The Nichols Families of Muscatine County, Iowa

BENJAMIN F. NICHOLS, a prominent farmer and extensive stock dealer of Muscatine County, Iowa, and one of the pioneers of 1840, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, on the 5th of September, 1826, and is a son of Samuel and Mary (Rodgers) Nichols, both of whom were natives of Virginia. From that State the parents removed to Ohio at an early day, and subsequently became residents of Iowa. In 1838 Samuel Nichols made a trip to this State, and selected as a site for his future home a tract of land in Pike Township, Muscatine Comity. Returning during the same spring, he remained in Ohio until the spring of 1840, when, accompanied by our subject, he again came to this county, to which the family removed the following fall. At that time there were five children in the family, but only two are now living: Benjamin F., of this sketch, and Townsend, one of the most extensive land-owners of Muscatine County, now residing in Chicago. He is a member of the Board of Trade of that city.

lu 1850, stirred with the excitement caused by the discovery of gold in California, our subject made a trip to the mines, going by way of New Orleans, and for nineteen years he was traveling over the country, returning home about 1870. Muscatine County, on the loth of October, 1872, he was united in marriage with Susan M. Jenkins, who was born April 20, 1847, in Ohio. They” are the parents of one son, Townsend, who was born Feb. 20, 1874, and is a most promising young man, now having charge of all the family interests. Mr. Nichols is one of the extensive land-owners of this county, having in his possession 1,100 acres of land, which is located in Pike Township. lie is also one of the largest stock-raisers in this section. In 1880 he began the breeding of Short-horn cattle, in which he has been remarkably successful, and now has a herd of 1 00 of a most excellent grade, upon his farm. Mr. Nichols has always taken a prominent part in public affairs, has aided largely in the upbuilding of the community where he re sides, and in his political sentiments is a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party.

The portraits of the pioneers of Muscatine County form a prominent feature of this work, and as such we take pleasure in giving those of Benjamin F. Nichols and his estimable wife.

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

TOWNSEND B. NICHOLS.

The student of history cannot carry his investigations far into the annals of Muscatine county without learning how close and honorable has been the connection of the Nichols family with the development and progress of this region. He whose name introduces this review was born in the village of Nicholson the 20th of January, 1874. His parents were Benjamin F. and Susan M. (Jenkins) Nichols, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father was a son of Samuel and Mary (Rogers) Nichols, both natives of Chillicothe, Ohio, and in that state the latter died. In 1842, Samuel Nichols was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Nancy Searles, the widow of Dr. Searles, of Wapello, Iowa. He had come to this state soon after the death of his first wife, arriving in the year 1838, at which time he located in what is now known as Pike township, Muscatine county. Iowa was still a part of the territory of Wisconsin and the Indians far outnumbered the white settlers in most portions of the state, although the work of civilization was being vigorously carried forward along the Mississippi, while some more venturesome spirits, willing to brave the greater dangers and hardships of pioneer life, had penetrated into the interior. Samuel Nichols entered a section of land, upon which he built a log cabin. It was one of the typical pioneer homes, covered with a clapboard roof. The floor was made of puncheons and the door had a wooden latch, which was lifted by the latchstring that was drawn in at night, so that the door could not be opened from the outside. As soon as he had completed this primitive home Samuel Nichols returned to Ohio and in 1840 he came with his family, consisting of five children, to Iowa, settling upon the claim which he had previously secured. These children were: Benjamin F., the father of Townsend B. Nichols; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Hosea Johns but both are now deceased; Margaret, who married John Swickard and they are also deceased; Mary, who became the wife of A. J. Brockway but both have now passed away; and Townsend. living in Los Angeles, California, who is, however, one of the most extensive landowners of Muscatine county, Iowa, his holdings embracing over twenty-two hundred acres of finely improved land, all under a high state of cultivation, together with various properties in the village of Nichols. He lived with his parents until they passed away, after which he removed to Chicago, Illinois, where he resided until 1902, in which year he went to CaHfornia, where he has since made his home. Martha, the youngest of the family, has also passed away.

Samuel Nichols secured his land in Lowa with a land warrant granted him in recognition of his services in the war of 181 2. During the second military contest with England he had served as a private under Captain Wallace of the Ohio militia. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged and was given the land warrant, which he did not locate, however, until he first came to Muscatine county in 1838, at which time he secured his section of land in Pike township and began the development of the farm that is still owned by members of his family. He remained in active connection with general agricultural pursuits here throughout his remaining days. He and his family occupied the original log cabin which he built in 1838 for about twenty-one years or until 1859. During that time no deaths occurred in that cabin. Two of the daughters, however, were married there, Elizabeth becoming the wife of Hosea Johns, while Margaret E. married John Swickard. There were also two births in that cabin, Mrs. Robert Black, a cousin of Townsend B. Nichols, having been born there, as was also Florence Swickard, a daughter of John Swickard, likewise a cousin of Townsend B. Nichols. As the years passed on Samuel Nichols prospered in his undertakings. He not only brought his original claim under a high state of development but also added to his holdings from time to time until he was the owner of three thousand acres of land in Muscatine county, lying mostly in Pike township. He manifested keen business judgment and sagacity and, realizing that this land must eventually advance in price, he very wisely made extensive investments.

Benjamin F. Nichols, his son and the father of Townsend B. Nichols, remained with his father in Muscatine county until 1849, when attracted by the discoveries of gold on the Pacific coast, he made his way to California, traveling by way of New Orleans, where he embarked on a vessel for Galveston, Texas, thence he made his way across Mexico and on its western shore embarked for San Francisco. He remained in California and other parts of the west for nineteen years, after which he returned to the old homestead in Muscatine county, Iowa. He then took charge of the farm, handled stock of all kinds and managed the estate until after his parents' deaths in 1871. The work which had been instituted by his father was continued by him and thus in a later generation he proved as valuable and active a factor in public progress as his father had before him. He laid out the town site of Nichols, the plat being filed for record on the 22d of June, 1871. This is now a village of about four hundred and fifty inhabitants. Benjamin F. Nichols there conducted a store and he and his brother also built a hotel, which they carried on for two years. At the end of that time Benjamin F. Nichols returned to the farm which his son Townsend now owns and occupied it continuously until his death, which occurred on the 5th of November, 1893. He is still survived by his widow, who is now living in Nichols at the age of sixty-five years.

Townsend B. Nichols is the only son bom unto his parents. He still lives upon a part of the old homestead, being now the owner of six hundred acres of that property. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock of all kinds and keeps high grade cattle, horses and hogs. His business ability and executive force are manifested in his careful and successful management of his private interests. In addition he also has charge of his uncle's estate of twenty-two hundred acres and other properties. A course in business college well trained him for work which he is now doing and practical experience has given him broad knowledge. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion and his enterprise stands as an unquestioned fact in his career. In addition to the management and control of extensive farming interests he is one of the directors of the Nichols Savings Bank.

On the 25th of November, 1897, was celebrated the marriage of Townsend B. Nichols and Miss Letitia Medora Sutton, a native of Story county, Iowa, and a daughter of George and Letitia (Ames) Sutton, both of whom were natives of New York. Going to Illinois, they remained for a short time and then removed to Story county, Iowa, where they lived until 1890, when they came to Muscatine county, where the mother died in 1907. The father is still living with his daughter, Mrs. Nichols, at the age of seventy-three years. Unto him and his wife were born six children, of whom four are yet living. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Nichols has been blessed with two children: Benjamin F., born November 26, 1898; and Anna Letitia, born November 28, 1900.

In his political views Mr. Nichols is a democrat and has been township clerk for two years. He is likewise president of the school board of Nichols and his aid and cooperation can always be counted upon to further any public project for the good of town, county, state or nation. He belongs to the Masonic lodge at Nichols, in which he has killed most of the chairs, and to the Odd Fellows lodge and the Modem Woodmen camp, also of Nichols. He is a typical young business man of the present day, alert and enterprising and watchful of opportunities pointing to success. His careful direction of his business affairs has made his properties valuable and productive and his efforts have largely been of a character that have contributed to public progress as well as individual prosperity.

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

I. A. NICHOLS.

The financial interests of West Liberty are ably represented by I. A. Nichols, president of the Iowa State Bank and Trust Company, who is recognized as one of the trustworthy and substantial citizens of the county. He is a native of Morrow county, Ohio, born July 10, 1853, a son of Ira and Elizabeth (Luse) Nichols. The father, who was born in New York state, February 13, 1820, engaged as railroad contractor in Ohio and in 1853 came to Muscatine county, Iowa, locating on South Prairie, where he became identified with the agricultural interests. In 1878 he removed to West Liberty and ten years later he passed away. He was a man of good business judgment and as a farmer ranked with the best in the community. Politically he gave his support to the republican party and at the time of the Civil war was a strong supporter of President Lincoln and the course which he pursued in putting down the rebellion. He served on the board of supervisors for a number of years, being a member of that board at the time of his death. Socially he was connected with the various Masonic bodies, including the lodge, chapter, council and commandery, and he was also a valued member of the Methodist church. He was the pioneer of the family to settle west of the Mississippi river and was followed by seven of his brothers. The great-great-grandfather on the paternal side, Samuel Nichols, came to America from England in 1728 and lived for some time in northern New York, afterward locating in Vermont. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Anna Stephens, was a native of Scotland. Several of their sons took part in the Revolutionary war, fighting in behalf of the colonists. The mother of our subject was born in Pennsylvania and married Mr. Nichols in Ohio. She departed this life in 1910 and her remains were interred in Oakridge cemetery. There were six children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Nichols: Pliny Clay, who enlisted in Company D, Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteers, and died while at the front at Wicksburg, August 10, 1863; Charles M., now engaged in the dry-goods business in West Liberty; John D., who died at the age of two years; I. A., the subject of this review; J. I., a farmer living in Wapsinonoc township, this county; and Viola, who also died at two years of age.

I. A. Nichols received his education in the common and high schools of West Liberty and, having decided upon a business career, conducted a drygoods store in West Liberty in 1873, continuing in this line of trade until 1889, when he entered the hardware business, with which he was identified for two or three years. In February, 1897, he organized the Iowa State Bank and Trust Company at West Liberty, of which he served as cashier for nine years, since which time he has filled the office of president. The bank from the very beginning has been unusually successful and has earned a surplus equal to its capital stock. Its success has been in a large measure due to the energy and ability of Mr. Nichols. In addition to being a stockholder of the bank he is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Wapsinonoc township.

In 1875 Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Laura Vincent, a resident of Illinois, who was born in the state of Vermont. Two children have blessed this union: Edna, who died at the age of five years; and Mildred, now the wife of A. W. Hogue, of Seattle, Washington. Ever since arriving at maturity Mr. Nichols has given his adherence to the republican party, believing that its principles are best adapted to promote the interests of the nation. He is a stanch friend of education, having observed its benefits in many ways during the course of a long business experience, and for sixteen years he served as member of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with the lodge and chapter of the Masonic order at West Liberty. He and his wife are earnest members of the Presbyterian church and are leaders in a community with which he has been intimately identified for thirty-eight years. He is known as a man of unusual intelligence, energy and forethought and has the confidence and esteem not only of business men and investors but of all with whom he has come into contact.

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

JAY IRA NICHOLS.

The owner of a valuable farm of three hundred acres of good land in Muscatine county, the Hon. Jay I. Nichols has attained success financially. He has also been honored by his fellow citizens with important public offices, which he has filled with the highest credit. He ranks today as one of the leading men of the county and is recognized throughout the state as a man of marked ability who has assisted in no small degree in advancing the permanent interests of Iowa.

A native of Muscatine county he was born May 13. 1855, and is a son of Ira and Elizabeth (Luse) Nichols, the former a native of New York state and the latter of Morrow county, Ohio. The parents were married in Ohio and came west in 1853, settling on a farm in Muscatine county. The father was very successful in business affairs and acquired about fourteen hundred acres of good land, being the owner at the time of his death, in 1888, of four hundred acres. The wife and mother passed away in February, 1910. Unto them seven children were born, namely: C. M., of West Liberty; I. A' a banker, also of West Liberty; Jay Ira, the subject of this review and one of twins, the other dying in infancy; Viola, deceased; Pliny Clay, who gave up his life for the cause of the Union in the Civil war; and John Bunker, also deceased.

Jay I. Xichols was educated in the common schools and also attended the high school..Starting in life on his own account at twenty-one years of age, he settled upon the place where he now lives and has made it one of the most productive farms in Wapsinonoc township. He has applied up-to-date methods and made use of the latest machinery, devoting himself not only to agriculture but also to stock-raising with most gratifying results. He is now retired from active labor, having rented his farm to others. He has taken a deep interest in all subjects pertaining to agriculture and has served as president of the Iowa Condensed Milk Company, the Union District Agricultural Society, and for five years was a member of the Muscatine county board of supervisors and was instrumental in instituting a number of improvements which have been of practical value to the county. Politically a republican, he has wielded a strong influence in the councils of the party and served as representative of the forty-second district in the twenty-ninth, thirtieth and thirty-first general assemblies and also as state senator for a term of four years, from 1906 to 1910. In all his duties, both public and private, he has displayed a judgment and discrimination that have reflected credit upon himself and those with whom he has been associated.

On the 23d of November, 1876, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Lucy M. Birkett, who was born in Muscatine county, November 24, 1856, a daughter of Thomas and Lucy (Hargreaves) Birkett. Her father was born in England and her mother in New Jersey. They were married in the east and early in the '50s came to Muscatine county, where Mr. Birkett gained a high standing as a farmer. His wife passed away in 1859 " Mr. Birkett was married two years later to Susannah Hargreaves, a sister of his first wife. Mrs. Susannah Birkett died in 1896 but he is still living at the age of eighty-one years in West Liberty. By his first union two children were born: Lucy M., now Mrs. Jay I. Nichols; and Charles, deceased. By his second union Mr. Birkett became the father of the following children: Lilla, now the wife of Ed. Fitzgerald, of West Liberty; Edith, the wife of Charles Mosher, of West Liberty; Bertha, the wife of Walter Mosher, also of West Liberty; Leslie, who died in infancy; Vincent, now living on the old homestead; Lindley, also on the old homestead; and Frederick, of Kansas City.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Nichols has been brightened by the birth of four children: Fay, born September 14, 1877, who married Miss Lena Schilling, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and has one child, Howard; Ethel G., who was born March 17, 1880, and is now the wife of William Anderson, living near West Liberty; Wilma B., who was born May 17, 1887, and will graduate in June, 191 1, from the State University at Iowa City; and Wayne, who was born June 28,

1896, and is now a student in the junior class of the high school at West Liberty. Fay Nichols graduated from the civil engineering department of the Iowa State College at Ames and served for two years in the Philippine islands as a civil engineer for the United States government. On his return he came around the world and now makes his home in Pittsburg. Ethel G. (Nichols) Anderson is a graduate of thee State University at Iowa City, and is a member of the Phi Beta Happa society and also of the Phi Delta sorority. She has a first grade certificate and has taught school for ten years, during five of which she was engaged as a teacher in the high school at Washington, Iowa. Mrs. Nichols was educated in the common schools and also attended an academy at Iowa City for nine months.

Mr. Nichols and his family are active members of the Methodist Protestant church, and are prominently identified with the social life of the community. He early learned that conscientious application is at the foundation of success and he applied himself with such diligence that he readily attained a competence. By his public spirit, his genial manner and cordial disposition he made many friends and years ago he attained recognition as one of the leading citizens of Muscatine county. Few men have been more closely identified with the development and prosperity of this part of the state. In all his intercourse with his fellowmen, Mr. Nichols has so demeaned himself as to gain their highest esteem and confidence.

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

J. P. NICHOLS.

The distinguishing characteristics of men who achieve success in various lines of business in America are energy, perseverance and clear judgment. Having these three attributes a man should hope to accomplish a worthy object in life, especially if he is blessed with a sound constitution. This has been illustrated in innumerable instances, and the career of J. P. Nichols, deceased, is another evidence of the truth of this statement. Born in Muscatine county, March 1, 1855, he was the son of Phineas and Martha (Gibson) Nichols, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

J. P. Nichols grew up under the favoring influences of a well regulated home and received in the public schools an education that prepared him excellently for the responsibilities of later years. He remained at home until after arriving at maturity, and having married at twenty-three years of age, he began farming upon his own account, continuing with a high degree of success until 1903, when he removed to West Liberty and retired from active labors. He died May 26, 1906, and was laid to rest in Oakridge cemetery. During his business career he made a specialty of raising and feeding hogs and cattle, and as a breeder of shorthorn cattle attained a reputation which placed him among the most successful men in that line in the state. He was also to great extent, a breeder of a standard grade of horses and was always an owner and over of good horses. He was identified with various business enterprises and for a number of years served as director of the Peoples State Bank of West Liberty.

On the 2ist day of February, 1878, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Elnora P. Hall, a native of Johnson county, Iowa, and daughter of N. M., and Sophia (Means) Hall, the former a native of Knox county, Ohio, and the latter of the state of Virginia. The parents lived in Wisconsin for a short time and came to Iowa in 1857, Mr. Hall becoming one of the prosperous farmers of Johnson county. In 1903 he sold his farm and now makes his home in West Liberty, having arrived at the venerable age of seventy-nine years. His wife passed away in September, 1891. There were six children in their family, three of whom are now living.

To Mr. and Mrs. Nichols one daughter, Nellie Blanch, was born, January 23, 1879. She is a graduate of the West Liberty high school and also attended the University School of Music at Iowa City and is now a successful teacher of that art. She makes her home with her mother.

Mr. Nichols was a member of the Knights of Pythias of West Liberty and also of the Methodist church. He was a man of many attractive qualities who made friends readily and retained their sincere respect. Mrs. Nichols and her daughter are the owners of three hundred acres of land in Muscatine county and a fine residence on Third street in West Liberty and also five lots in Oak Park. Mrs. Nichols also has stock in the Peoples State Bank. She is a valued member of the Pythian Sisters and an active worker in the Methodist church, while Miss Nichols holds membership in the Pythian Sisters and in the P. E. O. Society. She is also a member of the Fortnightly Club. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols reared a niece, Sarah Bertha Hall, who became a member of the family at the age of three years. She received a good high-school education and is now a popular teacher in the schools of West Liberty.

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

JOHN C. NICHOLS.

Muscatine county does not owe its high standing exclusively to the labors of men attracted from other sections of the state or country, for many of its leading citizens were born in this country and have devoted the principal years of their lives to the upbuilding of this region. John C. Nichols, a well known business man of West Liberty, is a native of Muscatine county who has contributed his full share toward its material development. He was born near West Liberty, August 26, 1867, a son of Phineas and Martha (Gibson) Nichols. The father was one of several brothers who came to Muscatine in the early days and passed the remainder of his life in Wapsinonoc township on a farm five miles west of West Liberty. He was a man of the highest honor and integrity and a leader in the community, becoming not only one of its most successful farmers but also vice president of the Peoples Bank. Politically he gave his support to the republican party. Both hand his wife have passed away and were laid to rest in Oakridge cemetery. Mrs. Nichols was a native of Muscatine county and a woman of many admirable characteristics. There were six children in the family: J. P., deceased. Mrs. Albert Whitacre, Mrs. J. E. Sanders, John C, Mrs. Rosetta Muckey and Mrs. J. C. Wolfe, twins.

lohn C. Nichols received his preliminary education in the district schools, later attending the Iowa City Commercial College, where he gained a practical knowledge which assisted him very greatly in the course of his business affairs. He began farming upon his own account upon a place just over the county line In Johnson county, but after one year returned to Wapsinonoc township, where he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits until July 9, 1909, when he entered the hardware business in West Liberty, which is conducted under the firm name of Eves & Nichols. The firm carries a full line of hardware, tinware, stoves and furnaces and enjoys a large and growing patronage. Mr. Nicholas is the owner of eighty-five acres of land which is outside of the city limits, and also of a handsome residence and five acres on Columbus street. He is a stockholder and director of the Peoples Bank.

On the ist of January, 1888, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Sadie E. Hall, a native of Johnson county, and five children have blessed their union: Hazel B., now a student at Drake University; Zona S., a teacher of the schools of eastern Iowa; Phineas, who is twelve years of age and is attending the public schools; Elinor, nine years of age; and Gladys, aged seven.

Mr. Nichols gives his support to the republican party and as a patriotic citizen served in a most satisfactory manner as a member of the city council. He has been active in advancing the affairs of the community and is a member of the building committee for the construction of the new opera house, also president of the Agricultural Society, which includes parts of Muscatine, Johnson and Cedar counties. This society was organized forty-five years ago and his father was one of its active promoters, being for a number of years its vice president. Mr. Nichols socially is identified with the Knights of Pythias and he and his wife are valued members of the Presbyterian church. A man of unusual enterprise and public spirit, he has gained many friends and is justly regarded as a highly useful citizen of broad sympathies and one who possesses a clear comprehension of the possibilities of West Liberty and vicinity.

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

H. C. NICHOLS.

It seems right that the men who are at the head of a business which they have themselves developed or who enjoy a high standing in professional circles should be the leaders in a community. Such men have demonstrated their ability and have earned the respect of their fellows. H. C. Nichols, of West Liberty, clearly belongs to the class briefly outlined above. He is not only successful in his business but for nine years past has discharged the duties of city assessor in such a way as to meet the hearty approval of voters of all political parties.

Born in Morrow county, Ohio, September 6, 1850, he is the son of George P. and Elizabeth (St. John) Nichols. The parents were both natives of New York state and removed to Ohio with their respective parents. They grew up and were married in the Buckeye state, coming in 1853 to Muscatine county, where Mr. Nichols entered government land and engaged in farming and stock-raising. In his later years he lived retired at West Liberty, being called away June 6, 1873. His wife departed this life November 5, 1885. There were nine children in their family, namely: F. M., now of Texas; C. W., of Clarke county, Iowa; Durinda, deceased; H. C, of this review; Clara B., of West Liberty; Harriet L., also deceased; Ira A., of Colorado; James D., deceased; and U. S. Grant, now living in eastern Illinois.

H. C. Nichols remained at home assisting his father until twenty-one years of age and then began operating a rented farm in this county. Having acquired the necessary capital, he purchased a place, upon which he lived for thirty years, making it quite valuable by improvements which greatly increased its productiveness. Purchasing nine acres inside the city limits of West Liberty, he engaged in raising Duroc Jersey hogs and is now one of the most extensive breeders along this line in his part of the county. He understands his business thoroughly and it therefore yields a handsome revenue, paying well for the time and labor expended.

On the 22d of February, 1877, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Mary F. Pringey, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1854, a daughter of Maryland. The family removed to Iowa and the father died in this state, but the mother passed away in Missouri. Four children have come to brighten George and Effa Pringey, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter the home of Mr. and Mrs. Nichols: George P., now a clerk in the government postal service on the Rock Island Railroad; Ora B., a graduate of the high school, who was born February 15, 1880, and died September 8, 1909; Ida Pearl, born November 10, 1881, who graduated from the high school and is now the wife of Moray Leon Eby, of West Liberty; and Harold J., a dentist of Casey, Iowa, who was born December 11, 1888, and is a graduate of the high school.

Mr. Nichols ever since attaining his majority has given his support to the republican party and in addition to filling the office of assessor of the city has also served as a member of the school board. He is greatly interested in education as is indicated by the excellent opportunities that were given his children. He was a charter member of Raymond Lodge, No. 146, K. P., and has passed through most of the chairs in that organization. He and his wife are both identified with the Christian church and for a number of years he has filled the office of deacon. He is essentially a man of business talent and inclination, clear in judgment, firm in decision after he has once made up his mind and thoroughly upright in every transaction be it large or small. By perseverance and attention to duty he has gained his present enviable position in the community, where he is known and honored for his genial personal qualities and his unimpeachable character.

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