IowaJones/Biographies/D. C. Easterly

D. C. Easterly–A. V. Eaton

Don C. Easterly
Born Born September 7, 1869

Among the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of Jones county whose well directed efforts and intelligently applied labor are meeting with gratifying success is Don C. Easterly. He was born in Rome township on the 7th of September, 1869, a son of Thomas W. and Martha J. (Rummel) Easterly, the former a well known and respected agriculturist of this township. Having spent his entire life upon the farm upon which he was born, Mr. Easterly of this review was reared to manhood amid the busy activities of rural life, and at the usual age became a pupil in the district schools. When not busy with his text books he assisted his father in the work of the fields and there early laid the foundation stone for a future successful career. His educational training was supplemented by one term of study in a business college, but on account of his father's death, which occurred when he was fifteen years of age, he was compelled to leave school and assist in the conduct of the home farm. Upon attaining his majority he continued to devote himself to agricultural pursuits, wisely choosing as a life work the occupation to which he had been reared, and that his choice was a good one is indicated in the gratifying degree of prosperity which he today enjoys. He has since concentrated his efforts upon the further cultivation and development of the homestead farm, where he has always made his home. It is a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres, located in Rome township, and was originally owned by his paternal grandfather, who purchased it from the government. Under his wise management it has been brought under a good state of cultivation, the fields annually yielding rich harvests. He has made a close study of agriculture, practices rotation of crops and knows the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, and is numbered among the progressive and successful farmers of the township. As he has prospered he has been able to invest his money to excellent advantage, and he is now a stockholder in the Citizens Savings Bank of Olin. He is likewise one of the promoters of the first Farmers Mutual Telephone line in Rome township, and has cooperated in various other matters pertaining to the upbuilding and progress of the community.It was on the 10th of March, 1892, at Olin, Iowa, that Mr. Easterly was united in marriage to Miss Ola A. Stuart, a daughter of J. A. and Sarah (White) Stuart. The former, who was a soldier in the Civil war, was born in Ohio in 1846, while the latter's birth occurred in Indiana in 1852. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Easterly have been born the following children: Arthur, now deceased; C. Noel; Nellie A.; Thomas Roscoe; Lois L.; and Dorothy L.

In his religious views Mr. Easterly is rather liberal, and although he has never identified himself with any special denomination, he has attended the United Brethren church from childhood, and the teachings of that church have served as a guiding influence in his life. Fraternally he has been a member of the Masonic body since May, 1904, and is a most exemplary member thereof, taking an active part in the affairs of that organization. Politically he has ever been stanch in his allegiance to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He was township trustee from 1897 until 1907 and was school director for the year 1907, while he is at present acting as a member of the Olin Cemetery Association, in which office he has served since 1901. Public spirited in his citizenship, his devotion to the public good is unquestioned and arises from a sincere interest in the welfare of his fellowman. His career has ever been such as also to warrant the trust of the business world, for he has ever conducted all transactions according to the principles of honor and integrity, and he occupies a high place in public regard, enjoying in large measure the confidence of his fellowmen.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 455.

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E. R. Easterly
Born Born March 5, 1871

E. R. Easterly, a well known agriculturist of Jones county, was born on the farm in Rome township on which he now resides. He first opened his eyes to the light of day March 5, 1871, and is the son of T. W. and Martha Jane (Rummel) Easterly. The father, who was a native of Richland county, Ohio, was seventeen years of age when in 1852 his parents came to Iowa and entered two hundred and forty acres of land in Rome township. He assisted in building a house of hewn logs, and there lived until 1884, when his life's labor was over. His wife still survives, making her home in Olin, Iowa. Six children were born to the couple, all of them living. They are Mary E., the wife of B. F. Steward, of Dana, Greene county, Iowa; Alberta E., who married H. E. Davidson and lives in Olin: D. C., a resident of this township; E. R., the subject of this review; B. R., who lives at home; and Della I., the wife of W. E. Sealls, who lives in Missouri.

E. R. Easterly attended the common schools from which he received his training in the elementary branches of English education. He worked on the farm at the same time that he prosecuted his lessons, and upon the completion of his school period returned to his home, assisting his father until he became of age. For eight years thereafter he rented the farm on which he now lives, and then bought eighty acres of the old homestead which his grandfather had received from the government. He has made the raising and feeding of hogs his specialty and has met with success in his undertakings. He has also been treasurer of the Union Switch Board Telephone Company, of Olin, since January 1, 1908. Full of exacting cares as his life has been, he has yet found time to devote to the interests of his fellow citizens and for eleven years has borne the responsibilities of the position of school treasurer.

In 1892 Mr. Easterly was united in wedlock to Miss Ida A. Coppess, who was born in Cedar county, Iowa. Her father, Harvey Coppess, was a native of Ohio, while her mother, who in her maidenhood was Miss Caroline Booth, was a native of Indiana. In 1870 the couple came to Jones county, Iowa, and then a few Years later removed to Cedar county, where Mr. Coppess is still living. Mrs. Coppess passed away in 1881, leaving a husband and six children to mourn her loss. To Mr. and Mrs. Easterly there was born a daughter, Eva L., August 23, 1892. She is still at home and is one of the pupils of the Olin high school. Mr. Easterly, his wife and daughter are members of the Reformed church, in which he is one of the elders. They take an active part in all religious work and are generous in their support of the interests of the congregation.

Politically Mr. Easterly finds his views most in accord with the platform of the Republican Party and has always cast his vote for its candidate at elections. He is a member of lodge No. 2oo, A.F.&A.M., at Olin and also of lodge NO. 526, M.W.A., of that town, and he and his wife are members of Hiawatha Chapter, NO. 394, 0.E.S. His fraternal brothers have found him a loyal friend, as have the citizens of this township, a man in whom confidence may well be reposed.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 613.

S. L. Easterly
Born 1843

S. L. EASTERLY, hardware merchant, Olin; born in Richland Co., Ohio, in 1843; came to Iowa in 1852, and located in Olin in 1865; engaged in business until 1869, when he went to Shelby Co., and was appointed one of a committee of five to organize Lincoln Township, and cast the first vote of the township; returned to Olin in 1875, and engaged in the hardware business; built and moved into his new store building July 17, 1879. He was on a committee of five to organize the city of Olin, and is now one of the Councilmen; also School Director and Town Clerk. In politics, Republican; in religion, United Brethren. His wife, Annie Rutter, was born in Richland Co., Ohio, in 1843; came to Iowa when young; married in Jasper Co. in 1864, and have three children—Nellie, Hattie, Mamie.

The History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Co., Chicago, 1879, p. 644. Photo from Picturesque Amamosa, compiled and published by W. Leon Hall, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, ca. 1900, and submitted by Lois O'Donnell.

Samuel Easterly
Born September 15, 1810

SAMUEL EASTERLY, retired farmer; P.O. Olin; born in Cumberland Co., Penn., September 15, 1810, and came to Ohio in 1821, and to Jones Co., Iowa, in 1852, and entered 240 acres; made all the improvements, and has at present 160 acres in Secs. 25 and 26; also owns town property. Has been Assessor and Trustee. In politics, Republican, and in religion, United Brethren. His wife, Hannah Watts, was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, in 1810, and married in Ohio March 19, 1829; have had nine children—Catharine (now Mrs. Austin, in Ohio), John (in Cedar Co.), Mary J. (now Mrs. D. R. Carpenter, of Olin), Thomas (in Rome Township), Eliza (now Mrs. G. W. Millar, in Olin), Lawrence (died in the army, in Missouri, January 25, 1862), S. L. (in business in Olin), Maggie (died March 27, 1864), Hattie (now Mrs. D. E. Runnel, of Olin).

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 646.

A. V. Eaton
Born February 27, 1844

A. V. EATON, dental surgeon, Anamosa; is a native of Morris, Lamoille Co., Vt., and was born February 27, 1844; when very young, his parents removed to New York; he grew up and attended school there until 15 years of age, and came to Iowa in 1859. He studied dentistry; after completing his studies, in July, 1868, he located here in Anamosa, and since then he has practiced his profession here. He holds the office of Mayor of Anamosa; elected in March, 1878, and was re-elected in March, 1879; he has also served as member of the City Council and on the School Board. In July, 1862, when only 18 years of age, Mr. Eaton enlisted in the 18th I.V.I., Co. H; was in the battles of Springfield, Mo., and Prairie de Ann, Ark., and in numerous fights and skirmishes; he was in the service over three years. He was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Simmons, a native of Waterford, Wis., January 14, 1868; they have four children—Cora M., Jessie M., Marion and Francis Caddie.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 554.