The Dodd Family of Jasper County, Iowa

CHARLES E. DODD.

There are few who can more justly claim the proud American title of self-made man than Charles E. Dodd, farmer and stock raiser of Clear Creek township, Jasper county, for early in life he started out for himself and when quite young learned to depend upon himself. His educational privileges were limited and no special advantages fitted him for the cares and responsibilities of life; but he was industrious, determined, ambitious and resolute and these qualities stood him instead of fortune, enabling him to overcome the difficulties and obstacles in his path and work his way steadily upward to the plane where success places the laurel upon the victor's brow. He has not held back when the public needed his services, and although young in years when the great war between the states began to threaten the foundations of the Republic, he unhesitatingly went forth to do what he could to preserve the nation's integrity.

Mr. Dodd was born near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, January 14, 1841, and there he spent his boyhood and received a common school education. He is the son of Joseph and Amelia (Million) Dodd, the father born in Nev York, September 27, 181 7, and the mother was born in Kentucky, November 6, 1821. They came to Clear Creek township, Jasper county, Iowa, in 1852, when their son, Charles E., was thirteen years of age. Here they began life in typical pioneer fashion, the country being a wild prairie, but they persevered and finally established a very comfortable home in which they lived until summoned away from earthly scenes, the father dying in the spring of 1897, and the mother's death occurred on August 17, 1889. There were ten children in their family, six of whom are living at this writing, namely: Charles E., of this review; Sarah J., born January 9, 1843, is deceased; William, born March 23, 1845, Mrs. Amelia Stock are both deceased; G. W., born September 23, 1847, is living in Washington; J. H., born February 5, 1850, is deceased; S. P., born July 18, 1852, lives in Clear Creek township; Frank J., of Clear Creek township; Mark, born November 21, 1860, lives in Wisconsin; Fred lives in Marshall county, Iowa.

Charles E. Dodd was married in 1865 to Elizabeth Kuhns, who Avas born in Ohio, October 23, 1846, but most of her life has been spent in Jasper county, Iowa, whither she came with her parents in 1855. She is the daughter of Reuben and Elizabeth (Burnett) Kuhns, the father born in Pennsylvania and died in Newton, Iowa. There were ten children in the Burnett family.

To Mr. and Mrs. Dodd have been born thirteen children, nine of whom are living, namely: Ulysses, John, Dennis, Stella Kitchel, Milo (resides in northeastern Iowa), Edward, Ordema Evans, Horace and Cleve; the other children died in infancy. The above named, with the exception of Milo, reside in this locality. The older children were born in Clear Creek township, the younger ones in Collins township. Story county.

Charles E. Dodd enlisted at Clyde. Iowa, in Company E, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in which he served faithfully over three years and received an honorable discharge. He was in the siege of Vicksburg, the battles of Corinth, Iuka and was with Banks on the Red river expedition. Politically, he is a Democrat; he has been a member of the school board in his district, and he belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic post at Mingo.

Mr. Dodd has been very successful as a farmer and he is now the owner of a well improved and productive place of one hundred and sixty acres in Collins township. Story county, where he has resided since 1884.

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

SAMUEL P. DODD.

One of the sterling individuals who has contributed largely to the material welfare of Clear Creek township, Jasper county, is Samuel P. Dodd, who has come down to us from the pioneer days, he having spent his life in this locality. PubHc spirited as a citizen and progressive in all that the term implies, he has forged his way to the front with little aid or influence from others and at the. same time has performed his just share of the work of public improvement, consequently his name well deserves a place in this history.

Mr. Dodd was born at Adamson's Grove, this county, on July 18, 1852. He is the son of Joseph and Amelia (Million) Dodd, the father born in Illinois, September 2y, 181 7, and the mother was born in Kentucky, November 6, 1 82 1. They came to Clear Creek township, Jasper county, Iowa, in 1852, and settled on the wild prairie, where they developed a good farm and here they spent the rest of their lives, the father dying in the spring of 1897, his wife having preceded him to the grave on August 17, 1889. There were ten children in the Dodd family, six of whom are living, namely: Charles E., farmer of Collins township, Story county, Iowa; Sarah J., born January 9, 1843; William, bom March 23, 1845, and Mrs.

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

FRANK T. DODD.

It is interesting to note from the beginning the growth and development of a community, to note the lines along which progress has been made and to take cognizance of those whose industry and leadership in the world of advancement have rendered possible the present prosperity of the locality under consideration. The Dodd family, one of the best known in the northwestern part of Jasper county, of which Frank J. Dodd, of Clear Creek township, is a worthy representative, have long contributed such support to the general welfare of the locality under consideration as they deemed their just part, and their efforts certainly have not been without reward.

Frank J. Dodd was born in the township where he still makes his home, on April 28, 1856, the son of Joseph and Amelia (Million) Dodd, the father born in Illinois, September 27, 1817, and the mother was born in Kentucky on November 6, 1821. They came to Clear Creek township, Jasper county, Iowa, in 1852 and here spent the rest of their lives, the father dying in the spring of 1897 and the mother on August 17, 1889. They were among the first settlers, but they worked hard and established a good home. Their family consisted of ten children, of whom six are living, namely: Charles, born January 14, 1841, resides near Collins, Story county; Sarah J., born January 9, 1843, is deceased; William, born March 23, 1845, ' "Sirs. Amelia Stock are both deceased; G..

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

The gentleman to a brief review of whose life and characteristics the reader's attention is herewith directed is among the favorably known and representative citizens of this section of Iowa, in which he has spent his life. He has by his indomitable enterprise and progressive methods contributed in a material way to the advancement of his locality and during the course of an honorable career has met with success as a general farmer and stock raiser, being a man of energy, sound judgment and honesty of purpose.

Mr. Dodd was born in the locality where he still resides on October 31, 1862. He is the son of Joseph, Jr.. and Amelia ( Million) Dodd, the father born in Ohio, September 2" 181 7. and the mother in Lexington, Kentucky, Xovember 6, 182 1. Thev were married in Illinois, and came to Clear Creek township, Jasper county, Iowa, in 1854, being among the early settlers; here they developed a good farm and spent the rest of their lives, the father dying in the spring of 1897, the mother having preceded him to the grave on August 17, 1889. Their family consisted of ten children, six of whom are living, named as follows: Charles E., born Januarv- 14, 1841, is living in Collins township. Story county; Sarah J., born January 9, 1843, " William W., born March 23. 1845, ' both deceased; G. W., born September 23, 1847. is living in the state of Washington: J. U., born February 5, 1850, is deceased; Samuel P., born July 18, 1852, is living in Clear Creek township; Mrs. Amelia A. Stock is deceased; Frank J., born April 28, 1856, is living in Clear Creek township: Mark, born November 21, 1860, lives in Wisconsin; Fred, of this sketch. They were all born in Clear Creek township, except the three oldest, and they were all reared here.

Fred Dodd grew up on the home farm and there worked when a boy, attending the public schools in his neighborhood. He endured such hardships as were incident to the life of a pioneer's child. He devoted his life to farming and stock raising and has met with much success. In 1908 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Eden township, Marshall county, and this he has improved until it is one of the best farms in this section of Iowa. He has a pleasant and well furnished home and everything about him denotes that he has been a man of thrift.

On August 6, 1885, - Dodd was united in marriage with Julia Mowrey, who was born in Pennsylvania, July 2, 1867. She was two years old when the parents brought her to Iowa. Her father, J. E. Mowrey, was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, September 23, 1838. The mother of Mrs. Dodd was known in her maidenhood as Louisa Wilkins, and she was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, July 23, 1841. They came to Story county, Io\\a, in 1868 and for many years lived on a farm, but have now retired and are living in Baxter. To Mr. and Mrs. Mowrey the following children have been born: Mrs. Mary F. Kline, born September 4, 1862, is living in Baxter; Mrs. Alice Cross, born April 24, 1864, lives near Colfax; Jesse, born March 2, 1866. lives near Nevada, Missouri; Julia, wife of Fred Dodd, is next in order of birth; William, born April 2, 1869, of Marshalltown; Ella, born May 13, 1871, lives near Colfax: Milton, born October 1, 1873, lives in Kansas City; Mrs. Anna Dell Webb, born June 7. 1877. lives at Baxter; Irvin, born March

I, 1880, (lied when one year old; Ross, born March 5, 1882, is the present county attorney of Jasper county and resides at Newton.

To Air. and Mrs. Dodd seven children have been born, five of whom are living, namely: Warren born November 21, 1885, is living in Independence township; Walter W., born February 2, 1887, is living on the home farm with his parents; Oscar, born February 13, 1892, died February 16. 1892; Elvan, born June 4, 1895; Ross, born December 15, 1900; Clifford, born October 27, 1904, died November 21st of the same year; Georgia 'F., born October 19, 191 1.

Politically, Mr. Dodd is a Democrat and he has been a member of the local school board. Fraternally, he is a Mason. Mrs. Dodd belongs to the Christian church.

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

Individual enterprise, which is the just boast of the people of Iowa, is forcefully exhibited in the career of Ulysses Dodd, one of the substantial farmers of Clear Creek township. He is a worthy representative of one of the old and post highly honored families in this locality, mention of whom will be found in. various parts of this work. While transmitting to posterity the records of this family, it is with the hope of installing into the minds of those who come after the important lesson that honor and station are sure rewards of individual exertion.

Ulysses Dodd was born in Clear Creek township, Jasper county, Iowa, September 9, 1866; here he grew to manhood, received his education in the common schools and here he has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and stock raising. He is the son of Charles E. Dodd and wife, and a grandson of Joseph Dodd, Jr., one of the earliest settlers of Clear Creek township. For a complete history of this family the reader is referred to the sketch of Frank J. Dodd.

The father, Charles E. Dodd, was born near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jaiiuary 14, 1841, and he came with his parents to Jasper county in 1854 and was reared here. In 1884 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Collins township, Story county, and has since resided there. He was married in 1865 to EHzabeth Kiihns, who was born in Ohio, October 23, 1846. She spent her girlhood there and came to Jasper county, Iowa, with her parents in 1855. She was the daughter of Reuben and EHzabeth (Burnett) Kuhns, the former a native of Pennsylvania, died at Newton, Iowa. There were ten children in the Burnett family. To Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Dodd were born thirteen children, seven of whom are living, namely: Ulysses, of this review; John, Dennis, Stella Kitchell, Milo, Edward, Ordema Evans, Horace and Cleve; they all reside in Collins township. Story county, with the exception of Milo, who lives in northeastern Iowa. The six other children died in infancy.

Ulysses Dodd was married on September 9. 1890, to Mary Elizabeth Day, who was born in Marion county, Indiana, January 27, 1867. She came to Story county, Iowa, with her parents in 1873. She was the daughter of Henry and Elvira (Faucet) Day, both natives of Marion county, Indiana. They established a good home in Story county and here spent the rest of their lives, the father dying at the age of forty-one years. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are having at this writing, namely: Luella died when twenty-five years of age; Anna died at the age of twenty-three; Edith Belle died when two and one-half years of age; Mary Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Dodd, of this review; Erank, who lives in Story county; Mrs. Orrie Venneman lives in Scranton, Iowa; Carl lives in Story county. They \\ere all reared in that county.

To Mr. and Mrs. Dodd seven children have been born, six of whom are living, namely: Mabel, born June 20, 1891, attended the rural schools and completed the tenth grade in the Collins high school, and she is at present teaching school near Clyde, Jasper county; Hazel, born November 24, 1893, is attending high school at Collins, being a member of the graduating class of 1912; Ethel, born July 14, 1897, is attending school at Collins; Earl, born October 12, 1898; Myrna, born August 6, 1901; Velma, born April 3, 1904, died October 4, 1907; [name withheld], born April 25, 1907. They were all born in Collins township.

Mr. Dodd is the owner of one hundred acres of excellent land in Collins township. Story county, which he has placed under excellent improvements. He keeps a good grade of live stock and has been successful as a general farmer. He is well known in this territory as an extensive buyer and seller of stock. /

Politically, Mr. Dodd is a Democrat and he has been a member of the school board of this district; he was formerly a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, of Collins.

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

Among the well known and highly respected stock men and general farmers of Jasper county who have attained to a definite degree of success in their line of endeavor and who, at the same time, greatly benefited the community in which they live is the gentleman to a review of whose career we now direct the reader's attention. An analyzation of the life work of Mr. Dodd shows that he has not permitted obstacles to stand in the way of his ambition, but has, practically unaided, forged his way to the front, refusing to be thwarted by any obstacles.

Dennis Dodd was born in Clear Creek township, this county, September

9, 1873, the son of Charles E. Dodd and wife, a complete sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. 'hen eleven years old the subject accompanied his family to Collins township. Story county, Iowa. The son grew to manhood on the farm and received his education in the public schools of his district. On February 25, 1884, he was united in marriage with Belle Wiley, who was born in Clear Creek township, Jasper county, Iowa, February 12, 1873, the daughter of James and Julia (Deeter) Wiley, the father born March 13, 1845. is now living in South Dakota; the mother was born in Ohio and her death occurred in April, 1880, when thirty-five years of age. There were four children in the Wiley family, namely: Mrs. Mary Signs, born September 6, 1868, lives at Collins; Mrs. Clara Signs, born February 12, 1872. lives in Clear Creek township; Belle, wife of Mr. Dodd of this sketch; Mrs. Gertie Ferguson, born August 11, 1876, is living at Lowry City, Missouri. These children were all born in Clear Creek township, this county.

To Mr. and Mrs. Dodd five children have been born, named as follows: Rhoda, born December 13, 1894; Alda, born January 22, 1896; Henry, born December 22, 1898; Jessie, born June 12, 1903; [name withheld], born December 19, 1909. They were all born in Story county.

yir. Dodd has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and has met with a large measure of success. He is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of well improved and valuable land in Collins township, Story county, and he also has eighty acres in Clear Creek township, Jasper county. He has a large, well furnished home and good outbuildings. He has by energy and perseverance secured a competency. In connection with general farming he has long engaged in buying horses in car-load lots for Eastern markets. No better judge of a horse can be found and no small part of his annual income is derived from handling horses. From January 1, 1911, to September ist of that year he bought and shipped one thousand head of horses, each with an exchange value of two hundred and five dollars, thereby causing the sum of two hundred and five thousand dollars to be shipped from the East to this vicinity. It is just such enterprising hustlers as Mr. Dodd that keep the balance of wealth in the West and away from Wall street, thereby causing the so-called center of the world's wealth in the great metropolis to bow to the West in times of panic. The course of Mr. Dodd is worthy of commendation and emulation. He has shown that he is an industrious, unselfish, twentieth-century business man. He carries the Golden Rule into his everyday life and likes to see others succeed. He pays the highest market price for his live stock, but the great number handled has amply paid him for all his trouble.

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

Such a man as Warren Dodd, who has long been a resident of Jasper county, but who now proposes to spend the latter part of his life in Story county, usually succeeds in whatever locality he selects for the arena of his operations, for he believes in conservatively going about the affairs of life and doing well whatever is worth doing at all. This is the keynote of much of the material success of this world.

Mr. Dodd was born in Clear Creek township, Jasper county, Iowa, November 21, 1885, he has always been known as a young man of industry, which accounts for his success so early in life. He grew to manhood in the immediate vicinity of the old Dodd homestead and has always identified himself with the agricultural interests of this section.

Fred Dodd, the father of the subject, was born in Clear Creek township, Jasper county, Iowa, on October 31, 1862, and here he grew up and engaged in general farming. He married Julia Mowrey, who was born in Pennsylvania on July 2, 1867. They are residing on a farm in Eden township, Marshall county, Iowa. Their complete sketch is to be found on another page in this work.

Warren Dodd spent his youth on the home place and attended the neighboring schools, receiving a fairly good common school education. On September 22, 1909, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth McKenzie, who was born in far-away Scotland on September 22, 1888. Her parents, James and Catherine (Davidson) McKenzie, were both natives of Scotland and there they grew up, were educated and married, emigrating from there to the United States in 1890 and locating in Jasper county, Iowa. The father's death occurred in Independence township, January 11, 1910, after a successful life as a farmer. His widow and her two sons still reside on the home place. There were six children in the McKenzie family, named as follows: Duncan, born October 17, 1886, is living in Jasper county; James, born December 3, 1887; Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Dodd of this sketch; Anna, born June 10, 1890, lives at home; William, born February 19, 1893, died January 10, 1910; Thomas, born April 10, 1895, lives in Independence township, this county; Ivagene, born at Baxter, April 28, 1910. James McKenzie, Jr., graduated from the Chicago Veterinary College in 19 10 and is now practicing in Baxter, where he now resides.

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