Scotch Ridge

Emeline Stumbo Fry, “Emma.” 1851-1915
Perry Fry 1849-1932
Perry Fry left Morgan County, Indiana, in 1869 and came to Warren County, Iowa. He married Emeline Stumbo who was Sarah Ellen Stumbo Randleman’s sister. That made Perry Fry and John Hix Randleman brothers-in-law. Perry operated the Stumbo farm for five years, and then purchased 140 acres on Scotch Ridge, where he built a two-story home .
In addition to farming he specialized in raising pure blooded short horn cattle, Poland China hogs, and standard bred draft horses.
Being civic-minded, Perry served as township trustee and was a member of the school board. Perry and Emeline had one son, W. C. Fry. He was the father of Jack, John, and Harry Fry. From “The History of Warren County, Iowa, From its Earliest Settlement to 1908” by Reverend W. C. Martin, D. D.


EARLY DAYS ON SCOTCH RIDGE
PETER SCHOOLER
Peter Schooler, great-grandfather of W. R. (Bill) Schooler, Sr., grew up in the area of Paxton, Scotland, five miles inland on the Tweed River from the North Sea. Born in 1830, Peter learned the carpenter trade before coming to America around 1850. He arrived in New York with his carpentry tools and a few clothes. Peter knew he was headed for the mid-west, but first he had to look for work in New York where there was a severe flu epidemic. Because he could build coffins, Peter earned enough to travel west by way of Chicago and Keokuk before ending up in Allen Township, Warren County, about 15 miles south of Des Moines. Several families from the Paxton area had already settled there and it soon became known as “Scotch Ridge.” The names of some other early settlers: Ledlie, Hastie, Cowie, McElroy, McIntosh, Hanby, Black, Stewart, McCoy, McDonald, McKee, Wood, Runciman, Dyer, Sheritt, Pilmer. Peter followed his trade in the area by building houses and the reputation of his skills grew rapidly. In 1859 the new state capitol building neared completion and Peter was commissioned to build the governor’s desk, and do the finish work on the state supreme court chambers.
Peter Schooler built the home on Scotch Ridge Road known at times as the Lindhardt home, Joseph home, Redman home and now Pine Spirit. The house was originally built for William Buxton, a prominent Warren County banker, and will soon celebrate its 150th birthday. Although Jennett Hastie, Peter’s future wife, was born in 1833, five miles from Peter’s birthplace, they first met and married in Iowa. Married for 36 years, they had 13 children. Jennett died in 1893, and Peter in 1911. From the notes of Bill Schooler, Sr.


Scotch Ridge Church
Scotch Ridge Church is an historic landmark of the Scottish settlement in northern Warren County, Iowa. The first building was erected in 1857, and the present church in 1885. Peter Schooler deeded the churchyard in 1865. Simple lines, a spire and gothic style windows help make this a serene place of worship.