost complete wilderness. Even for the ammunition required to kill game on which they principally lived, they were required to go a
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distance of fifteen miles. They remained in Harrison County, Ohio, until 1848, when they came to Washington County, this State, where they resided the remainder of their lives. Robert Maxwell died in 1876, at the age of eighty-four, while Mrs. Maxwell died in 1883, aged eighty-five.
The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm, and received but a limited education in the common schools of his native State. Hard work was his lot from the time he was physically able to bear any of the burdens of the farm. In 1845 he made a trip to Iowa, and in 1847 came to the State and located on section 16, Crawford Township, Washington County, where he purchased and improved a farm, remaining there until 1869, when he sold out and came to his present farm in Washington Township. This farm was partially improved, but the excellent improvements now seen are the results of his own labor.
Thomas Maxwell married, in Harrison County, Ohio, November 6, 1849, Miss Sarah J. Miller, who was a daughter of John and Mary (Milligan) Miller. She was a native of that county, born Jan. 12, 1826. Her parents were also pioneers of that county. eight children have been born to them, only two of whom are now living: John A., residing in California, and Anna M., at home. Those deceased are Elizabeth N., Martha J., Annetta and Robert J., and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Maxwell died april 25, 1872. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and in her daily life exemplified the teachings of her Savior. Mr. Maxwell is a member of the Associate Reformed Church, and has been connected with the same for many years.
Thomas Maxwell is another illustration of the possibilities of American youth. Commencing life without a dollar, he worked for seven years for $75 per year, out of which he saved quite a little sum of money, which enabled him to get his first start. When he came to Washington County he rented land for two years, and then purchased the farm in Crawford Township, as already stated. In all his business affairs he is strictly honest, doing unto others as he would that others should do unto him. He has toiled early and late, been economical in his expenditures, painstaking in all his labor, and now, having reached his threescore years and ten, he can safely leave to others hard work, while he enjoys the rest to which he is entitled. For forty years he has been a citizen of Washington County, and no man within its borders has a more honorable record, and is more universally esteemed than Thomas Maxwell.
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