I've been wondering this morning how Lucas County farmers would react if those of us who are a generation or more removed from the land started referring to those still making a living on it collectively as "the yeomanry."
That was the term used back in December of 1894 by a writer identified only as "the Rambler" as he traveled from farm to farm in Jackson Township, west of Lucas, selling subscriptions to The Chariton Herald. His report was published in The Herald of Dec. 13 under the headline, "Yeomanry: What is going on in the Country as Observed by the Rambler."
This was a term borrowed from the British and identified those so characterized as neither gentry nor gentlemen, but as freeholders who cultivated their own land.
The Jackson Township map is lifted from Lucas County's 1896 plat book. If enlarged, the locations of some of the farms mentioned can be found. Some of the entries are more interesting that others --- the paragraph for John Schnebly, for example, that goes to considerable length in telling us that he avoided military service during the Civil War.
And I'd like to know a little more about John H. Lewis, described as "a hostler for a royal family" in his native Wales.
Here's the text of the article:
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J. C. Boston is a well known farmer northwest of Lucas. He has been a citizen of this grand old state for the last 54 years. A part of that time was spent in the service following Sherman in his famous march to the sea. Mr. Boston sold his farm this fall, but we trust will find another farm and conclude to stay with us.
Fielden Martin came to this county 22 years ago, and though the party of his faith has been wrecked he still holds on to democracy. His farm consists of 120 acres of the best land in Jackson township, which yields abundant resource to keep his family well.
G.W. Grimes has a large farm near the northwest corner of Jackson township where he has resided for a long time. One would think from the appearance of the premises that he must be doing well. His manner is mild and pleasing to one who may chance his way. In speaking of the Herald, he unhesitatingly pronounces it the best paper in the county, thus displaying a sound and discriminating judgment.
J. H. Lockwood ranks among the wealthy farmers near Lucas. His farm consists of 800 acres which is largely taken up with pasturing sheep. Mr. Lockwood has been living in town and farming by proxy, but concluded to move to the farm where he could better attend to his rural duties. He has 2,000 head of sheep which look rather sheepish under democratic "free wool."
E. S. Burl is one of those good quiet boys who stays home "to take care of his mother." His farm has all the requirements of a home, and when some fair one offers her hand to E. S. she can be sure of a comfortable home.
Chris Hawkins is one of the oldest residents of Jackson township, and has accumulated a nice farm of 120 acres. He has been giving the culture of alfalfa some of his attention. He is contemplating engaging in raising the grass for hay.
James Skinner has an 80 acre farm off the road where he attends strictly to his farm duties, including the care of a bunch of cattle which adds much to his general wealth.
John Kent is well known in Jackson township, having run a threshing machine for 12 years. His farm duties have so taken up his time that he has given up the former work and stays with his interests at home. He has everything on the farm to add to the comfort of his family.
Wm. Kent dates from away back in the early history of this county. He came here when the country was in its infancy and helped to mold it into the excellence which it now possesses. Mr. Kent has drawn in from the resources of nature, by the persuasive influence of assiduous toil, a sufficiency for all ordinary home comforts, and he and his worthy helpmeet are enjoying the fruits of their labors and the confidence of their neighbors and friends, as the happy result of honest, intelligent industry and faithful devotion to truth and justice.
John Schnebly is one of the foremost farmers in Lucas county. He came here while the county was in its infancy and embarked in business in the town of Lucas. Business is all right when there is business to be done, but farming is better as it is about as a man makes it. Mr. S. is free from the ailments brought upon so many by the war. He can boast of being the only able bodied man left in his county when the last muster was made. Though not in the actual service, he aided the union soldiers in every way possible. His large farm is stocked with the finest bunch of hogs and cattle we have see this season. What he wants now is to see the markets rise so as to justify him in selling some of his stock. Mr. Schnebly is a stockholder in the C.B.&Q. railroad that runs by his farm.
B. D. McCauley has a farm west of Mr. Schnebly's and smiles at the biting frosts as well as the blighting winds that visited us last summer. We found his family interested in county affairs which is a mark of success.
Newt Danner tills the soil west of Spring Hill school house. While he takes a great interest in farming, he does not neglect his reading.
G. H. Hester has an 80 acre farm along the main line. He makes no pretentions to great things but reports farming a success in the main. This does not mean that has laid up any great amount this year, but fares with the average.
Chas. Heston has labored long and hard for a home near the west side of the county, and like the "pearl of great price" he found it by his enterprise. How sweet is the pleasure of pursuit, and how much sweeter when the sun is lowering towards its horizon to look calmly over the earthly estate he can call his own.
Thomas Donahue lives near the line of Clarke county. It is thought by some that no one can make anything without first having a start from pap. Mr. D's start can be denominated "hustle" which took him to railroading where he spent 15 years as construction boss, and then when time began to mark his frailties he purchased a farm where he now lives comfortably with his family.
J. W. Reese came to this county in 1857 and helped to mold its present status. When the late unpleasantness broke out he served in the 18th Iowa volunteers with honor to his state. His farm embraces 227 acres which is stocked with high grade cattle, sheep, horses and hogs. He has two ponds of German Karp which have yielded him good returns. Mr. Reese has decided to leave the farm and locate in Chariton. We cheerfully welcome him among us.
John Spencer is a native of England though he left there while yet a boy. When the mad rush for gold broke out in California, Mr. S. was one among the many to start out on the expedition for the "golden apple." Being a little more successful than the fabled Atlas, he returned with a good share of the metal and invested in Lucas county real estate.
James Spencer Sr. has thrown down the reins of farming and sowed his farm in grass, giving his time to bee raising. Farming is all right for an able bodied man, but Mr. Spencer spent too much time in the service to follow a plow. One would be surprised to see the gain from so insignificant an insect as the honey bee.
Ed Spencer is a brother to the afore mentioned two and has the same characteristics of bringing in the fat of the land to yield to his support. He has been on his present place since the war and made the best of everything. Among the things of special notice is a bunch of thoroughbred black Polled cattle.
James Spencer Jr., son of the above mentioned, lives near the home place on a farm of his own. Concluding that it was not good for man to live alone he plucked the rose from C.W. Wing's family and now enjoys the sweets of home.
Marion Morrison is one of the most fortunate farmers in the county as his corn fields laid on the north side of Whitebreast creek, and were protected from the south hot winds. His corn yields about 50 bushels per acre.
J. H. Walker is living with his mother on the old home place. Mr. Walker lost his wife about a year ago and has no need of a house on his own farm. He is a representative republican with enough of papers around him to keep him posted in political affairs. We were delighted with the pleasant disposition displayed on the part of the entire family.
D. L. Scherdin recently started out on life's journey with the partner of his choice. He is at present living on his sister's place where the family was raised.
Thomas R. Jones is a native of Wales and came to this country 30 years ago. Mining was the principal occupation for a time but when the coal mines were vacated at Lucas, Mr. Jones went onto the farm where he now resides.
John H. Lewis was born in Wales and came to this country 25 years ago. Being a hostler for a royal family in his mother country, he took up the work for himself here and made some excellent records on the race track. Since he bought his farm he gave up the care of horses though he has some good speed in his herd. He is a good judge of what a horse can do.
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