The Dimmitt Families of Wapello County, Iowa

In pioneer times the Dimmitt family was established in Wapello county and it was upon the old homestead that Lincoln Dimmitt was born, February i6, 1860, his parents being Beniah and Elizabeth Ann (Pagget) Dimmitt, who were natives of Indiana. Removing westward to Iowa, they settled in Wapello county in 1847. That this was largely a wild and undeveloped section of the state is indicated in the fact that there was much of the land still in possession of the government and Beniah Dimmitt entered a claim, which he converted into a good farm. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon the place when it came into his possession, but with characteristic energy he began the work of breaking the sod and tilling the soil, his labors ultimately resulting in the harvesting of good crops. Both he and his wife remained upon that place until called to their final rest, Mr. Dimmitt dying on the nth of February, 1875, while the death of his wife occurred in October, 1906. In their family were eight children, of whom five are yet living: Lincoln, of this review; Laura; Beniah, now living in Seattle, Washington; Samuel, a resident farmer of Dahlonega township; and Tolbert, whose home is in Idaho.

Lincoln Dimmitt continued upon the old homestead until he attained his majority, and his youthful days were divided between the work of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the tasks that came to him in connection with the cultivation of the fields. He early assisted his father in farm work and gained that experience which made him capable when he started out in business life on his own account. When he attained his majority he began farming in Dahlonega township on fifty acres of land which he rented, and later he purchased the farm of three hundred acres on which he now resides on sections 2, 3, 11 and 12 of the same township. That his life has been one of diligence and industry is indicated in the excellent and well kept appearance of his place. He produces good crops and is also successfully engaged in stock-raising, making a specialty of Poland China hogs and Polled Angus cattle. In all of his business dealings he is reliable as well as energetic and his success is, therefore, well deserved.

On February 17, 1886, Mr. Dimmitt was married to Miss Mary Robertson, a native of this county and a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Van Winkle) Robertson, who were natives of Indiana. At an early period in the development of Iowa they came to this state and settled in Highland township, Wapello county, where they continued to reside until called to their final rest. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Robertson were born seven children, all of whom survive. Mr. and Mrs. Dimmitt became the parents of six children: Carrie C, now deceased; Lena, at home; Noble, who is in Canada; and Earl, Lee and Olen, also at home. Mr. Dimmitt has ever been interested in the public welfare and has cooperated in many movements for the general good. His political support is given to the republican party, and he is now one of the trustees of Dahlonega township. For thirty years he has been a member of the school board and is now serving as school treasurer. Fraternally he is connected with Ottumwa Lodge, No. 16, A. F. & A. M., and is also a member of Ottumwa Lodge, No. 9, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the chairs. Both he and his wife are connected with the ladies' auxiliary known as the Daughters of Rebekah, and Mrs. Dimmitt is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Both are held in high esteem and enjoy the high regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

BENIAH DIMMITT, a gentleman of high educational attainments, is superintendent of schools of Wapello county, Iowa, and is serving as such in the most efficient manner. He has great natural ability as an instructor and received training in high class institutions for educational work. He was born in Highland township, Wapello county, Iowa, in 1864, and is a son of the late Beniah Dimmitt, Sr.

Beniah Dimmitt, Sr., settled in Highland township, in 1844, having come from Indiana. He was a prominent farmer and stock-raiser, and lived here until his death in 1875. He was married here to Elizabeth Padgett, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1827, and is now living in Ottumwa, at the age of seventy-four years. This union resulted in the following offspring: Austin; Laura; Olive; Lincoln; Beniah; Samuel; Tolbert, and Lada. Austin died in 1884, at the age of about thirty years. Laura resides at Ottumwa with her mother. Olive died in 1886, having been married, in 1885, to George Phillips, who was formerly county superintendent of schools and is now located at Ottumwa, in the employ of the C. B. & Q. Railroad Company. Lincoln resides in Dahlonega township, Wapello county. Samuel resides with his wife on the old family homestead in Highland township. Tolhert is employed in the main office of the Western Union Telegraph Company, at Chicago, Illinois. Lada is deceased.

Beniah Dimmitt was reared in this county and attended Mrs. Peck's Normal School, where he completed a four-year course in 1885. He then followed the profession of teaching four or five years in Wapello county, after which he was superintendent of schools at Richland, Keokuk county, for three years. He resigned to attend the Iowa State Normal School at Cedar Falls, from which institution he was graduated in 1894. In that year he went to Hopkins, Missouri, where he served as principal of schools for five and a half years. In 1899 he was elected superintendent of schools of Wapello county, Iowa, succeeding Joseph Parks, and this office he has since filled in a most creditable manner. In the summer of 1896 he spent some months in psychological work in Clark University at Worcester, Massachusetts, and has also held positions as instructor in various institutes during the summer. He stands very high in his profession, and is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Ottumwa. He resides with his mother and sisters at No. 318 West Maple avenue, Ottumwa.

In politics Mr. Dimmitt is a Democrat, although his family is mainly Republican. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; a Mason, belonging to the Commandery, K. T., at Ottumwa, and to Moila Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of St. Joseph, Missouri. He is a member of the State Teacher's Association. A portrait of Mr. Dimmitt accompanies this mention of his life.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.