Biographical History of Montgomery and Adams counties, Iowa 1892

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FRANCIS MARION DAVIS, attorney at law and farmer of Adams county, was born near Columbus, Ohio, August 13 , 1831 , a son of Joseph and Edith (De Ford) Davis, the father a native of Maryland and the mother of Delaware. He is a descendant of John Davis, an aide of LaFayette in our Revolutionary war. His grandmother was Ann Simpson, a near relative of Hannali Simpson, the mother of General Ulysses Simpson Grant. Our subject still has in his possession a musket that was used in the battle of Trenton. Joseph Davis is a farmer, still residing on the old homestead, now aged ninety years; but his wife has been dead about sixteen years. They had six children, of whom three are still living.

The subject of this sketch, the second child and eldest son, was brought up on a farm and attended Blendon College (Presbyterian), and finally graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, in the class of 1852 . Then he took a trip to the South, but owing to the social ostracism of all Northern men existing at that day in the South, he was not encouraged to remain there. In 1853 he returned from the South to Columbus, and for two years studied law in the office of Dennison & Carrington, Dennison afterward becoming Governor of Ohio, and Carrington, a Brigadier in theFederal army. In 1855 he was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Ohio. Soon thereafter he came to Iowa traveling on the cars to Rock Island, and from thence by stage to Des Moines, and from there on foot to Adams county, carrying a surveyor’s compass and staff, where he arrived at Quincy on the 5 th of August. Here he immediately opened out in the practice of his profession of law and surveying, having at the first term of court thereafter thirty-seven cases and a large business, entering land for the early settlers, working night and day. The first three months after his arrival he earned $1 ,500 , which he was able to invest in land; of this he still retains 200 acres. When at the South he was fully impressed with the belief that a great slavery war would soon be inaugurated, and in 1856 , during the Fremont and Buchanan campaign made several speeches in his neighborhood in which he told the people that the election of Buchanan would terminate in war between the South and North True to his convictions, as soon as Buchanan was inaugurated, in 1857 , he organized a company called the Quincy Guards, which during the following years was thoroughly drilled in the duties of soldiers. After Fort Sumpter was fired on the whole company was mustered into the United

States service for three years and became Company H, Fourth Iowa Infantry. This company became especially noted for efficiency in the years of the war that followed. In the spring of 1862 he organized Company D, Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry and was chosen its Captain. This company saw active service in Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Texas. At Fort Pemberton, on the Yazoo, he was leading a charge of the regiment across a bayou against the fort, and received a wound in the stomach, which resulted in permanently disabling him from the service; and he was discharged by order of the Secretary of War, for in incurable disability, in 1864 . The wound is still a source of great disability to him, for which he receives a pension.

In 1876 he built the elegant residence which he now occupies, and his landed property now amounts to 2,000 acres; and he is also largely interested in stock. As a farmer he is one of the most extensive in the county. He is a member and commander of Lewellyn Post, G. A. R., which post was named for one of the original Quincy Guards, which he organized. He was made a Freemason as long ago as 1852 , in the South, being a member of the same lodge with the noted rebel, John B. Floyd. For many years he has been a pillar in the Congregational Church. In personal habits he is a model man. During his life he has practiced in all the courts, having many of the most noted cases in the United States Supreme Court, winning the Adams county swamp land case, the Hunter defalcation case, etc. In politics Mr. Davis has always been antislavery and Union, taking part in favor of the anti-Nebraska (Republican) party of 1854, at Columbus, Ohio, and opposing the Douglas doctrine of giving opportunity to the extension of slavery. He has been county Attorney and county Judge; was a member of the Legislature of 1871 -’ 73 , aiding in the enactment of the Code of 1873.

He was married in 1857 , to Miss Julia Clark, a native of Michigan, and of their three children two are living, one having died in infancy. Mrs. Davis died in 1880 , and Mr. Davis was married again in 1883, to Miss Sarah Brown, the daughter of one of Adams county’s prosperous farmers, by whom he has two children, a boy and a girl, who are the present associates of his declining years, in their happy home.

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B. F. PARMER, of section 6, Carl township, was born in Washington county, Maryland, October 28, 1826, a son of Perry Parmer, a native of East Maryland, who served in the war of 1812 . He married Susan Kitzmiller, a native of Pennsylvania, and moved to Ogle county, Illinois, in 1846, where he died the same year, at the age of seventy-five years; his widow (second wife) survived until 1875 , dying at the age of seventy-three years, a worthy member of the Church of God. By his first marriage he had three children, and by his second six. He was a farmer all his life.

Mr. Parmer, whose name introduces this sketch, was reared upon a Maryland farm, and at the age of nineteen years moved to Ogle county, Illinois. In 1852 he went to California, overland with an ox team, being about half a year on the journey. Was in the Golden State five years, engaged in mining and farming. In 1857 he returned by way of the Isthmus and New York city.

In 1861 he purchased 120 acres of raw prairie where he now lives, and five years later he came and settled upon it, as a pioneer in that vicinity. It was then one mile, to the southeast and southwest, to the nearest neighbors. To the northwest there was but one family in the township of Victoria, Cass county, six miles distant. And here he has made one of the neatest, cosiest and finest improved farms in Carl township, appropriately called “ Sunnyside.” He has a good frame house, nicely furnished, an orchard of 100 bearing trees, a vineyard, a substantial Pennsylvania barn, 30 x 48 feet, with a stone basement, etc., etc. It now embraces 120 acres, and Mr. Parmer has also 120 acres in Washington township. Politically Mr. Parmer is a Democrat; has never sought office, but has served his township as Trustee. He is a popular man, being a faithful citizen and good neighbor.

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T. S. FICKEL, section 9 , Carl township, Adams county, is one of the enterprising and successful citizens of this vicinity.

He was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, December 6, 1841 , near the historic spot where the battle of Gettysburg was fought. His father, George Fickel, and his grandfather, John Fickle, were both natives of that county, and the latter was a soldier in the war of 1812 . His great-grandfather, William Fickel, was born in Germany, emigrated to America and became one of the first settlers in Adams county, Pennsylvania. George Fickel was reared in his native county and at the age of twenty-one was united in marriage with Elizabeth Schriver who was born and reared in that place, daughter of Benjamin Schriver, of Pennsylvania. In 1865 they moved to Henry county, Iowa, where they lived eight years. In 1873 they moved to Adams county, Iowa, where, a year later, the wife died, leaving five sons and two daughters. George Fickel now resides with his son, T. S. The latter was reared on his father’s farm and educated in the common schools.

During the late war Mr. Fickel enlisted, August 7 , 1862 , in the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company I, Regiment One Hundred and Twenty-seven, and served nine months. He took an active part in the battle of Fredericksburg, Cliancellorsville and other minor engagements. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to his home in Pennsylvania where he remained until 1865 . That year he moved to Henry county, Iowa, and made his home there till 1873, when he located on his present farm in Adams county. Here he owns 200 acres of well-improved land, has a nice cottage home and other substantial improvements.

Mr. Fickel was united in marriage, at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, June 23, 1867, to Miss Leah J. Chronister, a native of Pennsylvania and daughter of John and Catherine Chronister. Their family is composed of nine children, namely: Warren C., Dora M., wife of W. E. Hofmeister, of Carl township, this county; and Cora A., Sadie E., Laura J., Harry A., Theressa S., John S. and Ruby C. Their first born, David, died at the age of three years. The Fickels, father and son, are strong radical Republicans, and are numbered, socially, politically and financially, among the best citizens of the township.

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DENNIS DONNELLY—This gentleman, who resides in section 22 , Douglas township, is another one of the honored pioneers of Adams county, and as such is deserving of prominent mention in this volume.

He was born in Ireland, March 8, 1824. His father, Erancis Donnelly, was a native of England, and for many years served as a soldier in the British army, he was stationed for some time in Ireland, and while there wedded Miss Mary Madegan, a native of the Emerald Isle. Dennis was quite young when he went to England, where he grew to manhood. With his brother James, Mr. Donnely came to America and settled at Cincinnati, Ohio. He then spent some years in Kentucky, after which he returned to Cincinnati. For five years he was in the employ of Levi Folk, a milk dealer, and had entire charge of the business for that time. This gentleman was much interested in young Donnelly, and it was through his influence that the latter came West and purchased 160 acres of wild land, for which he paid $ 1.25 per acre. At first he pre-empted forty acres of land and lived on it a few months before settling on his present farm. His primitive log cabin, 12 x 14 feet, which served as a happy home for many a day, was replaced in 1870 by the two-story residence in which he now resides. His farm is well improved with good barn, fences, etc., and is one of the best in the township. An abundance of pure water is supplied from springs. Mr. Donnely gives his attention to general farming and stock- raising.

At the early age of eighteen he was married in England, to Anna Stott, who has proved herself a worthy helpmate and companion to him. She was born in England, daughter of Thomas and Deborah Stott. Mr. and Mrs. Donnely have had four children born to them, two of whom are living, namely: Henry McClelanand Elizabeth Aliee, wife of Joseph Lyman, all residing at the old homestead. Mrs. Lyman has two children, Mary Pearl and Anna. Those deceased are John, who died at the age of three years and eight months, and William, at the age of twenty-one. The latter was a bright young man of much promise and his death was a sad blow to his parents and many friends. Mr. Donnely has given his children the benefit of good educational advantages. Politically he is a radical Democrat; religiously, a believer in the teachings of the Gospel, though not a church member.

On the Donnelly homestead is a tree,

planted in 1857 , that has attained a wonderful growth, being now eleven feet in circumference.

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SAMUEL S. DAY, deceased, was one of Douglas township’s honored and esteemed citizens. He came here in 1874 and made this place his home until the time of his death, in 1888.

Samuel S. Day was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, August 14 , 1834 , son of Stephen M. Day, a native of Morristown, New Jersey, and a descendant of English ancestry. One of his ancestors, Mahlan Day, was a Quaker minister, and was lost at sea when on his return from England. Stephen M. Day married Emily 0 . Wilson, who was born in Maine, and was taken to Ohio when a child two years old. Her parents, Ira and Sarah (Clark) Wilson, both died in Ripley county, Indiana.

The subject of our sketch grew to manhood on a farm in his native country and received a good education at Manchester Academy, after which he engaged in teaching and proved himself a successful and popular teacher. August 12 , 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Eighty-third Indiana Infantry Volunteers, and August 19 of the following year was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. He served until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, July 5 , 1865. Returning to Dearborn county, he remained there until the spring of

1867, when he went to Fayette county, Illinois. The latter place he made his home until 1874. At that time he located on eighty acres in Adams county, Iowa, improved a farm and resided here until the time of his death.

Mr. Day was married. November 15 , 1865, to Miss Mary S. Arndor, also a native of Dearborn county, Indiana. Her father, Bennett Arndor, was born in Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Germany, and was eighteen years old when he came to this country and located in Indiana; her mother, Sophrona (Manley) Amdor, was a native of Ohio, and a daughter of James and Mary (Yaughn) Manley, natives of Vermont. The three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Day are Fannie L., Frank P. and Eda May. Both the daughters are efficient and popular teachers and the son conducts the farming operations.

Mr. Day was a man whose influence was felt for good in the vicinity where he lived. He was a worthy and active member of the Baptist Church from his youth up, and was superintendent of the Sabbath-school at Middle valley school house. Politically he was a Republican and for a time served as Justice of the Peace. Always interested in educational matters, he was a member of the School Board for many years. Few men stood higher in the estimation of the community than he. His death occurred July 9, 1883 . Mrs. Day and her family reside at the old

homestead.

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J. I. HAMILTON, of section 17, Grant township, came to this county in 1884, where he is one of the intelligent and popular citizens. He was born in Preble county, Ohio, a son of Andrew M. Hamilton, who was a son of Andrew Hamilton, Sr.; he was a soldier in the war of 1812 , and was born of Scotch parents. The mother of our subject was Margaret Ann (Hewitt) Hamilton, who was born on the ocean while her parents were on their way to America from the North of Ireland; they settled in Preble county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton were married in that county, and were the parents of eleven children, ten of whom grew to maturity. The father died in 1871, in McDonough county, Illinois, at the age of fifty-three years; the mother is still living

in Henry county, Iowa, at the age of seventy-three years. She has been an invalid for years. The father was a farmer all his life; a Democrat in his political views, and religiously a Protestant, and his children were reared in that faith.

J. I., our subject, was but three years of age when, in 1851 , his parents removed to Louisa county, Iowa near Morning Star, where he grew to maturity. Between the ages of thirteen and twenty years he lived in Hancock and McDonough counties, Illinois, where he was engaged in farm work. In 1884 he settled in Grant township, Adams county, Iowa, where he bought an improved farm of D. O. Cline. Here he has a good frame house, 16 x 24 feet, one and a half

stories high, with an L 14 x 14 feet, situated on a natural building site and surrounded by

shade and ornamental trees. He has a grove of six acres, a vineyard of small fruits, sheds, stables, cribs and feed lots.

Mr. Hamilton was married in Louisa county, Illinois, January 20 , 1875 , to Miss Leticia Martin, a woman of intelligence and refinement, who was born in Louisa county, where she was reared and educated. She is the daughter of John and Catharine (Cummings) Martin. The father was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, a son of John Martin, a soldier in the war of 1812; the mother was born in Ireland, a daughter of Joseph Cummings. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have two children: Mary Maude, born May 3 , 1877; and Warren Melville, February 8, 1879 .

Politically Mr. Hamilton is a Democrat, and is now holding: the office of Assessor of his county. He has been a member of the Legion of Honor since 1883. Mrs. Hamilton united with the Methodist Church in Louisa county, and the family are now active workers in the church and Sunday-school.

Mr. Hamilton had two brothers in the late war,—Robert and John,—both in the

Seventy eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company D. Robert was twice -wounded.

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JORDAN FEAZELL, a prominent farmer of section 6, Carl township (post office Mt. Etna), was born in Wayne county, Ohio, February 23, 1824, a son of John Feazell, who was born near New Lisbon, Bedford county, Virginia, a son of Barnett Feazell, who was born in Germany. Four brothers participated in the war of 1812. John Feazell married Nancy Lawrence, a native of Virginia and a daughter of John Lawrence, of English parentage. He was a boy when taken to Ohio. In 1845 he settled in Fayette county, Illinois, and in 1855 he died, at the age of sixty-one years. In his younger days he had learned the trades of shoemaker and miller, but was a farmer

during the rest of his life. In politics he was a Whig, and in religion a member of the Disciples’ Church, in which body he was a bishop. Ilis wife died in 1846, in Jasper county, Indiana, leaving four sons and four daughters.

Jordan Feazell, the fourth in the above family in order of birth, at the age of twenty one years spent a season in Indiana, and returned to Ohio. He served his time as a miller, becoming accomplished at the trade, and followed it for many years. In 1837 he went to Holmes county, Ohio, and lived there until 1868, when he came to Adams county and purchased eighty acres of wild land in the Nodaway bottom, when toward the northwest it was eight miles to the nearest neighbor. He and his sons now own less than 600 acres of the best bottom land in the county. They have raised as much as 110 bushels of corn to the acre there. Their blue-grass pasture would rival the best in Kentucky. Mr. Feazell’s Hereford cattle are of the best strain and in tine condition. A beautiful sight is to see sixty-four white-faced yearlings in one herd on his place. At

the head of the herd is Shiloh, No. 26,434, as good an animal as can be found in Adams county.

In 1890 Mr. Feazell sold three carloads of fat cattle, and he now has 162 head of cattle on the farm. “ Strawberry Plain ” is the fancy name of Mr. Feazell’s place, and it is indeed a beautiful home. In his political sympathies Mr. Feazell is a Republican, and he is a wide-awake, progressive citizen.

He was married February 8, 1849, to Miss Mary Harris, who was born in Holmes county, Ohio, October 13, 1829, a daughter of John Harris, a native of Virginia, and Sarah, Winslow Harris, who was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, of -New England ancestry. Mrs. Feazell’s parents died in Ohio, —the mother at the age of sixty-seven years, and the father at seventy-seven. They had ten children, of whom three sons and four daughters grew up. Mr. and Mrs. Feazell have had five children, and three are living, as follows: Sophronia Caroline Olds, who lives in Keya Paha county, Nebraska, and has six children; John F., who lives near his father, married Martha A. Burris, and has two daughters and a son,—Francis S., Thornton Walter and Hattie; and Joseph D., married to Laura Blooms, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, and resides near by, and has one boy,—Elmer. Two children died,— Sarah Isabelle, the first born, at the age of ten years, and George, in his fourteenth year.

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B. F. IVEY, proprietor of the Ivey store at Iveyville, is a dealer in general merchandise, and is recognized as one of the leading merchants of the county. Buying his goods in large amounts, he is able to sell at very low prices. He started in business here in 1882, in a small way, and by

strict economy and faithfulness to his customers his trade has gradually grown to large proportions, amounting now to about $12,000 annually. The building is a good two-story  structure, 20 x 48 feet, with eighteen-foot posts. The wareroom is 20 x 40 feet, also with eighteen-foot posts, and two stories high. The upper story is a public hall. His dwelling is a fine two-story building in modern style and adjoining his store. Mr. Ivey is a thorough business man, deserving all he has made, both in money and in reputation. He was born in Grant county, Wisconsin, April 15, 1856, the son of James Ivey, a native of Cornwall, England, who was one of the earliest pioneers of that part of Wisconsin, when lead-mining was in its infancy. Mr. Ivey’s mother, whose maiden name was Mary Eudy, was also born in Cornwall. Mr. Ivey was reared to farm life, and completed his school days at the Normal at Plattville, Wisconsin. He resided in Grant county, that State, until July, 1881, when he came to Adams county. Here at Iveyville he has served as postmaster since 1884. Mail is received here daily from the stage between Corning and Clarinda. Mr. Ivey is a Republican, and a member of Instruction Lodge, No. 275, F. & A. M., at Corning. He was married in December, 1882, to Miss Anna M. Chappell, a native of Grant county, Wisconsin, and a daughter of Ed. Chappell, deceased, an early settler of that county and an honorable citizen of Jasper township, this county, where he died, in November, 1887. His widow still resides at Iveyville. Mr. Ivey and wife have four children—-Jessie Julia, Glenn, Gertie and Dale.

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JOHN TIMMERMAN.—This gentleman is another one of the worthy citizens of Carl township who is deserving of representation in the history of his county.

Mr. Timmerman dates his birth in Shelby county, Illinois, Augut 7, 1841. His father, James Timmerman, was a native of Ohio and of German extraction, and his mother, nee Maria Brown, also a native of Ohio, was a daughter of John Brown, a soldier of the war of 1812. James Timmerman and wife moved west and became pioneers of Illinois. The former died at Marietta, Fulton county, that State, about 1856. He was born in 1814. By trade he was a carpenter; in politics, a Whig, and in religion a Methodist. The mother died in Cowley county, Kansas, in  1879.

John Timmerman was reared on a farm in his native State, receiving a limited education in the common schools of Shelby and McDonough counties. He was handy with tools, and worked at the carpenter’s trade for some time. At the age of twenty-one he came to Monroe county, Iowa. In November, 1864, he enlisted in Company F, Sixteenth Iowa Infantry Volunteers. He participated in the battles of Nashville, Tennessee, and Kingston, North Carolina, and while near Raleigh was struck by a spent ball. It passed through the clothing on his arm and dropped into his hand, stunning and disabling him for a short time. He was honorbly discharged at Davenport, Iowa.

In 1878 Mr. Timmerman came to Adams county, bought eighty acres of wild land, which he has improved, and now has a good farm and nice home. lie has bought eighty acres more lately joining on the north.

He was married February 22, 1867, to Mahala Boggs, who was born in Monroe county, Iowa, July 13, 1845, and reared and educated there. Her father, Josiah C. Boggs, was born in Baxter county, Virginia, and was one of the first four pioneers to locate in Monroe county, Iowa. Her mother was Louisa Lemaster before her marriage. She was born in Point Pleasant, Virginia, and

died when Mrs. Timmerman was twelve years old. The father died August 12, 1888. He was a man of means and had a fine farm of 300 acres. He and his wife had thirteen children, five sons and eight daughters. Josiah C. Boggs was the son of a slave-owner. He was for many years an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his political views were in harmony with Republican principles. Mr. and Mrs. Timmerman have two sons, viz.: James Henry, born April 16, 1868, and Charles, born September 10, 1878. Mr. Timmerman is a Republican, and a member of the J. H. Wagner Post, G. A. R.

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PETER B. HUMMEL, a farmer of section 8, Carl township (postoffice Carl), was born in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, in 1839, a son of Daniel Hummel, a native of Snyder county, that State; his mother’s maiden name was Susan Bastian, and she was born in Lycoming county, that State.

The subject of this sketch was left an orphan when a small child, never knew a mother’s love or a father’s care, and was “ kicked and cuffed about ” by a cold world. He served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith’s trade, at which he was employed until June 20, 1861, when he enlisted in the Twelfth Pennsylvania Reserve Veteran Corps, and afterward was transferred to the Fortyfirst Pennsylvania Volunteers, Third Brigade, and was assigned to the First Pennsylvania Artillery, Battery A, after serving eighteen months in the infantry. He served three years, participating in the battles of Drainsville, seven days before Richmond, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Bull Run, siege of Suffolk, etc. At one time he, with other men, had to lie in trenches for two weeks. At another time his horse was killed under him, and still another his ear-drum was thrust out; and from the latter injury he has not yet recovered. He was honorably discharged at Portsmouth, Virginia.

He then made his home in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, until April 12, 1875, and then settled upon his present farm, where he owns 360 acres—-one of the best farms in Carl township. December 28, 1885, he moved to Corning, Iowa, and worked at his trade there, while renting his farm, until 1890, when he returned to the farm. On this place is a good frame house, 32x36 feet, and a story and a half high, with nine rooms and well furnished. The barn is 16 x 48 feet, granary 24x364 and one and a half stories high, sheds, feed lots, modern windmill, grove, orchard, etc. The water is forced through 1,200 feet of pipe, to a ninety-barrel tank near the house, whence it is distributed about the premises through pipes. Mr. Hummel has some high-grade cattle and horses. “ Fairlands” is the appropriate name of the beautiful home he occupies, where the family are surrounded by the comforts and luxuries of life. In his political sympathies Mr. Hummel is a Democrat, and he is a member of Lewellen Post, G. A. R., of Corning. He was made a Mason at Mt. Etna Lodge in 1888 He is also an Odd Fellow, belonging to Lodge No. 206, at Corning, and he is a member of the Encampment, Lodge No. 84, and a member of Lodge, No. 18, Daughters of Rebekah.

He was married in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, November 1, 1864, to Miss Emeline Hartman, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Bikkhart) Hartman. Of their six children, three are living,—Charles P., Daniel E. and Clinton C. They lost three sons by death,—Archer, a babe; Henry A., who died by chemical poison at the age of twenty- three; he was an artist by occupation, and resided in Corning, Iowa.

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B. L. BONNETT was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, November 30, 1839. His parents, Simon and Marinda (Boggs) Bonnett, natives of Virginia, were married in Ohio. The Bonnetts are of English origin, and grandfather Bonnett was a soldier in the war of 1812. Grandfather Ezekiel Boggs was a native of the Old Dominion. B. L. Bonnett is one of a family of three sons and three daughters. The mother died January 25, 1879, at the age of sixty years, and the father is now living at Gambier, Knox county, Ohio, and is classed with the octogenarians. He has been a farmer all his life; is a Republican in politics and a Methodist in religion.

The subject of our sketch was a lad of twelve years when his father moved to Knox county, Ohio, and there he grew up on a farm and received his education in the public schools. During the war he enlisted, November 13, 1861. in Company K, Forty- third Ohio Infantry, and served most creditably until January 15, 1865, when he was honorably discharged at Pocataligo, South

Carolina. Returning to Ohio via New York and Buffalo, he spent six weeks in Mount Vernon, and then came west. After living four years in Muscatine county, Iowa, he sold out his interests there and came to Adams county. In 1871 he settled on wild prairie land in section 10, Lincoln township, where he now resides. Here he owns eighty acres of well improved land.

Mr. Bonnett was married in Knox county, Ohio, February 27, 1860, to Jane Horn, who was born and reared in Knox county. Her parents, Isaac and Pheobe (Ulery) Horn, natives of Pennsylvania and residents of Knox county, Ohio, reared a family of nine children. Mr. and Mrs. Bonnett have two children, viz.: Luella A., born October 22, 1865, is the wife of Joseph Krouth, of Lincoln township, this county, and has one daughter, Clara May, and Elmer E. Ellsworth, born

March 11, 1869, who resides with his parents.

Mr. Bonnett is a Republican, and a member of the G. A. R., Jake Miller Post, No. 484, of which he is Quartermaster.

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HOSEA WILSON, a respected and prosperous farmer of section 35, Nodaway township (postoffice Brooks), was born April 1, 1818, in Champaign county, Ohio, the son of John Wilson, a native of Greenbrier county, Virginia. The latter was a son of John Wilson, Sr., who was born in county Tyrone, Ireland, came to this country and served in the Revolutionary war, suffering many indescribable hardships. The father of our subject married Miss Mary, daughter of David Wilson, of an old Virginia family and of Irish ancestry. He (John Wilson) moved with his family to

Ohio in 1815, and had to flee a couple of times for protection against the Indians. In his younger days he had learned the shoemaker’s trade, but was a farmer all his life, He died while on a trip to Kentucky, and his wife died in Macon county, Illinois. He was a Democrat, and in religion belonged to the Primitive Baptist Church. They reared two children, viz.: Euphemia, who died in

Decatur, Macon county, Illinois, and the subject whose name heads this sketch. The latter was reared on a farm. In the year 1888 the family moved to Boone county, Indiana, and in 1856 to Illinois. The year 1855 Mr. Wilson entered Government land here in Adams county, and intended to settle upon it; but various matters interfered, and finally the great war came on, and he did not arrive here until 1866, when he broke the first furrow on the land. He continued to

improve the farm until it was brought to its high state of perfection. His nine acres of 350 trees constitute a splendid orchard, and he has also an abundance of small fruits. He is a model farmer. In his political sympathies he is a Democrat, and in religion a member of the Christian Church, as well as his wife and children.

Mr. Wilson was married in Boone county, Indiana, in 1851, to Miss Massa Ann Greene,

who was born in Preble county, Ohio, a daughter of David Davis and Elizabeth (Sutton) Greene. The seven children are: David G., who is married and lives on the home farm; William Orus, residing in Omaha, Nebraska; Lewis Franklin, living in Iroquois county, Illinois; Mary Elizabeth, wife of Daniel McMillen, of Antelope county, Nebraska; Euphemia Emeline, wife of Roy Newhouse, of the same county, and Walter Scott and Anna, at home. One son, named Ulysses Grant, died at the age of five years.

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G. A. AVRILL was born in Oakland Norfolk county, Canada, May 9, 1838. He is a son of Thomas and Frances (Flewelling) Avrill, the former a native of Connecticut, of English ancestry, and the latter of New York, of Welsh extraction. The youth of our subject was spent on a farm where he did the lighter work which falls to the lot of a farmer’s son, and attended the common school. At the age of fifteen years he was engaged as clerk in a dry-goods and grocery store, and followed this business for seven years. In 1863 he came to Iowa, and January 4, 1864, he enlisted in Company C, Sixteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and went to the defence of the flag of his country. He participated in many battles and sieges; was with Sherman on his march to the sea, back through the Carolinas to Washington, where he took part in the grand review. He was mustered out of the service at Louisville, Kentucky, and was honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa, July 17, 1865. He then went to DeWitt, Clinton county, Iowa, and engaged in the practice of dentistry, for which profession he had fitted himself previous to entering the army. He remained in this place for five years, after which he practiced in Ottumwa for two years. In 1873 he came to Corning, Adams county, Iowa, and again engaged in the practice of his profession. In connection he has been interested in the sale of agricultural implements; he also owns and conducts a large stock farm three miles from Corning. In his undertakings he has been highly successful, and by his honorable and upright dealings he has won the confidence

and esteem of the entire community.

Dr. Avrill was first married in October, 1866, to Miss Elizabeth Shoemaker, by which union seven children were born, six of whom still survive: Ella F., the wife of "W. E. McGill; Adello, chief clerk in the loan department of the Globe Savings Bank, Chicago; May, Florence, Grace and Frank. Mrs. Avrill departed this life January 27, 1881.

The Doctor was married a second time September 5, 1881, to Mrs. Helen Alexander, a daughter of William and Jane (Jones) Smith, and a native of Steuben county, New York. By her first marriage Mrs. Avrill had three children: John, Jennie and George. Jennie is the wife of John M. Widner, acting president of the First National Bank of Corning; John is engaged in the furniture

business in the same town, and George is a railroad employee. By the last marriage there are two children,—Ida Louise and Wallace S. The Doctor is a member of Eagle Lodge, No. 27, F. & A. M., and has also taken the thirty-second degree in Scottishrite Masonry. He also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party.

PAGE 239

L. M. STANLEY, breeder and dealer in thoroughbred stock, has been identified with the interests of Adams county since 1871. He is a native of Ohio, born in Columbiana county, January 17, 1845, and is a son of Moses and Hannah (Gruwell) Stanley, natives of Ohio, of English ancestry.

In 1853 the family emigrated to Iowa and settled in Johnson county, where the father engaged in farming. Mrs. Stanley was a daughter of Timothy and Ann (Pinnick) Gruwell, who were of French descent. She died in Johnson county, Iowa, in April, 1858, at the age of thirty-two years. She was the mother of seven children, four of whom survive: L. M., the subject of this notice; W. G., L. E. and J. S. In 1860 Mr. Stanley removed to Mahaska county, Iowa, for the purpose of giving his children better educational advantages. They resided there until 1864, when they moved to Warren county, Iowa. In 1881 they went to Chase county, Kansas, and the father still resides there.

Our subject was eight years of age when his parents removed to Iowa. His early education was obtained in the district schools, and completed at the S_____Seminary at Indianola, Iowa. At the age of eighteen years he began to teach school, and followed this calling for eight terms. He was married January 19, 1870, to Miss Rebecca Maxwell, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of Alfred and Lydia (Hayworth) Maxwell, of English birth. May 6, 1872, Mr. Stanley and wife arrived in Adams county and settled on 240 acres of wild land in Grant township. Their labors have been rewarded, as they now own one of the finest farms in the community, but it has been no light task to reduce it all to cultivation and make the necessary improvements. In 1886 Mr. Stanley took charge of the office of county Auditor, to which he had been elected in the fall of 1885. In 1887 he was re-elected to the office, serving the whole four years with great credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the public. In 1887 he purchased the home he now occupies. It is situated in the suburbs of Corning, and he is devoting his whole attention to the breeding of short-horn cattle and Poland-China hogs. His herd of cattle are as fine as can be found in southwestern Iowa.

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley are the parents of five children: Carl W., Claud M., Arthur, Maude, who died at the age of nine months, and Harry M. They were both reared in the Society of Friends, but are now acceptable members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Stanley is a member of King Arthur Lodge, No. 344, K. P. Politically he is independent, but he is an ardent supporter of the temperance cause.

PAGE 240

R. W. BEESON, the present County Attorney of Montgomery county, is a brother of Allen Beeson, a well known pioneer lawyer of Red Oak, where he located in 1863. He now resides at Plattsmouth, Nebraska, where he is engaged in the practice of his profession. He is a native of

Highland county, Ohio, as is also the subject of this sketch. The latter was born in 1848,

the son of Jehu Beeson, a native of the same county, born in 1807, and died at the age of sixty-seven years. The parental grandfather of Mr. Beeson was born at Guilford Court House, North Carolina, and was a pioneer of Highland county, Ohio. Our subject was one of a family of fifteen children, seven sons and eight daughters, and received his primary education at the public schools, afterward graduating at Hedding College, at Abingdon, Knox county, Illinois. He was engaged in the profession of teaching for a number of years, and was for four years principal of the school at Maquon, Illinois. His career as a teacher was comprised between the years 1871 and 1876. He first came to Red Bluff in 1867, for the purpose of pursuing the study of law with his brother, who was then in practice in this city, but deciding that a more thorough

literary education would be a better foundation for the legal profession, he went to Illinois and pursued a college course as above stated. Mr. Beeson was admitted to the bar at Red Oak in 1877, but afterward located at Hastings, Nebraska, and after a few months returned to Iowa and located in Clarke county, where he continued until 1878, and then returned to Red Oak.

He is now (1891) serving his third term as County Attorney, having been first elected in 1886. His long continuance in the office he now occupies is an evidence of the confidence in his integrity and ability on the part of the public. He is a gentleman of culture, and an able and successful lawyer.

Mr. Beeson was married at Maquon, Illinois, in 1872, to Miss G. Grove, a native of Highland county, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Bessie, born in 1873. Politically Mr. Beeson is a Republican, and strongly attached to the principles of that great national party.

PAGE 240

THOMAS S. H. DOUGHERTY, a farmer and stock-raiser of section 10, Union township, Adams county, and also president of the Iowa State Savings Bank of Creston, was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, October 22, 1842, the son of Matthew (deceased) and Susan (Minary) Dougherty, natives of Pennsylvania. The parents had thirteen children, ten of whom are now living, namely: Joseph, John, Thomas, Matthias, Lemuel, Wilson, Sarah, Susan, Mary and Martha. One son, William, died when fifty years of age.

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and received a common-school education,

after which he taught school a few years in Pennsylvania and Illinois. He served three months in the late war, in the Pennsylvania State Militia. He went to Sangamon county, Illinois, in the spring of 1863, where he taught school a few years in that and Logan county, after which he settled on a farm in Putnam county, Illinois, where he remained until the spring of 1875. In that year he came to this county and settled on his present farm of 605 acres, where he has made

all the improvements, there being then but a little log hut and a few willow sprouts. He raises graded short horns, full blooded Clydesdale and English Shires, and also Poland-Chinas. Mr. Dougherty is now president of the State Savings Bank at Creston.

He was married, September 4, 1866, to Isabella Barr, a daughter of Jeremiah and Abigail (Wise) Barr, of Cromwell, Iowa. Her parents had eight children: Henry, Madison H., Thornton N. (deceased), Hannah M., Isabella, Lawrence C. and two who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Dougherty have four children: Dora E., Ernest N., Estella M. and Evelyn Isabelle. Dora married

Adelbert F. Bayles, a merchant of Cromwell, Iowa; Ernest is a graduate of the business and normal department of Shenandoah College, Shenandoah, Iowa. He is engaged in the hardware business in Creston. Mr. Dougherty has been Justice of the Peace, Town Clerk, School Clerk, School Treasurer several years, and is now president of the Farmers’ Mutual Insurance Company of Adams county. He was one of the organizers of that company, which now has a membership of over 700. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of

Cromwell.

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THOMAS GRIFFITH, who is engaged in banking and negotiating bonds, was born in Radnorshire, Wales, near the English border, in 1840, the son of John Griffith, a wealthy farmer and land-owner of that country. The former is the fourth in a family of thirteen brothers, and is the only one of this numerous family who resides in America. Three others, however, lived for

a time in the United States, but have returned, and all are now residents of Wales, or just over the borderland in England. Though the father of Mr. Griffith was a gentleman of considerable wealth, having been quite an extensive land-owner, and was able to do well financially by all his sons should they prefer to remain at home, yet Thomas, on attaining manhood, decided to leave his native land and seek a home across the sea. Acting upon this resolution he came to the

United States in 1864, going first to Dane county, Wisconsin, where he remained until

1869. In that year he came to Red Oak, which has since been his home. He engaged first in farming, but soon became a dealer in real-estate, and soon afterward engaged in the loan and banking business, which he has followed since that time. Mr. Griffith has by good management and judicious investments become one of the wealthy citizens of Red Oak. He has been largely interested in farm property, and has been instrumental in improving a large number of farms. He

founded the town of Griffithville, and also platted an addition to Red Oak, known as Griffith’s addition.

In December, 1880, he was married to Miss Mary C. Negus, at Fairfield, Iowa, a daughter of Judge Negus, a prominent and well-known early citizen of Iowa. They have one daughter, Blanche. Mr. Griffith has visited his old home in Wales several times since he has made his home in the United States. The last time, in 1889, he made with his wife an extensive tour

of Europe, occupying over five months. They visited England, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Germany, Russia, Holland and Belgium, also the great Paris exposition. They went to the top of Eiffel Tower, and visited many places of interest during their tour. On their return they encountered one of the greatest Atlantic storms which has occurred, thus witnessing old ocean in its wrath. The tour was highly interesting and instructive one. Mr. Griffith is esteemed for his strict integrity, and for his liberal progressive spirit. His energy is proverbial. He has perhaps

been instrumental in improving a greater number of farms than any other man in Montgomery county.

PAGE 242

GENERAL W. W. ELLIS was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, March 18, 1840, a son of Quaker parents, Emmor K. and Susan (Metz) Ellis, natives of Pennsylvania. His father was a hatter by trade and for years kept a hat store; later, he had charge of a warehouse on the canal,

where all kinds of goods were sold at wholesale, and occupied this position up to the time of his death, which occurred about 1880. During the late war he enlisted in 1862 and served as a private in Company D, Sixty-first Pennsylvania Regiment Volunteer Infantry. He took part in the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, and others; was never wounded or taken prisoner; was honorably discharged on account of disability in 1863. He had two sons in the service, the

subject of this sketch and Thomas C. The latter enlisted August 18, 1861, in Company

L, Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He took part in all the battles of the

army of the Potomac until the battle of the Wilderness, May 10, 1864, when he with five others was instantly killed by the bursting of a shell. His age at death was twenty-two years. He had served three years, had veteranized, and had discharged his duty faithfully as a brave soldier.

W. W. Ellis began business for himself by clerking in a store, in which he was engaged when the war came on. April 18, 1861, he enlisted as a private, but served as such only one day. Previous to this he had been a member of the Wyoming Artillerists four years. This company had served in the Mexican war under General E. L. Dana, and in 1861 became Company F, Eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under command of Captain A. H. Emily. When the

regiment was organized Captain Emily was made Colonel and Ed. Finch occupied his place as Captain of Company F. The second day after entering the service Mr. Ellis was employed in drilling companies and officers, and rendered most efficient service in this as will be seen when it is known he was one of the best drill masters in the regiment. Later he was elected Captain of Company H, same regiment. He, however, refused to be captain because of an ill feeling engendered between the former captain and the company itself. He was made Acting Quartermaster, which position he held until the three months’ service had expired. He then went

home, organized a company and became Captain of Company L, of Berney’s Zouaves, Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. In 1862 he, with his company, was transferred to Company D, Sixty-first Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He served in this company until May 3, 1863. At that time he was severely wounded while storming Mary’s Heights at Fredericksburg, Virginia. He was shot, receiving a compound fracture below the knee; also received a gun-shot wound in the right side. This ended his field service as a soldier. He was present and carried General O. 0. Howard from the field when he had his arm shot at the battle  of Fair Oaks; later, the arm was amputated. He resigned from the captaincy to accept a position in the Veteran Reserve Corps. He was offered the captaincy of the Veteran Reserve Corps by President Lincoln in person, but did not accept for reasons that were satisfactory to himself. He

was in the hospital at Washington about sixty days, and was subsequently on court- martial duty in that city six months. Afterward he was sent to Newark, New Jersey, where, for six months, he had charge of convalescent soldiers in the hospital. From there

he was sent to Trenton, New Jersey, and served as commanding officer a portion of the time

for nineteen months. After that he was appointed additional Quartermaster of the

United States Army for the State of New Jersey. The war closing, he was sent home to await orders and received instruction from the War Department to report to General O. O. Howard at Washington, District of Columbia. The General ordered him to report at Vicksburg to Colonel Samuel Thomas, Commissioner of the State of Mississippi. General Ellis was then made Sub-Commissioner of the Freedman’s Bureau at Vicksburg, where he served six months and then resigned.

The war over, he embarked in the mercantile business in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania,

continuing that with the lumber business and the manufacturing of lime. In 1870 he came West and settled in Montgomery county, Iowa, where he has since resided. Here he has met with good success. For the past eighteen years he has been in partnership with David Whitmyer, raising stock on their farm and dealing in grain in Villisca. They own 160 acres of Montgomery

county’s richest soil, which is well suited for stock-raising, and where they are especially interested in the breeding of fine draft horses. He is also engaged in the Paulus railroad drill-making, and driving a good business. General Ellis has been twice married. In the spring of 1861 he wedded Miss Tamzen Spry, who died in 1868, leaving four children, viz.: Arthur W.; Emmor K., who is married and lives in Dallas, Texas; Walter S., a bookkeeper for Keys Bros., of Council Bluffs; and Maud S., who has been engaged in teaching in the public schools of Beatrice, Nebraska, two years. In 1869 the General married Miss Margaret Sleppy, daughter of

Christian Sleppy, of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. His first wife was associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he and his present companion are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he was a trustee for many years.

He is a member of the Masonic order, the I. O. O. F., the K. of P., and the G. A. R.

of Villisca. Of the last organization he was the first commander at this place. In politics he is an ardent Republican. While in Pennsylvania, and after returning from he war, he was made Captain of the Wyoming Veteran Zouaves. He organized a company of militia in Villisca. He was

elected Colonel of the Fifth Regiment in 1880, and was re-elected in 1885-6, but after

serving awhile resigned. Governor Larrabee then appointed him on his staff, with the rank of Brigadier-General. He was re appointed by Governor Larrabee on his re-election, and had charge of the escort to the Governor on his inauguration. In organizing the Blue-Grass League of Iowa, he was made its first treasurer, and the following year was elected its president. Two terms be was commander of the Veteran Association of Southwestern Iowa and Northwestern

Missouri, and afterward was president of that organization. He is now president of the Creamery Company, president of the Paulus Railroad Drill Company, and vice- president of the Anchor Fire Insurance Company of Creston. Such is a mere outline of the life of this prominent man: to give an extended account of his useful and eventful career would be to fill the pages of an entire volume.

PAGE 244

MANUEL S. LEWELLEN, a farmer of section 16, Jasper township, was born in Wapello county, Iowa, in 1850, the son of Pleasant Lewellen, a native of Kentucky and a playmate of Abraham Lincoln in their boyhood. He went to Harrison county, Indiana, when a young man, where he married the widow of John Van Fossen: her maiden name was Nancy Schoonover, and she was a native of Harrison county, Indiana. Some time after their marriage she and her husband moved to Wapello county, Iowa, as pioneers there. She died in 1856. In 1861 he enlisted in the army and served two and a half years, as a member of the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry. Then returning to Iowa he joined the “Graybeard” regiment, and was on the western frontier two years, freezing his feet on one occasion and losing: some of his toes.

When but five years old his mother died, and young Manuel started out in the world for himself at the early age of ten years. In 1888 he left Wapello county and came to Jasper township, Adams county, locating on section 21, where he improved a farm of eighty acres of wild prairie land. This he sold in 1888 and for two years rented his present farm, known then as the J. S. McCanley farm; and then he purchased it. There are 160 acres, all good land and well improved. On it there is a good frame house, barn, orchard, etc. The orchard is a specially fine one, containing as it does 300 bearing trees. Besides, there are plats of all kinds of small fruit. Mr. Lewellen is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He is a member of Instruction Lodge, No. 275, F. & A. M., at Corning, Iowa; was made a Mason in Martinsburg Lodge at

Martinsburg, Keokuk county, Iowa, in 1876. He is also a zealous member of Emblem Chapter, No. 64, O. E. S., at Corning, Iowa, as is Mrs. Lewellen. In his politics he is a Republican.

In February, 1875, he was married to Miss Clara E. Clapp, an intelligent lady who was born in Franklin county, Ohio, near Columbus. She was a child when her father, Arnold Clapp, moved with his family to Wapello county, this State. Her mother’s name before marriage was Adeline Leonard. Her father died in 1855, and her mother in 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Lewellen have three children: Merton E., Frank N. and Lovisa E. They lost one child by death,—Carrie, in 1882.

PAGE 244

MATT. LEACH, proprietor of the Lone-Tree stock farm in Red Oak township, is one of the well known, successful and popular citizens of the county, arriving here in 1871. He was born in Niagara county, New York, January 26, 1849, a son of Hiram Leach, a native of Connecticut. His mother’s maiden name was Maria Farnham; she was a native of Canada but was reared in New York State, moving there in 1851. The Leach family moved to Lee county, Illinois, near Dixon, and there the father’s father resided until death, which accidentally occurred in Rock river.

Mr. Leach, our present subject, was brought up on a farm. At the age of fifteen years he ran away from home and enlisted in the Seventh Illinois Cavalry; he afterward was transferred in turn to the Sixth and Ninth Illinois Cavalry and Second Iowa Cavalry; was under General Grierson, and did some gallant service for his country; was also for a time under General Hatch, and made a brilliant record. His regiment was under fire at Memphis, and was on the Smith campaign, and for awhile guarded a railroad station at Nashville. At one time he was sixty-five days in the saddle without change. He was honorably discharged November 14, 1865, and returned to Lee county, Illinois.

In 1866-68 he spent two years in Northern Iowa; in 1869-70 one year in Hardin county, Iowa; then a year in Marshall county, also in this State; and finally, in company with his brother, Ed Leach, came to Montgomery county, where he first bought eighty acres of land; but he now owns 360 acres of well improved land, whereon he has a good residence on a pleasant site, with well ordered premises. Barns and other farm buildings are sufficient and in good order.

Mr. Leach and family seem to be well supplied with the comforts of domestic life. The farm is stocked with high grades and thoroughbreds, short horn cattle and fifty Herefords. The fences and all improvements exhibit the good taste, shrewd judgment and thrift of the proprietor.

April 10, 1876, is the date of Mr. Leach’s marriage to Miss Hannah T. Blatz, a lady of

high culture who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, and was a child when her parents removed with her to Warren county, Illinois, where she was reared; in 1874 they came to Montgomery county. Her parents were John and Mary A. (Porter) Blatz,—the father a native of Guernsey county, Ohio, and the mother of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Before her marriage she was a successful and popular teacher, commencing her profession at the early age of fifteen years. She is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In their family are five children: Earl C., Jesse Boyd, Frank F., Melville C. and Mildred. Mr. Leach is a Democrat in

his political sympathies; is a member of Garfield Post, No. 57, G. A. R., and of the Blue Lodge, No. 62, F. & A. M., having been first initiated at Red Oak in 1886; also a member of Tormie Lodge, No. 152, K. of P., and of Company K, Fifth Regiment of Iowa, being Captain. He is now in the prime of life, intelligent, well informed on general topics, broad and progressive in his views, frank and cordial in manner, and honorable in business and popular as a citizen.

PAGE 245

ROBERT A. CHURCH, one of the prominent farmers and a leading citizen of Washington township, Adams county, is a native of Green county, Wisconsin, born December 1, 1846. His parents, Edward L. and Kesiah (Millman) Church, were both natives of Indiana. His father moved from Indiana to Wisconsin and settled on a farm in 1842. In 1850 he went to Carroll county, Illinois, and entered a piece of land. He remained there until 1880, when he moved

to Adair county, Iowa, where he died in 1886, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was a

regularly ordained minister in the United Brethren Church, traveled on circuits for a number of years, and was instrumental in adding many to the church. His wife died about 1848. She also was an earnest Christian and a member of the United Brethren Church. Three sons were born to them, one dying in infancy. The subject of this sketch is the oldest. His brother, Zeno G., is now a resident of Kansas.

R. A. Church received his education in the public schools, and was eighteen years of

age when he entered the service of his country. This was in the spring of 1864, and he enlisted in Company D. Forty sixth Iowa Volunteers. He was not actively engaged in any of the important battles of the war, but was in several dangerous skirmishes. After a four months’ service he re-enlisted and was in Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, remaining in the same until the close of the war. He stood the army exposure seemingly quite well until they had orders to march home. At this time he reported sick, was taken to the hospital and came from Memphis to Cairo on the hospital boat, thence to Camp Butler near Springfield, Illinois. On returning home he took the fever and ague and after suffering with that disease for six months the rheumatism set in, and from the effects of the latter he has never recovered.

After the war Mr. Church first engaged in farming and later in the blacksmith business. At the latter trade he worked five years, after which he was compelled to seek other employment on account of the rheumatism. He came to Adams county in 1869, worked in a shop at Mount Etna two years and then located on a farm he had purchased in 1869. He moved to his present location, in section 16, Washington township, March 1, 1875. His home is located on what was originally the John Henry and Montgomery county road, a mile and a half west of Mount Etna.

He owns 160 acres of fine, well improved land, and is comfortably fixed to enjoy life. His residence, located on a truncated cone, commands a magnificent view of the surrounding fertile country.

Mr. Church is prominent in local affairs. He has filled various offices of profit and trust, such as trustee, supervisor and president of the school board. He is now serving his fifth year as president of the school board. He is progressive in his views and is second to none in the township in promoting its best interests.

In 1868 he was united in marriage with Miss Huldah A. Cummings, daughter of

Benjamin and Jane Cummings, of Wisconsin. Lillie Belle Church, an adopted daughter, has made her home with them for three years. Mr. Church is a member of the I. O. O. F. and has passed all its chairs. He was D. D. G. M. of his district one term; also a member of the G. A. R., having served two terms as Post Commander and now being Adjutant.

PAGE 246

J. T. COLEMAN, a member of the farming community of Jasper township, was born in Shelby county, Ohio, April 4, 1836, and is the seventh of a family of twelve children of Benjamin F. and Margaret (Tilberry) Coleman, natives of Shelby county, Ohio, and descendants of Scotch and German ancestors. In 1842 the family left Ohio and removed to Allen county, Indiana, where

Benjamin F. Coleman purchased a tract of heavily timbered land and began the task of clearing it and making a home. He improved this farm and resided there until 1855, when he sold out and removed to Crawford county, Wisconsin, being one of the first settlers of that county. There he again began the task of clearing a farm and reducing it from a wild state to one of productiveness and use, and passed the remainder of his days there. He died in the year 1866,

at the age of sixty-six years. His widow survived him until 1882, when she died at the age of sixty-seven years. Of the twelve children seven lived to maturity, and six now survive.

J. T. Coleman spent his youth in assisting his father to clear up the frontier farms, and

received his education in the primitive log schoolhouse of the pioneer days. When he reached his majority he started in life for himself, making a purchase of fifty acres of wild land in Crawford county, Wisconsin, where he resided a number of years. He was married December 16, 1858, to Miss Matilda Mack, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of James and Catherine Mack. The result of this union was four children, two of whom survive: Millard F. is a resident of Wyoming; Volney A. died at the age of twenty-five years; Emmett S. died at the age of two years, and James F. is at home. Mr. Coleman followed farming in Wisconsin until 1864, at which time he sold out and removed to Adams county, Iowa. There he bought 156 acres of unimproved land, where he now resides. This is the fourth farm he has cleared and developed from a wild state, and he is certainly deserving of great praise for the effort he has put forth in behalf of agriculture.

Mrs. Coleman was called from this life in 1866, aged thirty-three years. Mr. Coleman was married a second time, February 26,1867 to Miss Sarah C. Mack, a sister of his first wife. Two children were born of this marriage: William L. and Bina L.

Mr. Coleman has served in many local positions of trust and honor. He was first elected to the office of assessor in 1868, and has assessed his township eleven times. For seven successive years he has served as township clerk. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party.

PAGE 247

ANDREW J. SALTS, a physician at Corning, was born in Indiana, in 1838. His father, Paul H. Salts, was a farmer and public-spirited man who helped build the Wabash & Erie Canal, and was among: the first settlers in Huntington county, Indiana. His mother, whose maiden name was Lucy Sanford, was born near Richmond, Virginia, a lineal descendant of Francis Lightfoot Lee, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Both parents lived to a good old age; they are now buried near Roanoke, Indiana.

The Doctor, the oldest of eight children, was reared on a farm and completed his school days at Roanoke Seminary, Indiana. After studying medicine with Drs. Richart & Chaffee, of Roanoke, three years he entered the medical department of the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, and from that institution of learning he entered the army, joining the Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was on detached duty in the medical department; saw service in South Carolina, at Branchville and the fall of Charleston, and returned home at the close of the war. Resuming the study of medicine, he took his second course of lectures at the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, in 1865-66. He “hung out his shingle” during the latter year, in Iowa. He has now been practicing his profession at Corning for eighteen years; he is progressive and yet safe in his methods; is interested in many things that are of public benefit, especially to the youth, contributing to their advancement to he best of his ability. He believes that a free press and the free schools are the bulwarks of this nation. The Doctor is an enthusiastic Freemason and a member of the order of the Eastern Star. Politically he is a zealous Democrat, being now a member of the Central Committee. As a “thanksgiving day” he usually observes January 8, which, as he says, “recalls the hailed memories of ‘The Hermitage’ and the hero of 'New

Orleans.” In 1876, at Carbon, Iowa, the Doctor married Miss Orry H. Shinn, an accomplished young lady and successful school teacher, who also devotes much attention to music and art, and is a zealous member of the Women’s Relief Corps and the order of the Eastern Star; she has held important offices in the subordinate bodies of both societies as well as in the State organizations of these two important guilds. Her ancestors were noted as pioneers and soldiers. The Shinns were among the first settlers of the two Newarks, —in New Jersey and Ohio,—and freely gave their loved ones in defense of their country in three wars. Cornelius Van Dyke, one of her forefathers, fell in the war of 1812, and Lieutenant Darwin Chase, another of her

ancestors, was killed at the battle of Bear river, in the great Rebellion.

PAGE 248

J. B. DAVIS, a lumber merchant of Prescott, Iowa, was born June 26, 1859, the son of George J. and Martha Davis, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Indiana, and both were old pioneers of Adams county. The father came West in 1857, and located in this county, where he engaged in farming, and in addition to that occupation is engaged in carpentering. The parents had seven children, five of whom survive. Our subject, the second child, received his education in the common schools of Adams county. He remained on the farm with his parents until twenty-one years of age, when he commenced work for $20 per month, continuing three years, and at the end of that time had saved $400. He then rented a farm in Adams county until the spring of 1890, when he engaged in the lumber business. He is the only lumberman in the place, and keeps a good stock. He has an extensive patronage in this part of the county, which has been built up by fair dealing. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, and the former is a Democrat politically.

Mr. Davis was married to Miss Winnie Moon, who was born in Appanoose county, Iowa, and whose parents are still living in Adams county. They have had two children: Nellie and Floyd.

PAGE 248

S. W. WHITE was born in Gibson county, Indiana, March 23, 1836. His father, Anson White, a descendant of English ancestry, was born in Massachusetts, in 1802, and his mother, Mary, daughter of James Mills, an Englishman, was born in Maine, May 2, 1807. His parents went West, his mother to Indiana and his father to Wabash, Illinois. He went to Gibson county, Indiana, where he was married, in his twenty-sixth year, and resided until 1841. That year they moved to Wabash county, Illinois. In 1855 the family moved from Illinois to Montgomery county, Iowa. Here Anson White died in 1858, leaving a widow and five children. The mother also died

here, aged sixty-seven years. Of the children we record that John Q. is a resident of

Adams county, Iowa; Caroline Matilda, wife of E. C. Willson, lives in Oklahoma; James

Lewis White died in Audubon, Iowa, aged fifty-two years; Mary Merritt died in this county, at the age of twenty-four years; and S. W. is a prominent citizen of Douglas township, Montgomery county.

The subject of our sketch grew up on a farm in Indiana, receiving only a limited education. During the war he enlisted, in 1864, in the Ninth Iowa Infantry, and served eight or nine months. He was taken sick and confined at hospital No. 8, Nashville, for some time. He contracted a chronic disease common to the soldiers, and also had the measles and erysipelas, from the effects of which his eyesight was much impaired.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the service, he returned to Montgomery county, Iowa, where he has since resided. He located on his present farm in section 20, Douglas township, in 1887, where he has since made his home. Sixty acres he bought of G. Goble, and forty acres of G. B. Clarkson, making a fine farm of 100 acres.

Mr. White was married, at the age of twenty-seven, to Sarah. Jane Parson, who was born in Wabash county, Indiana, and reared in Iowa. Her father, Richard Parson, born in Virginia, in 1808, died in Audubon county, Iowa, at the age of eighty-one. Her mother, nee Susanna Davis, a native of Indiana, is now living with her children, having attained her eighty-second year. Mr. and Mrs. White have four children: Mina, wife of G. L. Patterson, of Douglas township; Sherman

G., Richard and Eva. Mr. White is a member of the Dick Rouet Post, G. A. R., of Grant. Politically he is a Democrat.

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JAMES W. HEWITT, a prosperous farmer of section 27, Nodaway township (post- office Nodaway), was born in Litchfield county, Connecticut, February 2, 1840, a son of Elijah and Mary (Prescott) Hewitt. His father, born at Springfield, Massachusetts, was of an old New England family, and the father of the latter died in the service of his country in the war of 1812. Our subject’s mother was a native of Connecticut and a daughter of James Prescott. When he was seventeen years of age the family moved to Adams county, Illinois; afterward they moved to Chariton county, Missouri, where they remained until death. The father was a stone mason, and in politics a Whig and then Republican. In religion the mother was a Methodist. Of their four sons and seven daughters six are now living.

In April, 1861, Mr. James W. Hewitt enlisted in the war, under the first call for 75,000 men, in the Tenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. After his term expired and he made a visit home, he re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Colonel J. J. Fonda commanding, and he was at the battles of Chickasaw Bluffs in December, 1863, with General Sherman, and at Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Champion Hill, Black River Bridge and the siege and surrender of Vicksburg. Later he was transferred to the mounted cavalry and stationed for a time at Port Hudson, and then sent on scouting duty most of the time, and raiding and keeping bushwhackers and guerillas in subjection. He was honorably discharged October 1, 1865, at Baton Rouge, when he was Orderly Sergeant.

In 1869 he removed to Ralls county, Missouri, and in 1872 settled upon his present farm, which then had but thirty acres broken and a small frame building upon it that is now used for a granary; but he has made of this place a nice farm, with all the modern

improvements. The dwelling is 14 x 26 feet, with an L of the same area, and one and a half stories high; and the premises are beautifully ornamented with evergreen and other varieties of trees and shrubbery. There are also, of course, a good barn and other outbuildings, in good order, and an orchard, etc., and a stream of water.

In his political views Mr. Hewitt is a Democrat. He has served five years as Township Trustee, and has also been a member of the School Board. In religion he is a Congregationalist, but his family attend the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He is liberal in his views, affable as a friend, and faithful as a neighbor.

At the age of twenty-seven years he was married, in Adams county, Illinois, to a daughter of Coley and Almira (Spencer) Betts, natives of Connecticut. They have bad the following children: Sarah A., a teacher in district No. 9; Wilbert T., now employed in the post office at Villisca,

Iowa; William E.. a graduate of the Villisca high school; James P., Mary T., Lewis Le Barron, Elver A. and Elmer S. (twins), and Arthur S.

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W. C. BROWNLEE, a stock-raiser on his Clover Hill farm, section 18,

Nodaway township (postoffice East Nodaway), was born in Mercer county, Illinois, February 4, 1844, the son of W. C. Brownlee, a native of New York State; and the latter was the son of Rev. W. C. Brownlee, of the Seceders’ Reformed Church; he was born in Scotland. Two of his sons went to St. Louis, Missouri, where they were honorable and successful business men. The father of our subject chose farming for his calling, and came to Illinois in 1839, to Mercer county, a pioneer there, ten miles southeast of Aledo. He married Miss Mary, a daughter of Thomas Brownlee, of Mercer county, Illinois, and they had three sons and three daughters. Mrs Brownlee died in 1876, and Mr. Brownlee died in 1886.

Mr. Brownlee of this sketch, the second born in the above family and the eldest son, came to Adams county in the spring of 1872, and purchased 139 acres of wild land, a small portion of which, however, had been broken. He now owns an aggregate of 280 acres, all rich land and well improved. He has 600 rods of. Osage orange hedge about bis farm, a good frame house on an natural building site, with ornamental surroundings, an orchard, barn 64x70 feet, windmill, etc. Devoting his attention to the rearing of live-stock, he has a herd of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle, and a small herd of registered Shropshire sheep and Poland-China hogs. In his political views he is a Democrat, and he is a member of the order of United Workmen, Lodge No. 196 at Villisca. Mrs. Brownlee is a member of the Cumberland Church.

Mr. Brownlee was married in Shelby county, Illinois, in August, 1866, to Mrs. Rebecca McDonald, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, a daughter of James and Rachel Brownlee. They have four children: Ed., who is married and owns a good farm near his father’s; Viola, wife of T. J. Finlay of Nodaway township; Willie and Albert. They lost one child by death, Alick, at the

age of three years.

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SAMUEL CONRAD was born in Ohio, near the Pennsylvania line, about 1835, and was reared in Holmes county, Ohio. He is a son of John Conrad, a native of Pennsylvania, and Anna (Falulk) Conrad, the daughter of German parents. The former lived in Ohio until his death and the latter subsequently came to Iowa and passed the remainder of her days in Madison county.

His father being a farmer, Samuel was reared to farm work and received only a limited education in the common schools. He was sixteen when he came to Iowa. After spending some time in Adair county, he came to Adams county where he has since made his home. When the war fo the Rebellion came on Mr. Conrad went to the front and did his part to help preserve the Union. He enlisted in 1862, in the Twenty-third Iowa Infantry, one of the Iowa regiments that made a brilliant and honorable war record. During his three years’ service he participated in the battles of Champion Hill and Black River Bridge; was at Galveston, Texas, for a time and at Fort Esperando, Spanish Fort, and other places. He had some narrow escapes. At Black River Bridge a bullet went through his clothing but he was unharmed.

At the close of the war Mr. Conrad returned to Iowa. He is now located on a good farm of 160 acres in Carl township, Adams county, where he is surrounded by all the comforts of life. Mr. Conrad was married, in Warren county, Iowa, in 1867, to Miss Eliza Ann Poison, a native of Cedar county, Missouri. Her father, John W. Poison, a well-known and highly respected citizen of Carl township, this county, was born in Garrard county, Kentucky, in 1820. son of Thomas Poison, a native of Yirginia, and Zillah (King) Poison. He was reared in Harrison county, Indiana, and in 1856 came to Iowa and settled in Warren county. He came to Adams county in 1869. In Washington county, Indiana, he married Elizabeth Radcliff, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Brown) Radcliff. Mr. and Mrs. Conrad have four children-—Mary Eldora, Cora Etta, Albert and Willie. Politically Mr. Conrad is an Independent.

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REV. ROBERT ALLEN BIXLER is one of the intelligent and enterprising citizens of Adams county, and an able minister of the Gospel. His father, John Bixler, who resides on section 34, Douglas township, and who is a well-known pioneer of this county, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, March 4, 1823, son of Jacob Bixler, born in Pennsylvania, son of Joseph Bixler, a native of New Jersey and a descendant of German ancestors. Jacob Bixler married Elizabeth Murray, a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Robert and Margaret (Jackson) Murray, the former a native of the Emerald Isle. They had a family of nine children, whose names are as follows: Mary Noris, of Owen county, Indiana; John and Charles, both of Douglas township, this county; Robert, of Coshocton county, Ohio; Joseph, of Montgomery county, Iowa; Margaret Aldridge, deceased; Jacob, Carl township, this county; William, Quincy township, this county, and Lydia Homan, who died in Greene county, Kansas. The grandparents of our subject resided for a number of years in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, near New Philadelphia, and from there, in 1857, they came to Iowa and settled in Douglas township, Adams county, where they passed the rest of their lives, grandmother Bixler dying at the age of sixty-one years and the grandfather at seventy-one.

John Bixler was nine years old when his parents moved to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and there he was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. In 1853 he moved to Owen county, Indiana. In 1854 he came to Adams county, Iowa, and settled in Quincy township; thence to Nodaway township, and next to Jasper township, where he was in the sawmill business at Brooks for a time. In 1874 he settled on the eighty-acre farm where he now lives.

He was married in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, November 26, 1846, to Savilla Ann Markley, who was born in Harrison county, Ohio, January 25, 1827, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Wallace) Markley, natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania. Her parents came to Appanoose county, Iowa, in 1855, and died there, the father at the age of eighty years, and the mother seventy. Their family consisted of six children: Savilla Ann, John, Mary Ann, Harriette, Joseph and Margaret A. John and Savilla Bixler have ten children living, namely: Hon. Burr F. Bixler, who has served two terms in the State Legislature, South Dakota; Elizabeth J., wife of H. Coleman; Mary Louisa, wife of E. L. Hoyt, of Douglas township, this county; Robert Allen, whose name heads this sketch; Isabelle, wife of Jacob Markley, of Kansas; Jacob T., of Spink county, South

Dakota; Lydia F., who is the wife of W. H. Walton, of Beadle county, South Dakota; Lilly S., deceased, who was the wife of Charles C. Strait; John M., who is now elected Superintendent of Schools of Adams county; Charles K.; Efiie May Margaret, who died at the age of fifteen months, in Owen county, Indiana; and William, who died in infancy. John Bixler has served the

public as Township Trustee and also as Justice of the Peace. In politics he is a Republican; in religion a member of the Christian Advent Church, and an elder in the same. He has given his children the benefit of good educational advantages, and most of them have been teachers.

R. A. Bixler was born in Nodaway township, Adams county, Iowa, February 5, 1857, and was reared on a farm in his native county, receiving his education in the common schools. Not only at school, but also at home he closely applied himself to his studies, and at the age of eighteen he engaged in teaching. In 1881 he settled on his present farm in Douglas township. This was then wild land. By the aid of his well directed efforts it has been developed into a tine farm, with good buildings, fences, etc. March 27, 1878, in Mercer township, this county, at the home of Joseph Monosmith, Mr. Bixler wedded Miss Helen E. Strait, an efficient teacher and a lady of rare accomplishments. She was born, and reared to the age of sixteen, in Medina county, Ohio, when she moved and finished her schooling in Summit county, that State. Her parents, Joel V., who was the son of Rev. Asa Strait, a Baptist minister, and one of the early pioneers of Medina county, and preached the first sermon in that county, and Elizabeth (Swartz) Strait, were natives respectively of Washington county, New York, and Easton, Pennsylvania. Her mother died in Ohio, aged forty-two years, and her father subsequently came to Lincoln township, Adams county, Iowa, where he died at the age of sixty-three. Mr. and Mrs. Bixler have eight children, viz: Sydney A., Helen E., Olive Jane, Burr A. L., Ruth Alice, Ora Isabelle, Florence S. and Pearl May. They lost one by death, Edith, at the age of nine months and five days. Mr. Bixler is a Republican, and is actively identified with the best elements of his party. As a minister of the Gospel he is an earnest and enthusiastic worker for his Master. He has three charges in Montgomery county, namely, Arlington, Reed Schoolhouse and Robinson Schoolhouse. Such is an epitome of one of Adams counties worthy citizens.

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W. R. MILLER, a highly esteemed citizen of Briscoe, Adams county, Iowa, was born in Grant county, Indiana, near Marion, January 31, 1836. He is the third in a family of ten children, six of whom are still living, and his parents were J. M. B. and Mary (Wyant) Miller, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father left Pennsylvania with his wife and two children, came west and located in Grant county, Indiana, where he was one of the prominent pioneer farmers. After clearing a farm in that county, he sold out and went to Wabash county, same State, opening up another farm on what was called the Indian Reserve. There he lived and reared his family. In 1850 he moved from Wabash county to Wapello county, Iowa, and settled on a farm, renting one summer. Then he moved to Lucas county and bought 160 acres of wild land, remaining on it until October, 1853, when he moved to Adams county and settled where Quincy now is. The county commissioners had located the county seat there, and he entered it for half of the lots. The county seat remained there until after the railroad passed through Corning, when by vote of the people it was moved to the latter place. J. M. B. Miller was county Judge of Adams county, and died while serving his second year in that capacity. He was a man of the strictest integrity, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. His home was a general stopping place for many who were seeking homes in the then far West, and at Judge Miller’s they always received a cordial welcome. His death occurred in September, 1855, at the age of forty-eight years. He was a Democrat and an active politician, at all times identified with the best elements of his party. His wife died September 13, 1888, at the age of seventy seven years. Her parents were John and Malinda Wyant, Pennsylvania Germans. Jacob Miller, a brother of the subject of this sketch, enlisted in 1861 in the Fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served with the army of the West. He, with four others of this neighborhood, distinguished themselves at the battle of Pea Ridge, and made a marvelous escape from the enemy. During the siege of Vicksburg he was stricken with small-pox there, and died. His remains are interred at that place. He was never sick a day until his army life began, and when he entered the service was in the bloom of health and weighed over 200 pounds. In honor of him the G. A. R. Post at Briscoe was named Miller Post. W. R. Miller began farming in this county at the age of twenty. After the death of his father he farmed and teamed, hauling goods from St. Joseph, Missouri, Burlington and Council Bluffs and other points. He improved a farm and was largely instrumental in developing the interests of this section of the country. He now owns eighty acres of improved land, located a mile from Briscoe. His building is on the section line, and his farm comprises the south half of the west quarter of section 2. In December, 1880, he moved to Briscoe and opened a general merchandise store, since which time he has been driving a good business, his store being the only one in the place. His success has been noted, his business ability recognized, and he has been sought to fill public places. He was appointed assistant postmaster when the office was established in Briscoe, and has been handling the mail ever since. He has recently been appointed school director for the township; has also held various other offices, always giving entire satisfaction.

Mr. Miller was married April 17, 1857, to Miss Eve Stair, daughter of John and Elizabeth Stair, residents of Indiana. Their three children are C. A., Addie and Nellie. Their son married Emma Lathrop, and now resides on the home farm. Addie is the wife of C. A. Scott, and lives on a farm in Lincoln township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have four children—Lillie, Maud, Flora and Mabel. Mrs. Mider is a member of the United Brethren Church. In his political views Mr. Miller is an Independent.

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JAMES MUNNS, Jr., grain dealer at Corning, was horn in Butler county, Ohio, April 2, 1839, a son of James and Maria (Kitchen) Munns, who came to Adams county in 1860, settling on a farm in Quincy township, near the village of Quincy. They are still living, hale and hearty, on their old homestead.

Mr. Munns, of this sketch, had scarcely attained his majority when he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Thomas H. Benton, Jr., one of the noted men of the State. He went to Council Bluffs, Iowa, St. Joseph, Missouri, and then South; was in the battle of Helena, the expedition up White river, Yazoo Pass expedition, the skirmish in Greenwood, Mississippi, and in many battles and skirmishes around Little Rock. Enlisting as a private, he was afterward promoted to First Sergeant, and Second and First Lieutenant, and served on Solomon’s staff as Division Ordance Officer and Acting Adjutant of his regiment; but fortunately he was never struck by a Rebel bullet.

After the war he followed farming until 1872, when he came to Corning and engaged in the grain trade as an employe and later for himself; and it is safe to say that no one has the confidence and respect of the farming community more than he. He is a prominent member of the G. A. R. and a stalwart Republican. November 23, 1865, he was married to Miss Frances M., daughter of Rev. Joseph A. Lovejoy, a Methodist minister and one of the beloved pioneers and landmarks of the early history of the church in the West. Mr. and Mrs. Munns have bad three children,

namely: Joseph, who died at the age of four years; Charles K., now a young man of brilliant prospects attending the Iowa Agricultural College at Ames; and Ruth Ella, the daughter, is a student in the Corning Academy. Mrs. Munn is a very enthusiastic member of the Congregational Church.

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B. F. MORLEY, of section 27, Grant township, came to this county in 1880. He was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, May 28, 1842, a son of Dennis and Elizabeth (Oxford) Morley, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively. The parents had a family of eleven children, and our subject was among the younger children. He was eleven years of age when the family moved to Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared on a farm, and received his education in the public schools. He served an apprenticeship at the cooper’s trade, and followed the same for eleven years. In 1860 he went to Clayton county, Iowa, where he worked in a stave factory for some time. During the war he enlisted in the Sixteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company B, and took an active part in the battles of Nashville, Goldsboro and Rolla, and was honorably discharged July 19, 1865, at Davenport, Iowa. After the war Mr. Morley returned to Clayton county, where he remained until 1880, when he came to this county and bought the Thomas Delano farm of eighty acres, to which he has since added until he now owns 120 acres of well improved land. He has a good frame house, 16 x 28 feet, one and a half stories high, with an L 14 x 20 feet, one story high, situated on a natural building site and surrounded by shade and ornamental trees. Mr. Morley was married in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, January 30, 1871, to Miss Ruth Sharpnack, who was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of John and Sarah (Antram) Sharpnack, both also natives of Greene county. Mr. and Mrs. Morley have four children: Frank Delmer, born November 15, 1871; Sarah Lizzie, February 27, 1873, now attending school at Lenox; Mary Ida, born March 27, 1875, and

William Nathan, born July 30,1881. Myrtle, the fourth child, died when a babe. Politically Mr. Morley is a Democrat, and socially a member of the G. A. R., Lenox Post, No. No. 316. Religiously both he and his wife were reared in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Morley is yet in the prime of life, frank and cordial in his manner, and a good business man.

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ROBERT ROGERS, of sections 19 and 20, Grant township, is one of the prominent and leading citizens of the township, who settled in Adams county March 5, 1886. He came to Iowa in 1839, when it was yet a territory. He was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, February 27, 1834, a son of Henry and Fannie (Bixler) Rogers, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father’s parents were natives of New Jersey, and of English origin. In 1837 the family bade adieu to Ohio, and started toward the setting sun. They spent eighteen months in Sangamon county, Illinois, where they had relatives, and then came to Linn county, Iowa, having come all the way by teams. They settled nine miles southeast of Cedar Rapids, where they were among the first settlers, and

Bloomington, now Muscatine, was their nearest trading place, some fifty miles distant. At times the family were without flour for months. The father came here with only $2.50, but was a strong man and afterward became well-to-do. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers had nine children, five sons and four daughters.

Robert, our subject, was reared on a frontier farm, and spent many a day in driving ox teams to an old-fashioned breaking plow. He received a limited education in an old log schoolhonse, and at the same time helped his father improve a farm, and later owned a farm of his own. In 1886 he sold his place and came to this county, where he now owns 400 acres of land north of Lenox four miles. His farm is one of the best in Adams county, on which area good frame house, barns, sheds, cribs, feed lots, windmills and a grove of seven acres, planted to maple, poplar, cottonwood and willow trees. Mr. C. W Rogers, with his father, is engaged in the stock and

dairy business, keeping from fifty to sixty cows and 100 head of other cattle, besides horses and hogs.

He was married December 7, 1855, in Linn county, Iowa, to Miss Mary Jane Thomas, a woman of intelligence, who has been a worthy helpmate to her husband, and to whom much of his success in due. She was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of James and Jane (Park) Thomas, both also natives of Pennsylvania, and of English and German extraction. Mrs. Rogers was reared in her native State until sixteen years of age, when her parents came to Linn county, Iowa, where the mother afterward died; the father died in Greene county, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have four children, viz.: Armintha Jane, the wife of Robert Clark, of Taylor county, Iowa; they have two children; Martha Malinda, the wife of David Clark, of Greene county, Iowa; Charles W., who lives on the home farm, married Elizabeth Scott, and has three children; Homer E., also on the home farm, married Myrtle McGraw, and has one child. Mr. Rogers is a Republican in his political views; his father was formerly a Whig. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since March, 1858, as has also his wife. He has filled the positions of class leader, exhorter and Sunday-school superintendent; has also taken an active interest

in education and temperance and in every good cause.

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H. M. WOOD was born in Erie county, New York, October 18, 1830. His ancestors were among the early settlers of New England. His father, James Wood, a native of Massachusetts, was a son of Thomas Wood, who was born in Worthington, that State. The mother of H. M. Wood was Esther (Moon) Wood, a native of Rutland, Vermont, and a daughter of Nathan Moon, also a New Englander. James Wood was born in November, 1790. and Esther, his wife, in July, 1798, and they were married in western New York. They had a family of eight children, four sons and

four daughters. One son, John M., served in the late war as a member of Company C, Thirty-second Iowa Infantry. He is now a resident of Erie county, New York. The parents both died in Erie county, New York, each at about the age of eighty-five years- The mother was a consistent member of the Free Will Baptist Church. The father was a man of intelligence, keen judgment and marked business ability. He cleared some 300 acres of land, conducted a tavern and store and bought and drove cattle, and thus did an extensive business. He was a Whig, and

was active in the political campaigns of his day. He served as county Supervisor, and in 1846 as a member of the State Assembly, performing his public as well as his private duties in a conscientious and earnest manner. In early life he was a member of the Methodist Church, but subsequently united with the Free Will Baptist, and was a deacon in that church at the time of his death. He was a Royal Arch Mason, and a veteran of the war of 1812.

H. M. Wood was reared in his native county, and received his education in the common schools. He assisted his father on the farm and in the hotel and store. In 1851 he went to Wisconsin, and after remaining there a short time went to Will county, Illinois. In the fall of 1852 he settled in Jackson county, Iowa, near Maquoketa, not long afterward returning to Erie county, New York. In 1863 he came west again, this time settling in Black Hawk county, Iowa; thence, in 1867, to Dallas county. After one summer spent there he came to Adams county and settled on wild land, where he has since continued to reside. He now has a fine farm of 120 acres. His two-story residence is located on a natural building site, and is surrounded with ornamental trees and shrubs, making an attractive home. He has a good barn, orchard and grove, and other

substantial improvements.

Mr. Wood has been married three times. November 7, 1852, he wedded Miss Celestia Ward, a native of Wyoming county, New York, and a daughter of Hanibal Ward. She died near Maquoketa, Iowa, in November, 1853, leaving twin daughters, Connelia and Cordelia. The former is now the wife of John Wolf, of Kansas, and the latter died at the age of seven years. In February, 1854, Mr. Wood married Mariett Goodell. who was born in Erie county, New York, daughter of Isaac Goodell; she bore him two children, viz.: Margery M., who died at the age of

four years, and Mary L., wife of William Wolf, of Nebraska City, Nebraska. His second wife died at Waterloo, Black Hawk county, Iowa, November 9, 1863. He was married to his present wife in Black Hawk county, Iowa, in February, 1864. Her maiden name was Julia A. Benight. She was born in Vigo county, Indiana, near Terre Haute, daughter of Guy JR. and Harriette (May") Benight, both natives of New York, and the latter reared and educated in Clark county, Illinois. Both died at the home of Mrs. Wood, the father in Black Hawk county in 1864, and the mother in April, 1880. By his present companion Mr. Wood has had three children, two of whom are living, namely: Esther I., wife of Rev. G. W. Palmer, who has charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Persia, Iowa, and Nellie Frances, wife of S. M. Richie, of Douglas township, this county. Both Mrs. Palmer and Mrs. Richie are accomplished ladies, and have been successful teachers.

Mr. Wood affiliates with the Republican party, and for seven years has served as township clerk. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been a class leader for twenty years; has also served as steward, both district and recording. He was made a Mason in Instruction Lodge, No. 275, of Corning, Iowa, in 1872. Such, in brief, is a sketch of the life of

one of Adams county’s well-known citizens.

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SAMUEL J. McGINNIS, one of Douglas township’s well known citizens, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, August 4, 1833, son of Samuel H. and Exona (Harbour) McGinnis, both natives of Champaign county, Ohio. His father was a son of William McGinnis, of Scotch descent, a

native of Kentucky, and a soldier of the war of 1812, and of Jenny McGinnis, his wife. The mother was a daughter of Elisha Harbour, a native of Virginia and a soldier in the war of 1812. The Harbours were among the first settlers of the Old Dominion. One member of the family was kidnapped in England and brought to America and sold. Samuel H. McGinnis died when the subject of this sketch was a boy, and his wife died in 1853.

Samuel J. was reared on a farm in the county where he was born, receiving his education in the common schools there. In 1854 he came to Jefferson county, Iowa, and remained one season, after which he returned to Ohio. Two years later he came back to Jefferson county and was married. He then settled in Monroe county, Iowa. During the war he enlisted in Company K, Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry. He received injury by a comrade’s ax while they were at work in camp, his right thumb being cut off, and lost the use of his index finger. He also lost another finger from the same hand by erysipelas. For loss thus sustained he now receives a small pension from the Government. In August, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa, after which he returned to his home in Monroe county. In 1866 he moved to Lucas county, this State, where he

lived seven years; thence to Texas; a year later to Jewell county, Kansas, where he took a homestead and lived two years; spent the next year in La Salle county, Illinois, and, returning to Jewell county, Kansas, lived there three years longer. At the end of that time he sold out and came to Adams county, Iowa, and purchased from Frank M. Davis the eighty-acre farm on which he now lives.

Mr. McGinnis was married in Jefferson county, Iowa, November 19, 1857, to Miss Sarah D. Andrew, who was born in that county eight years before Iowa was brought into the Union, her birth occurring November 8, 1838. She is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Gaut) Andrew. her father was a native of North Carolina, settled in Iowa about 1836, and died in Lucas county,

this State, at the age of eighty years. Her mother was a descendant of Irish ancestry, and she, too, lived to be an octogenarian, her death occurring in Texas.

Mr. and Mrs. McGinnis have four children, namely: Elizabeth Alfie, wife of Charles McKernon, Douglas township, this county; Mary Alice, wife of John Richeg, also of Douglas township, and was before her marriage engaged in teaching; and Ora Matella and William H., at home. Politically Mr. McGinnis is an Independent. He is a member of Llewellyn Post, G. A. R., Corning, Iowa. He and his wife and daughter Ora M. are members of the United Brethren Church, of which he is a trustee.

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LEVI P. WILLITS, of section 33, Grant township, is the owner of Lawn Field, one of the most beautiful homes in Adams county, Iowa. He came here in October, 1871, where he has since resided and made his home, and is one of the most prominent citizens of the county. He was born in Wayne county, Indiana, November 12, 1841, a son of James Monroe Willits who was also born in Wayne county, and his parents in Rhode Island. The parents had seven sons and two daughters. The mother of our subject was Sarah (Myers) Willits, a native of Ohio. The parents were married in Wayne county, Indiana, and afterward, in 1844, moved to Mercer county, Illinois, where the mother died when Levi was six years old. The father afterward married again, and is still living at the age of seventy three years. He has been a farmer all his

life, mainly grazing of late. In his political views he is a Republican.

L. P. Willits, our subject, was reared on a Mercer county farm, and received his education in the public schools of that county. During the late war he enlisted, in December, 1863, in the Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel R. J. Oglesby, and took an active part in several raids and skirmishes in the vicinity of Vicksburg, Memphis, Fort Blakely; was on patrol duty at Mobile, and also at the magazine explosion at that city. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war, after which he returned to Mercer county, and remained until 1871, when he came to this county. He first bought 120 acres of wild land, to which he has since added until he now owns

240 acres of well improved land. He has a good frame house, built in 1890, which is 16 x 26 feet, two stories high, with an L 12 x 18 feet, one story, and is surrounded by shade and ornamental trees, shrubs, groves, vineyards and orchards, all of which are laid out with artistic skill and taste. He has about twenty acres in groves and orchards. The place is a favorite resort for picnics for miles around. Lawn Field is a model and beautiful home, where the genial proprietor and his wife are blest with the comforts of life, and where hospitality is dispensed to all.

Mr. Willits was married in Mercer county, Illinois, March 16, 1871, to Miss Maria Shields, who was born in that county, a daughter of William and Lucy (Wilson) Shields, the former a native of Wayne county, Indiana, and the latter of Quincy, Illinois. The father settled in Mercer county in 1839, where he was among the pioneer settlers, and both parents are now living near New Boston, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Willits have five children—Victor B., Britt L., Dottie, Glenn and Blaine. Politically Mr. Willits is a Republican, and socially a member of the G. A. R. Post, No. 816, of which he was a charter member. His bugle calls can generally be heard on quiet evenings, and he also has a martial band of four pieces in the family. He has served as Constable, and in other offices in the county.

PAGE 259

HAMILTON WHITE, president of the Red Oak Sanitarium, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1884, received his education mostly at Muskingum College, Ohio, and at the age of seventeen years began teaching school and followed that profession for some time. In 1857 he settled at Peoria, Illinois, where he resided until 1866. During the war he was a successful recruiting officer, assisting in raising the Seventy-seventh Illinois Infantry; but on account of one lung he could not bear the hardships of a soldier’s life. In 1867 he came to Red Oak and engaged in teaching a select school. For a year he was an instructor in Amity College, Page county, this State; then until 1877 he was engaged in mercantile business at Red Oak; next he was interested in mining in Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona; and as an organizer and seller of

stock he was very successful. At one time he was associated with ex-Governor Stone of Iowa in mining stock and mining enterprises. Finally, in 1890, he came to Red Oak and originated and opened the grand Sanitarium, which will presently be described.

Mr. White was married at Newark, Knox county, Ohio, in 1855, to Miss Ellen I. Gill, an educated and refined lady, and they have ten children, five of whom are living, namely: Ida May, an artist of talent, well and favorably known; Bessie, who is now the wife of L. W. Evans, of Red Oak; Ella, a teacher of painting; J. H. and Charles. Mr. White is a Democrat and a temperance lecturer. As a Democrat he has been an active worker, at one time canvassing twenty counties in the interests of his party. He is a model citizen.

PAGE 259 Montgomery Co. Historical building

THE RED OAK SANITARIUM was opened in June, 1890, in connection with the Crystal Springs, whose waters are highly medicinal. As analyzed by the eminent Professor A. B. Prescott, of Michigan University, the water contains 10 1/2 grains of bicarbonate of sodium to the gallon, 31 1/2 grains of bicarbonate of calcium, with smaller proportions of other bicarbonates, besides sulphates and chlorides, and an abundance of carbonic acid gas,—thus being similar to the famous Bethesda water of Waukesha, Wisconsin, except that it contains about twice the amount of mineral matter, making it that much more effectual as a medicine. Of course long ere this these waters have been tried, with uniform good results, and sometimes with extraordinarily good results.

The main building cost $20,000 and is furnished with all the modern improvements of a first-class sanitarium. Including the bath house, it presents a frontage of 126 feet; and the eastern frontage, including the rear addition, has a total of ninety feet, while a flag floats upon the tower nearly a hundred feet above the basement floor. Extensive verandas adorn the building. Just west of the main building and connected with it by a covered passage, is a large three-story bath house, the upper floor of which is devoted to the Turkish bath. The grounds are not yet complete in their ornamentation, but the work is going on as rapidly as practicable. A wind engine stationed at the foot of the hill near the springs elevates a sufficient supply of water to a large tank elevated some distance above the building; and the water, being soft and slightly alkaline, is used for all purposes throughout the establishment. The medical and surgical department of the sanitarium is under the management of competent physicians and surgeons, who give daily and nightly attention to its inmates. This institution is controlled by a stock company, of whom Hamilton White is president; W. W. Marshall, treasurer and R. M. Roberts, secretary, with an authorized capital of $100,000 .

PAGE 260

JAMES BARRY.—No better farmer, perhaps, is to be found in Adams county than the subject of this sketch. He is a true Irishman, remodeled on the American plan. He knows a good farm, has made one and understands keeping it in order. As a progressive and enterprising citizen he has few equals in his township.

Mr. Barry was born in county Wicklow, Ireland, November 7, 1825. lie came from the Emerald Isle to America in 1866, landing in Quebec and going from there to Utica, New York, being accompanied by his wife and seven months old child. In Utica he worked three years and a half in a woolen factory. In 1870 he came to Clinton county, Iowa, and farmed on one place eight years. He then came to Adams county, to the place where he now resides in Washington township. First he bought eighty acres, to which he subsequently added three other eighties, the whole comprising a half section of Adams county’s richest soil. Here he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. His house is conveniently located on the section road, and is sheltered and beautified by a fine grove.

In Ireland, January 7, 1865, Mr. Barry wedded Miss Catherine Smith, daughter of Patrick and Lucy Smith, both of whom died on their native Isle. Ten children have been added to this union, six of whom are living, as follows: Anna, wife of T. T. Waters; Sarah, wife of T. S. Hatton, has two children, William and Thomas; Patrick; James, Katie and Michael. Mr. and Mrs. Barry are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is Democratic.

PAGE 260

JOHN HOUCK, deceased, was one of the prominent early settlers of Adams county, Iowa. A biography of him will be found of interest to many, and is as follows:

John Houck was born in Germany, May 17, 1820, son of John and Anna Elizabeth (Neff) Houck. His father died when our subject was a small boy and his mother was subsequently married to Michael Doefenbaugh. He received a good German education. When he was seventeen years old the family came to America and settled in Dearborn county, Indiana. There some years later he was united in marriage with Ernestine Amdor, who was born in Germany, July 8, 1825, daughter of Michael and Mary Sophia (Nebergall) Amdor, both natives of Germany. At the age of twelve years she came with her parents to America, and in Dearborn county, Indiana, was reared and educated.

In 1849 Mr. Houck moved to Marion county, Iowa, where he improved a farm and resided until 1852. In that year he came with his family to Adams county and settled on a large farm in section 6, Quincy township. The years 1859 and 1860 he spent at Pike’s Peak. Returning to Adams county, he opened a store at Quincy which he successfully conducted for ten years. Failing health compelled him to retire from business, and the remaining years of his life were spent on his farm, where he died October 20, 1880. He left a widow and eight children, six of

whom are now living, viz.: John W., Henry, Joseph, Frank, George and Mary,wife of Frank Stewart. Five of their children are deceased: William, who was a soldier of the late war; Bennett, Albert, Orren and Ellen Powell. Before the war Mr. Houck was a Democrat, but after the organization of the Republican party he gave his earnest support to it. He was a most worthy citizen, honored and esteemed by all who knew him.

PAGE 261

ROBERT WALTHALL, a farmer and stock-raiser of Mercer township, was born in Greene county, Ohio, in August, 1840, the son of Alfred H. and Catherine (Byran) Walthall. The former was a son of Alexander Walthall, a native of Virginia, and the mother was the daughter of Thomas Bryan, also a native of Virginia, and a pioneer of Ohio, where Mrs. Walthall was born. Our subject was reared on a farm, received his education in the common schools, and resided with his parents until the breaking out of the late war, enlisting October 9, 1861, in Company A, Seventy-Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was detailed to guard prisoners at Columbus until the following April, when he went south and participated in the following hard-fought battles: Fort Donelson, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Buzzard’s Roost, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, after which, on account of disability, he was incapacitated from active duty in the front, and was detailed in guarding prisoners in Washington city and Point Lookout, Maryland, serving in this capacity until the expiration of his term of enlistment. He was honorably discharged October 9, 1864.

Returning to his Ohio home he rented a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married September 6, 1865, to Miss Sally McKillip, a native of Fayette county, Ohio, and a daughter of James and Rachel (Mills) McKillip, natives of Ohio. James McKillip’s parents were natives of North Carolina, and Mrs. McKillip’s of Kentucky. The grandfather Mills was born in Mason county, Kentucky, and emigrated with his father’s family to Ohio in 1796, Where they erected the first house in Greene county. He there grew to manhood, and afterward figured conspicuously in Ohio’s political affairs, and was one of the signers of the constitution of that State. Mr. and Mrs. Walthall are the parents of three children—Octavia, the wife of Robert McKay, Ulysses S. and Ardilla.

After his marriage Mr. Walthall followed farming in Ohio until 1876, when he came to Adams county, Iowa. He purchased 160 acres of wild land, which he has improved, and has one of the most substantial homes in the county. He makes a specialty of raising short-horn cattle, high-grade of horses and thoroughbred swine. He has served in many local offices of trust and responsibility, with honor to himself and credit to his constituents. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Instruction Lodge, No. 275. Politically he is a Republican.

PAGE 261

CHARLES CAROTHERS was born in Wayne county, New York, January 23, 1826, son of John Carothers, a native of New York, and a grandson of Robert Carothers. The grandfather was in Sodus Point, New York, at the time the British fired that town. The Carothers family came from Scotch and Irish ancestry. John Carothers married Anna Mason, a native of the Empire State. Her father, Isaac Mason, was also a native of New York, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.

The subject of our sketch was a lad of twelve years when his parents moved to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, and settled near Meadville. In 1841 they moved to a place near Galesburg, Knox county, Illinois, becoming pioneers of the then far West. The parents passed the rest of their lives there and died, the mother at the age of forty-eight years and the father, seventy. They had a family of six sons and four daughters. The father was a farmer all his life. He had always voted the Democratic ticket until the presidential election of 1840, when he gave his support to General William Henry Harrison. Charles was fifteen when the family moved to Illinois. His education was received in the common schools of New York, Pennsylvania and Illinois and completed at Alleghany College, Meadville, Pennsylvania. For several years he was engaged in teaching in New York, Pennsylvania and Iowa.

In 1868 Mr. Carothers came to Adams county and settled on 120 acres of rich bottom land in section 21, Douglas township. Here he has continued to reside, engaged in general farming and stock-raising. The fine appearance of his well improved farm indicates that the hand of toil has been well directed and backed by good judgment.

Mr. Carothers was married, at the age of twenty-eight, in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, to Miss Alfreda H. Ellis, a native of Maine. When nine years of age she removed with her parents to Pennsylvania, where she was reared and educated. Her parents, John and Susan (Ford) Ellis, are both deceased, the mother having died in Pennsylvania and the father in Maine while on a visit to that State. Following is the issue from this union: Helen, wife of Sam Billingsley, Marshall county, Kansas; John E., Council Bluffs, Iowa; Ford Mason, Cowlitz county, Washington; Anna, wife of P. D. Hawkins, Shenandoah, Iowa; C. Grant, of McPherson county, Kansas; Minnie G., Charles E., Bird L., Milo D. and Fred P., at home. Three of the children, C. Grant, Mrs. Billingsley and Mrs. Hawkins, have become efficient and popular teachers. Mr. Carothers voted for Fremont and has been a member of the Republican party ever since its organization. He has served as township trustee, township clerk and Justice of the Peace. Both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church.

PAGE 262

J. H. REED, Jr., a farmer of section 27, Grant township, Adams county (post-office Lenox), settled there in March, 1884, coming from Taylor county, where he had resided since 1869. He was born in Morgan county, Ohio, September 6, 1852, the son of J. H. Reed, Sr., a well-to-do farmer and an old settler of Taylor county, Iowa, and was also an Ohioan by birth and education. Mr. Reed's mother, whose name before marriage was Adaline Hurd, was born in Rhode Island, and died when her son was three years of age. The father married again in 1856. He settled in Iowa, south of Creston, as a pioneer there, and resided there until 1869, when he moved to Taylor county, locating in Platte township, where he now owns a fine farm of 700 acres.

Mr. Reed, whose name heads this sketch, was reared to farm life. In 1884 he settled on section 26, Grant township, Adams county, then wild land, improved it and made a fine farm. He prospered, and in time purchased more land, until he now owns 480 acres of rich land. He is also the owner of three dwelling-houses, besides the complement of stables and other equipments of a well ordered farm. Every feature of his premises is an evidence of thrift and good taste. In the spring of 1891 he occupied his present dwelling, purchased of Joseph Weech, on land that was first improved by Mr. Ralston. On national questions Mr. Reed is a Republican.

He was married September 8, 1872, to Mary E. Clapinger, who was born in Lee county, Iowa, and reared in Taylor county, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (McVey) Clapinger, who were early settlers of Taylor county. They have two sons - George Leroy and Ross Hurd.

PAGE 263

JAMES GARRETT, who resides on a farm of 160 acres in section 19, Carl township, Adams county, is one of the well-known citizens of this community.

Mr. Garrett was born at Paterson, New Jersey, in 1837, son of John Garrett, who was born in county Tyrone, Ireland. His father was a weaver by trade, and after coming to America established the looms at Paterson, New Jersey. He was a man of education and marked business ability, and for some years was successfully engaged in business at Paterson. Owing, however, to a combination of circumstances over which he had no control, he failed. He then moved to Ohio and settled on the St. Mary's river, at St. Mary's; where he engaged in the general merchandise business, selling goods to the laborers who were at work on the great reservoir. He subsequently moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where his death occurred, at the age of forty-six years. The mother of our subject was before her marriage a Miss Margaret McCristell. She, too, was a native of county Tyrone, Ireland. Her death occurred at St. Mary's, Ohio, when James was eight years old.

Mr. Garrett was reared in Ohio and Indiana, and received his education in those States. In early boyhood he assisted his father in the store, and later worked on a farm. During the war he enlisted, in January, 1865, in the One Hundred and Forty-Ninth Indiana (Park county) Infantry Volunteers, Company I. After a service of six months he was honorably discharged on account of disability. He contracted a severe cold, which settled in his throat and lungs, and from the effects of which he has never recovered. He now receives a pension. After the war he came to Adams county, Iowa, and purchased the farm on which he has ever since lived. This land was all wild then, and Mr. Garrett states that deer would frequently come to his barn-yard and eat corn and hay. He is now comfortably fixed and his farm is well improved.

February 22, 1860, Mr. Garrett married Miss Martha Ann Harlan, daughter of Joshua Harlan, a native of Ohio, and a second cousin of Senator Harlan. Her mother was Sarah Maddock. She was a native of Virginia, and died at Mrs. Garrett's in 1888, aged seventy-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Garrett have seven children, viz.: Edward Grant, who is married and lives in Carl township, this county; Oliver P., Sarah, Margaret M., Oscar, Nancy E. and Daisy Willard. Margaret M. is a successful and popular teacher. Two of their children died in infancy. July 31, 1862, Mr. Garrett enlisted in Company D, Seventy-Eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and was captured at Uniontown, Kentucky. He is a member of the G. A. R., Post No. 334, of Mount Etna, and is Quartermaster of the Post. He and his wife and children are members of the Baptist Church.

PAGE 264

JOSEPH HOUCK is a native of Marion county, Iowa, born October 27, 1852, son of John Houck, deceased, a prominent pioneer of this county, and Ernestine (Amdor) Houck.

Joseph was not yet a year old when his parents moved to Adams county. Here on the old homestead he grew to manhood. He received his education in the old schoolhouse that stood on the farm he now owns. At the age of seventeen he entered his father's store in Quincy, and there received the benefit of a practical business education. In 1874 he commenced farming on eighty acres of land. By industry and judicious management he has been successful in his operations. He was soon enabled to purchase other lands and is now the owner of 565 acres. His home place, in section 1, Douglas township, consists of 390 acres and is one of the best farms in the county. He has 160 acres in Lincoln township, section 34, and fifteen acres in timber.

Mr. Houck has one among the best rural homes in the county. His residence was erected in 1887, at a cost of $2,000; is 30 x 30 feet, two stories, with cellar under the whole, and is built on a wall of solid rock. On the west are a pantry and poarch, 8 x 24 feet. It is situated on a natural plateau and is surrounded by a beautiful lawn, dotted over with evergreens and shrubs and flowers, and both the interior and exterior surroundings indicate the taste and refinement of the family. Two large barns, other outbuildings, stock scales, a beautiful grove of twelve acres and a five-acre orchard make the farm complete in all its appointments. The place is well watered by springs and streams and is particularly adapted to stock purposes. Mr. Houck has given much attention to stock-raising, and during the past twelve months sold $6,000 worth of stock.

He was married January 7, 1875, to Miss Mary A. Stuart, a lady of culture and refinement, who was born in Virginia and reared in Mercer county, Illinois. Her father, Thomas Stuart, died in Virginia, and her mother, nee Eliza Martin, is now Mrs. Johnson and resides in Omaha. Mr. and Mrs. Houck have six children, Edith, Homer, Jessie, Arthur, Grace and Floyd. He is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Such, in brief, is a sketch of one of Douglas township's best citizens.

PAGE 254

IRVIN POLSON, one of the prominent and wealthy citizens of Adams county, Iowa, was born in Garrett county, Kentucky , January 23, 1814 . His father, John Polson, was a native of Maryland and a minute-man during the Revolutionary war. The Polsons trace their ancestry back to the first Norwegians that settled in the United States . John Polson married Martha Briant, who was born in Virginia, daughter of Benjamin Briant, also of the Old Dominion. When Irvin, their son, was a lad of ten years they moved to Harrison county, Indiana, and later to Washington county, same State. They had a family of seven sons and one daughter. The mother died at the age of eighty years and subsequent to her death the father came to Iowa . The latter passed away in Marion county, aged ninety-five years, eleven months and six days.

Irvin Polson spent his youth on a farm in the Hoosier State , receiving a limited education in the primitive log schoolhouse of that period. In 1852 he came to Marion county, Iowa , and settled on what was then the frontier. Crossing the Mississippi river at Keokuk, he remained for a short time in Salem , Henry county, before locating in Marion county. His has been a useful and active life. For many years he was engaged in buying and selling lands and dealing extensively in stock. He was also engaged in the general merchandise business for years. Long before the advent of the railroad in these parts he bought cattle and hogs and frequently drove them 100 miles to a shipping point. At one time he drove 1,000 hogs to Ottumwa , a distance of sixty-five miles. At another time, by virtue of his being one of the most extensive shippers in that part of the State, he received from the railroad company a rebate of $750. Mr. Polson continued to reside in Marion county until 1879, when he sold his interests there, came to Adams county and purchased 400 acres of land in Carl township, where he has since made his home.

He was married, at the age of twenty-two years, to Miss Polly Radcliff, who has proved herself a most worthy companion and helpmate. She was born in Washington county, Indiana, daughter of David and Rachel Elizabeth (Brown) Radcliff, both natives of Christian county, Kentucky . Her parents died in Washington county, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Polson have had ten children, as follows: Martha Jane, wife of John Davis, of Buffalo county, Nebraska; Cyrus, of Marion county, Iowa; John T., Marion county, Iowa; Nancy, wife of William H. H. Brown, of Adams county, Iowa; Clarra, wife of James Swim, of Prescott, Iowa; David of Carl township, this county; Irvin, Jr., of Marion county, Iowa; Wike P., Marion county; Stephen, at home. One son, Charles V., was killed by an accident, aged thirty-five years. He left a widow and children. Mr. Polson and his wife have about twenty-five grandchildren. Politically he is a Republican, as also are his seven sons one of whom, John T., served as a member of Company G, Fortieth Iowa Infantry, during the late war.

PAGE 265

JOHN H. McCUNE, an old settler residing near Mount Etna, Adams county, Iowa, was born in Morgan county, Ohio, in 1886. His parents, Samuel and JNancy McCune, were native; of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively. Samuel McCune left Pennsylvania with his father’s family when a young man and settled on a farm in Morgan county, Ohio. There he spent his life,

engaged in agricultural pursuits, and died in 1869, aged sixty-six years. He was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal 'Church, as is also his wife. The latter is now eighty-three years of age, and, with the exception of having lost her eye-sight, is well preserved.

Mr. McCune began life for himself at the age of twenty-five years. In November, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Seventy-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was with the army of the Tennessee and participated in many important engagements, including the memorable march with Sherman to the sea. His discharge dates July, 1865, after a service of three years, eight months and eleven days. During that time he was never wounded or taken prisoner. The war over, he engaged in farming, and has ever since followed that occupation. He moved to his present location, half a mile north of Mount Etna, in 1867. Here he owns sixty acres of land and has a pleasant home. His chief product is corn, although his land is well adapted to anything that grows in this latitude.

Mr. McCune was married January 1, 1862, to Miss Hannah Roberts, daughter of John A. and Margaret (Steele) Roberts, of Muskingum county, Ohio. Both parents are deceased. The father died in 1863, at the age of sixty-five years, and the mother in 1857, aged forty-seven. They had nine children, seven of whom are yet living. The father was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. McCune have four children, namely: Anna L., Gertie, Charles and Frank. Anna L. is the wife of James Leach, of Creston, Iowa, and Gertie is the wife of Enoch E. Burrus, of Corning. Mr. and Mrs. Burrus have two children, Bessie and Milo.

Mrs. McCune and her younger daughter are members of the Evangelical Church. Mr. McCune is a member of the G. A. R. Post.

PAGE 266

J B. GERARD, an agriculturist of section 5, Mercer township, was born February 22, 1823, in Lorraine, France, and learned and followed the cabinet trade there. In 1848 he emigrated to America, landing at New Orleans with the Icarian community. Then for twelve years he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois, where in 1856 he married Theodorine Othello, who joined the community that year. She was a native of Geneva, Switzerland. After a connection with the community of Iowa for three years, Mr. Gerard, in 1863, withdrew from it and engaged in farming, which he has followed ever since. In that year he purchased sixty-five acres if Adams county where he now resides, and by the industry and good judgment of himself and wife and the help of good children he has made a comfortable home, and even laid the foundation for a small fortune. His place is three and a half miles east of Corning.

He has had eight children, all boys and living, who have received an average farmer's education. Six of them are farmers (five on their father's farm of 600 acres); one is a miner in the Black Hills, and the youngest is a pupil of the Corning high school.

PAGE 266

GEORGE W. IDEN, a farmer of Prescott, Iowa, was born July 20, 1846, in Owen county, Indiana, the son of Samuel and Tabitha Iden, both natives of Ohio. They were the parents of six children, five of whom survive. George received his early education in the common schools of Indiana, and also in the academy at Bourbon, Marshall county. At the age of twenty one years he began teaching, his first school being in Tippecanoe township, that county, and since then he has been engaged in the some vocation in Indiana and Iowa. He arrived in this State March 13, 1875, locating first in Prescott township, Adams county, where he bought a tract of eighty acres of land on section 9, three fourths of a mile north of Prescott, which he subsequently sold. He now owns an eighty acre farm in Prescott township, but lives in the village.

Politically Mr. Iden affiliates with the Republican party.

He was married August 20, 1874, to Miss Eva Burch, who was born in Whitley county, Indiana, November 7, 1853, the daughter of Henry and Susan Burch, natives of Ohio. They have one child.

The ancestors of Mr. Iden were English, who emigrated to America in 1682, coming to this country in the same vessel that brought William Penn. The Idens and the Browns being related by marriage, the Browns remained in Penn colony, while the Idens removed to Loudoun county, Virginia, where many of the family still remain. The great-grandfather of George Iden served as an officer in the American Revolution, losing his life in the service of his country. He also saw service with Daniel Boone. His grandparents were married in 1812, and moved to Ohio in February, 1814, crossing the Ohio river on the ice, on the same day that the battle of New Orleans was being fought. They settled where Hanover now stands, by building a log cabin in the then wilderness. Ten years afterward they removed a few miles from their first location, where they continued to reside until their death, at a rather advanced age: the wife outliving her husband, dying at the age of ninety-three years.

PAGE 267

P. H. BEVINS, Treasurer of Adams county, was born in Warren county, New York, in 1840. His father, Alva Bevins, a native of Vermont, was a lumber merchant and came to Iowa in the early ’50s, and was killed in the army when a member of Company E, Hinth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, at Pea Ridge, Arkansas. Mr. Bevins, of this sketch, grew up to manhood in New York,completing his education at McGregor Academy. After following the milling business in Illinois until 1870, he came to Corning and entered the mercantile trade. Was for a long period postmaster at this point, and then in 1882 resumed business as a flour and feed merchant. In November, 1889, he was elected on the Democratic ticket as County Treasurer, and the duties of this office he is now fulfilling with entire satisfaction to the public.

PAGE 267

WILLIAM HARRISON HOXIE, editor and proprietor of the Adams county Gazette , was born in Lee county, Iowa, in 1840, of New England stock; his parents, Benjamin T. and Ruth (Peck) Hoxie, were natives of New York and remotely of English ancestry. At an early age he returned East and was fairly educated in the seminaries of Vermont and later in the Baptist College of Des Moines, Iowa. He began life for himself as a clerk and later as a newsboy; he learned the printer’s trade, and at length became editor of the Commonwealth at Des Moines. During the war he enlisted first with the Fremont men, then for three years in Company D, Second Iowa, Colonel Crocker. This was the first regular regiment to leave the State for active service. He was first assigned for duty in Fremont’s expedition to Bird’s Point and afterward was at various places in Missouri, Kentucky, etc. At the siege of Fort Donelson his regiment was accorded a distinction enjoyed by no other. He was also at the siege of Corinth and in the rest of that campaign; was promoted Captain of Company B, Seventeenth Iowa Infantry, and served with distinction. Afterward, on the organization, he was appointed Captain of Company M, Eighth Iowa Cavalry, and took part in the services of that regiment. At Altoona Pass a ball struck his eye, and he received altogether seven wounds, but he stuck to his post to the end of the war. Few soldiers can show a better record for bravery and devotion to the flag. In 1875 he was honorably discharged, but lie continued in the Quartermaster’s department of the regular army at Fort Leavenworth until 1868, and since then he has been at his present post. He is also Pension Agent, is a prominent member of the G. A. R. and F. & A. M. He has reared a family of children and is spending the evening of life in content.

He was married to Ellen M. Peck, of Nashville,Tennessee. Hiis children are: Ruth M., Herbert Oscar, William L. and Clay E.

PAGE 268

ERNEST A. SCHOLZ, a prominent merchant at Corning, was born in Germany, in 1848, a son of Frederick E. Scholz, and was brought to America at the age of six years, when his parents located in Racine, Wisconsin. At an early age he began life as a clerk. In 1870 he commenced business in Chicago, but was burned out in the great fire of October, 1871. In 1879 he came to Corning and engaged in business as a dry-goods merchant, becoming a member of the firm of

Scholz Bros. In 1883 he succeeded to the business alone; but it is now conducted under the firm name of E. A. Scholz & Co., they having recently admitted as a partner Edward E. Ellsworth, a brother-in-law, who is a native of New York and has been engaged in mercantile pursuits ever since he was a youth. In 1884 he married Miss Lydia M. Scholz, and they have one son, named Ernest Elmer. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is also a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Mr. Scholz was married, in 1878, to Miss Mary C. Schneider, a native of Chicago, Illinois. He is vice-president of the Corning State Savings Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Scholz are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. On national questions Mr. Scholz is a decided Republican. lie owns an elegant residence, which he occupies on Fifth and Groves streets. He enjoys great prosperity in his business.

PAGE 268

FRANK H. SCRANTON, D. D. S., a prominent member of professional circles in Adams county, Iowa, is a native of Perry, Wyoming county, JNew York, born in the year 1854. lie is the oldest of three sons of Hugh M. and Lucy B. (Hicks) Scranton, who are also natives of the “ Empire ” State. The paternal grandparents emigrated from Vermont to New York at an early day, and were among the pioneers of the western portion of the State, locating in Wyoming county; the grandfather’s name was Orrin Scranton, and he was a farmer by occupation; he died about the year 1872. Hugh M. Scranton was born in Wyoming county, New York, received his education in the common schools, and in 1849 began the study of dentistry; he finished his course, and since that time has been in practice in Perry, New York. In 1871 he was appointed postmaster of Perry and is the present incumbent of that office, discharging his duties to the entire satisfaction of the public. Mrs. Scranton is an honored member of the Presbyterian Church of Perry.

Dr. Frank H. Scranton passed his boyhood and youth amid the scenes of his birth at Perry, New York, and choosing the profession of his father, began the study under his direction. In 1872 he entered into practice with his father, which he continued successfully until 1878, when he came to Corning; here he has won a large patronage, the result of careful and conscientious labor; he has never given up the studious habits of his earlier days, and but recently took a postgraduate course in Chicago at the Chicage Post-Graduate School of Prosthetic Dentistry; he has also done some special study under Dr. E. F. Wilson, a noted dentist of Rochester, New York.

In December, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Chapin, a native of Perry, New York. She was at that time visiting friends in Adams county.

Dr. Scranton was for two years chief of the fire department of Corning. He owns a nice residence in the city, which he Has recently remodeled, and where he and his family are surrounded with all the comforts of modern civilization.

PAGE 269

DR. CHARLES A. HILLWEG, of Corning, was born in Muscatine, Iowa, June 26, 1856, the son of Rev. P. and Martha (Danker) Hillweg. His father was a German Methodist Episcopal minister, who is now retired after thirty-two years of service, and his mother is also still living; they are residing in this State. Mr. Hillweg finished his education at the Platteville Wisconsin State Normal School, then taught school one year, began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. H. T. Snyder, and finally graduated, in 1878, at the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago. He began practice in Iowa, then followed his profession in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and in 1886 established himself in Corning. His thoroughness and conscientiousness soon brought him a large patronage, as he is one of the best representatives of his school in this part of the State.

Of course he is recognized as a sufficiently well qualified physician by the State Board of Health. He is also a practicing surgeon. In Chicago, in 1878, he married Miss A. E. Hastings, a native of Canada, and they have three children. One daughter, M. Irene, died at the age of eight years: Charles M. U. and Aileen I. are living.

In his political views Dr. Hillweg is a stalwart Republican. At present he is chairman of the County Central Committee.

PAGE 269

C. W. BAINTER, one of the enterprising citizens of Corning, Adams county, Iowa, was born in Hancock county, Illinois, in 1861, and is the third of a family of five children. His parents, T. J. and Panina (Moore) Bainter, are natives of the Buckeye State, and in 1889 they removed to Kansas, and now reside in Osborne county. Both the paternal and maternal grandparents were pioneer settlers of Ohio; but in later life removed to Illinois, where they again endured the privations incident to the settlement of the frontier. They located in Hancock county, aud were among the most extensive agriculturists of that section, where they passed the remainder of their days. The parents of our subject were reared in Illinois, receiving their education in the

common schools, and were married there. They now reside in Kansas, the father being

engaged in farming.

C. W. Bainter passed his youth in Illinois, dividing his time between the duties of his father’s farm and attending the public schools. Upon attaining his majority in 1880 he came to Iowa, and spent one year in Washington county. He then went to Kansas, and at the end of two years he returned to Illinois, remaining in his childhood home for five years. He then made another trip

to Kansas, and after a short stay there, located permanently in Corning, Iowa. In November, 1891, he purchased his present livery stable, which is one of the best equipped in the county. He has good horses and first class vehicles, and is able to accommodate all classes of custom.

Mr. Bainter was married at Corning, Iowa, in May, 1891, to Miss Laura Denison, a native of Iowa, and a daughter of McDowell Denison, an early settler of this State, but at present a citizen of Kansas.

PAGE 270

C. H. ELMENDORF, dealer in real estate, Corning was born in Brooklyn, New York, the youngest son of Rev. Anthony Elmendorf, D. D., and Sarah (Clark) Elmendorf. Dr. Elmendorf was of Holland-Dutch parentage, was born and reared in Kingston, Ulster county, New York, and graduated at both Rutgers College and Rutgers Theological Seminary. While pursuing his studies at New Brunswick he made the acquaintance of, and married, Sarah Clark, of English extraction and a descendant of the famous Drake family. Dr. Elmendorf was a prominent minister of the Reformed Dutch Church, and during the last twelve years of his life founded, and was the pastor of the North Reformed Dutch Church of Brooklyn, New York, one of the largest and prosperous congregations in the "City of Churches."

On the death of Dr. Elmendorf in 1865, the surviving members of the family removed to New Brunswick, New Jersey, to the old Clark homestead. The subject of our sketch remained in New Brunswick for seven years, during which time he received his education at Rutgers College Grammar School. In 1873 he was obliged to abandon his chosen profession, his eyes having failed from over-study, and he determined upon a business life. For four years and a half he engaged in the wholesale paper trade in New York City, receiving a valuable business education, in the house of J. F. Anderson, Jr., & Co., one of the best and strongest in the city. At this time he made the acquaintance of George W. Frank, of the firm of George W. Frank & Darrow, bankers and negotiators of western loans, 167 Broadway, New York, and Corning, Iowa, and this acquaintance led to an engagement with them in their New York city office. After nine months in this capacity Mr. Elmendorf came to Corning to enter into a partnership with Mr. George W. Frank's son, Augustus (Second), as a dealer in real estate, under the firm name of Frank & Elmendorf. The firm were placed in charge of a large amount of property I Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska, and conducted the business with profit to themselves and to the advantage of their many patrons.

In February, 1886, the firm of Frank & Elmendorf was dissolved, and in April following Mr. Elmendorf removed to Kearney, Nebraska, where he engaged in the real-estate business, negotiating many transactions of magnitude and importance. He has also engaged in stock-raising on a large scale, his well-known herd of fine-bred Herefords ranking among the best in the land.

During his residence in Adams county he materially aided in starting and maintaining the Adams County Agricultural Fair Association, of which he was President for the first and second years. The existence and present healthy condition of this association are largely due to his energy, enterprise and executive ability. Mr. Elmendorf married Jeanie Frank, only daughter of George W. Frank, in September, 1880, and has four living children: George Frank, Edward, Eleanor and Margaret. At present the family make their home in Kearney, Nebraska; but as Mr. Elmendorf still has land interests in Adams county, it is possible that they will at some future time resume their residence in Corning.

PAGE 271

WILLIAM THOMAS SHAFER, marble cutter at Corning, was born in Marion, Ohio, in 1860, the son of Charles B. and Lydia A. Shafer. His father, a native of Ohio, moved to Kansas in 1869, where he spent the remainder of his life; Mrs. Lydia Shafer is still living. Mr. W. T. Shafer, our subject, was reared on a farm and educated in the Peru (Kansas) high school; and spent five years teaching and caring for the home, then mastered the art of marble cutting. In 1889 he came to Corning and continued his vocation, as a member of the firm of Shafer Bros. Not content with the old designs and ideas, of which the people become weary, this firm is constantly discovering something new. It was by their observation and development that the possibilities of the Corning stone were discovered. What had been deemed worthless by all others for their purpose was shown to be a stone of the very finest quality. It was first brought into prominence at the Blue Grass Exposition of 1890, where their display attracted the attention of all visitors. Their skill and square dealing are bearing their legitimate fruits in a constantly growing trade. Mr. W. T. Shafer is still unmarried, is a member of the Congregational Church and of the order of Odd Fellows.

PAGE 271

ALLEN H. CHAFFEE, contractor and builder of Corning, was born in Vermont, in 1834, a son of Harry and Annie (Allen) Chaffee, natives also of the Green Mountain State; the mother was a descendant of Ethan Allen, of Revolutionary fame. Harry Chaffee was a farmer, as well as contractor and builder, and died in 1888; but his wife preceded him to the spirit land a short time. Allen, the fourth of five children, finished his school days in Hinesburg Academy, and then learned the carpenter's trade, probably inheriting from his father his mechanical genius. In 1852 he settled in Henry county, Illinois, and in 1874 came to Adams county, Iowa. Among his works here are the First National Bank building, probably the finest in the county; the City Hall, the water works and the Edgewood, the beautiful suburban home of F. M. Widner, and the courthouse, the last of which is probably the grandest testimonial to his skill. It is on a commanding eminence, built of pressed brick, with granite columns and finished in hardwood; the walls are fire-proof; the offices and furnishings are in harmony with the beautiful exterior; while the vaults are fitted with the newest and best equipments. On the whole the courthouse seems to be perfect in construction, proportion and adaptation to the uses for which it is intended. Mr. Chaffee occupies a commodious residence of a farm just west of Corning, where the premises show that the proprietor is a man of culture. In his political principles he is a Republican, conservative and independent.

In 1857 he married Miss Isabel Duncan, and they are the parents of seven children.

PAGE 271

JOSEPH PROBASCO first came to Adams county in 1872, since which time he has been an honored citizen, with the exception of a few years spent in the State of New York. He was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, March 6, 1823, and is the oldest of a family of twelve children born to Jacob and Mary (Shay) Probasco, also natives of the State of New Jersey. Jacob Probasco was a son of Joseph Probasco, Sr., who was born in New Jersey; the great-grandfather was a native of Paris France, of Polish descent; he came to America previous to the Revolutionary war, and the grandfather of our subject served during that great conflict. The mother of Joseph Probasco, Jr., was a daughter of John Shay, whose father, Timothy Shay, came from the North of Ireland, and settled in New Jersey, where he died at the advanced age of ninety- eight years.

When our subject was seven years old his parents removed to Geneva, Ontario county, New York, where the father engaged in farming until his death which occurred in his eighty-fourth year; the mother died ten years earlier at the age of sixty-nine years- Joseph was reared amid the scenes of farm life, and remained under the rule of his parents until he attained his majority.

He was married, September, 1848, to Miss Mary A. Myers, a daughter of Isaac and Lydia (Craiger) Myers, natives of New Jersey and Maryland respectively. Mrs. Probasco was born and reared in the State of New York. After his marriage Mr. Probasco bought fifty acres of land in Ontario county, New York, which he cultivated until 1855; he then removed to Knox county, Illinois, and purchased 100 acres of wild land on which he lived until 1872. In that year, as before stated, he came to Adams county, Iowa, and bought the farm on which he now resides.

It consists of 160 acres, is well improved, and under cultivation. The chief industry of this farm is the raising of Poland-China hogs, in which Mr. Probasco has been remarkably successful. In 1880 he rented his farm and returned to the State of New York, where he lived for a period of eight years; it was during this time that his wife died, February 23, 1887, at the age of sixty-four years. She was a consistent member of the Baptist Church, and was deeply mourned by all who

knew her.

Mr. and Mrs. Probasco had born to them two children: Jacob was born December 14, 1854; he has always remained with his father, and is now connected with him in business; he was married, September 14, 1884, to Miss Lizzie Hays, a native of Ontario county, New York. They have three children: Susie, Katie and Joseph. The second child of our subject, Catherine, is

the wife of Martin Cramer, of Corning.

In his political opinions Mr. Probasco affiliates with the Republican party. He is a member of Construction Lodge, No. 275, A. F. & A. M.

PAGE 272

F. M. WIDNER, Vice-President of the First National Bank, is one of Corning’s young business men.

PAGE 272

DANIEL JONES, a farmer by occupation and a resident of Jasper township, will be given the following space in this history of Adams county, Iowa. He is a native of Wales, born in Corriganshire, in 1849, and is the only living son of Reese D. and Mary (Jones) Jones. The father followed agricultural pursuits in the old country; in 1863 he emigrated to the United States, and located in Sauk county, Wisconsin, where he rented a farm on which he resided until 1870; in that year he came to Adams county and purchased eighty acres of land in Jasper township which was in a wild, uncultivated condition; he improved this, placed it under cultivation, and made a comfortable home where he passed the last days of his life. He and his wife had four children, two of whom survive: Daniel, the subject of this notice, and Elizabeth, the wife of John Thomas; Janie died in Wales at the age of six years, and David died in Iowa at the age of twenty-one years. The father of these children died February 2, 1885, at the age of seventy-six years, and the mother passed away April 13, 1884, aged sixty-six years; both were consistent members of the Episcopal Church.

Daniel Jones resided with his father until his death, at which time he took charge of the home farm.

He was married, November 6, 1884, to Miss Maggie C. Douglas, a native of Prince Edward's Island, and a daughter of Matthew and Christina (Campbell) Douglas, natives of England and Scotland respectively. When Mrs. Jones was a child of four years her parents removed to the Province of Ontario, and settled in the town of Cayuga, Haldinand county, where she grew to womanhood. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents of two children: Henry Reese and Walter Earl. They are honored members of the Episcopal Church. Politically our subject is identified with the Republican party.

PAGE 273

JOEL N. WOODWARD, of section 7, Grant township, was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, November 7,1844, a son of John and Keziah (Henry) Woodward. Joel was but two years of age when his mother died, and eight years later he was left an orphan by the death of his father. He was reared by older brothers, and was eleven years of age when taken to Mercer county, Illinois, where he grew to manhood on a farm and received his education in the public schools. During the late war he responded to his country’s call, and at the age of seventeen years enlisted in the Twenty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company G, and was first under fire at Farmington, near Corinth. He was with Rosecrans at Stone River, where he was wounded, having been struck in the left side of the face, near the nose; the ball was taken out at the back of his neck. He was left on the field as dead, but was afterward taken to the field hospital, remaining sixteen days, and then by ambulance to Nashville, where he suffered from

erysipelas. He was honorably discharged on account of disability, after which he returned home to Illinois; but again, June 9, 1864, re-enlisted and was assigned to the same regiment. He was at Jonesboro, the capture of Atlanta, Georgia, the Atlanta campaign, Franklin, Springfield, Nashville, and was at the grand review at Washington, District of Columbia. He returned to Louisville, Kentucky, and thence to Springfield, Illinois, where he received his final discharge.

After the war Mr. Woodward returned to Mercer county, Illinois, and in 1870 came to Grant township, Adams county, where he was among the early settlers. He bought forty acres of wild land, paying $7.50 per acre, and here he has since made his home. He now owns 200 acres of land, where he has a good frame house, stables, yards, feed lots, groves and orchards. He was married in Mercer county, March 24, 1868, to Miss Sarah Ann Pratt, who was born in that county, a daughter of John and May (Furgeson) Pratt. They have nine children: May, Jehu, Allie, Alonzo, Lewis, Frank, Homer, Ray and Edna. Allie is the wife of Harry Mitchell, of Grant township. Mr. Woodward is a Republican politically; has served as Constable, and is the present Township Trustee. lie is a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he is one of the trustees. The great loss of his life was in the death of his wife, who died October 31, 1888. She was an affectionate wife and mother, and her death was a great loss to the community in which she resided. She was a worthy and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.

PAGE 274

JOHN S. MITCHELL, a popular and enterprising farmer of Mercer township, Adams county, since he settled here in 1873, was born in Henderson county, Illinois, May 12, 1843, a son of Matthew Mitchell, who was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish extraction. Mr. Mitchell's great- grandfather was one of three brothers, "Covenanters," who emigrated to the United States before the Revolution. His mother, whose maiden name was Jane Stevenson, was born in Knox county, Ohio, the daughter of John Stevenson, who was a native of Pennsylvania; and her mother, whose name before marriage was Ann Lee, was a native of Ireland. Matthew Mitchell moved to Illinois in 1839, and in the autumn of 1840 purchased a piece of land. The day of which William Henry Harrison was elected President of the United States, he arrived with his family at Monmouth, Illinois, where he is still living, at the age of eighty-four years; and his wife is seventy-two. They reared six sons and three daughters, one of whom is deceased.

The subject of this sketch, Mr. John S. Mitchell, the second child in the above family, was reared to farm life. In 1873 he came to Quincy township, Adams county, where he lived three years, and in 1876 he settled on his present farm, which was then wild land, excepting that seventy acres had been broken. He has made this one of the best farms in the neighborhood. He has a comfortable frame house, a barn forty- eight feet square, and all other farm appurtenances in good order. The premises indicate that their proprietor is a man of thrift and good judgment.

In Henderson county, Illinois, December 22, 1869, Mr. Mitchell married Miss Mary Morton, a native of Ripley county, Indiana, who at the age of sixteen years moved into Illinois. Her parents, George and Janette (Culberson) Morton, were from Scotland. They have three children: George O., Arthur M. and Cora W.

Mr. Mitchell is a Republican in his political principles. He has served his township as trustee, and has held minor offices. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and the superintendent of its Sunday- school, etc. Mrs. Mitchell and the two sons are also members of the same church.

PAGE 274

JEROME SMITH has been a successful farmer and stock-raiser in Adams county since the year 1872. He was born in Steuben county, New York, October 19, 1848, and is a son of William and Jane (Jones) Smith, also natives of the great "Empire State." The paternal grandparents were natives of Scotland. Our subject was reared to the occupation of a farmer, and received his education in the Genese Wesleyan Seminary. He resided with his parents until his marriage, which occurred November 4, 1868, to Miss Lydia Jane Bellinger, also a native of Steuben county, New York, and a daughter of Steuben county, New York, and a daughter or William Bellinger, who was descended from Dutch ancestors. After his marriage Mr. Smith resided upon the farm which had been his father's and which his grandfather had pre-empted from the Government in 1808. In 1872 he removed to the West and settled on his present farm in Jasper township, Adams county, Iowa; he first purchased eighty acres of wild land, on section 13, on which stood a small log cabin; for three years this furnished shelter, and in fact made a very comfortable home; the land was improved, and later on eighty acres were added to the first purchase; the farm is now one of the best in the township in point of quality of land and improvements. Mr. Smith makes a specialty of the raising of live-stock, and has gone into the dairy business quite extensively. The shade trees which add so much to the appearance of the place were planted by Mr. Smith, and the ornamental trees were set out by him when they were quite small. The Smith family consists of four children: Ethel, Algy, Jerome, Minnie L., and La Verne B.; Edith died at the age of thirteen years, in 1887; William was nine years old when he died in the same year.

In his political opinions Mr. Smith adheres to the principles of the Republican party; the people of this township have elected him Justice of the Peace for several terms, and he has discharged the duties of the office very satisfactorily.

PAGE 275

FRANKLIN H. CRESSWELL, of section 27, Grant township, is the owner of Pleasant View stock farm, and a breeder of and dealer in thoroughbred shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs. He is one of the well-known and reliable stock men in the Blue Grass region, and one of

Adams county’s reliable citizens. He was born in the Hawkeye State, in van Buren county, December 31, 1846, just three days after Iowa was admitted into the Union.

His father, Matthew Cresswell, a native of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, was one of the early settlers of this county, having come here in 1840. Our subject’s mother, Catherine (Stuart) Cresswell, was born in Pennsylvania. The parents still live in Yan Buren county, Iowa, where the father is one of the pioneer stock men of the county, and a member of the firm of M. Cresswell &

Son, dealers in short-horn cattle.

Our subject was reared on a farm in Van Buren county, and received his education in the common schools. In 1871 he came to this county, and bought 160 acres of wild land, which he has since improved. He has a good frame house situated on a natural building site, and surrounded by a fine grove and orchard of eight or nine acres. He also has good barns, stables, sheds, yards, feed lots, stock scales, and all the modern conveniences necessary for a good stock-farm. For twelve years Mr. Cresswell has been engaged in raising blooded stock, and at his home can be found some of the best specimens of stock in the Blue Grass region. He also is one of three who own an imported Perclieron horse, being a member of the firm of W. T. Park & Co. Mr. Cresswell owns 160 acres of land, where he resides, and 120 acres in Union county, Iowa.

He was married in Van Buren county, Iowa, February 16, 1874, to Miss Mary E. Cornell, who was born and reared in that county, a daughter of William and Hannah Cornell. Mr. and Mrs. Cresswell have two sons: Hugh M. and Byron C. The greatest loss of Mr. Cresswell’s life was in the death of his wife, June 26, 1880. She was a kind and estimable lady, and her death was a great loss to the husband and sons. She was buried in Fairview cemetery, Van Buren

county. Politically he is a Greenback or Independent, and has served in most of the township offices with credit. He is a man yet in the prime of life, intelligent and well informed on general topics, frank and cordial in his manner, reliable in business, and is one of Grant township’s popular citizens.

PAGE 276

WESLEY HOMAN, a farmer of section 20, Carl township, was born in Jefferson county, Kentucky, fifteen miles from Louisville, June 29, 1820, a son of Mark Homan. The latter was born in Virginia, a son of John Homan, of Welsh ancestry, and a soldier in the war of 1812. John Homan married a Miss Oxley, and Mark married Nancy Burson, who was born in Virginia. Wesley’s parents, after their marriage in Virginia, moved to Kentucky, and afterward, in 1827, to Putnam county, Indiana, where they lived until death. They brought up six sons to the age of manhood. The mother died at the age of thirty-seven years, and the father at the age of eighty- four. He was a farmer all his life, was a Whig in politics, and afterward a Republican; was a Justice of the Peace for many years, and in religion was a Baptist, being for a time clerk in the church.

Wesley, the second child in the above family, grew up to manhood on the farm in Putnam county, receiving a good common- school education, taught school, and then engaged in merchandising. In 1855 he emigrated West, with a team, locating in Adams county, Iowa, on section 26, Washington township. He improved a farm there, and afterward sold it and removed into Cartownship, where at the time he was one of only five voters in that township. In that township he has improved four different farms. In September, 1865, he settled upon his present farm, which was then entirely wild. It is now one of the best in the neighborhood. The home farm comprises 220 acres, and there are forty acres on section 80, Carl township, and forty acres on section 24, Washington township. Total, 300 acres. Mr. Homan has a good frame house. The part first built is 16 x 28, feet and one and a half stories high. The main portion, 16 x 82 feet, was built in 1878, and is two stories high. It is in modern style, with bay window and porches, and well furnished. The surrounding premises are tastefully ornamented with trees and shrubbery, etc. The orchard contains 300 good trees. There are also a fine grove, barn, stables, etc. The hedges are in good trim.

As to national questions Mr. Homan takes Republican views. He has held most of the township offices: has been county Supervisor; county Treasurer four years, 1874-’77, serving with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He has been urged by many friends for the Legislature, but he has always refused to be a candidate. In religion he is a Baptist. He is seventy-one years of age, but appears much younger.

He was first married at the age of twenty-nine years, in Parke county, Indiana, to Melissa A. Ramsay, a native of that county and a daughter of Joseph and Jane (Stephenson) Ramsay. By that marriage there were six children, namely: Robert S., who is married, has five children and resides in Carl township; Edward W., married, has two children, and is in business in Des Moines; Nancy Jane, now the wife of Reuben Falconer, of Carl township, and has two children; Joseph N., married, lives in Carl township, and has three children; William M., married, living in Chicago, and has two children, and Oliver Morton, who is with his brother, Edward W., at Des Moines. Mrs. Homan died in November, 1864. In September, 1865, Mr. Homan married Mrs.

Mary E., widow of John Deer, having three children, who are now living, namely: J. N.,

a merchant of Massena, Iowa, and William B. and Simeon, farmers in Washington township. Mrs. Homan was born in Indiana, a daughter of James and Mary (Mitchell) Van Cleave. By the present marriage there are three children: Martha Eva, Flora A. and Frank W.

PAGE 277

ISAAC BROKAW, a farmer and stockraiser of section 15, Mercer township, has been  identified with the interests of Adams county since 1869.  He is a  native of Ohio, born in Belmont county, January 21, 1840, a son of John  and Elizabeth (Scott) Brokaw.  The former was a native of Ohio, and a  son of Abraham Brokaw, who was born in New Jersey and a descendant of  Hollanders; the latter was a native of Pennsylvania, a daughter of James  Scott, and of Irish and German descent.  The parents were among the  pioneers of Belmont county, and the father still lives at Mt. Vernon,  Linn county, Iowa, at the age of eighty-four years.  

When our subject was five years of age his parents moved to Crawford  county, Ohio, where he was reared on a farm, receiving a common-school  education, and resided with his parents until he grew to manhood.  In  1862 he came to Iowa and located in Linn county, where he engaged in  agricultural pursuits until 1869, when he came to Adams county and  purchased 160 acres of wild land, which he improved and planted shade  and ornamental trees.  His improvements are among the best in the  county, and his residence one of the best in the township.  He does  general farming, and by close attention to his business he has been  successful, and now owns 240 acres of improved land, in a high state of  cultivation.  He was married January 26, 1865, to Miss Frances Learned, a native of  Ohio, and daughter of Horace Learned, a native of Pennsylvania, and  Nancy (Curtis) Learned, a native of Virginia.  Mrs. Learned died in  Ohio. In 1853 Mr. Learned with his family came to Iowa and settled in  Mahaska county, where he died.  Mr. and Mrs. Brokaw are the parents of  seven children, six of whom still survive: Samuel E., Willis E., Oran  C., Frank A., Wintah May, Christie A., and Presley, who died in infancy.   Mr. Brokaw has served as Justice of the Peace for many years and in  nearly all the local offices.  He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance,  and is President of the Sub-Alliance.  Politically he affiliates with  the Democratic party.  

PAGE 277

I. P. CURTIS, a farmer and stock-raiser of section 29, Jasper township, was born in Washington county, Ohio, July 30, 1833, and is the son of Elisha and Frances (Scott) Curtis, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. He received his education in the common schools and was reared to the occupation of a farmer. In the fall of 1850 he emigrated to Linn county, Iowa, where his father entered 200 acres of Government land; this was improved and was his father's home the balance of his days; his death occurred in 1881, at the age of seventy-seven years; the mother survived until 1887, being eighty years of age.

April 12, 1860, Mr. Curtis was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Abner Lacock. After his marriage he settled on eighty acres of unimproved land in Jones county, Iowa, which he entered from the Government; he resided there until February, 1870, when he sold out and removed to Page county, Iowa, renting land there for one year; at the end of that time he bought 160 acres of land in a wild state in Taylor county, and a third time began the task of developing a farm in the western frontier. In 1883 he came to Adams county and settled on his present farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Curtis are the parents of four children, three of whom survive: William Albert, Francis and George; the fourth child died in infancy. The mother of these children died in Taylor county, May 27, 1878. Mr. Curtis was again married April 4, 1888, to Miss Olive Jackson, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of Isaac Jackson of Jasper township. By this union two children were born: Helen and Isaac.

Politically our subject is identified with the Democratic party.

PAGE 278

CHARLES LIEGEROT, a prominent farmer of Adams county, first came to the State of Iowa in the year 1855. He is a native of France, born April 3, 1844, and a son of Dominick and Marie Catherine (Villemain) Liegerot, natives of France. The father followed the trade of a carpenter in the old country; he emigrated to America in the summer of 1854, landing at New Orleans; thence he continued his journey up the Mississippi and Missouri rivers to St. Joseph, Missouri; from that point he came to Adams county, Iowa, and located in Quincy township; he entered forty acres of Government land and forty-eight acres of swamp land, and in connection with his agricultural pursuits he engaged in the manufacture of lumber, sawing out almost all of the material used in the building of the old town of Quincy, which was then the county seat. In 1857 he removed to Hancock county, Illinois, where he resided until his death which occurred in October, 1865, at the age of fifty-seven years; his wife survived him until October, 1855, aged seventy-two years. They were the parents of four children: Emile, Marie Catherine, Irma, and the subject of this notice.

Charles Liegerot was ten years of age when he came to this country with his parents. He was reared to the occupation of a farmer, and attended the common schools. When he was eighteen years old his father gave him his time, and he became the architect of his own fortunes. He first went to learn the wagon-maker's trade, but remained only eight months, during which time he learned enough of the trade to make both the wood and iron work, and this knowledge was of great worth to him in after years. He afterwards was employed in various callings until his marriage which occurred in Hancock county, Illinois, January 1, 1866; he was then united to Miss America Eveline Jackman, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of Permeno and Catherine (Golden) Jackman, old settlers of Hancock county of Puritan ancestry.

In 1866 Mr. Liegerot removed to Adams county, arriving on May 13th. He purchased 160 of land on section 28, Jasper township; he improved this and made his home there until 1871, when he sold out and moved to Nodaway county, Missouri; at the end of a year and a half he sold his farm there and again returned to Adams county. He and his wife had born to them four children; the oldest one died in infancy; Irma Iola is the wife of E. P. smith of Corning; Charles Permeno survives, and Leon died at the age of three months. The mother of these children died November 6, 1872. Mr. Liegerot was a second time married, being united November 8, 1874, to Miss Emma Stratton, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Daniel E. and Hannah (Luce) Stratton; the former was a native of New York, and the latter of Pennsylvania; they came to Adams county in 1871, and still reside there. Six children have been born of this second marriage; Birdie, deceased, Ernest, [deceased], Louie, deceased, Leo, Lois, and Grace.

Mr. Liegerot has a landed estate of 295 acres; he has made many improvements and has the land under excellent cultivation. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party.

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D. R. CULVER was born in Cedar county, Iowa, in 1863, son of Orace and Catherine (Hairry) Culver, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana.   Orace Culver pre-empted Government land in Cedar county forty years ago,  and still resides on it.  D. R. Culver was reared on the old homestead,  passed his youth in farm work, and received his education in the public  schools of his native county.  In 1882 he came to Carl township, Adams  county, and bought a farm of 160 acres in section 4, where he has since  lived.  His place is well improved with buildings, etc., and his  attention is given to general farming and stockraising.  

Mr. Culver was married in Adams county, Iowa, in April, 1887, to Miss  Eldora Conrad, a native of Iowa and a daughter of Samuel and Eliza  (Polsen) Conrad, natives of Ohio.  Two children, Eldora Blanche and  Clinton, have been born to them.  Mr. Culver was reared in the faith of  the Methodist Protestant Church, his parents being worthy members of  that denomination.  He votes the Republican ticket.

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R. H. SCHOOLING, one of the pioneer settlers of Adams county, and residing on section 23, Washington township (postoffice Mt. Etna), was born in Bullitt county, Kentucky, February 13, 1813, the son of Joseph and Polly (Frame) Schooling, his father a native of Virginia and his mother of Kentucky. His father, a farmer by occupation, was a captain in the war of 1812, although he never saw active service. He was brought by his parents to Kentucky at the age of sixteen years, and after his marriage there he moved to Vermillion county, Indiana, in 1822, locating upon a farm. In 1837 he removed to Barry county, in the southwestern part of Missouri, settling again upon a farm, and lived there until his death, in 1850, at the age of about seventy-four years. His wife died while in Indiana, about the year 1823. He married again in that State, Miss Margaret Wilson, by whom he had five children; he had had eleven by his first marriage, of whom five are still living.

The subject of this notice, the third-born in the above family, began business for himself at the age of twenty years, mining lead at Galena, Illinois. A year afterward he began farming, in which he has ever since continued, with fairly good success. Beginning without other means than his own brain and muscle, he pushed himself on to victory.

In 1852 he came to Iowa, entering 160 acres of land, to which he has since added until he now owns 500 acres, half of which is now well improved. It is mostly fertile bottom land, susceptible of raising good crops of corn, hay and oats. He has a good orchard, raises also small fruits, and has all the comforts a good farm life can bring.

Publicly he has been a county Supervisor, Justice of the Peace, etc. He is a substantial and prominent citizen. He was married in 1835, to Miss Susan Ireland, daughter of William Ireland, of Vermillion county, Indiana, and they had nine children, as follows: P. G., a merchant at Mt. Etna, who married Caroline Ireland; Joseph, who enlisted August 13, 1862, in Company A, Twenty-Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and died of sickness contracted in the service April 9, 1863, at the age of twenty- four years, was born April 17, 1839; William F., who enlisted the same day as his brother, in the same company, took the same disease and died in the same hospital, at the same hour; he was born October 5, 1841. Mary A., wife of J. N. Fisher, a farmer of Washington township. Martha A., the wife of F. M. Thompson, of this county; R. N., a merchant of Massena, Iowa, who married Margaret Cummins. The other children died in early childhood. Their mother died in 1880, at the age of sixty-three years. She was a dutiful wife, a model mother and a good neighbor.

Politically Mr. Schooling has acted with the Republican party. Coming here, as he did, as early as 1852, he is one of the oldest pioneers of the county, in which there were but seven families at the same time, who had to go to Savannah or St. Joseph for their trading.

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H. H. PALMER, the present postmaster of Red Oak, was born in Northfield township, Summit county, Ohio, October 8, 1840, the son of Resolved Palmer, a native of Rensselaer county, New York, born in 1808. He was of Quaker parentage, but later in life became identified with the Methodist Church. He married Mary Sweam, a native of New Jersey, and both parents removed with their to Salem, Ohio, and later to Summit county, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Our subject was one of a family of ten children, five of whom, four sons and a daughter, are still living.

Mr. Palmer was reared of a farm, and at the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion he resolved to enter the service, and enlisted as a member of the Second Ohio Cavalry. This was one of Ohio's many famous regiments, and did valiant and important service to the cause of the Union. The first expedition of the regiment was through the Southwest, spending considerable time in traversing the State of Missouri, and thence to Arkansas and Indian Territory. In less than a year, as the result of hard marching and fighting, the regiment had become reduced from 1,200 to 700 men. Returning to Ohio and recruiting, they went thence to Tennessee and Kentucky. At the battle of Columbia, Kentucky, July 3, 1863, Captain Palmer was severely wounded, and fell into the hands of the Confederates, by whom his leg was amputated. Being left by the Rebels he was cared for by a loyal family, and as soon as able returned home, where, after a short stay, he obtained a cork leg and rejoined his regiment in front of Petersburg, Virginia. Mr. Palmer is thus without a hospital record! He was mustered out at Harper's Ferry, September 25, 1864, by reason of the expiration of his term of service.

Returning to Ohio, he soon afterward went to Binghamton, New York, where he spent a year attending school, after which he accepted a position as bookkeeper and cashier in a large dry-goods house in Cleveland. His health failed, however, from overwork and close confinement, and he returned to the Ohio farm. Being elected county Assessor, he improved in health by the exercise which the duties of that office afforded, being required to spend much of his time in riding about the country. Later he engaged in the live-stock business and also in the grocery trade at Macedonia, Ohio, and at the same time filled the positions of Justice of the Peace and postmaster. He came to Red Oak in 1870 and engaged in the livery business, in which he still continues, having one of the most complete and extensive livery establishments in this part of the State. In 1873 Mr. Palmer was elected Clerk of Montgomery county, serving two terms. He was a member of the City Council for five years, and has been largely engaged in shipping stock. He has served as Sheriff four terms, his last term expiring January 1, 1889, and January 30, 1889, he assumed the duties of postmaster, to which he was appointed by President Harrison.

In 1866 Mr. Palmer was married to Miss Frances S. Griffis, of Edinburg, Ohio, and they have had seven children: Blanche, Dean, Mary, Louise, Charley, Resolved and Minnie. Mr. Palmer, as already stated, is widely known. His long and successful official career, together with his pronounced views on all the leading issues of the day, have given him an extended reputation, and in his social and political relations is numbered with the foremost citizens of Montgomery county.

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J. L. ELLIS, Nevinville, Adams county, Iowa, is a Nova Scotian by birth, having first seen the light on the 23rd of November, 1826. When a mere lad he went to Massachusetts, and lived in that State until he was twenty-nine years old. He came to Adams county, Iowa, and settled where he now resides in the fall of 1856. His father, J. A. Ellis, also a native of Nova Scotia, was born March 10, 1803. He, however, spent the greater part of his life in Massachusetts, where he died April 15, 1887. His family consisted of twelve children, seven daughters and five sons, J. L. being the eldest son.

In 1857 Mr. Ellis commenced farming near Nevinville, and in June of that year was united in marriage to Miss Theresa M. Trask, who came from Nova Scotia to join him. They have been blessed with eight children, five of whom are living. Among their number are two pairs of twins. Their oldest son, Walter M. Ellis, is a Congregational minister, now stationed in Wisconsin; George R. Ellis is engaged in gold-mining in the Black Hills, South Dakota; Elizabeth M. Ellis is engaged in teaching in the public schools of Fontanelle, Adair county, Iowa; her twin sister, Miss Theresa A., is a teacher, stenographer and typewriter, at present residing in Denver, Colorado; Robert W. is a student of Tabor College, and is also a teacher.

Mr. Ellis like his father before him, has always been a farmer. He owns 135 acres of fine, well-improved land in sections 3 and 2, Colony township, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, giving especial attention to the breeding of Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs. He has a beautiful home, two large barns, numerous outbuildings, fine orchard and groves, and every thing necessary for successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits.

Mr. Ellis served one term as county Surveyor, and for fifteen years as Justice of the Peace in Nevinville; has also held, on various occasions, the offices of Township Trustee, member of the School Board, etc. He has ever taken an active part in the promotion of the educational interests of the community in which he lived. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis have been connected with the Congregational Church of Nevinville ever since its organization thirty- three years ago, and he has served in the capacity of Deacon for fifteen years. Their family are also members of the same church. For the past forty-three years Mr. Ellis has kept a record of daily events.

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C. S. BARKER, an enterprising farmer of section 22, Nodaway township, was born in Perry county, Ohio, January 30, 1835, the son of Samuel Barker, who was born at Cayuga Lake, New York, the son of John Barker, a native of New England. John married Miss Chamberlain. His grandfather was one of three brothers who emigrated from England to New England. The maiden name of the mother of C. S. was Elizabeth Straight; she was a daughter of William Straight; and her mother's name before marriage was Miss Immel, and she was of Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry. Samuel Barker had six sons and five daughters, eight of whom are now living. Three of the sons were in the army; James and John were in the Sixty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry; James died in June, 1866, from disease contracted in the United States service. Joseph was a member of the Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and now lives in Crawford county, Illinois. John lives in Mercer county, Ohio. The parents resided in Ohio until their death, both past sixty years. The father was a farmer all his life. In politics he was a Democrat until the war, since which time he has been a zealous Republican. In religion he was an active member and class- leader of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. C. S. Barker, our subject, was brought up on an Ohio farm. In 1859 he moved to Crawford county, Illinois; in 1871 to Van Buren county, Iowa, being on the road during the great Chicago fire of October 9-11, that autumn; and in 1872 he came to Adams county and located upon the place he now occupies, which was then land entirely wild. It now contains 120 acres. He has a new residence, 16x24 feet in dimensions and built on a stone foundation. The L is 14x16 feet.

Mr. Barker was married in Fairfield county, Ohio, to Miss Lucretia Siniff, who was born and reared in that county, a daughter of Jacob Siniff, and they have three children living, viz.: Dora A., Charles O. and Silus W., - all at their parental home. Besides, two children died, - Cora Ellen and Alice Belle, both of whom died at the age of three years. The great loss of Mr. Barker's life has been that of his beloved life companion, which occurred July 8, 1888. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a kind wife and mother. Mr. Barker has been a member of the church for over forty years, and for several years was class-leader. Dora and Charles O. are also worthy members of the same church. In politics Mr. Barker is a Democrat.

PAGE 282

JOSEPH FISHER, postoffice Nevinville, is one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Carl township, Adams county, Iowa. He was born in Austria, March 19, 1857, son of Joseph and Mary (Svejkovska) Fisher, natives of Bohemia, in Austria. He was one year old when his parents came to America. After residing two years in Chicago they came to Iowa and settled in Johnson county. They subsequently removed to Keya Paha county, Nebraska, where the father died and where the mother still makes her home; but Joseph moved to Adams county, Iowa.

The latter grew up on a farm in Johnson county, Iowa, and owing to the poor circumstances of his parents he was unable to receive even common school education, but in later years he acquired a good education by home study in both languages. In 1880 he came to this county, and three years later purchased his present farm from Alonzo Keezler. It is one of the best improved farms in the neighborhood; has an attractive cottage with bay window and porch, and is surrounded by shade trees, orchard and grove; outbuildings, windmill, good fences, and other improvements all combine to make it a desirable property, and indicate at once the success which has attended its owner.

Mr. Fisher has been twice married. At the age of twenty-three he was married in Johnson county, Iowa, to Miss Josephine Patera, also a native of Austria. Their union was blessed with five children - Delia, Aggie, Molly, Clara and Edward. Aggie died from the effect of a burn. Mrs. Fisher's death occurred January 4, 1890. October 18, 1890, Mr. Fisher wedded Miss Minnie Seeley, daughter of W. B. Seeley, of Carl township.

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DAVID BENNINGHOFF was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, December 9, 1882, a son of George and Elizabeth (Dovenspec) Benninghoff, both of German extraction. His paternal grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier.

Mr. Benninghoff was quite young when his parents moved from Pennsylvania to Ashland county, Ohio, where he was reared on a farm. At the age of eighteen he began to learn the trade of blacksmith, and served an apprenticeship of three years. Then, at Mansfield, Ohio, he worked as a journeyman for some time, and in later years as proprietor of shops at other places. In 1852 he moved to Allen county, Iudian [Indiana?], where he worked at his trade for two years. In 1854 he made the journey, via the Panama route, to California. and for four years was engaged in work at his trade on the Pacific coast. At the end of that time he returned to Indiana. Eighteen months later, however, he again went to California, where he spent the following five years, working at his trade and mining, being successful in his operations. Going back to Indiana again, he engaged in farming in Allen county, near Ft. Wayne, which he continued until 1885. That year he came to Adams county, Iowa, and bought his present farm in section 24, Carl township. This place was known as the D. E. Moore farm, and has the reputation of being the

best farm in Adams county. It contains 240 acres and is well adapted for stock or grain. The residence, a commodious two-story one, built on the Southern style, was erected in 1890, and is located some rods back from the highway. An attractive feature of this farm is the fifteen-acre grove of maples and black walnuts, which for beauty and value is unrivaled by any in the county. A good barn, windmill, fences, etc., are among the other improvements on Mr. Benninghoff’s farm.

Mr. Benninghoff was married in Allen county, Indiana, at the age of thirty, to Miss Elizabeth Hoffman, who was born and reared in Crawford county, Ohio, daughter of George and Elizabeth Hoffman. They have six children, viz.: Alice, wife of Allen Compton of Corning, Iowa; Ed D., at home; William H., a stenographer in the employ of a railroad company in Texas; Charlie, stenographer in a law office in Corning, Iowa; and Daisy and Jesse, at home. Their fourth child, Clarra, died at the age of eighteen months.

Politically Mr. Benninghoff affiliates with the Democratic party. He was made a Mason at Ft. Wayne, Indiana, while a resident of Allen county. Well informed on the general topics of the day, stored with reminiscences connected with his extensive travels, possessed with a cordial manner and a pleasing address, Mr. Benninghoff is a man who makes many friends, and who is most respected by those who know him best.

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JOSEPH ELLIOTT COWLES, a farmer of section 15, Nodaway township (postoffice Nodaway), was born in Geauga county, Ohio, September 19, 1835, a son of Benjamin Cowles, a native of New York State. His father was Elliott Cowles, a native of New England and of English ancestry. Joseph’s mother, whose name before marriage was Lodisa King, was a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Samuel King, an early settler of Geauga county, that State. Benjamin Cowles had four sons, one of whom, Frank, was a member of the Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died in the service at Camp Ashland, Kentucky. Benjamin and wife lived in Geauga county,Ohio,

until their death,—he dying at a little past sixty years of age, and she past fifty. He was a Democrat in his political principles, and in religion a Universalist.

The subject of this sketch, the eldest son in the above family, was reared to farm work. In the fall of 1855 he came to Black Hawk county, Iowa, where he spent the winter with a brother-in law, John Murphy. In the spring he came to Adams county and purchased 160 acres in Nodaway valley, which he proceeded to convert into a good farm. In 1865 he sold it, returned to Geauga county, Ohio, and engaged in merchandising for three years, returning then to this county. Here he now owns 240 acres of well-improved land. Half of it is bottom land, and some is in timber. The farm is well adapted to both grain and stock-raising. Upon the premises are a good frame house, 20 x 40 feet and one and a half stories high, a barn 44 x 52, a poultry house 12 x 52, fitted up with all the modern improvements, etc. Every feature of the place is an evidence of the thrift and good judgment of the proprietor.' He is a Republican. He was made a Mason in 1867, and is now a member of Lodge No. 93, at Chardon, Ohio.

He was first married in Geauga county, Ohio, in 1859, to Miss Anna Bushnell, a daughter of Elijah Bushnell. They had one daughter, Jesse J., now the wife of L. L. Bullock, of Nodaway township. Mrs. Cowles died in 1875, and Mr. Cowles, in February, 1878, married Mrs. Flora Chase, a native of Ashtabula county, Ohio, and a daughter of Seth and Olive (Beverly) Lobdell, natives of Steuben county, New York.

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DAVID VAN HOUTEN, a farmer residing on section 7, Prescott township, was born in New Jersey, April 14,1833, a son of John and Elizabeth (Kent) Van Houten, natives also of that State. His father was a descendant of Holland Dutch ancestors, who were early settlers in New Jersey; and his mother was the daughter of William Kent, a native of New Jersey and of German ancestry. David was a babe when his father moved with the family to Columbus, Ohio, where they lived two years. Then they joined the Latter-Day Saints at Nauvoo, Illinois; two years afterward they went to Missouri, and two years later still to Madison county, Iowa. John Van Honten came to Adams county in 1867, and lived there until his death. His wife is now living in Fremont county, Iowa, seventy-six years of age. David has three brothers living: Peter, in Wyoming Territory; George A., in Lenox, Iowa, a prominent horticulturist; and Oscar, in Fremont county, this State.

Mr. Van Houten, whose name introduces this sketch, grew up to manhood during the pioneer times of Madison county, this State, when deer and wolves were plentiful, and Frink & Walker Concord stages were the “fliers” that carried the passengers overland. Des Moines was only a Government fort. In 1860 he went to Pike’s Peak in search of gold, and returned to Iowa. In 1863 he went to the Rocky Mountains and to the Pacific coast, and even to South America, prospecting and mining. In 1866 he was in Nevada, engaged in the mines there; in 1867-8 he was on the Pacific coast again. Returning again to Iowa, he settled in the neighborhood where he now lives, and has one of the best farms in that section, consisting of 160 acres of well-improved land. He has a new residence, 26x32 feet in dimensions and one and a half stories high, a barn and all other outbuildings and improvements necessary to a good farm, and well arranged? and an orchard, etc.

In his political sympathies Mr. Van Houten is a “ Greenhacker.” Has served as justice of the Peace three years, with entire satisfaction to the public. He is now in the prime of life, and by his extensive travels he has a general knowledge of the world, and is therefore liberal in his views. He is frank and genial, as is characteristic of Western hospitality.

He was married in Cass county, Iowa, to Miss Esther L. Cain, a native of London, England, and a daughter of James and Esther (Thomas) Cain. She was twelve years old when she came with her parents to America. By this marriage there have been six children, as follows: Esther Elba, now the wife of George Carl, of Prescott township; Anne; Charles F. lives in Quincy township; William, who was married in November, 1891, to Netty Balentine, of Scotch parentage; and Alfred, Lulu and David W. Five children were lost by death, namely: Elizabeth, at the age of seven years; John W., in his fourth year; Peter W., in his second year; an infant boy; and George, at the age of thirteen years. Charles F. has two sons,—Malvern and David Howard; and Esther E. Carl has two children,—Mabel and Dorthula.

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JAMES A. MASON, a farmer of section 5, Nodaway township, was born May 11, 1842, in Venango county, Pennsylvania, in which county his father, William Mason, was one of the first settlers. He was a tailor by trade but resorted to farming as soon as his sons were old enough to assist[.] He was a descendant of that intelligent and sturdy race, the Scotch-Irish. Several of the ancestors of our subject served in the wars of the Revolution and 1812. James' mother's name before marriage was Juliette Webber. She was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Andrew Webber, of German descent. Mr. William Mason, on his first settlement in Pennsylvania, had to carry flour for his family on his back for seventy-five miles. He had six sons and six daughters, of whom eleven are still living. In 1856 he moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where he for a time engaged in lead mining. He died at the age of seventy-three years, and his surviving wife resides at Fontanelle, Adair county, Iowa. Two of his sons were in the army: Joseph A., in the Eighth Iowa Cavalry, and John S., in the Twelfth Iowa Infantry.

The subject of this sketch was reared to farm work, and in 1871 he came to Adams county, locating upon a tract of wild land. He has now a fine farm of 140 acres, well improved, a good one-and-a-half story house, twenty-eight feet square, an orchard of 500 trees, a vineyard, a plat of small fruits, fifteen stands of bees, etc. Although forty-nine years of age, Mr. Mason looks ten years younger, is an affable, jovial gentleman and highly respected. His first presidential vote he cast for Abraham Lincoln.

He was married, in Dubuque, Iowa, at the age of twenty-six years, to Miss Mary I. Elwell, who was born in 1849, the daughter of Joseph Elwell, one of the oldest settlers of this State, coming here in April, 1834. Mr. Mason was acquainted with, and often talked with him after the war. He was born in Warren county.

PAGE 286

E. KRETCHMER, manufacturer of and dealer in beekeepers' supplies, and importer and breeder of Italian bees, has near Red Oak one of the largest establishments of the kind in the United States, and is therefore one of the best known bee men in this country. He imported the first Italian queen bee west of the Mississippi river, in 1861, and is the author of four standard works on the honey bee. His "Beekeepers' Guide-Book" was one of the first published in the United States, and is still a popular and valuable work. In 1864 he manufactured supplies in Des Moines county, Iowa, and in 1866 he came to Coburg, Iowa, and was engaged in the bee business there for years, with great success. That village was laid out on his farm, and at that place he was postmaster for a time. He came to Red Oak in 1890, with a plant which cost $12,000. The main building is two stories high, is 60 x 86 feet in ground area; one other building, also two stories high, is 30 x 80 feet; and the store house or wareroom is 24 x 45 feet. Mr. Kretchmer's sales are made by correspondence, and he issues annually, a fifty-two-page catalogue to parties in every State and Territory of the Union Great Britain. Germany, Australia and South America. He employs eighteen men in the wholesale department alone.

Mr. Kretchmer was born on a United States vessel on the ocean, received his education in Prussia, became a cadet in the Prussian army and breveted Lieutenant. At the age of seventeen years he came to this country and settled at Pleasant Grove, Des Moines county, this State. For some time he was clerk on a steamboat. During the war he was one of the first to enlist, coming out with the first Iowa Infantry Regiment; he afterward enlisted in the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, where he served two years. He was captured by the enemy near Corinth, Mississippi, and was confined for a time at Jackson, and at Vicksburg for two or three months, when he was exchanged. On account of disability he was honorably discharged, when he was First Lieutenant of Company H, and he returned to Pleasant Grove; but since 1867 he has been a resident of Montgomery county. His present place comprises 189 acres, near the town of Red Oak, a large part of which is within the incorporation, with a residence which cost $10,000. It is, indeed, one of the best residences in the county, while the premises and surroundings are both tasteful and commanding.

Mr. Kretchmer was married, in 1864, in Des Moines county, Iowa, to Miss Iowa Clark, a daughter of Justus Clark, and they had four sons and three daughters, namely: Justus C., Elizabeth Eleanor, now the wife Charles Collard, of Kearney, Nebraska, and a graduate of Red Oak high school; Charles W., of New Mexico; May Adelina, Viola M., Bernard E. and Raymond. In 1880 Mr. Kretchmer married for his present wife Miss Caroline, daughter of Peter Smith, and by this union is one daughter, named Valencia. Mr. Kretchmer is a Republican in his political views, being one of the wheel-horses of the party. He has served three years and a half as county Supervisor, has had all the township offices, filling every position with credit and satisfaction. He is a member of the G. A. R.. Has taken every degree in Odd Fellowship and has held every prominent office in all its branches. He is also a very accomplished Mason and has held the highest offices in that order from the blue lodge to the Mystic Shrine not forgetting the Eastern Star, which mainly through his efforts, was organized here.

PAGE 287

JOHN W. HOUCK, one of the highly respected and well-to-do citizens of Adams county, Iowa, was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, August 19, 1844. His father was John Houck, deceased, one of the prominent early settlers of this county, and his mother was nee Ernestine Amdor. John W. was the second born in their family, and was five years old when his parents moved to Marion county, Iowa. In 1852 his father came to this county, bought a large tract of land and improved one of the best farms in that part of the State.

In 1859 young Houck went with his father to Pike's Peak, returning in the fall of 1860. He was reared to farm work, and his education was obtained in the common schools of the county. It was not until he was twenty-nine years old that he left the parental home and settled on a farm of his own - the one on which he still resides. Prosperity has attended his efforts, and from year to year he has added to his landed estate until he is now one of the largest property owners in the county. His home farm is in section 6, Quincy township, and consists of 219 acres of well-improved land. He owns sixty acres in section 1 and 520 acres in sections 15 and 22, Douglas township. His home, a comfortable and commodious residence, built in modern style and well furnished and finished throughout, is beautifully located and surrounded by a variety of shade and ornamental trees, orchard grove, etc. Substantial and commodious barn and outbuildings, stock scales, wells and good fences and other improvements and conveniences indicate at once the thrift and enterprise of the owner. A portion of his land in Douglas township is bottom land, set to blue grass, and rivals the blue-grass regions of Kentucky, the rest of his holdings in that township being upland, and well improved, with buildings, etc. Mr. Houck has given much attention to the stock business, and is one of the most successful and extensive stock men in the county. The past year he sold $4,000 worth of cattle and $2,000 worth of hogs.

He was married March 4, 1873, to Miss Sarah J. Falconer, a native of Ohio and a daughter of John and Harriet (Thornborough) Falconer, both natives of Ohio. Her father died in that State, and her mother is now a resident of Carl, Iowa. Mrs. Houck received her education in Belmont county, Ohio. They have three children, - Harry, Amy Daisy and Nettie E. Their youngest, Percy, did at the age of eleven months.

Mr. Houck is a Republican. He and his family are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a liberal supporter. Always interested in the promotion of educational and religious matters, adhering to the strictest integrity in all his business dealings, ever frank and cordial in his intercourse with his fellow-men, he is a popular and highly esteemed citizen.

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C. W. HARLOW, dealer in general merchandise, dry-goods, clothing, boots and shoes, groceries, etc., has been engaged in business in Carl, Adams county, iowa, since October, 1889. The year after he established his business here he purchased the store of his competitor, E. Rice, and consolidated the stocks. Mr. Harlow is a man of fine business ability, and is one of the most successful merchants in the county. Located in the center of a rich agricultural district, he now does a business that amounts to $16,000 per annum, and has a trade that is constantly increasing.

Mr. Harlow was born in Quincy, Adams county, Iowa, when that hamlet was the county seat of Adams county, and before the steam whistle had been heard in the vales of Western iowa, his birth occurring September 1, 1865. His parents, B. W. and Lydia (Kelly) Harlow,came to this county in 1856, and were among the early settlers of Quincy. The father was engaged in business there for a time. He subsequently went to Corning, where he did a hardware business. From there he moved to Spivey, Kingman county, Kansas. C. W. Harlow was reared inCorning, and received a good education. At the age of eighteen he engaged in business. In 1885 he went to Kansas, where he was in business four years. Returning to Adams county, he established himself in his present location. He is the Nasby of the Cross Roads. In November, 1890, he was appointed postmaster of Carl, and has proved himself an efficient and popular officer.

Near Mt. Etna, Iowa, on the 4th day of September, 1887, Mr. Harlow was united in marriage with Miss Edna Davis, an estimable young lady, and the daughter of Thomas H. Davis, one of the pioneers of Adams county, prominent mention of whom will be found on another page of this work. They have two daughters, Leah and Lois.

He is a member of Mount Etna Lodge, No. 382, I. O. O. F., and of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Republican.

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ISAAC O. MEANS—This gentleman is one of the worthy citizens of Adams county and is justly deserving of biographical mention on these pages.  Briefly, an outline of his life is as follows:

Isaac O. Means was born in Montgomery county, Kentucky, August 6, 1821, son of William and Sarah (Evans) Means.  William was a son of John Means, a soldier of the war of 1812.  The father of Sarah Means, Samuel Evans, dropped dead at the breakfast table, of heart disease.  His wife died in 1851.  William Means and his wife had eleven children, namely:  William C., Samuel B., who was instantly killed in a runaway, aged about fifty years; Robert G., who died at the age of sixty-five; John H.; Elizabeth, Mrs. C. Hall, who died at the age of forty; James J.; Isaac O., the subject of our sketch; Mary M., Mrs. James Steward, deceased at the age of thirty; Amanda M., Mrs. S. Long, deceased at thirty-two; Charles B., who died at the age of four years; and Sarah, at the age of two years.  Charles and Sarah and their father all died the same week, in August, 1830.

Isaac O. left Kentucky with his parents in 1830 and went to Jefferson county, Indiana, where the parents and two children sleep side by side.  In that county, February 17, 1845, Mr. Means wedded Susan Snider, and their union has been blessed with eleven children, as follows:  William F., who died at the age of two years; James S., a sketch of whom follows this; Sarah C., who died in the bloom of young womanhood, aged sixteen years; Mary J., Mrs. Oliver Cooper; George R., Isaac B, Daniel P., Amanda M., who died at the age of four years;  Thorison W., Zoa A., Mrs. Simpson Robison, and Melvin A.

In 1855 Mr. Means moved from Indiana to Missouri; thence a year later to Henry county, Iowa; seven years afterward to Warren county, Illinois; thence to Missouri again; two years later to Nebraska; in 1880 to Adams county, Iowa, where he has since resided.

Mr. Means is a member of the State Alliance, generally votes the Democrat ticket, and he and his wife are both worthy members of the Evangelical church.  In the Means home is found that generous hospitality which characterized their Kentucky ancestors.

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JAMES S. MEANS, a prominent farmer residing in section 17, Washington township, Adams county, was born in Jefferson county, Indiana, December 11, 1848, son of Isaac O. and Susan (Snider) Means.  He has been engaged in farming all his life.  He came to his present location in 1880.  Here he owns 160 acres of choice land, and but few farmers of his age in the county have a more encouraging outlook than he.  His home is located on a truncated cone and commands a most magnificent view of the surrounding country.  His land is well adapted for general farming and stock-raising, and to the latter Mr. Means has given special attention, raising cattle and hogs.  He has a nice orchard and an abundance of small fruits.

Mr. Means was married, December 28, 1876, to Miss Caroline Bunting, daughter of John and Mary (Waters) Bunting, of Warren county, Illinois, now honored and respected citizens of Adams county, Iowa, living near Prescott.  Their children are eight in number:  Caroline, Mrs. Means, Orville D., Mary L. E., now Mrs. Frank McCabe; Francis M., John Thomas, Anna E., died at the age of one year, nine months; two died in infancy.  Mr. and Mrs. Means have one child, Mary Bertha.  Politically Mr. Means is a Democrat.  He is also a member of the Farmers' Alliance.

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JOHN BROWN resides on section 12, Nodaway township, where he settled in 1874. His farm, which is on sections 11 and 14, contains 125 acres. He was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in February, 1826, the son of John H. and Mary (McPheren) Brown, the former a native of Seneca county, New York, and the latter of Pennsylvania, and both were settlers of Muskingum county, Ohio. The father was of Scotch descent, and the son of Alexander Brown, a native of Scotland. The maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch was George McPheren, a native of Ireland.

John Brown, our subject, has been three times married. His first wife was Levina Libbie. The second was Mary James, who died in Nodaway township in April, 1875. His present wife was Mrs. Sarah E. Myers; her maiden name was Sarah E. Purdum. She was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1841, and is the daughter of Levi B. and Sarah (Harrison) Purdum. Sarah Purdum was the daughter of Nathan and Mary Harrison, natives of England. The paternal grand parents were natives of Wales. Mr. Brown is the father of twelve living children, and the brother of James H. Brown, of Jasper township.

Samuel G. Brown, a well and favorably known farmer of section 28, Nodaway township, was born in Highland county, Ohio, near Hillsboro, the county seat, December 5, 1855, the son of Rev. Thomas D. Brown, a highly esteemed, early settler, who did much for the cause of Christianity. He married Mary E. Williams, a native of Virginia, of which her father was also a native. Rev. Thomas D. Brown was a native of Virginia, a son of John Brown, who served in the war of 1812. He was in early life a saddler and harness- maker; at length he came to Iowa, where he spent the remainder of his days farming and preaching the Gospel. The Brown family lived in Ohio until 1866, when they came to Adams county, Iowa, and in 1872 to the place where they still reside, near the subject of this sketch. They had twelve children - six sons and six daughters. One son, John, was a member of Company A, Eighty-Ninth Ohio Volunnteer Infantry, in the late war, and is now a dentist at Clarinda, this State. Another son, James, was the Recorder for Page county for eight years.

Mr. Samuel G. Brown, whose name introduces this sketch, was the youngest child in the above large family. He grew up to manhood on the farm near here, remaining with his parents until his marriage. He first bought, in 1887, forty acres of land, of Samuel Kennedy, and has purchased more since then, so that he now owns 180 acres. It is rich land and well improved. His dwelling is 15 x 30, with an L 12 x 14. The yards and premises generally are neat and well equipped. Mr. Brown devotes his attention to general farming and stock-raising. On national questions he is a Republican, but never aspired to office. Both himself and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are active in its Sunday- school.

He was married in this county, in December, 1878, to Miss Hattie Larison, a well-cultured lady from Ohio. Their three children are Wilma E., Jesse B. and Ray W.

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JAMES M. GLADSON, who resides on section 29, Quincy township, is one of the pioneers of Adams county, having arrived here in 1855. He was born in Putnam county, near Greencastle, Indiana, in 1834, the son of Nathan Gladson, a native of North Carolina, where he was reared. He removed with his father's family to Indiana, where he married Henrietta Campbell, a native of East Tennessee, who removed with her parents to Indiana. Nathan Gladson removed from Putnam county to Carroll county, where he died, when is son, the subject of this notice, was a child of about four years. The mother survived until 1885. They were the parents of three children, all of whom were sons. Jeremiah, the second son, was a soldier in the Tenth Missouri Regiment, in the war of the Rebellion. He marched with Sherman to the sea, but was killed in the taking of Fort McAllister, in North Carolina. The third child died in early infancy.

When nineteen years of age Mr. Gladson, our subject, left his mother's home in Indiana to make his own way in life. He contemplated going to California, but on reaching this portion of Iowa he decided to continue no farther west, and, with others who accompanied him, decided to settle here. The first land that he owned was adjoining the present village of Brooks. He settled on his present farm and began making improvements the same year, in 1865. He has 120 acres under a good state of improvement. He was married January 13, 1856, to Miss Almira Newcomb, a native of Maine, and daughter of William and Elizabeth (Sidesparker) Newcomb. The father was of English descent, his father having emigrated from England and settled in Massachusetts previous to the birth of his son. There the parents of William Newcomb passed the remainder of their lives. William removed from Massachusetts to Maine, and died in Burnham, Waldo county. The mother afterward married Zachariah Lawrence, and came to Iowa in the fall of 1856. The family settled in what is now Douglas township. The wife and mother returned to Maine in 1865, on a visit, and died while there. Mr. Lawrence lived several years after the death of his wife. Mrs. Gladson was one of thirteen children, four daughters and nine sons, several of whom are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gladson have had nine children, seven of whom are living, five sons and two daughters, viz.: Frank M., Viola C., Henrietta E., William N., Charles N., Levi W., Arthur N. The deceased were Lolo and Freddie, both having died in early childhood.

Mrs. Gladson is a member of the Congregational Church. While taking no active part in politics, and not strongly partisan in his views, he affiliates with the Democratic party. Thus have we given a brief sketch of one of Adams county's old and respected families, who, have lived here for more than thirty-five years, and are well worthy a place in the record of the old settlers of Adams county.

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GEORGE COOPER, one of the prominent farmers and business men of Adams county, resides on section 36, Lincoln township.

Mr. Cooper is a native of Lincolnshire, England, born September 15, 1838, a son of John and Ann (Curtis) Cooper, both natives of that country. In early life his father made a trip to America, remained three years at Montreal and then returned to England, where he spent the rest of his days. He was a farmer all his life. He and his wife were prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father went from labor to reward November 27, 1878, at the age of seventy-eight years; the mother died January 20, 1885, aged eighty-two. This worthy couple were the parents of five children, George being the third born.

Mr. Cooper received his education in England, and there began farming for himself at the age of twenty-two years. This business he has since followed. In September, 1871, he landed in the United States and came direct to Adams county, Iowa. For six years he lived on farm three miles northwest of Corning. In 1877 he moved to Quincy. The following year he rented land a mile and a half northwest of Corning. From there he came to his present location in March, 1883. In 1881 he purchased this farm, 248 acres, which is now ranked with the first-class farms of the county. It is substantially improved with good fences, two-story residence, other buildings, etc. Mr. Cooper does general farming and is extensively engaged in stock-raising.

November 23, 1860, on the twenty-first birthday of his bride, the subject of our sketch was united in marriage with Miss Dinah Hesselby, daughter of William and Jane Hesselby, of England, their marriage occurring in that country. Their family consisted of five children when they emigrated to America. Sailing from Liverpool on board a vessel with 1,500 passengers, they landed safely in New York after a voyage of eleven days. Since coming here other children have been added to their household, making ten in all. John W. resides on a farm in Kansas. He married Miss Estella Wadley and has three children, - Forrester, Gertie and William F. Jane A. is the wife of William Humphrey, has one daughter, Lelah H., and resides in Montgomery county, Iowa. Emma, wife of R. A. Lawrence, also lives in Montgomery county. She and her husband have three children, - Carl, Eddie E. and Albert I. Alice married Ramer Jones, has one child, Gertie E., and lives on a farm in Douglas township, Adams county. Robert died November 1, 1884, at the age of seventeen years. The following named are members of the home circle: Fred, Louisa, Nellie, Ralph G. and Ella M. Both parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church as are also several of the children. Politically Mr. Cooper is an Independent.

It may be further stated that Mrs. Cooper's father died January 15, 1867, at the age of sixty-six years; her mother passed away at the age of eighty. She was the ninth born in their family of eleven children, eight of whom are still living.

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THOMAS CAMPBELL, a farmer of section 25, Grant Township, - whose postoffice address is Lenox, - is one of the intelligent and enterprising citizens who came here in 1878. He was born in Peel county, Canada, February 18, 1843, a son of William Campbell, who was born at Dumfries, Scotland. His mother, whose maiden name was Jane Murray, was also a native of Scotland. Mr. Campbell's parents came to Canada when young, were married there, and they still live in Peel county, in that Dominion, the father now being aged eighty-five years and the mother eighty-two. They had seven sons and two daughters.

Thomas, the fifth born, was reared to farm life. In 1863 he came to Muscatine, this State, and in a short time moved to Rock Island county, Illinois, and engaged in coal-mining, which he followed until he came to Adams county. He now has a fine farm of 120 acres of well-improved land, a good frame house 16 x 26 feet and one and a half stories high and well situated near a cross roads. He has all the appurtenances of a well-equipped farm.

July 11, 1866, at Rock Island, Illinois, he was married to Anna Howell, who was born at Ironton, Ohio. She was thirteen years of age when she came to Rock Island. Her father was William Howell, and her mother's maiden name was Magdalena Evans, and both were natives of Wales, where they were married. Her father died when she was eight years old, and her mother is still living, at the age of seventy-two years, in Henry county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have had nine children, namely: Robert W., Elsie, Susie J., Frank J., Mort L., Ira J., Artie, Wilfred and Ethel M. Two sons died in infancy. On national questions Mr. Campbell is a Republican. He has creditably served as Assessor of Grant township four years, and he has also been a member of the School Board. Mrs. Campbell is a member of Prairie Star Church (Presbyterian), Union county, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are honored members of the community.

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WILLIAM A. MclNTYRE, another one of the prominent citizens of Washington township, Adams county, Iowa, was born in Cayuga county, New York, February 1, 1838. His parents, Peleg and Elizabeth A. (Mason) McIntyre, were both natives of the Empire State. His father was a farmer all his life. In 1842 he came West and settled in Carroll county, Illinois, where he entered 240 acres of land until 1871. That year he moved his family to Cass county, Iowa, and took up his abode three miles north of Atlantic, where he owned an eighty-acre farm. He subsequently moved to Audubon county, this State. At the latter place he owned a farm of 120 acres, and there he lived until his death, which occurred January 28. 1874, at the age of sixty-nine years. His wife is still living, and is an honored resident, well and favorably known in Adams county. She is a member of the United Brethren Church, as also was Mr. McIntyre. The latter was well informed on general topics, was a great Bible student, and in him was found the purest type of Christian life. To this worthy couple nine children were born, William A. being the fourth and one

of the five who are now living. Like his father, William A. McIntyre, has been engaged in farming all his life. At the age of twenty-one he began farming for himself in Jo Daviess county, Illinois. He came to Iowa in 1871 and settled in Cass county. There he owned a small farm ten miles west of Atlantic. This he sold and in 1876 bought the eighty-eight acres in section 19, Washington township, Adams county, where he now resides. His farm is well improved and highly cultivated.

Mr. McIntyre was married December 30, 1860, to Miss Louisa J. Fast, of Carroll county, Illinois. Her father died May 22, 1888, at the age of sixty-nine years. The mother is still living at this writing, aged seventy-three. Mr. and Mrs. McIntyre have had six children, namely: Mary J. married George Windsor, and has three children:— Clarence E., Bertha M. and William E.; John P., a promising youth and the hope of his fond parents, died at the age of sixteen years; Harriet E., wife of John West, has two children, Edna L. and Effie M.; Samuel

E., Jessie F., and Alvin E.

Both Mr. McIntyre and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. He has held various church offices, and is a prominent factor in such enterprises as promote the best interests of his community.

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DR. JAMES T. MERCER, deceased, came to Adams county in the spring of 1861 and settled on a tract of wild land in section 27, in what is now Mercer township, —then Queen City township—which embraced Mercer und Prescott township boundary lines. Dr. Mercer was instrumental in organizing Mercer township, and it was named in his honor. He was born in Granville, Monongalia county, West Virginia, July 27, 1880, a son of Jesse and Rachel (Bowslock) Mercer, natives of West Virginia, and of Welsh and German ancestry. He began the study of his profession when seventeen years of age, and after finishing his studies he practiced for one year in Fetterman, in his native State, after which he came to Ohio, where he followed his profession and taught school. He was married October 5, 1856, to Miss Sarah J. Vernon, a native of Monroe county, Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Smith) Vernon. The former was a native of Pennsylvania and of French ancestry, and the latter a native of Pennsylvania also and her ancestors were from New Jersey. After coming to this county  Dr. Mercer, in connection with his professional duties, improved a tract of 320 acres of wild land, on which he resided for about twelve years, when he moved to the farm where his widow now resides, and there improved 800 acres which belonged to the father of Mrs. Mercer. He lived here the remainder of his days. In 1889, while taking a trip to the National Park, the Doctor was removing a loaded gun from his wagon when it accidentally went off, entering the Doctor’s body. From this wound he lived but half an hour, leaving his widow and ten children to mourn his loss.

Doctor and Mrs. Mercer were the parents of thirteen children, ten of whom still survive: Eardley M., who died in infancy, August 29, 1857; Latona M., who was married August 2, 1874, to Charles T. Chute, now a resident of Miami county, Kansas; Myra V., who was married December 80, L876, to William Watts of Oskaloosa, Iowa; Spurgeon V., who married February 15, 1882, Miss Clara Bardwell, and resides in this township; Jesse J., who married May 1, 1890, Miss Eva Matthias; Frank L., at home; Catherine, who married February 24,1886, M. E. Kirley of this township; Emma L., who was married February 11,1891, to M. E. Delameter of Knox, North Dakota; Minnie A., Lillian N., Thornton, who died March 22, 1877, when six months old; and Carlton T. Dr. Mercer and wife were active and consistent members in the Baptist Church. He

officiated as a preacher in that organization for several years. He served as a member of the Board of Supervisors of Adams county for several terms and in many local offices of trust and responsibility. He was the organizer of the Greenback party in Adams county, but formerly cast his suffrage with the Democrats.

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LYMAN L. BULLOCK, a farmer on section 17, Hodaway township (postoffice Nodaway), was born in Morgan county, Ohio, September 7, 1859, the youngest son of Marshall and Rhoda (Devoll) Bullock, a sketch of whom is elsewhere given. He was a boy of five years of age when his father came to this county, and he spent his youth on the old homestead, receiving a good education; and, having an apt and communicative mind, he taught school a number of terms with marked success, alternating with farm work during the warmer months of the year. He is now located on a farm of forty acres of rich bottom land, where he has a good dwellng, out-buildings, etc. lie is engaged also in poultry-raising, which he finds profitable.

On national questions he is a Republican, and is an efficient worker for his party—is indeed a “wheel-horse” in the cause of Republicanism. He is a member of "the Methodist Episcopal Church of Nodaway, in which he is a zealous worker in the Sunday-school. He is a gentleman of progressive ideas and advanced education.

August 9, 1882, is the date of his marriage to Jessie Cowles, daughter of J. E. Cowles, a prominent citizen of the county, whose sketch is given elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Bullock have four children,—Benjamin Howard, Anna Daisy, Flora Blanche and Frank Elliott.

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MARSHALL BULLOCK, section 17, Nodaway township (postoffice Nodaway), was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, December 17, 1816. His father, Curtis Bullock, was born in Chester county, that State, and the father of the latter, Moses Bullock, was born in Maryland, of

English ancestry. Moses had two brothers in the Revolutionary war, John and Isaac. Marshall Bullock’s mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Hickman, was a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry. Our subject, at the age of twenty-one years, went to Morgan county, Ohio, where he made his home until 1864, when he came to Adams county, Iowa. His farm of 120 acres is good, rich bottom land and hillside. Here he has all the equipments of a good grain and stock farm, in fine condition. In politics he is a Republican, and for forty years he has belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which society he has been steward, class-leader, and superintendent of the Sunday-school. He devotes special attention to the improvement of his children, four of whom have been successful school-teachers.

Mr. Bullock was married in Morgan county, Ohio, to Miss Rhoda Devoll, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Manchester) Devoll. Of their nine children five are living, namely: H. D., a prominent citizen of Nodaway township, a sketch of whom is given on another page of this work; William, who lives in Randolph, Fremont county, this State, a carpenter and contractor; Lyman L., of whom also a sketch appears in this volume; Deborah, now the wife of Jacob Smith, of Nodaway township; and Priscilla, the wife of Dr. McKittredge. of Ohio. Four are deceased namely: Curtis, who is buried in the cemetery at Vicksburg, Mississippi, where he died in the service of his country, a member of the Thirtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Sarah, who was the wife of Dr. Cooper, of Villisca; Rhoda Ann, who died at the age of twelve years; and Nancy, who died when two years of age.

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B. E. TITUS has been identified with the agricultural interests of Adams county since 1882, having settled here in March of that year. He was born in Brown county, Indiana, August ___, 1831, and is a son of Benjamin and Hannah (Evans) Titus. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and was of English descent; the latter was born in Virginia, of Scotch ancestry. They were early settlers of Indiana, where they reared a family of eight children, six of whom survive.

Our subject was reared to the occupation of a farmer, and during his boyhood attended the common schools. At the age of seventeen years he went to learn the trade of a blacksmith, serving an apprenticeship of three years with Hill & Phillips, of Indianapolis, Indiana. Afterward for a period of six years he worked as a journeyman, and then engaged in business for himself at Thorntown, Indiana. In 1850 he went to Tippecanoe county, and for fifteen years was engaged at his trade at Culver Station.

Mr. Titus was married in Boone county, Indiana, June 5, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth Green, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Sutton) Green, natives of New Jersey and New York respectively. It was not until 1870 that he emigrated to Iowa, and settled in Pierce township, Page county. There he followed his trade for a year, locating at the end of that time on an unimproved farm of seventy-six acres. He spent much time and labor on this place, and resided there until 1882, coming at that time to Adams county. Here he has bought 138 acres of land, which has been improved by J. E. Jones. It is choice farming land, and has many modern improvements.

Mr. and Mrs. Titus are the parents of six children: Lina, the wife of James W. Warner, of Tippecanoe county, Indiana; Emma, a school-teacher in this county; Linda L.; Benjamin G., who married Unie Bigham; Mary, wife of Edward Peregrine; and Ella, also a teacher of this county. The parents and daughters are active and consistent members of the Christian Church, and the family are highly respected members of the community in which they are residents.

In his political opinion Mr. Titus adheres to the principles of the Republican party. He is a self-made man, and by his own industry he has accumulated a comfortable living.

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HARRY LAMBOLEY, one of the intelligent and solid men of Quincy township, has resided in this vicinity since 1885. Mr. Lamboley is a native of France born January 6, 1850, son of Felix and Frances (Doubet) Lamboley, natives of that country. For seven years his father was a soldier in the French army. At one of the battles in which he participated a brave and gallant officer was wounded and left on the field to die, and at the risk of his own life Mr. Lamboley went to him and bore him off the battle-field. For this heroic act he was granted a pension of $8 per month and given a medal of honor. His mother dying when he was eighteen months old, Harry was brought by Xavier Doubet to America, and was reared on a farm in Peoria county, Illinois, receiving his education in the common schools. He subsequently spent some time in Knox county, that State. In 1885 he came to Adams county and bought a farm - ninety acres - of Uriah Thomas. He has since acquired other lands and is now the owner of 270 acres. His farm is under a high state of cultivation, and the substantial improvements and general surroundings all indicate that prosperity is attending the owner. Among his stock are some thorough-bred shorthorn cattle.

Mr. Lamboley was married in Peoria county, Illinois, February 5, 1873, to Miss Ellen Lonsdale, who was born and reared in that county, daughter of Henry and Anna (Malone) Lonsdale. Her father was an Englishman, and both her parents died in Peoria county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Lamboley have five children: Henry Felix, Francis La Fayette, Rebecca Ellen, Charles E. and Deliah Isabelle. Mr. Lamboley is a member of the Farmers' Alliance. Mrs. Lamboley's father was born in Lancashire, England; her mother was born in Ireland, at Belfast. Mr. Lamboley has a sister living in Adams county, Iowa, and a brother who is engaged in farming in Knox county, Illinois.

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ADAM McKEAN, who resides on section 1, Colony township, adjoining the town of Nevinville, Adams county, Iowa, was born in Nova Scotia, near Halifax, February 5, 1826. His father, David McKean, was born on the sea while his parents were en route to America to settle in New Jersey. Grandfather McKean was a Scotchman. The mother of our subject, nee Jane McKensie, was born in Nova Scotia. She died at the age of fifty-live, and the father passed away in 1857, aged sixty-seven. Twelve children and one adopted son composed their family, Adam being the sixth born and oldest son.

In 1844 Mr. McKean left Nova Scotia, came West and settled in Clinton county, Iowa. In the year 1852 he crossed the plains with an ox team, and spent the following four years in California, engaged in mining. In 1856 he returned to Iowa and married Miss Mary J. Stumbaugh,a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania. They lived in Clinton county, Iowa, until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when he entered the service of his country, enlisting in Company K, Twenty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Milo B. Smith. He was at the siege of Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, Haines Bluff, Jackson, Mississippi, and Raleigh, North Carolina, besides participating in many other minor engagements, and through all his service never received a

wound. He was made Sergeant of Company K, which position he occupied until the close of the war.

Mr. McKean came to Adams county in 1866 and a short time afterward went to Kansas, soon, however, returning to this county and settling where he now resides. He owns 160 acres of good farming land, especially adapted to stock-raising. On this place are fifteen acres in a natural grove and nine acres that have been set to forest trees. There are 500 grape vines and an abundance of small fruit, besides six acres devoted to orchard. Among: his stock are fine hogs, shorthorn cattle and Hamiltonian and Bashaw colts and horses. The house, a comfortable cottage, is located on an eminence and commands an extended view of the surrounding country. The bank barn, 40 x 82 feet, and other outbuildings furnish shelter for stock, etc., and everything about the premises is kept in perfect order.

Mr. McKean has never had any political aspirations, although he has been called upon to serve his township at various times in the capacity of trustee and other offices of minor importance. He votes with the Republican party.

Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. McKean only two are living. The oldest, Cora, is the wife of Frank Beebe. They and their son Edward reside with Mr. McKean. He and his wife and daughter are members of the Congregational Church.

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DAVID OSBORN, a worthy citizen and a prosperous farmer, residing in section 36, Washington township, Adams county, Iowa (Mt. Etna postoffice), was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, May 11, 1832. His parents were Lewis and Mary a. (Covey) Osborn, both natives of New York. The father was a cabinet- maker by trade, and was one of the early settlers of that locality. He owned a farm, and carried on farming also. He died many years ago and his wife passed away in 1872, aged seventy-three years. She was a devout member of the Baptist Church. They had twelve children, our subject being the eleventh-born. Of this family ten are still living.

Young Osborn began life for himself at the age of nineteen years, at which time he started to California in company with fifteen others from Guernsey county, Ohio. They made the journey via Nicaragua and arrived at their destination March 5, thirty-one days after they left New York. He remained in California two years and a half, successfully engaged in mining. July 5, 1856, he turned his face homeward, and made the return voyage via the Panama route, arriving in safety after a journey of twenty-two days. He at once engaged in farming in Ohio, and was thus employed when the war came on.

In January, 1864, Mr. Osborn enlisted in Company D, Sixtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was in a number of important engagements, and on the 17th of June, 1864, while charging the breastworks in front of Petersburg, was wounded in the hand, losing the second finger and the use of the others. He was sent to the hospital, afterward to Washington city, and still later to Little York, Pennsylvania, remaining in the hospital at the latter place until his discharge in July, 1865.

After returning home and recovering, he moved with his family to Story county, Iowa, where he lived two years and a half. He then moved to his present location on the half section road which leads through Mt. Etna, and here he owns 120 acres of land, a comfortable cottage home, orchard, etc., and is well fixed to enjoy life.

Mr. Osborn was married September 23, 1858, to Miss Christiana A. McPeak, daughter of Daniel and Lydia McPeak, of Guernsey county, Ohio. Following is the issue from their union: Lydia A., wife of James Homan, a farmer of Adams county; Mary A., wife of Alpheus Madison, who is engaged in the lumber business in Corning; Lizzie A., who has been a successful teacher for ten years and is now engaged as Principal of the Mt. Etna graded school; Carlie A., a farmer; Wesley E. and Rosella E.

Mr. Osborn is a deacon in the Baptist Church, of which his wife was also a devoted member. The latter's death occurred July 4, 1879, at the age of fifty-two years. In her life she was the truest and purest type of Christian wife and mother combined, and her death was a source of much bereavement to her family and many friends.

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ELDER JOSEPH PEREGRINE, one of the honored pioneers of Adams county, was born in Shropshire, England, August 6, 1822, and is the fourth son and child of the Rev. James Peregrine, a native of Wales. The mother was also a native of England. James Peregrine was a minister in the Presbyterian Church for over fifty years. In 1830 the family emigrated to America, and located at Utica, New York. Then they removed to Ohio, and afterward to Indiana, in which State the father died about the year 1862, at the age of seventy-seven years. The mother died several years previously, at the age of sixty-five years.

Joseph Peregrine spent the greater portion of his youth in farm work. He was married in Rush county, Ind., to Miss Catherine Robinson, daughter of John and Catherine (Rishling) Robinson, who came to Rush county in an early day. After his marriage our subject followed farming in Rush, Scott and Jasper counties, Indiana, until 1855, when he came to Iowa, and entered 200 acres of Government land in what is known as Methodist Grove; there he resided one season, and in 1856 he located on his present farm; he has 170 acres in a high state of cultivation.

In March, 1858, he entered the ministry of the Christian Church, and labored as an evangelist in eight counties in southwestern Iowa, and Nodaway county, Missouri. He has been pastor of the Brooks church over fifteen years; of the Valley church for nine years; of the church at Bedford, six years; of the church at Prescott for four years; of the Boundary Grove church, six years; of the church in Clairmont, Missouri, three years, and for several years he was pastor of the Union City, Buchanan, and Hawleyville congregations. He has probably been called to preach as many funeral sermons as any other minister in this part of the State, and he never fails to respond when possible to attend.

Mr. and Mrs. Peregrine had born to them eight children, six of whom survive: J. S., a Brooks, Iowa; Elizabeth, the wife of William Hanly; Amanda, the wife of Orlando McKay; G. R., a resident of Nance county, Nebraska; E. J., the wife of G. D. Wilson; C. S., a druggist at Brooks, Iowa, and two children who died in infancy. The mother of this family died in 1862, at the age of thirty-six years. Mr. Peregrine was married again in 1863, to Mrs. Lydia J. Newhouse, whose maiden name was Flenner; she is a daughter of Thompson Flenner, formerly of Rush county, Indiana. By this last marriage six children were born: Edgar, Mary, Adner, the wife of M. D. Parcher; Cora, Walter and Homer.

Mr. Peregrine has been a member of the Board of Supervisors for five years. Politically he was formerly an old-line Whig; he voted with the Republican party upon its organization, but he is now a staunch Prohibitionist. He has spent many years of this life in preaching the gospel of his Master, and expects to continue this work as long as his health and strength will permit.

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JAMES MILLER RUSSELL, one of the representative citizens of Quincy township, was born in Windham county, Vermont, November 24, 1832. When he was eight years of age his father, Alvin J. Russell, emigrated from the State of Vermont to Morgan county, Ohio, and thence to Wyandot county, in the same State. When the family emigrated to Ohio it consisted of the parents and two sons, James M. and Alvin Chandler. A third son, George W., was born in the State of Ohio. In 1854 James M. Russell, then a young man of twenty-two years, came to Iowa. He remained in Polk county during the summer of that year, when he returned to Ohio. He was much pleased with Iowa - in fact made so favorable a report of the country that his father decided to emigrate hither with his family. A gentleman living near the home of Mr. Russell, in Ohio, owned quite a large tract of land in Adams county, and Mr. Russell, Sr., entered into negotiation with this gentleman, whose name was Anthony Beery, for a portion of this tract of land. The negotiation resulted in Mr. Russell exchanging his farm in Ohio for 200 acres on section 13, Quincy township, Adams county. Accordingly, the following year, the entire family of Mr. Russell, Sr., consisting of parents, their three sons and an adopted daughter named Ann Katch, came to Iowa and settled on this land. They made the journey with teams, bringing also by the same conveyance their household goods, etc. No improvements had been made on the land when the family located thereon. During the first winter of their sojourn in Adams county the family occupied a log cabin with a sod roof, which was located on the stream known as Hatton branch, that being the only available shelter they were able to secure, and this was situated some distance from the land they had secured for a future home. In the spring of 1856 the father and sons began breaking up the land, and built thereon a small plank house, into which the family moved. They continued to work together improving the farm, and ultimately added largely to their first possession, becoming the owners of 840 acres. The first of the family to remove from the homestead was Alvin Chandler, who married and settled in Washington township, Adams county. In 1871 he removed to Oregon and resided in Umatilla county. The youngest of the three brothers married, and engaged in merchandising in the village of Quincy, then the county seat of Adams county. Later he engaged in the same business in Corning, where he continued for a number of years when he removed to Indian Territory, and died in the fall of 1886, leaving a family of six children. The father and mother of the Russell family lived at the homestead until death. The former was born in Vermont, February 26, 1803, and died April 26, 1876. The mother, whose maiden name was Nancy Miller, was born February 26, 1804, and died November 12, 1882.

James Miller Russell, the eldest child, as already stated, was the first of the family to come to Iowa. He was married, March 3, 1859, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Howard, daughter of Charles Howard, of Wapello county, Iowa. Mrs. Russell was born in Morgan county, Ohio, in 1838. She lost her mother by death when she was but twelve years of age. Her father remarried, and in 1850 emigrated with his family to Iowa. He lived in Wapello county for twenty-five years, and then removed to Missouri. He was killed a number of years ago by being run over by a wagon. Mrs. Russell was the eldest of five children.

James M. Russell continued to live at the homestead until his death, which occurred very suddenly July 29, 1889. He had been in usual health and partook of his dinner as usual, soon after which he went to the well, which was at some distance from his barn where men were engaged in threshing, to obtain water for the threshers. Having been absent much longer that was deemed necessary, his son, James M., went in search of him and found his father lying dead beside the spring, having, as was supposed, died from an affection of the heart. The sudden death of the husband and father was a crushing blow to his family. Mr. Russell was an upright, respected citizen, and during his long residence in Adams county had ever the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. He was ever prominent in whatever tended to promote the best interests of the community in which he lived. He was for many years connected with the School Board, and did much to promote the growth of education in his district.

In his political views he was a Republican.

Mr. Russell and wife were the parents of ten children: Charles A., the eldest, born January 29, 1860, died at the age of three years; Colonel Warren Russell, the eldest surviving child, was born January 28, 1861. He married Miss Cora A. Jones, and lives of a portion of the homestead. George Howard, the second son, a prominent teacher, was born December 5, 1862; James A., was born December 18, 1864; Nancy, September 20, 1866; she is one of the prominent teachers of Adams county, and has taught the home school for ten terms; Mary Lucretia, born September 12, 1868, married Charles Van Houten; Abbie Oddesson, was born April 27, 1870; Ralph, March 21, 1872; Frank, December 12, 1874, and John Edward, March 17, 1881. Mrs. Russell, with her children, reside at the old homestead, around which are associated pleasant memories of the days gone by, when she and her lamented husband labored in unison to improve and beautify their Iowa home.

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JOHN H. KINDRED, deceased, formerly a resident on section 33, Washington township, was born in Cumberland county Tennessee, February 12, 1821, the son of Thornton and Hannah (Minnick) Kindred, natives also of Tennessee. His father, a farmer, was a private soldier in the war of 1812. His mother died about 1878, a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Four of their ten children are still living.

Mr. Kindred, whose name heads this sketch, began for himself on a farm in Tennessee, and later added stock-raising. August 12, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, First Tennessee Infantry, and served three years and two months, taking part in a number of battles. He was discharged in September, 1864. A portion of the year 1863 he spent in a hospital at Kingston, Tennessee, on account of a wound. Because of the hostility of his State to the Union cause, he left there with his wife and eight children and came to Montgomery county, Iowa, arriving June 9, 1865; but November 13, following, he came to Adams county, rented a farm on section 7, Washington township, for four years, and then bought a farm of eighty acres on section 33, where he now resides. He afterward added eighty acres more. The residence if located a mile from Eureka. The house is 14 x 16 feet. There are two orchards of large and small fruit; and the farm is well adapted to all the farm crops of this region. The surroundings indicate a comfortable and happy home.

Mr. Kindred held the office of Justice of the Peace in Tennessee for twelve years; was School Director in his township and an important factor in educational affairs, - and in fact in all the enterprises that have promised good to his community. He died June 15, 1884.

He was married February 11, 1842, to Miss Susan Taylor, a daughter of James and Permelia Taylor, of Roan county, Tennessee, and they have had eight children, viz.: Permelia, the wife of James Farmer, a farmer in Cumberland county, Tennessee; George W., whose sketch is given in the next paragraph; Hannah, who married Joseph Corey, and died February 8, 1873, at the age of twenty-six years, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Mary, the wife of J. W. Harris, residing on a farm in Cloud county, Kansas; Rachel, now the wife of Daniel Thomas, a farmer of Adams county, Iowa; Josephine, now Mrs. James Buddin, of Barry county, Missouri; Hamilton, residing in Adams county, and married to Flora Timberlake; and Susie, now Mrs. H. G. McCollum, residing on the farm with the mother. Mrs. Kindred is a member of the United Brethren Church.

Mr. Kindred, our subject, was a Republican in politics and an enthusiastic supporter of the temperance movement. His services as a valiant soldier in the defense of his country, his blameless life and his devotion to family and home, all give evidence to his worth.

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SAMUEL P. MILLER, a farmer of section 13, Red Oak township, is a highly respected citizen, having been a resident of this State ever since 1843, and of this township since February, 1880.  He was born in Fayette county, Indiana, November 15, 1829, a son of Isaac Miller, a Virginian by birth and of German extraction.  His mother, whose maiden name was Artemisia Richards, was also a native of Virginia.  Young Miller, of this sketch, was fourteen years old when his parents removed with him to the Territory of Iowa, three years before it became a State, settling in Des Moines county, twelve miles northwest of Burlington.  A short time before his death the father moved to New London, Henry county, this State, where he died.

Mr. S. P. Miller, our present subject, was reared on a pioneer farm and therefore received his education in the characteristic pioneer log schoolhouse, but finishing at Mt. Pleasant Academy, conducted by Professor S. L. Howe, a prominent educator.  From the age of seventeen years Mr. Miller taught school for twenty-five terms, with marked success.  June 15, 1854, in Des Moines county, Iowa, he was married to Samantha H. Bingaman, an intelligent lady who has been a true companion in life to her husband.  She was born in Warren county, Ohio, and was eight years old when she was brought to Iowa by her parents in their emigration to this State.  Her parents were Frederick and Mary (Kynett) Bingaman, her father a native of Maryland and her mother of Pennsylvania.  Settling in Des Moines county, they remained there until death.

In 1880 Mr. Miller came to this county and purchased his farm of eighty acres, which is now magnificently  improved.  Residence, barn (46 feet square) and other outbuildings, fences, etc., as well as the fruit and ornamental trees, are all in good condition.  In partnership with two of his sons he is engaged in manufacturing sorghum syrup, with all the modern improvements in apparatus, making 2,000 to 5,000 gallons annually.  Mr. Miller has six children, namely:  Arthur W. and Charles M., both married and living in Red Oak township; they have a good farm of 280 acres; Mary Alice, wife of John L. Redfern, of Des Moines county; Eva, wife of A. M. Selser, of Pilot Grove; Frank H., married and living in Red Oak township; and Clarence I., attending school at Red Oak.  Charles M. and Frank H. have been successful teachers.

Mr. Miller is a zealous Baptist and Prohibition Republican.  In the church he is a deacon; his wife and all of the children are also members of the church.  He had done much for religion and morality in his neighborhood, being broad-minded and progressive.

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GEORGE W. KINDRED, one of the leading farmers of Washington township, residing on section 29 (postoffice Eureka), was born in Cumberland county, Tennessee, January 15, 1845, the son of J. H. and Susan J. Kindred, both natives of Tennessee. He began in life for himself at the age of twenty-one years, when he came with his parents to Montgomery county, Iowa, remaining there from June until November, 1865, when they came and settled in Washington township, this county, on a farm which has ever since been his home. He is numbered among the responsible, worthy and progressive farmers of his township. He owns about 225 acres of land, of which ten acres are in timber and the rest well improved. The farm is well located, about a mile and a half from Eureka and some nine miles from the county seat. It is a fertile farm, whereon the proprietor devotes his attention to stock-raising as well as general agriculture. There is also a very good orchard on the place. The dwelling, which is commodious, is located on a half-section line road a quarter of a mile from the Eureka coal mines. He is a School Director.

He was married December 15, 1867, to Miss Sarah E. Mansfield, daughter of the late James and Susanna Mansfield, of Grant county, Indiana. By this marriage there are eight children, viz.: Grant, who is now reading law in the office of H. t. Grangers in Corning, Iowa; Canus, who is farming in his own interests the present year; Austin, Essie I., Vernie, Archie, Walter and Avis. Mrs. Kindred is a member of the Dunkard Church, while in politics Mr. Kindred is an ardent Republican. He is a valued citizen and one of the most substantial business men of this township.

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T. J. NOBLE, of section 21, Grant township, is one of the well-known and early settlers of the county, having come here in 1883. He was born in Mercer county, Illinois, March 13, 1845, a son of D. F. and Sarah (Pratt) Noble, the former a native of Union county, Indiana, and the latter of Pennsylvania. The parents settled in Mercer county in 1836, where they were among the early settlers. The mother died in that county in 1881, at the age of sixty-seven years, and the father died in 1890, at the age of seventy-seven. The parents had six children, four sons and two daughters. One son, David, served in the late war three years, in the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry.

T. J. Noble, the fifth child, was reared on a farm in Mercer county, and received his education in the public schools. In 1882 he came to this county and commenced breaking land on his farm of 280 acres, which he had bought in 1875. He now owns 320 acres of Adams county's best soil which is well improved, and on which is a good cottage, 16 x 36 feet, and seven acres of groves and orchards. He also has stables, cribs, yards, feed lots, a windmill, and everything about the place shows the thrift and prosperity of the owner. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising.

Mr. Noble was married March 9, 1882, to Miss Elizabeth Davis, who was born in Howard county, Iowa, but reared and educated in Rock Island county. She was the daughter of B. R. and Lydia (Sigler) Davis, the former a native of Fulton county, Illinois, and the latter of Pennsylvania, and both now reside in Rock Island county, Illinois. The father, a farmer by occupation, served in the late war. He is a Republican politically, and both he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Noble have two children, Fern and Aravilla. Politically Mr. Noble is a Republican, and socially a member of the Masonic order, Lenox Lodge, No. 353; he was made a Mason at New Boston, Illinois, in 1881.

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J. R. DUNLAP, of section 20, Grant township, was born in Virginia, February 25, 1832, a son of Andrew Dunlap, who was born near Dunlap creek, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, near Brownsville, where the Dunlap family were among the early settlers. He was a son of Andrew, Sr., who was reared in Chester county, Pennsylvania, and was of Scotch extraction. Our subject’s mother, Jemima (Robey) Dunlap, was a native of Virginia, and daughter of Loyd Robey who was reared near Philadelphia. Andrew Dunlap was twice married; by the first union he had three children, and by the second eight children, and our subject was a member of the second family. His parents came to Ohio in 1853, and settled in Adams county, and later moved to Mercer county, Illinois, where the father died at the age of seventy-five years. He was a boat-builder and miller by occupation, and politically was a Democrat. His wife was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and died at the age of seventy five years.

The subject of this sketch was reared to farm work, and also worked in the saw and grist mills. He received but a limited education, and July 3, 1863, enlisted in Company B, in the Second Ohio Heavy Artillery Regiment, under Captain Rothrock, a brother of Judge Rothrock. Mr. Dunlap served two years, and was first under fire at Cleveland and then at Morristown. He was one of 100 men who escorted General Schofield from Knoxville to Atlanta, and at Dalton they had a narrow escape from the Rebels. He was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, at Camp Chase. In 1869 he went to Mercer county, Illinois, where he remained until he came to Adams county. He first worked three years in the mills, then at farming, and in 1882 bought his present place of Joel Barrett. He has a good house, 16 x 22 feet, one and a half stories high, with an addition 12 x 12 feet, situated on a natural building site, and surrounded by evergreen and other trees; he has also a fine barn 36 x44 feet. He is a dealer in Clydesdale horses.

Mr. Dunlap was married in Adams county, Ohio, March 25, 1858, to Mary C. Taylor, who was reared and educated in this county, the daughter of James and Mary (Moore) Taylor; the former was born in Ohio, of Scotch Irish parents, and the latter was born in Virginia, and died when Mrs. Dunlap was a child. Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap have four children: JamesT., a well-known and prominent citizen of Union township; John N"., foreman of a large nursery in Riverside, California; George, who is interested with his brother in California; and Charles E., at home. They lost two children by death: Robert S., at ten years of age, and an infant child. Politically Mr. Dunlap is a Republican; socially a member of the G. A. R., Lenox Post, and religiously both he and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church.

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J. J. BIVENS, of section 28, Grant township, is one of the early settlers of this county, having come here in the spring of 1876. He was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, January 25, 1833, a son of Leonard and Christena (Hull) Bivens. The father was born on the same farm as our subject, and the mother was born in the same neighborhood. The father was a farmer all  his life; a Democrat politically, and a member of the Catholic Church, and his children were reared in that faith. The parents lived in Pennsylvania until death, the mother dying when our subject was small. He was reared on a farm in Franklin county, and received a common school education. At the age of twenty-two years he came West to Knox county, Illinois, where he lived three months; then he lived in Peoria county, same State, and next returned to Knox county, where he lived until 1876, and in that year came to this county. He bought his present farm of

S. H. Fisher, who had made some improvements, and he now owns 240 acres of Adams county’s best land, located four miles northeast of Lenox. He has a good residence, 14x24 feet, one and a half stories high, with an addition 12x24 feet, and also good stables, sheds, cribs, feed lots for stock, etc.

Mr. Bivens was married in Knox county, Illinois, when twenty-eight, years of age, to Mrs. Addie (Phillips) Cullison, a widow lady, who was born in Vermont, a daughter of Joseph Phillips. She was reared and educated in her native State. They have had six children, three of whom are living, viz.: Joseph Leonard, Sidney Grant and Charles, all at home. Three children died in childhood: Katie, at the age of four years; Orlando Hugh, when a babe of nine months; and Sherman Porter, at the age of eight years. The great loss of Mr. Bivens’ life was in the death of his beloved wife, in 1881. She was an affectionate wife and mother, a kind neighbor, and her death was a severe blow to her family and friends. Mr. Bivens is a Republican in his political views.

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F. M. HURDLE, another one of the enterprising and well-to-do citizens of Adams county, Iowa, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in July, 1829. His father, William V. Hurdle, M. D., was of

Scotch ancestry and born in Ohio, the son of pioneers of the Buckeye State. His mother, whose maiden name was Mary Kinney, was born in Pennsylvania, the daughter of William and Mary (Mahan) Kinney, also of Pennsylvania. W. V. Hurdle was an influential and popular physician in Muskingum county, Ohio, for many years. He moved to Illinois in 1855, and died in 1863. F. M. Hurdle was reared in his native county, receiving a good education in the schools at Zanesville. He was for a time engaged in the mercantile business at Dresden. In 1852 he came west and settled at La Ilarpe, Hancock county, Illinois, where he did a mercantile business. The years 1861 and ’62 he spent in Chicago, engaged in a commission business, and from there went to Sparland, Illinois, where he conducted a dry-goods establishment. In 1870 he was appointed United States Inspector of the Internal Revenue Department, and served as Government Gauger at Peoria, Illinois, for fifteen years.

In 1888 Mr. Hurdle came to Iowa and located on his farm in Carl township, Adams county, which he had purchased in 1883. It contains 280 acres, and is one of the best farms in the county. His beautiful residence is furnished with taste and elegance, and is surrounded by attractive and well-kept grounds. A grove of fourteen acres, a fine orchard, an abundance of small fruits, commodious barns, modern windmill, well-cultivated fields, and broad pastures dotted over with fine horses and cattle—all these combine to make the Hurdle farm one of the most desirable ones in Adams county.

Mr. Hurdle was married in La Harpe, Illinois, in 1855, to Miss Letecia Barr, a lady of much culture and refinement, born in Breckenridge county, Kentucky, of a highly respected family. Her parents, Adam and Hannah (Beauchamp) Barr, were both natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Hurdle have had two sons born to them: O. V. Hurdle, who holds an important and trusted position in a bank at Clarinda, Page county, Iowa, and Logan E., born in Chicago in 1863, and died at the age of five years at Sparland, Illinois. O. Y. Hurdle married Miss Mollie Mahan, and has three children: Frank, Charlie and Leonard.

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J. A. McGINNIS made his arrival on this mundane sphere December 4, 1853, in Madison county, Iowa. He is a son of the Rev. J. B. McGinnis, deceased, a minister of the Christian Church and a prominent pioneer of Madison and Adair counties. He was well and favorably known all over southwestern Iowa, had preached the gospel of salvation in many a log cabin and school-house, and was instrumental in doing much good in the cause of his Master, whom he served faithfully as long as he lived. His death occurred at his home, twelve miles northeast of Greenfield, Adair county, Iowa, in April, 1890. He had come to this State from Indiana, and here he was the owner of a large and valuable tract of land. After giving liberally to his children he had a fine farm of 200 acres left, on which he was residing at the time of his death. He had a family of twelve children, eight sons and four daughters, eleven of whom are now living.

J. A., whose name heads this biography, was the sixth born in this large family. He was a lad of nine years when his father settled in Adair county, and there he grew to manhood, spending his youth on a farm and receiving his education in the pioneer schools. He purchased land in Adams county in 1877, and is now well located on a good farm of 120 acres, eighty acres of which are in Carl township and forty in Colony township. Here he has a comfortable cottage home, good outbuildings, fine grove, orchard, etc., and everything about the premises wears an air of thrift and prosperity.

In Carl township, this county, in September, 1878, Mr. McGinnis married Miss Mary E. Madison, daughter of Charles Madison, of Carl township. She was a teacher before her marriage, was a lady of much culture and refinement, and possessed many amiable traits of character, being loved by all who knew her. She was a member of the Christian Church. She died January 10, 1890, leaving one son, Charley Guy, born June 25, 1881. Her second child, a daughter, died, December 27, 1889, at the age of three days.

Politically Mr. McGinnis is an Independent. He is a member of the Christian Church.

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MRS. EMMA BOWLING resided near Carbon, Adams county, Iowa, for more than a score of years. She was well known in this vicinity, and her biography will be of interest to many. Briefly,  it is as follows:

She was born in Germany, the daughter of George and Lena (Marshaw) Orf, and was five years old when she came with her parents to America and settled in Pennsylvania. Her father was by trade a knife-maker; but after coming to this country he was in the railroad employ. His death occurred at the age of fifty-seven years. The mother died at Mrs. Bowling’s when in her seventieth year.

Emma grew up and was educated in Pennsylvania. Arriving at young womanhood, she was married in 1866 to Monroe Martin. Mr. Martin was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, in 1840, a descendant of Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry. He was reared on the farm and educated in the public schools of his native State. When the war came on he enlisted in Company A, Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry Volunteers, and served nine months, after which he returned home. Six months later he enlisted again in the Pennsylvania Infantry

Volunteers, remaining in the service three years. He was at the battles of Petersburg, Gettysburg, Wilderness and others, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war.

While in the service he met with an accident by which his leg was broken. His marriage, as already stated, occurred in 1866, and the following year they moved to La Fayette

county, Wisconsin. Mr. Martin was a butcher by trade, and had followed that business five years in Pennsylvania. After residing two years and a half in Wisconsin, they came to Adams county, Iowa, bought wild land and developed a fine farm of 280 acres. Mr. Martin also bought a farm of eighty acres in Lincoln township, which he gave to their only child, Carrie. She is the wife of William Roath, a native of Knox county, Illinois, and has three children: Emma Luella, Lotta May and Alice Elizabeth. Mr. Martin died September 9, 1884, aged forty-five years. On that day he had become a member of the G. A. R., Llewellyn Post, and while returning home was stricken with heart disease and died before reaching the house. He was a man of industry and integrity, and was an honored and respected citizen. Politically he was a Democrat.

In November, 1886, the subject of our sketch was united in marriage with George Bowling, a native of this State, and an enterprising and well-to-do citizen of Douglas township. Mrs. Emma Bowling died November 24, 1891, and was buried at Quincy, November 25, 1891.

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R. C. KANE, a farmer and stock-raiser of section 22, Mercer township, has been identified with the interests of Adams county since 1877. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born at Philadelphia in May, 1842, and is the third son of Allen and Mary Kane. At the age of ten years he came with his father's family to Dubuque, Iowa. His youth was spent in assisting on the farm and attending school, receiving a common-school education. In 1864 he, in company with about 100 others and twenty or thirty teams, crossed the plains to Montana. At his early date there was no trail, and the services of a guide were employed. They were four months in crossing the plains, arriving at Virginia City. Forth miles west of the Missouri they saw the last house prior to reaching their destination. During the journey quite a number of the party were slain by hostile Indians. After arriving at Virginia City, which was then a mining camp, Mr. Kane engaged in mining, continuing in this business for six years. The guide on this journey was the celebrated frontiersman, Bridges, and on the way they located Bozeman City. Mr. Kane may well be classed as a pioneer of Montana. The trip back was uneventful, as railroads and many other marks of civilization had taken the place of the dangers and hardships they had encountered on their trip west.

He returned to his former home in Dubuque county, and was there married July 1, 1874, to Mary Ann Daly, a native of Iowa, born in Dubuque county, a daughter of Dennis and Ellen (Moriarty) Daly. The former was a native of County Cork, Ireland, and the latter of New York. Mr. Daly came to America in 1832; was married in New York, and came to Iowa in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Kane are the parents of six children: Maggie, Allen, Robert, Alice, Bertha and Dora. The family are members of the Catholic Church.

Mr. Kane settled in Adams county and purchased 240 acres of wild land, which he at once began the task of improving. Politically he is a staunch supporter of the Democratic party. Mr. Kane is a self-made man, and by his own industry and exertions has accumulated a good property, which he uses to the best advantage in providing himself and family with all the necessaries and comforts of life.

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ROBERT BUXTON, a successful farmer of section 8, Grant township, came to this county in April, 1881, where he has since been one of the important factors of its development. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, September 20, 1851, a son of Absalom Buxton,a native of Virginia, and of English and German descent. He was a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Buxton. At the age of twenty-four years, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, Absalom Buxton

was married to Haney Shaw, a native of Williamsburg, Washington county, and daughter of Robert and Agnes (Wilkins) Shaw, the former a native of Ireland, and the latter of Guernsey county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Buxton came to Washington county, Iowa, in 185 # 2, where they were among the early settlers. He was a soldier in the late war, and died while in the service of his country, in the White Hall Hospital, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, in his forty-second year. He left a widow and two children,—a daughter and a son. He was a mechanic, cooper and mason by occupation; a Democrat politically, and religiously was inclined to the Methodist Church. The widow and children lived in Washington county, Iowa, until 1881, when they came to this county. The home farm contains 160 acres of rich soil, well improved, on which is a good one-and-a-half-story house, 16 x 24 feet, w T ith an L 24 x 32 feet, surrounded by a nice lawn and pine and evergreen trees.

Mrs. Buxton and daughter, Mary J., are worthy and consistent members of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. Buxton is in the prime of life, frank and cordial in his manner, and is one of Grant township’s popular citizens. He was united in marriage August 27, 1891, at the Methodist Episcopal parsonage, Corning, Iowa, to Miss Maiy Woodward.

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SAMUEL G. BROWN, a well and favorably known farmer of section 28, Nodaway township, was born in Highland county, Ohio, near Hillsboro, the county seat, December 5, 1855, the son of Rev. Thomas D. Brown, a highly esteemed, early settler, who did much for the cause of Christianity. He married Mary E. Williams, a native of Virginia, of which her father was also a native. Rev. Thomas D. Brown was a native of Virginia, a son of John Brown, who served in the war of 1812. He was in early life a saddler and harness- maker; at length he came to Iowa, where he spent the remainder of his days farming and preaching the Gospel. The Brown family lived in Ohio until 1866, when they came to Adams county, Iowa, and in 1872 to the place where they still reside, near the subject of this sketch. They had twelve children - six sons and six daughters. One son, John, was a member of Company A, Eighty-Ninth Ohio Volunnteer Infantry, in the late war, and is now a dentist at Clarinda, this State. Another son, James, was the Recorder for Page county for eight years.

Mr. Samuel G. Brown, whose name introduces this sketch, was the youngest child in the above large family. He grew up to manhood on the farm near here, remaining with his parents until his marriage. He first bought, in 1887, forty acres of land, of Samuel Kennedy, and has purchased more since then, so that he now owns 180 acres. It is rich land and well improved. His dwelling is 15 x 30, with an L 12 x 14. The yards and premises generally are neat and well equipped. Mr. Brown devotes his attention to general farming and stock-raising. On national questions he is a Republican, but never aspired to office. Both himself and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are active in its Sunday- school.

He was married in this county, in December, 1878, to Miss Hattie Larison, a well-cultured lady from Ohio. Their three children are Wilma E., Jesse B. and Ray W.

Ed. Bycroft, a successful farmer and favorably known citizen of section 36, Nodaway township, bought land there of the railroad in 1873, and two years afterward broke it, and since 1876 he has resided there.

He was born in Lincolnshire, England, May 1, 1833, a son of John and Eliza (Ward) Bycroft, natives also of that shire. His father was a laboring man all his life, and reared to years of maturity four sons and two daughters, three of whom emigrated to the United States and three remained in England. Mr. Bycroft, our subject, sailed from Liverpool in 1866 to New York, and went to Henderson county, Illinois, where he had a brother living, and was employed there two years in ditching, well- digging and in hedging. The brothers bought a team and farming outfit, and worked rented farms till 1876, when our subject came to Adams county. For his present farm he paid $16 an acre for a portion, and $14 an acre for the rest. He first built a small frame house, which is now used for a kitchen. His present residence he built in 1890. It is a fine modern house, 16 x 20 feet in ground area, with 14-foot posts, and well arranged, in Southern style, and nicely situated on a natural building site a few rods from the road, and surrounded with a beautiful grove of trees, - maple, cottonwood, Lombardy poplar, box-elder and elm. There is also an orchard of small fruit, barn and other outbuildings and farm conveniences. He owns 180 acres of land, constituting one of the best farms in the neighborhood.

At the age of twenty-four years, in Lincolnshire, England, he married Jane Proctor, a daughter of Richard and Eliza Proctor, and they have four sons and two daughters, namely: Eliza, John, William, Anna, Eddy and George.

In his political sympathies Mr. Bycroft is with the "Greenback" party. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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C. W. CRAMER, proprietor of “Shade land,” section 28, Jasper township (postoffice Corning), was born March 16, 1845, in Clermont county, Ohio, near Cincinnati, a son of Joseph Cramer, a Pennsylvania German, who served in the war of 1812. His wife’s name before marriage was Elizabeth Binkley, and she was a native of Pennsylvania. They lived in Clermont county, Ohio, until their death, the father dying at the age of seventy-one years; he was a farmer all his 'life; was an active Republican and a zealous Methodist, being steward, class-leader, etc., in that religious body. They had twelve sons and two daughters; six of the sons served in the late war, one of whom, Alexander, died in Libby prison, after he had been confined there nine months. He was a member of the Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Mr. C. W. Cramer, the eighth born in the above family, was reared to farm life. In August, 1861, at the age of sixteen years, he enlisted in Company C, Second Ohio Infantry Volunteers, and served over three years, taking an active part in the battles of Stoneriver, Nashville, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain (under General Thomas), Missionary Ridge, Perryville, Crab Orchard, etc. At Missionary Ridge he was wounded, losing the middle finger of his left hand from a buck shot. This confined him to the hospital at Nashville, at Camp Dennison,

Ohio, and still later with the Invalid Corps at Washington, District of Columbia. August 22, 1864, he was honorably discharged at Washington, and he returned to Clermont county, Ohio.

In 1865 he went to Knox county, Illinois, near Galesburg, where he made his home until March, 1886, when he came to Adams county, and settled upon his present farm. It had been entered from the Government by Isaac Mather, and afterward owned by W. Stahl. There are 240 acres in the place— good land and well improved, and here Mr. Cramer devotes his attention to the rearing of short-horn cattle and Chester white hogs. He has spent much time and money in obtaining the best specimens of cattle, and he now has a herd second to none "in the county. His swine he received from Cleveland, Ohio—the best that money can obtain. He has a fine frame house, modern style, 28 x 32 feet and two stories high, surrounded with tastefully arranged ornamental trees and shrubs, an orchard of four acres, barn 30x56 feet, with stone basement, and other barns and miscellaneous buildings in sufficient number and conveniently arranged. “Shadeland” is a beautiful place. In reference to national questions Mr. Cramer is a Republican, and he is a member of Llewellyn Post, G. A. R. Both himself and wife were brought up as Methodists in religion.

He was married in October, 1867, in Knox county, Illinois, to Miss Elizabeth Mather, daughter of Isaac Mather and a native of Connecticut, of an old New England family. Her mother before marriage was Mary Ann Faulkner, born in Virginia. Her parents died in Knox county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Cramer have seven children, namely: Emory, who lives in Knox county, Illinois; Lewis, at home; Jerry, in Knox county; Marion, Nettie, Lettie and Martha.

PAGE 309

O. A. PEASE, the pioneer jeweler of Corning, was born in Franklin county, Maine, in 1844. He learned the jeweler’s trade in his native county, and in 1866 came West, settling in Quincy, Adams county, Iowa. In 1867 he began business with simply a set of tools as his only capital.

In 1869 he located in Corning and has ever since been a resident here.

His stock now consists of a complete line of jewelers’ goods; also a full line of fancy goods, stationary and wall paper. He Has built up an extensive business and is the

leading jeweler of the city. During his business career he has seen Corn-

ing grow from a village of thirteen buildings to its present size, and no man has taken a

deeper interest in its development and welfare, or more nearly kept pace with its commercial importance. In his political principles he is a Republican and has held office as member of Town Council, president of School Board, and now fills the office of county Supervisor.

In 1872 he married Miss El vie Dunbar, a native of Vermont, whose parents came to Corning in 1869, where they were married. Mr. and Mrs. Pease have three children. They are influential members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, contributing freely to all its beneficiaries.

PAGE 309

CLARK D. LAWRENCE, Clark D. Lawrence, who resides in section 26, Douglas township, Adams county, Iowa, dates his arrival in this county April 24, 1855.

Mr. Lawrence made his appearance on this mundane sphere, in Morgan county, Ohio, December 2, 1839. His father, Thomas H. Lawrence, a native of Maine, was a son of Zachariah Lawrence, who was of English descent and a soldier in the war of 1812. Thomas H. was five years old when his parents moved to Ohio, where he was reared and lived until 1855, and where he was united in marriage with Patience Devol, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Presberry Devol. Her father, a native of Rhode Island, was also of English descent. In 1855 Thomas H. Lawrence came from Ohio by steamboat on the Ohio and Missouri rivers to St. Joseph, thence by ox teams to Adams county, Iowa, and settled on section 5, Jasper township. He died at Quincy, in February, 1865, aged fifty- four years. By trade he was a mechanic, stone mason and plasterer; in politics a Republican; and in his life exemplified the truths of Christianity. His wife died at the age of sixty-two. She was a member of the Baptist Church. They had thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters, of whom Clark D. was the third born and oldest son. He was fifteen years old when the family came to Adams county.

July 13, 1861, Mr. Lawrence enlisted in Company H, Fourth Iowa Infantry, Captain E. Y. Burgan, and served three years, one month and twenty-one days. At Pea Ridge, Arkansas, he was wounded in the right thigh, and was confined in the hospital until April 16, when he was granted a furlough and returned home for a time. July 14 he rejoined his regiment at Helena, Arkansas. He participated in a number of important engagements, and on September 4, 1864, was honorably discharged at Jonesborough, Georgia, after which he returned to Adams county.

Mr. Lawrence subsequently spent four years and a half on a farm (homestead) in Sherman county, Kansas, being among the early settlers of that place. He came to his present farm in 1880. Here he has eighty acres of well improved land, with good orchard and fine grove, comfortable cottage home, outbuildings, etc. He has a good mule team that has done min service for twenty-four years.

November 2, 1864, Mr. Lawrence was married to Sarah R. Clark, who was born in Henry county, Iowa, daughter of Manly and Mary E. (Bell) Clark. Eight sons have been born to them, six of whom are living, viz: Thomas H., Horace C., Frank D., Walter E., Doc B. and John L. Manly C. and Zachariah Presberry are those deceased.

Mr. Lawrence is in politics a Republican, and as township trustee had made an efficient officer. He is a member of the Llewellyn Post, G. A. R., of Corning, Iowa. James Llewellyn was the first man killed in the Rebellion, from Adams county; he was a member of Company H, Fourth Iowa.  

PAGE 310

GEORGE TULLY, of section 26, Grant township, Castle Brae Farm, came to this county in 1881, and , like many of Iowa's successful and honored citizens, is a native of Scotland, born on the banks of the Tweed, in Roxburghshire, November 8, 1822, a son of Andrew and Catharine (Dickie) Tully, also natives of Scotland. The father was a son of Andrew Tully, Sr., who was a man of note in Scotland; the mother was a daughter of John Dickie. Our subject's parents came to Peterborough county, Canada, when that country was yet new, and they had to carry their grist to mill on their backs. They lived there until death, the mother dying at the age of seventy-four years, and the father at the age of ninety. They reared a family of six sons and two daughters, and two of the sons were prominent clergymen in the Presbyterian Church. One son, Dr. Tully, located near Philadelphia, and another, Rev. Andrew Tully, at one time in early days owned 240 acres of land in Adams county.

George, our subject, was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the common schools. At the age of twenty-eight years, in 1850, he married Jane Fowler, a woman of intelligence, who has been a devoted wife and helpmate to her husband. She was born January 29, 1830, in Peterborough county, Canada, a daughter of William and Ann (Ingles) Fowler, the former a native of Roxburghshire, Scotland, and the latter of Yorkshire, England. The parents were married in Canada, and reared a family of eleven children, eight daughters and three sons. They lived until death in Peterborough county, the father dying at the age of eighty-four years, and the mother at the age of eighty-three. After his marriage Mr. Tully improved a farm in his neighborhood, where he built a good brick house and barns. He sold this place in 1880, and the next year bought a farm of 320 acres in Grant township of Arch Casteel, where he has a good house, 14 x 24 feet, with an addition 14 x 14 feet, one and a half stories high, situated on a natural building site four miles from Lenox, and surrounded by a fine grove and orchard of six acres.

Mr. and Mrs. Tully have eight children, six daughters and two sons, all born in Peterborough county, namely: Andrew, born December 28, 1851, was married February 6, 1883, to Miss Mary Agnes Davidson, who was reared and educated in Peterborough, a daughter of Donald and Sarah (Robinson) Davidson; they have three sons, - George M., Herbert D. and Wellington Bruce; Ann is the wife of W. C. Smith, principal of the schools at Peterborough, and they have eight children, - Lottie J. L., Florence A. L., Lavina A. G., Mary E., Etta H., Clarence M., Keneth Maxwell and an infant daughter; William F. married Rachel Kane, and they have one son, - Robert; Mary Jane is the wife of Duncan McFee, of Union county, Iowa, and they have four children, - George A., Robert W., Mabel J. and Willmer; Margaret is the wife of John McFee, also of Union county, and they have two children, - George A. and Louis W; Elizabeth Ellen is the wife of Thomas Kane, of Grant township, and they have one child, - Gertrude Zepherene; Agnes Georgia is the wife of George McFee, of Grant township, and they have one child, - Agnes Luella; Ada Louise Dickie is at home, and has been enlisted as one of Adams county's teachers. Mr. Tully is a Republican politically, and has served as Justice of the Peace of Grant township. Religiously he is an active worker in the Presbyterian Church, in which he is also an elder.

PAGE 311

ISAAC I. HOMAM, grocer at Corning, was H born in Putnam county, Indiana, in 1838, W a son of Mark Homan, who was born in Virginia, and Elizabeth (Stout) Homan, who was born in North Carolina. His mother died in 1842, and his father afterward was married again, and many of his descendants are intelligent citizens of this State. Mr. Homan was brought up to farm life. He arrived in Adams county in October. 1864, settling in Carl township, upon a farm where the improvements were very meager. Going to work with definite aims, in three years he was able to build a new house, 16 x 26. Afterward he engaged to some extent in other business, and in 1882 he sold his farm and opened a grocery in Corning, which he is still conducting, enjoying a good trade. His genial manners and obliging methods of dealing have won for him many of the best people for customers. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for thirty-five years, a faithful worker. As a citizen no one ranks higher.

In 1858 he married Miss Nancy E. Wilson, a native of Indiana, and they have had seven children, two of whom are living in Corning; the others are dead.

PAGE 311

JOHN MERCER, farmer and stock-raiser of section 11, Jasper township, Adams county, since 1882, was born in Highland county, Ohio, June 30, 1840, the second son and third child in a family of six sons and three daughters of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Cochran) Mercer. His father was a native of Virginia, of English ancestry, and moved to Ohio when sixteen years of age. There he married the daughter of Andrew Cochran, who came from Ireland and settled in Adams county, Ohio, as a pioneer, and was finally killed in the war of 1812. The parents passed the remainder of their lives in Highland county.

Mr. Mercer of this sketch was reared to farm life, remaining with his parents until he was twenty-four years old. November 11, 1865, he married Miss Mary Ann Murphin a native of the same county in Ohio, and a daughter of Eli Murphin, who was reared also in that county, his parents being among the first settlers there. Her father came to Iowa in 1858. Mr. Mercer was married in Lucas county, Iowa, and followed farming

until he came to Adams county in 1882. He owns eighty acres in Jasper township, his farm being one of the finest in the vicinity. Mr. Mercer is allied to the Democratic party. His children are D. N., Sadie, Charles A. Mary, Maud, W. W. and Ida. His wife died August 20, 1880, and he was again married October 26, 1882, to Miss California Mitchell, a daughter of George Mitchell, and by this marriage there have been three children,— one who died in infancy, Lura Belle, and

Jessie Bernice.

PAGE 312

WILLIAM M. SCOTT, a merchant at Corning, was born in this State, in 1862. His father, Hamilton Scott, was a soldier who gave his life in defense of his country, in the last war as a member of Company L, Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry. His mother's maiden name was Sarah McDowell. In the family were two sons and one daughter, all of whom are living in Adams county. William M., the youngest of these, made good use of his opportunities in the public schools. Entering the house of A. B. Turner, a merchant, he continued with him four years, and then entered business for himself, engaging in the general merchandise trade. At the present time he carries a line of boots and shoes and groceries, and has the largest stock of boots and shoes in Adams county. His honesty and ability are beyond question and his success is due entirely to his own talent. Socially he holds a membership in the orders of F. & A. M., I. O. O. F. and K. of P. For his wife he married Miss Effie Neighbors.

PAGE 312

SYLVESTER SNYDER is a pioneer of Adams county. He has been a resident of the county since the spring of 1855 is well known here, and a resume of his life will be found of interest to many. Briefly it is as follows:

Sylvester Snyder was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, August 10, 1835, son of Peter Snyder, a native of Montgomery county, same State. Grandfather Jacob Snyder was born in Holland and was among the first Holland Dutch settlers of New York State. He was a Revolutionary soldier. Peter Snyder was married in Montgomery county to Hannah Cornwell, a native of that place and also of Dutch extraction.

The subject of our sketch was a lad of eight years when his parents moved to Jo Daviess county, Illinois, and settled two miles and a half west of Warren. Here young Snyder grew up on a farm and received his education in the common schools. He helped to build the first railroad through the county, and also worked on the Mineral Point railroad north of Warren.

In 1855 the Snyder family came to Adams county, Iowa, being among the earliest settlers here. They first located in Washington township and in 1875 moved to Carl township, where the parents passed the rest of their days and died, the father at the age of eighty-one years and the mother, seventy-five. Both were worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The father was a Democrat before the war, but a Republican after the organization of that party. Their family consisted of five children. One son, Fred, entered the service of his country as a member of the Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, and died at Keokuk in 1864. Sylvester offered his services, but was rejected on account of a crippled finger. Another brother, Mark, also enlisted and was not accepted into the service.

In 1861 the subject of our sketch settled on eighty acres of wild land in section 17, Carl township. This he sold in 1870 and bought his present farm of 160 acres, then wild land. He now has a good farm, well adapted for stock or grain, and improved with buildings, orchard, grove, etc.

Mr. Snyder was married in Adams county, Iowa, in 1858, to Miss Elizabeth Hamon, a lady of intelligence and culture and an efficient teacher before her marriage. Her father, Lewis Hamon, of Corning, Iowa, is one of the pioneers of Adams county. Mrs. Snyder was born in Illinois and reared in Jones county, Iowa. They have had sixteen children, thirteen of whom are living, viz.: Frank W., Lane S., Cora V., Grant W., Avanelle M., Jennie R., John R., Ada S., Nanny A., Minerva E., Ethel E., Irene B. and Lola M. Lilly, John and an infant son are deceased.

Mr. Snyder's political relations are with the Greenback party.

PAGE 313

MAJOR W. L. PARKER was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, February 22, 1820, son of John and Elizabeth Parker, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively. His father was eighteen

years old when he went to Kentucky with an older brother, Samuel, and settled in Shelbyville, where they engaged in working at their trade, that of cabinet-making. This business John followed for about five years, until he married. He and his wife, nee Elizabeth Weaver, had ten children, of whom Major Parker is the youngest. Four are still living, John Parker was a focal minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church and his brother Samuel, was a regularly ordained minister and a member of the Kentucky Conference. The latter volunteered as a missionary to the South and died in Mississippi in 1818. John died in the triumphs of the Christian faith in 1846. His wife died in 1822. She also was a devoted Christian.

The subject of our sketch began life for himself at the age of ten years by working in a brick-yard in St. Louis, at twenty-five cents a day, off-bearing from the moulder. He subsequently served for a time as cabin boy on a steamboat. At fourteen he commenced learning the trade of bricklayer in St. Louis. This he followed with contracting until the war opened.

In 1862 he enlisted as a private in Company C, Fourth Missouri Mounted State Militia Cavalry, and was soon promoted to Second Lieutenant. In the fall of that year he was promoted to Captain of his company, and while acting in that capacity took a gallant part in the battle of Springfield, Missouri, against General Marmaduke. In 1864 he recruited out of the Fourth and they vet-eraned and formed a part of the Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry, of which Parker was Captain of Company K. Later, he was promoted to Major in the same regiment. He was discharged in January, 1866, His regiment was sent out on the plains to Fort Larned, Major Parker being commander of the fort. Later, his battalion (two companies of cavalry and two of infantry) was sent to Fort Auburn, on the boundary between Colorado and Kansas. They marched from Auburn to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, some 300 miles, encountering several hard snow storms; while on the march they slept on and under the snow every night. From there they were ordered home, and at St. Louis were paid off. He was never wounded or taken prisoner, but on more than one occasion did good running. While in the army he contracted disease from which he will probably never recover.

After the war he returned to the business of bricklaying and contracting in St. Joseph, Missouri. This he continued at that place until 1870, when he located in Evansville, Indiana, and engaged in the same business. In 1878 he began the manufacture of brick by hydraulic pressure, turning out 85,000 brick per day of ten hours, rain or shine. In 1875, his health failing, he moved to New

Albany, and the following year, seeking still further change, he came to Adams county, Iowa. Here he has since presided, engaged in agricultural pursuits, His farm, consisting of 440 acres, is located in section 20, Quincy township, and is six miles northwest of Corning.

Major Parker was first married, in 1844, to Frances Dixon. Her death occurred in 1872. She was a Christian lady and a member of the Methodist Church. In March, 1875, he wedded Mrs. Fanny C. Montgomery, widow of the late Captain James Montgomery and a daughter of William and Abigail (Tower) West, her father a native of Virginia and her mother of Massachusetts. She is the third born of their twelve children, seven of whom are still living. Her father died during the war at about the age of seventy years, and her mother, in August, 1873, at the age of sixty-eight. Most of their married life was passed near New Albany, Indiana. Mrs. Parker’s first husband, Captain James Montgomery, was one of the leading river men of his day. He arose from a poor boy to a position of influence, and at the time of his death was one of the most prominent men of New Albany. He held official positions in the Methodist Episcopal Church; was associated with the Masonic fraternity, and was in politics a Republican. While on the river, he commanded a number of boats, being president of the mail line between Louisville, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio, for seven years. While in this position, he was credited with breaking up gambling on all boats of that line.

During the civil war, he served for about two years in the Union navy, being the first pilot of the gunboat Monarch, next of the flagship Hartford and afterward of the gunboat Switzerland. While on the last, he was one of the first to volunteer to run the blockade at Vicksburg, piloting the first boat through. After the war he was never engaged in any active business. His death occurred

February 3, 1872.

By her first marriage, Mrs. Parker had two children, Fanny E. and James B. Montgomery.

Major Parker is a member of the G. A. R. Post; politically is a Republican; fraternally a member of the I. O. O. F., and religiously, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Parker is also a Methodist. She is a lady of taste and refinement and show's much of that culture which comes from an acquaintance with books. Her library is composed of select volumes and the latest works of the most popular authors.

PAGE 314

LOYD CHAPMAN, liveryman at Corning, was born in Washington county, Ohio in 1845, and was but two years of age when his father died, and eleven years old when his mother followed to the other world, after having removed to Davenport, this State. Loyd therefore practically brought up himself on a farm. He came to Adams county in 1874 and engaged in farming. He was also engaged in veterinary practice for nine years here, and then in the country and adjoining places. In his present livery business he has been engaged also for nine years, and is well known as an accommodating, honest and charitable gentleman. He owns a farm in Carl township, where he has reduced the original wild prairie, being a pioneer in that section. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At the age of twenty-three years, in Scott county, this State, he was married to Miss Emily C. Pope, a native of this State, and they have had five children, as follows: Belle, engaged in a store; Isaac Justis, Bertha, Carrie M. and Edna M. In his political principles Mr. Chapman is independent.

PAGE 315

JOHN BARNETT, of section 10, Douglas township, Adams county, was born February 22, 1814, in Washington county, Pennsylvania. He is the son of John Barnett, a Scotch-Irishman, born in the north of Ireland, and Margaret (Laferty) Barnett, and is one of a family of four sons and four daughters, all of whom have passed away save the subject of our sketch. The parents died in Belmont county, Ohio, they having moved to that place when John was a babe in arms. There he lived until he was twenty. He then went to Richland county, Ohio. He received his education in the public schools of the Buckeye State, and in his younger days was engaged in teaching for several terms. In 1850 he made the overland trip to California, and for two years gave his attention to mining and mercantile pursuits in the Golden State, with fair success.

In 1854 Judge Barnett came to Adams county, Iowa, and settled where he now resides. He was married the same year to Miss Elizabeth Wolf. They have had no children of their own, but have been father and mother to three little ones left to their care: Barnett L. Jones was left without a mother when a young child; he was taken by Judge and Mrs. Barnett and reared to manhood; he is now a dealer in general merchandise in Carbon, Iowa; Jessie and Emma, two nieces, were left motherless in infancy and found a home with our subject and wife; they have grown to maturity and Jessie is married to Morris T. Campbell, a prosperous business man, now postmaster of Carbon, Iowa; Emma is at home, surrounded by all the comforts of life.

The Judge owns 1,400 acres of land which is among the finest tracts in the county, and by many is regarded as the finest. It is well adapted to general farming, producing good crops of everything raised in this latitude. It is also well fitted for stock-raising. His commodious two-story residence is beautifully locate on a natural building site. On his land are numerous houses for his tenants, of whom he has several. He has two large barns, each 60 x 40 feet, [besides] a number of outbuildings. In fact, all the conveniences of a well-kept farm are found here. He has twelve acres in orchard and five acres of artificial grove. The Judge has given much attention to the raising of fine stock. He has a herd of graded shorthorn cattle; is engaged in breeding Cleveland Bays, having a fine imported stallion of that breed; raises Poland-China hogs; and has heretofore engaged largely in sheep-raising, having usually about 800 head.

In 1855 John Barnett was elected County of Probate Judge, and served one term. He has served on the Board of Supervisors, been Justice of the Peace, Township Clerk etc. In politics he was and is still a Democrat. During the war he tendered his services to the Government, but was never mustered into the service. Judge Barnett is well preserved for one of his age, although he has had two partial strokes of paralysis. A man of the strictest integrity, always genial and courteous, he has a limitless circle of friends and truly merits the respect and esteem he receives from all who know him.

PAGE 316

H. D. BULLOCK, an agriculturist of section 17, Nodaway township (postoffice East Nodaway), was born in Morgan county, Ohio, December 19, 1839, the son of Marshall and Rhoda Bullock, the eldest of their nine children. He was brought up to farm life, received a good schooling and

taught school several terms with signal success.

Under President Lincoln’s call for “300,000 more” volunteers to suppress the great insurrection, he enlisted in Company D, Thirtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until August, 1864, participating in the battles of Bull Run, South Mountain, etc., receiving a wound from a minie-ball in the latter engagement, in his right hip. Was in the field and judicial hospital five weeks. Afterward he was at the siege of Vicksburg, the surrender of Chattanooga and battle of Missionary Ridge, where he was again wounded, this time losing a toe from his left foot, and lie was confined to the hospital for some time, and from there went home on furlough when able to travel, and was taken prisoner and paroled by Morgan while on his raid through Ohio, Morgan keeping his horse in exchange for one tired out. After Morgan’s capture he returned to the army,

and was with Sherman through the Atlanta campaign, and honorably discharged in August, 1864.

After spending a few months at his Ohio home, he came to Iowa and settled on ninety acres of wild land, near where his father has located. He now owns there one of the best farms in the county,—290 acres of rich ground, a large portion of it being bottom land on the Nodaway river. He also has here one of the best orchards in the county, and an ornamental grove. He has a good two-story house on a beautiful building site, well ornamented with trees and shrubbery,

and a large barn, etc.,—everything in good trim. The home is appropriately named “Orchard Place.” Mr. Bullock is a Republican, a member of Meyerhoff Post, G. A. R., a member of Villisca Lodge, No. 270, F. & A. M., and is a class-leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has held the office of township clerk several terms, serving faithfully and satisfactorily. He is a reliable gentleman, cordial in manner and upright in all his dealings.

Mr. Bullock was married in 1867, to Susan Pierce, a native of Morgan county, Ohio, and

a daughter of William Pierce, also a native of that State. Their six children are Albert, Chester V., Nellie Belle, Lily Maud, Cora and Elmer Marshall. Two other children, Rosa and Frank Leslie, are deceased.

PAGE 316

JAMES T. McFEE, proprietor of the Belle Isle Farm, is a dealer and importer of Clyde, Shire and Hackney horses, and also Shropshire sheep. He is one of the well known and popular stock men of the Blue Grass country, having been in the business fourteen years. His Shire horse,

Charon, received the sweepstakes at Corning; his Clyde horse, New Moon, received the first prize of its class; and his Hackney horse, Nestor, received first premiums wherever he has been shown. Mr. McFee goes to England and Scotland, where he buys the best horses to be found in those countries. At Belle Isle can be found the finest imported horses in southwestern Iowa.

He has also a number of imported Shropshire sheep, which are second to none in the West. Mr. McFee is a good judge of stock, a successful business man, and honorable and just in all his dealings.

He came to this country March 17, 1871, where he has since resided and made his home. He was born in Peterborough county, Canada, March 28, 1844, a son of Hugh McFee a native of Roxburghshire, Scotland. The latter was a son of James and Mary (Forsyth) McFee, natives of the same place. Hugh McFee was married to Margaret Tully, a native of Scotland, and they had

seven children, five sons and two daughters. They lost one son by death. James T., the subject of this sketch, is their eldest child and was reared on a farm, and received a common-school education. In 1871 he came to this county and settled on 160 acres of wild land, which he has since made his home. He now owns 560 acres in Grant township, Adams county, and eighty acres in Union county. He has two barns, one 52 x 64 feet, and the other 48 x 50 feet, both of which are well arranged for horses and cattle. He feeds 200 head of cattle, besides keeping a

large number of stock of various kinds.

Mr. McFee was married in Peterborough county, July 12, 1868, to Miss Prudence Kidd, a native of the same county, and daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Johns) Kidd, the former of Scotch descent, born at Perth, Canada, and the latter of English. They were married in Canada, and were the parents of eleven children, three sons and three daughters still living, of whom Mrs.

McFee was the third child. Her parents still live in Peterborough county; her father is in his seventy-third year, and the mother in her sixty-ninth. Mr. and Mrs. McFee have six children, four sons and two daughters, namely: David, born March 25, 1870, in Canada, is now attending school at Des Moines, Iowa; James, born October 8, 1871; Lillie Rosetta born March 80, 1873; Ella E., born September 26, 1878, died October 14, 1881; Nellie Elizabeth, born October 25, 1884; Robert Hugh, born July 24, 1886; and William Ellsworth, born March 15, 1890. Mr.

McFee is a Republican politically; has served six years as Supervisor, and five years as chairman of the board, and also held the same position when the courthouse was built.

PAGE 317

PETER HILL is one of the prominent stockmen of Adams county, Iowa. He, like many of the intelligent, enterprising and successful citizens of the county, dates his birth in Scotland, that event having occurred in the county of Perth, August 9, 1852. He is a son of James and Jane (McDonald) Hill, both natives of Scotland. Peter spent his youth amid the hills of his native land, working on the farm and attending school. When he was twenty-one the family, consisting of father and mother and himself and two brothers, David and Andrew, immigrated to the United States, and settled in Lincoln township, Adams county, Iowa, where the subject of our sketch now lives. This was in 1873. In 1884 the parents and his two younger brothers returned to Scotland, where they reside at this time.

Mr. Hill’s farm consists of 120 acres and is located in section 1. His cottage home is situated forty rods back from the highway, with forest trees in the rear and a clover field in front.His barn, stable, fences, and, in short, everything on the premises indicate that thrift and prosperity reign here. Mr. Hill has given much attention to stock, and is especially noted as a good judge of cattle, He is now engaged in buying and selling stock.

In February, 1884, he was married to Miss Lydia Dudgeon, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, daughter of David and Mary Jane (Freeman) Dudgeon. They have two children, Mabel, Jean and Agues Viena. Mr. Hill’s political views are in harmony with Democratic principles. He was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church.

PAGE 318

EDWARD SCHAFROTH, a farmer on section 27, Nodaway township, (post-office Nodaway),, was born in Monroe county, Ohio, march 26, 1856, a son of John and Elizabeth Schafroth, natives of Switzerland.  They had several children, two of whom were soldiers in our last war and are now prominent citizens of Jasper and Mercer townships.  Another one of the children is Mrs. Fred Walter, of Nodaway township.

Edward, our subject, was left an orphan at the age of seven or eight years, and for several years made his home with Henry Walter, his brother-in-law, an esteemed citizen of Mercer township.  He was brought up to the work of the farm.  The first land he owned was in that township, a tract of forty acres.  After a time he sold that and purchased eighty acres of land, where he now lives - good land.  He occupies a frame cottage, on a pleasant building site, surrounded by shade-trees, etc., and the farm is well supplied with all the modern conveniences.  In politics Mr. Shafroth is a Democrat, and in respect to religion he and his wife belong to the German Evangelical Church.

He was married December 7, 1880, to Miss Lizzie, a daughter of John Hedinger.  Her father was born in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, November 24, 1835, a son of Rudolph and Mary Hedinger, and emigrated to this country, locating in Monroe county, Ohio, at the age of nineteen years, and in 1869 he came to Nodaway township, Adams county.

He was married, at Wheeling, West Virginia, May 28, 1863, to Elizabeth Graf, a native of Switzerland, a daughter of John and Lena Graf.  Mr. and Mrs. Schafroth have had three children: Henry Lewis, Clarence A. and Hulda May.

PAGE 318

ALBERT BISHOP  is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, born November 12, 1847, the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Bishop, natives of Canada. His parents were among the early settlers of Milwaukee. The mother died in 1868 and the father, in 1890, the latter at the age of seventy-eight years. Albert was reared in town, received a common school education, and during his youth was variously employed. He learned the trade of a painter, which he followed for some time at Appleton, Wisconsin.

During the late war Mr. Bishop enlisted in April, 1865, in the Fifty- third Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, Company K, and did his part in helping to put down the rebellion. He was with his regiment stationed most of the time on the Iron Mountain railroad in Missouri and Arkansas. In August, 1865, he was honorably discharged, after which he returned to Wisconsin.

In 1878 Mr. Bishop moved to Ogle county, Illinois, and subsequently to Winnebago county, same state. In 1880 he settled on his present farm in section 23, Carl township, Adams county, Iowa. This farm, 120 acres, he had purchased in 1875 when it was wild land. It is now improved with good buildings, orchard, etc., and on it he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising.

Mr. Bishop was married, October 5, 1880, to Miss Alverda Jane Mily, a native of Whiteside county, Illinois, and a daughter of Jesse and Jane Mily. Her father was born in Ohio, is forty-nine years old, and was a soldier in the late war. Mr. and Mrs. Bishop have two children, Mary Alice and Frank Elmer. Mr. Bishop is in politics a Republican, as was also his father.

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A. E. BOOTH, a druggist of Prescott, Iowa, was born in Canton township, Wayne county, Michigan, May 18, 1843, the son of Geo. W. and Helen Booth, of Scotch-English ancestry.

Our subject received his early education in the common schools of the country, and also in the graded schools of Plymouth, Michigan. He moved to Minnesota with his father’s family in the spring of 1864, where he was employed in various pursuits for several years, the latter portion of which he was in the employ of Larrabee & Kelly, druggists, Winona, Minnesota. In the winter of 1876 he came to Iowa, stopping first near Osceola, where he remained but a short time, and then went to Prescott, Adams county, and engaged in the drug business, in which he has been successful. He has held the office of school director and secretary for several years, and is now

serving his fourth term as township clerk; also, is treasurer of the town of Prescott. Socially he is a member of the Masonic order. Mr. Booth was married May 27, 1869, to Mary S. Handlen, who was born in Indiana, near La Fayette, April 28, 1852, the daughter of Hiram Handlen, a native of

La Fayette, Indiana. She received her early education in Thorntown, Indiana, under Professor Ridpath, the historian.

PAGE 319

HORATIO F. DALE, an attorney at Corning, was born in London, England. His father, H. Ridley Dale, was a merchant in that city, and is still living there. His mother’s maiden was was Margaret Barnett. Mr. Dale completed his school days at University College, London, England, receiving a classical and liberal education. On emigration to the New World in 1870, he landed at Quebec, and came on to Dubuque, Iowa, where' he began teaching, enjoying brilliant success. He began reading law under the guidance of Wilson & O’Donell, at Dubuque, and was admitted to the bar, in 1872, but still continued as a school-teacher in order that he might at intervals render himself still more familiar with the principles of law and American usage. He began practice in Adams county in 1875, moved to Corning in 1883, and has won a reputation for thoroughness and carefulness. As an advocate he is quick to see the aims of an opponent, and he is logical and fluent as a speaker. He makes constant use of his well selected library. No man in southwestern Iowa has the confidence of his clientage more than he. He is a Royal Arch Mason and a Knight of Pythias. Both himself and Mrs. Dale are member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. They were married in 1883, in Adams county, Iowa. Her maiden name was McCune. She was born in Morgan county, Ohio, and is of Irish ancestry. Their children are Horace R., Hylton Frederic, Harold Walter and Cecil Henry.

Mr. Dale was nominated by the Democrats in 1881 for State Senator for the counties of Adams and Taylor, comprising the Sixth Senatorial District, and made an effective canvass. His opponents were Hon. Geo. L. Finn, Republican, seeking reelection as Senator, and H. S. Duncan, running on the People’s ticket. Though defeated by about 400 plurality, Mr. Dale ran 400 ahead of Governor Horace Boies.

PAGE 320

T. C. REID, dealer in agricultural implements, was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, June 3, 1853, being the fifth child in a family of eight of Jesse and Elizabeth Reid. At the age of five years he removed to Davenport, Scott county, Iowa, where he was engaged in farming, working on the farm in summer. He went to school when he could be spared in the winter, and completed his school days at Oskaloosa College. He engaged in farming in Scott county until 1877, when he came to Corning, Adams county, Iowa, as manager of section 9, Quincy township, the same being owned by E. D. Kemp. On July 6, 1879, he was married to Miss Anna R. Glines. On January 1, 1885, he gave up the position as manager for Mr. Kemp, and engaged in farming for himself for two years, at the end of which time he removed to Corning and opened up his present prosperous implement business. Tom Reid, as he is familiarly called, knows how to handle the implement business. In the retail trade his books show a $20,000 business for the year 1891. He is the oldest dealer in the city of Corning, and he is known as a hustler.

PAGE 320

ISRAEL OLIVE, the enterprising proprietor of Mr. Olive farm, on section 18, Prescott township, was born in Lancashire, England, April 3, 1843, a son of Matthew Olive, a native of the same place. His mother, whose maiden name was Miriam Cochran, was born in Scotland, of Scotch parents. Israel was eight years old when his father came to America, and they labored assiduously to earn the money with which to bring over the rest of the family, which was accomplished in about two years. The family then settled in La Salle county, Illinois, at Split Rock, where father and son opened and worked the best coal mine in that county. The mother died there, and the father died at Springfield, that State, at the age of seventy-four years. Six of their children grew up. One of them, John, joined the One Hundred and Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, during the war, and was killed at Duval's Bluff, Arkansas, when thirty years of age. Another son, Thomas, lives in Prescott township; Robert was killed in a coal mine in England; and the second Robert, named after the first, was killed by an accident in La Salle county, Illinois, when a small boy.

Mr. Israel Olive grew up to manhood in La Salle county, followed coal- mining and other occupations for twenty years there and then settled on ninety-two acres of wild prairie in Adams county, where he has since made his home. He now owns 215 acres, - the "Mr. Olive farm," which is one of the best in the township. On it is a fine modern dwelling, 18 x 24 feet, with an L 14 x 16 feet, and both two stories high, beautifully adorned surroundings and farm buildings and appurtenances, all in good condition. The barn is 32 x 46 feet, with 20-foot center posts. On this beautiful homestead the proprietor and his family can spend their days in comfort.

Mr. Olive was married in Ottawa, La Salle county, Illinois, January 2, 1874, to Miss Ellen Bush, a native of Scotland and a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Watson) Bush, also of Scotch nativity. Her father died June 29, 1885, and her mother is living with her. The Bush family came to America in 1853, settling in Pennsylvania, and in 1862 they removed to La Salle county, Illinois. Mrs. Olive has one brother, James Bush, at Streator, that county. Mr. and Mrs. Olive have five children living, namely: Thomas, Charley, Estella, Maggie and Cora.

Mr. Olive is a Republican, is an Oddfellow and was reared a Methodist. Mrs. Olive was brought up a Presbyterian, but in Illinois united with the Baptist church.

PAGE 321

ABEL PALMER has resided in Douglas township, Adams county, for a score of years, and is well and favorably known in this vicinity.

Born in Somersetshire, England, April 30, 1828, of poor but honored and respected parents, he was reared on a farm and early taught lessons of industry and economy which have been of great value to him in after life. His parents, William and Johana (Young) Palmer, were both natives of Somersetshire, and their family was composed of four sons and three daughters. In early life they were members of the Church of England, and later united with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

April 4, 1857, Mr. Palmer wedded Miss Jane Coles, who was born in Somersetshire, October 1, 1834, oldest child of Richard and Ann (Hawkins) Coles. Her parents lived and died in England. Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Palmer bade adieu to their native land, embarked at Bristol in the Osprey, and after a voyage of six weeks landed at Castle Garden. Coming West, they located in Henry county, Illinois, where Mr. Palmer was engaged in farm work for a time. He was subsequently employed in a mill, where he remained until 1870. That year he came to Adams county, Iowa, and bought a farm of eighty acres, the one on which he now resides. It was then wild land, and he paid $6.60 per acre for it. The early pioneers of this county settled along the creeks and in the woods, and Mr. Palmer was one of the first to take up his abode on the prairie. A neatly trimmed osage hedge now surrounds his farm; beautiful trees of maple and cottonwood with their lofty branches cast a friendly shade; an attractive cottage home, with pleasing surroundings, orchard, etc., all these combine to make the Palmer farm a model one.

Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have nine children, namely: Charlotte V., wife of Joel Cole, of Douglas township, this county, has eight children; Ella C., wife of George Mohler, Carbon, Iowa, has four children; Susan I., wife of Charles Penton, Omaha, Nebraska, has two children; Rev. G. W. Palmer, a promising young minister who has charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Persia, Iowa, married Esther I. Wood, a successful teacher and a lady of culture and refinement, and by her has one child; and Ida I., Elmer H., Frank A., Estella May and Charley, at home. Mrs. Mohler and Mrs. Penton were popular and efficient teachers before their marriage. Mr. Palmer and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church, of which he has served as steward. Their daughters Ida I. is secretary and organist of the Sunday-school.

PAGE 322

A. F. COLLMAN, a farmer and nurseryman of section 4, Mercer township, was born in Hanover, Germany, January 18, 1841, a son of Frederick and Dora (Bussie) Collman, natives of Hanovor, Germany, where they were reared and married.  In 1845 they emigrated to America, first locating in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, thence to Kendall county, Illinois, where he improved a frontier farm and reared a family of six children, three of whom are living at this writing. The father died in 1871, at the age of eighty-four years, and the mother in 1889, at the age of ninety-one years.

 

Our subject was reared on a farm, receiving his early education in the common schools, and completed it at what is now known as Jennings Seminary, at Aurora, Illinois.  In connection with his farming pursuits he began teaching at the age of eighteen, and taught for six terms, five of which were in his own township.  He was married March 1, 1863, to Miss Martha Beecher, a native of New York, and daughter of Philo and Mary (Olney) Beecher.  The father was a cousin of the celebrated divine, the late Henry Ward Beecher, and of Puritan ancestry.  Mr. Beecher settled in Kendall county, Illinois, in 1850, and there died at the age of fifty-one years. Mrs. Beecher is now a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska. After his marriage Mr. Collman purchased a part of his father-in-law's farm, where he resided until 1872, when he came to Adams county, Iowa, purchasing 160 acres of wild land, where he has since resided.  In 1873 he engaged in the nursery business, and is the only man in the county who has made a success of the nursery business.  He has now a well improved farm of 240 acres, and raises more nursery stock than any man in Southern Iowa.  He is the Vice-President of the State Horticultural Society.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Collman are the parents of five children:  Charles, Louise, the wife of Frederick Reese, Leavitt, Etta and Ralph. The family are members of the Congregational Church of Corning.  He has served as deacon of the church since 1873.  He organized the Union Sunday-school in Mercer township, which has the largest attendance according to the number enrolled of any Sunday-school in the county.  He takes great interest in the church work, and is an ardent worker in the temperance cause.  Politically he is a Republican.

PAGE 322

ANDREW SHEWMAN has been identified with the agricultural interests of Adams county since the year 1875. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Crawford county, August 19, 1819, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Craft) Shewman, natives also of the "Keystone" State and of German descent.

Our subject was reared in the State of his birth, receiving a limited education in the subscription schools held in the primitive log schoolhouse of that time. At the tender age of nine years he was put upon his own responsibility, and started out to earn his living. At the age of eighteen years he came to Illinois, where he remained about one year, after which he returned to Pennsylvania. He was united in marriage November 19, 1841, to Miss Mary Ann Stilling, a daughter of Walter and Dorcas (Huston) Stilling, natives of Pennsylvania, of French and English descent. In 1850 Mr. Shewman and his family emigrated to the West, and located in Jackson county, Iowa, where he purchased 160 acres of partially improved land on which he resided twenty-five years. In 1875 he came to Adams county and bought eighty acres of land upon which some improvements had been made; his farm now consists of 208 acres developed into one of the best farms in the county.

Mr. and Mrs. Shewman are the parents of five children: Benjamin J., of Sioux City; Ormina W., the wife of William Robertson; William, of Greenwood county, Kansas; Alvina, wife of John Stout of Antelope county, Nebraska; and W. W., of Cass county, Iowa. The parents are consistent members of the Baptist Church; they have lived together a half a century, a life of peace, happiness and content. Mr. Shewman is allied with the Republican party. He is a self-made man, and has accumulated a good property which he uses to the best advantage in giving his children a good, practical education, a treasure of which no man can defraud them.

PAGE 323

LAIRD V. RICHEY,  who resides on section 2 in Nodaway township, is the earliest settler of this county now residing in Nodaway township. He was born in Richland county, Ohio, August 28, 1830. His father was Joseph Richey and his mother's maiden name was Martha Laird. Joseph Richey was a native of Pennsylvania, and his father, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, also named Joseph Richey, was a native of Pennsylvania. Joseph, Jr., went to Richland county, Ohio, when a young man, and began the clearing up of a farm, and was married there to Martha Laird, who was born and reared in Ohio. The mother of the subject of this notice died in 1832 at the birth of her third child. The husband and father died in 1835. Mr. L. V. Richey is the only representative of his father's family living. On the death of his father, a cousin was appointed his guardian, with whom he lived for many years - in fact, until he was married and sought a home of his own. He received a good common-school education, and at the age of nineteen years began to learn the trade of carpenter, and this trade, with building, has been his chief occupation through life.

On the 17th of June, 1852, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Wolfe. In the fall of 1853 Mr. and Mrs. Richey came to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and the following spring to Adams county, settling on a piece of land in Mercer township. He and his wife were not only the first settlers of what is now Mercer township, but also of the east half of Adams county. Mr. Richey entered first, 160 acres of timber in what is now the township of Prescott. The following year he sold the greater part of this land, and with the proceeds paid the entry fee of a quarter section of prairie land in Mercer township. On this land Mr. and Mrs. Richey lived until 1859, when Mr. Richey sold his land and removed to Corning and engaged in building. There he and his wife lived until the fall of 1871, when they removed to their present location in Nodaway township. In connection with his farming interests Mr. Richey has continued the occupation of building. He has probably erected as many buildings in Adams county as any other builder.

Mrs. Richey was born in Knox county, Ohio. Her father was Andrew Wolfe, and her mother's maiden name was Saloma Garver. The former was a native of Pennsylvania. The latter was born in Germany, but came to America with her parents when a child of but eight years. Mr. Wolfe settled in Ohio, and continued to live in that State until death. At the time of death he and his wife were residents of Sandusky. Mrs. Richey was one of a family of eight children, consisting of three sons and five daughters, several of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Elizabeth Barnett, wife of John Barnett, of Douglas township, is a sister of Mrs. Richey. Mr. and Mrs. Richey have had nine children, six sons and three daughters, namely: Elizabeth E., wife of Granville Overhulse; Mary I., wife of John Lemon; Sarah I., wife of William Peryman; the eldest son in Charles D., and the others are John L., Samuel M., Frederick E., Joseph T. and Ira E.

Mr. and Mrs. Richey suffered all privations incident to a pioneer life. They came to the county with two covered wagons, which constituted their residences for about a month. By that time Mr. Richey had erected a log cabin with a puncheon floor, built in the truly primitive style of the pioneer days. Later Mr. Richey erected a hewed log house, where the family lived in comparative comfort. Mr. and Mrs. Richey have a pleasant home, where they now reside, in the enjoyment of the comforts of life; but their recollections of early trials and tribulations incident to their early settlement are vivid in their minds, and will ever remain so. The wolf and the deer in the early days were numerous, and were so unused to the appearance of man as to have but little fear of him; but the fertile farm has taken the place of the forest, and the prairie land is turned to cultivated fields. For the long period of thirty seven years have Mr. and Mrs. Richey been residents of Adams county. They have reared a large family of children, all but one of whom was born in Adams county. It may be mentioned as a remarkable fact that through all the privations of the pioneer days, and during later years, the family of Mr. and Mrs. Richey have all been spared, no death having occurred in that family during their married life. A parallel case can hardly be found in Adams county, where so large a family, the greater part of whom have reached mature years, have lived so long without bereavement by death. Mr. and Mrs. Richey are numbered among the well known and esteemed citizens of Adams county, where they have lived so long. Politically Mr. Richey was a Republican during the troublous war times, but later, as new issues came up, he saw his duty elsewhere and has voted with the Democratic party. He and his wife are faithful and consistent members of the Advent Church.

PAGE 324

WILLIAM I. GRAY of section 17, Grant township, came to this county in 1880, where he is one of the enterprising and successful citizens. He was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburg, a son of James and Mary Ann (Thornsburg) Gray, the former native of Tyrone, Ireland, and the latter a daughter of John Thornsburg, of Pennsylvania. The parents had fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters, of whom our subject is the tenth child. They resided in Allegheny county until death, the father dying at the age of sixty years, and the mother at the age of seventy. The father, a farmer by occupation, was a member of the Presbyterian Church, as was also the mother.

William, our subject, was reared on a farm in his native State, and received a common-school education. In 1879 he came to Iowa, spent one season in Marion county, and then came to Adams county, where he bought a farm in Mercer township. He sold this place in 1890, after which he bought his present farm of George Bratton and Robert Martin, and also eighty acres of Edward Matthews. He now owns 240 acres of well improved land, where he has a good house, groves, orchards, barns, sheds, yards and feed lots.

Mr. Gray was married in Allegheny county, March 6, 1878, to Miss Mary Snodgrass, a native of Butler county, Pennsylvania, and daughter of James and Jane (Hamilton) Snodgrass, natives of Ireland. They had eight children, four sons and four daughters. The father died at the age of eighty-four, and the mother at the age of sixty years, both in Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Gray have five children: Elmer Ellsworth, Jesse Elliott, Alvin Irvin, Myrtle Ursula and Mary Musetta. Politically Mr. Gray affiliates with the Democratic party, and both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

PAGE 325

HON. F. P. GREENLEE, one of the prominent citizens of the county and a leading attorney at law, was born in Ross county, Ohio, October 5, 1846. His parents were Thomas F. and Eliza A. (Pearce) Greenlee; the former was a native of Rockbridge county, Virginia, and the latter was born in New Jersey and raised in Ohio. His father was for more than twenty years engaged in teaching throughout Ohio, and was prominent as an educator. In later life he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits on his farm near Hillsborough, in Highland county, Ohio. He was an active and earnest worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, as was also his wife. The latter is still living and is now sixty-eight years of age. Mr. Greenlee was also an enthusiastic worker in the temperance cause and the Sabbath- school. Of the ten children born to T. F. and Eliza A. Greenlee, the subject of our sketch was the third and is one of the seven who are still living.

F. P. Greenlee, after receiving a high-school education, engaged in teaching, which he followed for three years, studying all the while. He then read law in Indianapolis, Indiana, under the tutorage of his uncle, E. A. Greenlee. In 1873 he was admitted to the bar and began the practice of his profession in Villisca, Iowa. Here he has continued and has met with eminent success. He is the oldest practitioner in Villisca, and among the oldest, and one of the leading attorneys of the county. He was elected a member of the School Board, which position he held for nine years, and ever since he located here has been prominently identified with the educational affairs of the county. He was elected Mayor of Villisca in 1883, which position he held one term, declining re-election. He was elected to the State Legislature and occupied a prominent position there two years. While a member of the Legislature he was Chairman of the Committee of the Board of Public Charities, was a member of the judiciary and other important committees; he had principal charge of reforming the judicial system of the State and redistricting the same; he took part on the floor in debate, and discharged the duties of the high offices with a high degree of satisfaction to his constituents and in a manner that reflected much credit on himself.

October 24, 1878, Mr. Greenlee was married to Miss Cora Mann, daughter of Joseph and Emily Mann of Montgomery county, Iowa. She was born in Michigan, and in 1869 came with her parents to Iowa. Her father and mother are now honored residents of Villisca. Mr. and Mrs. Greenlee have three children: George F., Harry L. and Marie.

Politically Mr. Greenlee is a Republican ever identified with the best wishes of his party. He is also actively associated with the fraternal societies of Villisca, being a Mason, an Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias. In 1875 he had passed through all the chairs of the I. O. O. F., and more recently through the Encampment and the Canton. He was District Representative of the lodge in 1878. In the K. of P. he is a charter member of two lodges, Red Oak and Villisca, and a member of the Uniform Rank. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Active in every enterprise which looks to the general improvement and material progress of the county, Mr. Greenlee is regarded as a most influential citizen, being alike popular in business, political, fraternal and social circles.

PAGE 326

WILLIAM BIXLER, who resides on section 16, Quincy township, belongs to one of the pioneer families of Adams county. His father, Jacob Bixler, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared and married to Miss Elizabeth Murry, who was born in the same county as her husband. The Bixler family are of German origin. Jacob Bixler continued to reside in Fayette county for a number of years after his marriage, when he removed with his family to Coshocton county, Ohio, where he settled on a farm and continued to reside until he came to Adams county in 1856. He located in Douglas township. His wife died in 1859, and the father then made his home with his children until his death in 1871. He was an honored and respected citizen. In his religious connection he was in early life a member of the Lutheran church, as was also his wife. On coming to Iowa he and his wife joined the Methodist church, there being no church of their denomination convenient. They were the parents of nine children, six sons and

three daughters, and all are now living but two of the daughters. Four sons are residents of Adams county, and one lives in Ohio. The eldest of the family is the surviving daughter, who lives in Owen county, Indiana.

William Bixler, the subject of this sketch, was born in Ohio, January 22, 1837, and was

but nineteen years old when he came to Iowa with his parents. The family arrived in Quincy July 4, 1856. In October, 1861, William Bixler enlisted in Company H, Fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served over four years, having been discharged July 7, 1865, by reason of wounds received in battles. He took part with his regiment in the expedition against the Rebel General

Price, in Missouri, in 1862. Pursuing Price to Arkansas, he took part in the battle of Pea Ridge. He went thence to the vicinity of Little Rock, Arkansas, thence to Helena, and was engaged in various enterprises, especially in scouting for the remainder of that season or until December, 1862. He then with his regiment joined General W. T. Sherman in his movements against Vicksburg, and took part in the charge at Chickasaw Bluffs, where, after taking one of the enemy’s works, they were compelled to retreat. His regiment lost in this charge 120 men killed and wounded. Mr. Bixler also took part in the battle of Arkansas Post in the early part of 1863, and in the siege of Vicksburg, under General Grant, and the battles and separations preceding and attending that siege. In September, 1863, he went to Memphis, and thence to Iuka, Mississippi; from there he was sent back to Memphis on account of sickness. He was soon after given a furlough and returned home, rejoining his regiment at Woodville, Alabama. There he re-enlisted and was severely wounded in the left arm and side at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864. He was soon after again furloughed and returned home, and at the expiration of his furlough he reported at the hospital at Keokuk, where he remained until his discharge. He was in active service from the time of his enlistment until he was wounded at Kenesaw Mountain, except a period of about two months, when he was afflicted with small-pox in the spring of 1863. Mr. Bixler was a faithful soldier in the cause of the Union, and sacrificed his health in the service, which was permanently effected by the small-pox, one result of which was the loss of his right eye.

He was married in 1866, to Miss Lizzie J. Allen, a daughter of George W. Allen, of St. Louis,who died there December 22, 1844. Mrs. Bixler’s mother, who was born in Kentucky in 1818, is still living, residing with Mr. and Mrs. Bixler. Mr. and Mrs. Bixler have a son, Frank A., who was born on the homestead in 1867. They lost one son, Charles, in infancy.

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JOHN HENRY is one of the oldest, best known pioneers of Adams county. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, February 24, 1826, and is a son of Joseph Henry, who was a native of Pennsylvania and a son of John Henry, son of Squire Henry. The Henrys were a Pennsylvania Dutch family. The mother of our subject was Ellen (Cunningham) Henry, a native of Pennsylvania and of English ancestry.

John Henry was a lad of ten years when his parents moved to Ohio, where they resided until their death. The father died at the age of sixty-three years and the mother at the age of sixty years. They were the parents of six children, three sons and three daughters. The father, Joseph Henry, was a farmer all his life. In religion he was a Presbyterian, and served as an elder in the church. Politically he was a Democrat.

The subject of our sketch was reared on a farm In January, 1852, he sailed by Cape Horn to the Pacific coast, where he remained two years, engaged in mining. He then returned by the Nicaragua route to Ohio, where he remained until the fall of 1854, when he came to Marion county, Iowa. In the spring of 1855 he removed to Union county, Iowa, near Creston. The next summer he came to Carl township, Adams county, Iowa. He was one of the earliest settlers in this locality. Here he has resided for thirty-six years and witnessed the wonderful improvements of the country. Colonel Jim Lane, when on his way to Kansas with 500 men, while his men were camping near, was the guest of Mr. Henry.

Mr. Henry was married in Guernsey county, Ohio, March 21, 1848, to Miss Elizabeth Jane McConnell, a native of that place and a daughter of William McConnell, who, was born on the sea, son of William McConnell, Sr., a native of Ireland. William McConnell, Jr., was married at the age of nineteen years to Miss Mary Miller. She was a native of Kentucky and a daughter of Jonathan Miller. The father of Mrs. Henry died in Ohio, aged sixty-three years, and the mother died in Carl township, this county at the age of eighty. Mr. and Mrs. Henry have three children, viz.: W. L., who is now in the West; Millissa, wife of C. Teneyck of Villisca, Iowa; Mary Useba, wife of Benjamin Hite, of Shelby, Iowa. They have lost one child by death, Vincent, who, at the age of twenty-one years, was killed by accident in the mountains of Colorado.

Politically Mr. Henry is a Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic order. Mrs. Henry is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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ED. KENNEDY, following agriculture on section 28, Nodaway township, is an intelligent, faithful citizen who has been living here ever since 1865, after serving in the war. He was born in county Roscommon, Ireland, November 9, 1844, the son of Ed. and Ellen (Campbell) Kennedy, natives of the same county. The father died when the son was but five or six years old, leaving the latter and the mother alone in the world. They afterward came to America, settling at Racine, Wisconsin.

The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch grew up to manhood in Racine and in Waushara county, Wisconsin, on a farm. Those were pioneer times, when Pottawattamie Indians were still numerous there.

Under President Lincoln's call for "300,000 more" he enlisted in Company B, Thirty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Most of the time his regiment was on detached duty at Memphis. It was at length ordered to the front, where he served over nine months. Mr. Kennedy was then honorably discharged.

He followed farming until 1865, when he came to Adams county, purchased eighty acres of wild land, on section 20, Nodaway township, which he improved and made his home for a few years, and then purchased where he now lives. He has a fine house, 20 x 24 feet, a story and a half high, with an L 14 x 24, one story high. The location is on a natural building site. The barn is 44 x 52 feet. Other outbuildings and conveniences show the taste and good judgment of the proprietor. On the farm, which now contains 190 acres, there is also a good tenant house. Mr. Kennedy is a successful farmer. In politics he is a Republican, and he is a member of William Lundy Post, No. 271, G. A. R., at Villisca.

He was married, April 13, 1870, to Miss Sarah Shipley. She was born in Morgan county, Ohio, the daughter of David and Mary (Bean) Shipley, who had one son and three daughters. Mr. Shipley died July 27, 1888, and Mrs. Shipley, July 9, 1872. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are: Lawrence, Charles, Edna, Frank, Edward, William, Fred, Philip, Harrison and an infant daughter not yet named.

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W. E. ZIMMERMAN, an intelligent and enterprising citizen of Red Oak, has been a resident here since 1882. He was born in Stephenson county, Illinois, May 28, 1859, a son of Daniel Zimmerman, a native of Pennsylvania and now an honored citizen of Red Oak. Mr. Zimmerman's mother, whose maiden name was Harriet Pifley, was born in Wittenberg, Germany, and was eleven years of age when brought to America by her parents. Daniel Zimmerman was married in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and moved to Stephenson county, Illinois, during the early settlement of that section of the State, and came to Red Oak in 1882. He purchased of T. E. Brown the present homestead, which was then but partly improved; and W. E., our present subject, purchased it of his father. There are 160 acres, good land, and nicely improved. Upon it are a good two-story residence, 16 x 28 feet, and ornamental grounds, orchard, barn, outbuildings, etc., besides good springs supplying water to the tanks in four different feed lots, including the pasture. Mr. Zimmerman has some good thoroughbred Herefords, and also a number of high grades.

He was married in Stephenson county, Illinois, February 25, 1880, to Miss Mary J. Holsapple, of that county, and daughter of De Witt and Malinda (Stahl) Holsapple; her father was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, and her mother in the same place. By this marriage there was one son, named Bert Leonard, who was born November 1, 1883. Mr. Zimmerman is a Democrat on national questions, and a leading member of the Farmers' Alliance in his locality, being now the treasurer of the local organization.

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H. R. YOUNG has been a resident of Adams county for twenty years, and is well known here. Briefly given, his biography is as follows:

H. R. Young was born in Connecticut, August 28, 1847. His father, Josiah Young, was born in Connecticut, the descendant of an old New England family. Grandfather Young was a fifer in the war of 1812. The maiden name of Mr. Young's mother was Mary Ann Corbin. She was a native of Massachusetts, as was also her father, Royal Corbin. Her grandfather Corbin was of French descent and was a Revolutionary soldier. Josiah Young and his family left Connecticut in 1855 and came west to Iowa, settling near DeWitt, in Clinton county. He and his wife, the former sixty-eight and the latter sixty-six years old, are now residents of Prescott, this State. They reared a family of six children, three sons and three daughters. Of these the subject of our sketch was the second- born. He was a lad of seven years when his father came to Iowa, and here on a farm he was reared, receiving his education in the public schools.

In 1870 Mr. Young settled on wild land, for some time spending his summers at work on his farm and his winters in the eastern part of the State. In this way he improved 120 acres, on which he made his home until recently. In 1891 he located on his present farm, 160 acres in section 36, Carl township, which he purchased of W. A. Bonar. He has this year erected an attractive cottage home, and is now comfortably situated to enjoy life. The old farm, located in section 28, he still owns and has it rented. On each place is a good orchard.

Mr. Young was married in March, 1876, to Miss Sarah C. Leonard, who was born, reared and educated in Ogle county, Illinois, and was before her marriage a popular and efficient teacher. Her father, Hiram Leonard, was born in Ohio, of Scotch ancestry, and her mother, nee Sarah Randall, was a native of Delaware county, Ohio. Her father was among the early settlers of Ogle county, Illinois ,having settled there in 1835. Hiram Leonard died at the home of his son, Flagg Center, on the morning of February 14, 1888, of kidney trouble, aged seventy-eight years. Deceased came to Ogle county in February, 1835, locating a large claim at Washington Grove, a few years later moving to another farm in Flagg township. Six of his thirteen children, John, Ransom, Sarah George, Allen and Edward, survive him. He leaves as legacy to his children the record of a well-spent life and large property. Mrs. Leonard died at the same place. In their family of thirteen children, only six, five sons and Mrs. Young, reached adult age. Mr. and Mrs. Young have five children: Sadie A., Josie A., Mabel A., Grover A. and William Harrison.

Politically Mr. Young is a Democrat. He is a man of the strictest integrity, is frank and cordial with all, and occupies a place among the worthy and respected citizens of Carl township.

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ALEXANDER H. HOLLENBECK was born in Tally, Onondaga county, New York, August 8, 1846, son of Isaac and Lydia Maria (Bennett) Hollenbeck, both natives of New York. The father was a farmer by occupation, and died in 1874. The mother is still a resident of the Empire State. Of the eight children born to them Alexander II. was the fourth. He was educated in the common schools and in Cazenovia Seminary. For eight years he was employed as a traveling salesman by a New York house, after which he engaged in the hardware business at Delavan, Illinois. In June, 1880, he came to Adams county, Iowa, and since that time has resided in Colony township. He has 200 acres of land in section 32, well adapted for a stock and grain farm. Here on an eminence is located his home, a commodious two-story residence. His barn, stables, other outbuildings and fences are all in good condition and indicate the enterprise and prosperity of the owner. Two acres are devoted to an orchard, in which is found a fine assortment of fruits. Among Mr. Hollenbeck’s stock are a number of high grade Norman horses, a fine Percheron stallion weighing 2,000 pounds, a herd of Shorthorn cattle, and some fine Poland-China hogs. He has two acres in artificial grove.

While a resident of Belvidere, Illinois, Mr. Hollenbeck was married at Cortland, New York, December 31, 1873, to Mary C. Gazlay, a native of that place and a graduate of Cortland Academy, Homer, that State. She is a daughter of Dr. H. C. Gazlay, a practicing physician of Cortland county for more than fifty years, and still residing there. Both Mr. Hollenbeck and his wife were teachers before their marriage. Two children, a son and daughter, have been born to

them, namely, Ralph G. and Grace M.

Mr. Hollenbeck casts his vote and influence with the Republican party. He and his family attend the Congregational Church, of which his wife is a member. Although still a young man, Mr. Hollenbeck has had the benefit of much experience, and is to-day regarded as one of the representative farmers of Adams county.

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GEORGE L. JACKSON is a native of Delaware county, Ohio, born May 6, 1844. His father, Leonard M. Jackson, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, of Scotch- Irish extraction; his mother, nee Clarissa Clark, was a native of the Green Mountain State. His parents were married in Delaware county, Ohio, and the family lived in that State until 1855, when they came to Mahaska county, Iowa, and settled on the frontier. The father died at the age of seventy-nine years. He was a shoemaker and followed that trade most of his life. In politics he was first a Whig, and later a Republican; in religion a Protestant. The mother died in Delaware county, Ohio, in 1854, leaving five sons and one daughter. The subject of our sketch was the third born in the family, and he was eleven years old when his father moved to Mahaska county, Iowa. There he grew to manhood on a farm and received his education in the public schools.

During the late war Mr. Jackson was one of the first to go out in defense of his country. He enlisted in November, 1861, in Company C, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, and served until August, 1865. He participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Vicksburg, Black River, and was with General Sherman on his memorable march from Atlanta to the sea. He was at the grand review at Washington, after which he returned west and received an honorable discharge at Davenport, Iowa. Then going to his home in Mahaska county, he remained there until he came to Adams county and bought his present farm, eighty acres, located on section 14, Carl township. His farm is well improved and cultivated, and its general appearance shows the owner to be a man of enterprise.

At the age of twenty-three Mr. Jackson was married in Mahaska county, Iowa, to Miss Marie Hoff, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Samuel Hoff, of that State. He and his wife have eight children: Clarissa, Leonard, William, Emmory, Emma, Huldah, Charles and Ray. Clarissa is the wife of James Bohannan.

Mr. Jackson cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has ever since affiliated with the Republican party. He is a man in the prime of life, frank and cordial, and has the good will of all who know him.

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GEORGE H. RIDGEWAY (postoffice Cromwell, Iowa) was born in Canada, May 14, 1847. His father, John Ridgeway, was born in Ireland, October 13, 1820, came to America in 1840, and settled in New York. His mother, a native of Canada, was before her marriage Miss Lydia Wheeler. Of their seven children, five are living. George H. was about eighteen months old when his parents moved from Canada to New York. In 1866 they removed to Illinois, where the father still resides.

In 1881 Mr. Ridgeway came from Illinois to Adams county, Iowa, and settled in section 25, Colony township, his present location. He owns 160 acres here and eighty acres in Union county. His farm is highly cultivated and is devoted to general farming and stock-raising, he being especially interested in fine cattle. He is one of the representative farmers of his township, his advice frequently being sought in matters of agricultural interest. He has held the office of township trustee; he has been a trustee of the Adams County Mutual Insurance Company. Politically he is an Independent.

Mr. Ridgeway was married December 10, 1871, to Ida M. Wheeler, who was born in Canada, February 10, 1852. They have four children living - Albert, Charles, Irwin and Beal. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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JOSEPH W. MAXEDON, a respected citizen of Carl township and a resident of Adams county, Iowa, since 1875, dates his birth in Orange county, Indiana, March 10, 1830. His father, Thomas Maxedon, a native of South Carolina, was a son of Thomas, Sr., also a native of the South. Our subject’s father was reared in Gibson county, Indiana, and in Orange county, that State, was married to Nancy Allen, a native of Tennessee and a daughter of Lewis Allen.

Joseph W. grew up on his father’s farm in Orange county, attended the common schools, and early in life was taught industry, honesty and sobriety. His parents passed their lives and died in Indiana, the father at the age of fifty-four and the mother at eighty. The latter was a member of the Baptist Church. Politically the father was a Whig, and by trade a saddler and harness and shoemaker. Two of their sons, Levi and Isom, were soldiers in the late war. The former, a member of the Thirty-seventh Indiana Infantry, died at Huntsville, Alabama; and the latter, a member of the Sixty-sixth Indiana Infantry, is now a resident of Pratt county, Kansas.

The subject of our sketch lived in Indiana until 1874, when he came to Marion county, Iowa. In the spring of 1875 he took up his abode in Carl township. His farm, eighty acre6, located in section 11, he purchased in 1885 of Irvin Poison, one of the old settlers of Carl township. This farm has substantial improvements, is well cultivated, and has a general appearance of prosperity.

In Washington county, Indiana, in 1852, Mr. Maxedon wedded Clarra Radcliff, who was born in that county, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Brown) Radcliff, both natives of Kentucky. Her parents died in Washington county. Mr. Maxedon has a sister, Mrs. Irvin Poison, in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Maxedon have ten children, namely: Margaret Jane, wife of Henry Poison, of Willson county, Kansas; Elizabeth, wife of Elbridge Clayton, of Adair county, Iowa;

Frank, of Montana; Wesley, of Pratt county, Kansas; Nancy A., at home; Polly Ann, wife of J. Gibson, of Adams county, Iowa; James, at home, Thomas, Samuel and Beverly R. They also had two children that died in infancy.

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M. W. MILLER is one of the well known, early and prominent pioneers of Adams county.  He came here in October, 1853, and has since made this place his home.  He was born in Wabash county, Indiana, February 16, 1841.  His father, Judge Jacob Miller, one of the first judges in Adams county, was born in Pennsylvania, a descendant of German ancestry.  His mother was also a native of Pennsylvania and of German extraction, her maiden name, Mary Wyant.  The Judge was a miller by trade and while a resident of Pennsylvania owned and operated mills.  About 1830 he moved to Wabash county, Indiana, and cleared away the forest and developed a farm.  In the spring of 1849 he came with his family to Iowa, and settled near Eddyville, where he spent the summer.  In the fall he moved to Lucas county and located near Chariton, remaining there until August, 1853, when he came to Adams county and entered Government land where Quincy now stands.  He subsequently gave one-half of his tract to the county on condition that the county seat be located there, which it was.  The land was surveyed and platted by Dr. Wakeman Triplet.  A son-in-law of Judge Miller built the first house and sold the first goods in Quincy, and the  Judge himself built the second one, a log house.  In October, 1854, judge Miller died, leaving a widow and eight children, four sons and four daughters.  One son, Jacob Miller, Jr., died at Vicksburg with small-pox.  He was a member of the Fourth Iowa Infantry.  The other members of the family are as follows:  Martha Holbrook, a resident of Quincy township, this county; William, of Bristol, Iowa; Sarah, also of this county; M. W., the subject of our sketch; John, of Kansas; Mary Huntington, a resident of California; and Eliza Ellen Reynolds, also of California.  The last was the first child born in Quincy, her birth occurring in February, 1854.  The mother died in September, 1886, aged seventy-four years.  Judge Miller was a man of many admirable traits of character, esteemed and respected by all who knew him.  He was a member of the I. O. O. F.

M. W. Miller, whose name heads this sketch, was a lad of eight years when he came to Iowa, and was twelve when the family located in Adams county.  Losing his father when only thirteen, he early began to do for himself and to assist his mother in caring for the younger children.  His education was limited to the common schools, supplemented, however, by a practical business experience and by much reading at home.  He improved a farm in Quincy township.  In 1879 he bought wild land in section 35, Douglas township, from year to year continued to improve it, and now has one of the best farms in the township.  His comfortable residence is located on a natural building site, and is surrounded by evergreens, orchard and grove.  His barn, outbuildings and fences are all in fine shape, and the general appearance of the premises at once stamps the owner as a man of enterprise.

Mr. Miller was married December 3, 1865, to Miss Phebe R. Lawrence; she was born in Morgan county, Ohio, June 10, 1847, a daughter of Thomas and Patience (Devoll) Lawrence, mention of whom will be found on another page of this work.  Mr. and Mrs. Miller have one daughter, Maud R., born May 7, 1879.  Mr. Miller is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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JACOB STOVER, of Red Oak township, is one of the well-known settlers of Montgomery county. He was born in York county, Pennsylvania, July 30, 1826, a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Latchaw) Stover, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and Scotch ancestry respectively. The grandfather and great-grandfather of our subject were born on the same farm that he was. Jacob was reared and grew to manhood in York county, Pennsylvania. When fifteen years of age, his father bought a mill and he learned the miller’s trade, which he followed most of his time until 1872. He left Pennsylvania in the spring of 1854 and came to Du Page county, Illinois. He resided near Naperville one year, and then moved to Washington, Iowa. In 1855 he removed to Henry county, Iowa, where he resided until 1864, when he came to Montgomery county, and built a watermill called the Old Keystone Mill, which he operated until 1872. He then sold the same and purchased the farm where he now lives, which is situated two and a half miles southeast of Red Oak. it consists of 240 acres, of which seventy acres are timber land, and the farm is well improved. Mr. Stover has a frame dwelling house, situated on a natural building site and surrounded by shade and ornamental trees. He has a barn, yards, feed

lots and other substantial farm improvements.

He was married in Henry county, Iowa, in 1857, to Sarah Ann Tucker, who was born in Heny county, Iowa, near Mt. Pleasant. She is the daughter of Thomas Tucker, one of the early settlers of Henry county. Her mother was Roseilla (Harris) Tucker. Both parents were natives of North Carolina. Mr. Stover and wife have had seven children, viz: Thomas M., John J., Annie E., Charlie, E., William C. They have lost two by death— Ella J. and Sadie F.

Politically Mr. Stover is independent, but was reared a Democrat. Mrs. Stover is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Stover is a member of the Masonic Order of Red Oak, Blue Lodge No. 162, and of the Commandery No. 34; also a member of the Chapter. He was made a Mason at Marshall, Henry county, Iowa, in 1862, and has served his lodge in an official capacity. He is a man well informed on general topics, frank and cordial in his manner, and is one of the prominent men of Red Oak township.

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FRED HEDINGER, an intelligent and enterprising farmer, an old soldier and popular citizen residing on section 23, Nodaway township, was born in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, November 27, 1843, a son of R. and Maria (Balher) Hedinger, both natives also of that canton, who in 1854 emigrated to America, with eight children, settling in Monroe county, Ohio, and lived there until their death. Fred was therefore brought up a farmer, receiving a good education.

Under President Lincoln's first call for 300,000 volunteers to suppress the great insurrection, Mr. Hedinger, in August, 1862, enlisted for his adopted country, in Company E, One-hundred and Sixteenth Ohio Infantry, which was attached to the army of Virginia, and participated in the battles of Moorefield, Winchester, Jackson, Piedmont, Lynchburg and Snicker's Gap. In December, 1864, it was transferred to the army of the James, and participated in the battles of Hatcher's Run, Fort Gregg and Rice's Station, and was at Appomattox Courthouse at the final surrender. After his discharge, Mr. Hedinger returned to Monroe county, Ohio.

He served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, and in 1868 came to Iowa, settling in Jasper township, Adams county, where he lived three and a half years. In 1872-73, his health being poor, he was in the East. During the latter year he worked at his trade in Wheeling, West Virginia, and then returned to Ohio. In 1876 he came to Council Bluffs; later he sold out his interests there, purchased land in Adams county and continued at his trade for six years. In 1882 he settled upon his farm, which now contains 120 acres of land, well supplied with a good residence, barn, outbuildings, etc. In 1888 he attended the Twenty- second National G. A. R. Encampment and Exposition at Columbus, Ohio; he also visited his former home and relatives and good old friends in Monroe county, Ohio.

He was married April 6, 1882, in this county (Adams), to Miss Madelia J. Millard, a refined and educated lady, brought up at Clinton, Iowa, from the year 1849. Her father David W. Millard, was born in Montgomery county, New York, and married Amarett D. Jenkins, who was a successful teacher before her marriage. Mr. Millard was killed at Clinton, Iowa, by the great cyclone of 1860, which also severely injured his wife and family.

Mr. Hedinger is an independent Republican, a member of Meyerhoff Post, G. A. R., of Nodaway, and both himself and wife belong to the Baptist Church.

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MILTON PERKINS was born in Bath county, Kentucky, September 10, 1831. He is a son of Thomas and Milly (Powel) Perkins, the former a native of Virginia. Left an orphan at the age of nine years, Milton found a home with his brother-in-law, Joseph Scott, and was reared on a farm, receiving only a limited education. At the age of twenty he went to Park county, Indiana, where he lived three years; thence to Monroe county, Iowa, settling near Albia. At the latter place he bought eighty acres of wild land and improved it. He dates his arrival in Adams county in 1874, and since that time he has been a resident of Carl township. He owns eighty acres of good land in section 2, and here he is comfortably situated and engaged in general farming and stock-raising.

Mr. Perkins was married, in Park county, Indiana, in 1854, to Miss Mary Ann Koontz, a native of that place and a daughter of Phillip and Rebecca Koontz, her father a German by birth. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have four children: henry Walter, who is married and lives in Union county, Iowa; Sarah Jane, wife of William Rudicil, of Colorado; Ida Ann, wife of Edward Garrett, of Carl township, this county; and William Grant, who owns an eighty-acre farm adjoining his father's on the north.

In politics Mr. Perkins is independent, voting for the man rather than the party. He is plain and unassuming in his manner and speech, and observes the strictest integrity in all his dealings. He and his wife and their three oldest children are members of the Evangelical Association of Mount Zion Church.

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SAMUEL SMART.—Adams county is not behind other counties of the State in its indebtedness to the Emerald Isle for the many worthy sons and daughters that have come from that country across the sea to find homes in this. The gentleman whose name heads this biography was born in the beautiful city of Belfast, county Down, northern Ireland, April 8, 1835, son of Thomas and Margaret (Graten) Smart, both natives of county Down and of Scotch-Irish extraction. The parents passed their lives and died in Ireland. They were Protestants, and in that faith reared

their family. They had eight sons and three daughters.

The subject of our sketch was reared on a farm in his native land and received his education there. In 1859 he took passage from Belfast to Liverpool and thence to New York. He soon afterward went to Rochester, Monroe county, New York. He was a member of the Home Guards during the war, joining in 1862. After the war he moved to Illinois and settled at Peoria, where he lived for a time. From there he came to Adams county, Iowa, and bought forty acres of wild land.

Here he has since lived; prosperity has attended him; he has added to his original purchase,  and now owns 160 acres of line, well improved land in section 22, Carl township. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising, and also owns and operates a thresher, having had thirty years’ experience in threshing.

Mr. Smart was married in New York State to Miss Isabelle Dryden, who was born and reared in Dundee, Scotland, daughter of John and Katty Dryden. They have live sons, U. S. Grant, John, Dryden, Arthur and Thomas, and two daughters, Elizabeth and Agnes. Elizabeth is the wife of A. B. Poison, of Carl township, this county, and Agnes is the wife of William Pell, of Prescott township. Mr. Smart is a member of the Christian Union Church, as are also his wife and daughters.

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William Stipe, a prominent citizen of Montgomery county, Iowa, date his arrival here in 1853, and consequently is to be ranked with the early settlers of this section of the country. He comes of good old Virgina blood, and in his composition are found those elements which go to make up the true pioneer.

William Stripe was born in Frederick county, Virginia, April 17, 1820. His father, Frederick Stipe, a native of the same place, was a son of John Stipe, also a native of the Old Dominion, and a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Grandfather Stipe was of Dutch ancestry, and lived to be eighty-four years old. The mother of William Stipe was before her marriage Dianna McVicker. She, too, was born in Frederick county, Virginia, and was a daughter of William McVicker, a

descendant of Scotch-Irish stock. Fifteen children were born to Frederick and Dianna Stipe. The parents lived in Virginia until 1860, when they moved to Champaign county, Illinois, where they died. By occupation the father was a farmer; in politics, a Democrat.

The subject of our sketch spent his youth on a farm in his native State, and at the age of seventeen went to Athens, county, Ohio, where he lived for two years. He then drove a four-horse team from Athens county, Ohio, to Van Buren county, Iowa, on the way sojourning for a short time in Illinois. He settled at Bonaparte, Iowa, and helped to build that town; freighted up to where the fort was at Des Moines and also helped to build that town. During this time he be-

came acquainted with Black Hawk and his tribe and learned to speak their language fluently. He was a neighbor of old James Jordan, one of the first men to trade with the Indians in Iowa.

About this time the great tide of immigration was sweeping toward California, and in the spring of 1850 Mr. Stipe started overland with ox teams for that land of golden promise, being five months and eleven days enroute. For two years he remained in California, mining, prospecting, farming and teaming. At the end of that time he returned, via the Isthmus of Panama, New York and Chicago, to Wapello, Iowa, where he joined his wife. Returning East, he spent a short time in Virginia, after which, in the spring of 1853, he came back to Iowa and took up his abode in Montgomery county. There were then only seven men in the eastern part of the county. As was

usual with the pioneers, his first work was to build his log cabin. It may here be stated that Mr. Stipe’s brother David lived with him for fifteen years. In these primitive cabins on the western border the circuit rider always received a warm welcome, and here with a dozen or fifteen pioneers gathered around him he would earnestly preach the Word and offer most fervent prayer. In the Stipe cabin many a preacher was entertained and many a quarterly meeting held. Among these pioneer preachers were Elder James Wran and Rev. Mulholland. In 1863 the

old log house gave way to a comfortable frame one, which, in 1885, was replaced by a modern

two-story residence with bay windows, porches, etc., and well finished and furnished throughout. It is beautifully located and surrounded with evergreens, shrubs, and orchard. A fine barn, 38 x 50 feet, with stone basement—these and other improvements in keeping with them render the farm a most valuable one. Mr. Stipe is extensively engaged in raising and buying and

selling stock. He now owns 740 acres of land, all in Douglas township.

Mr. Stipe was married October 8, 1846, to Miss Ann Caywood, a woman of superior intelligence and possessing many amiable qualities, who has been indeed a most worthy helpmate to her honored husband. She was born in Tennessee, daughter of Allen Caywood and Matilda, his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Stipe have three children: Matilda, wife of William H. Ellen wood of Douglas township, this county, has six children; Georgianna, wife of Charles Mercer, residing near Elliott,

also has six children; and Jane, wife of Epsom Beals, who lives near Grant, has four children.

Politically Mr. Stipe has always affiliated with the Republican party, but has never been an office-seeker. For many years he and his wife have been worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stipe are self-made, and the success they have attained in life may be attributed to their honesty, industry and good management rather than to any special advantages they received in their youth. Long may these pioneers live to enjoy the fruits of their

labor.

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JOHN N. RAMSAY.—This prominent and influential pioneer citizen has resided in Adams county since 1855. Coming here when the country was wild, he has been an important factor in developing its resources, and is justly entitled to the success which has crowned his efforts.

Mr. Ramsay was born in Putnam county, Indiana, in November, 1832. His parents, John and Catherine (Thompson) Ramsay, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky, were married in Montgomery county, Kentucky. When John N. was six weeks old his parents returned to Kentucky, and his mother died there when he was six years old. In 1848 his father went back to Indiana, and the following year made the overland trip with mule teams to California, returning the same year. His death occurred in 1851, at the age of fifty years. By trade he was a brick mason. Of their four children three are living, namely: Georgia Ann Hamilton, of Parke county, Indiana; John N., the subject of our sketch; Margaret Boggs, of Monroe county, Iowa. James S., the oldest, died at the age of fourteen years.

John N. grew up in the rural districts of Kentucky, obtaining his education in the common schools of that State. When he was seventeen he learned the trade of carriage-painting. At seventeen he went to Putnam county, Indiana, where he lived until 1851. That year he came to Monroe county, Iowa. In 1852 he drove an ox team across the plains to California, arriving there after a four months' journey. Two years and two months he mined in the various mining districts of the Golden State, and in the winter of 1854 returned, via the Nicaragua route, New York and Chicago, to Monroe county, Iowa. In the spring of 1855 he came to Adams county, and settled on his present farm, 240 acres, in Carl township, section 15. He at first built a log cabin, 14 x 16 feet, from the humble door of which the latch-string ever hung out, and where hospitality was dispensed to both stranger and friend.

In December, 1863, Mr. Ramsay enlisted in the Twenty-ninth Iowa Volunteers, and with his regiment went to the front. He participated in a number of important engagements in the South, and while in Texas, at the mouth of the Rio Grande river, was taken sick with fever, and later with chronic disease. He was for a time in the hospital at San Diego, afterward at New Orleans in the Sedgwick Hospital two or three weeks, from whence he was transferred to Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, where he was honorably discharged. He then returned to his home in Adams county, and here he has since lived. His fine farm of 240 acres, located in section 15, is one of the best in Carl township. His primitive log cabin has been moved to the rear and used for a tool house, and in its place stands a modern frame dwelling, erected in 1875 and surrounded with evergreens and ornamental shrubs and shade trees, with a beautiful grove and orchard near by. Other improvements on the farm indicate the prosperity which has attended Mr. Ramsay.

February 10, 1858, he married Miss Milly Jane Scott, of Carl township, daughter of Joseph Scott, an early settler of Adams county, and Sarah C. (Perkins) Scott. Her parents were married in Kentucky, and came here in 1856. Her father died in 1876, in Carl township, and her mother now resides with her and has reached her three score years and ten. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay have four children living, viz.: Mary C., wife of Frank Mathena, of Carl township; Oliver O. is married and lives in Larimer county, Colorado; and Joseph William and Lilly Margaret are at home. They lost six children, all dying young.

Mr. Ramsay is a Republican, and in Carl township is one of the wheel horses of his party. He has been assessor and clerk, and has held other offices. He is a member of the G. A. R., Wagner Post, No. 335, and both of his sons belong to the Sons of Veterans, Volunteer Camp, No. 125, of Prescott. He and his wife and oldest daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he being a trustee of the same.

PAGE 338

JAMES M. BROWN, who resides on section 18, Jasper township, has a farm of of 380 acres on this and section 13, Nodaway township. He purchased this place at different times and of different parties, and it is now one of the finest stock farms in Adams county. It is well watered by the East Nodaway creek, and also by a fine spring near his residences. He makes a specialty of stock, and now has forty head of horses, about the same number of cattle, and from seventy-five to one hundred head of hogs. He intends to continue in the stock business and also to increase it.

Mr. Brown was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1830, the son of John H. Brown, one of the pioneers of that county. In 1836 he removed with his family to Mercer county, Illinois, where he lived until his death. His wife, the mother of our subject, Mary McPhersen, survived her husband a number of years, but is now deceased. She died at the age of eighty years, and her husband at the age of seventy-four. They had a family of thirteen children, and all but one son, who died at the age of twelve years, lived to years of maturity. There are nine of the family living at this writing, seven sons and two daughters. Alexander, the eldest child, lives in Mercer county, Illinois; George died many years ago, leaving a wife and two children; John is a resident of Nodaway township; Sarah Jane is deceased, having died in her twentieth year; James M., our subject; William, a resident of Prescott, Adams county; Daniel died at the age of twelve years; Hugh lives in Mercer county, Illinois; Benjamin L., of Jasper township, Adams county; Josiah F. lives in Mercer county; Francis M. was killed in the war of the Rebellion, a member of the Eighty-fourth Illinois; Mary lives in Illinois, the wife of Josiah McClan; Joanna, wife of Squire Williams, resides in Missouri.

James M. Brown was married in Illinois, in 1855, to Miss Jerusha Reed, a native of Indiana, but who removed with her parents when but a year old to Mercer county Illinois. Mr. Brown continued to live in Mercer county until he came to Adams county in the fall of 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters.

PAGE 339

JOHN A. ROWLAND, a prominent resident of Colony township, Adams county, Iowa, was born in Orange county, Vermont, February 9, 1840, in the town of Corinth. He is the oldest son in a family of three sons and four daughters of Richard and Adeline (Bacon) Rowland, the former born in Corinth, Vermont, in 1814, and the latter at Bath, New Hampshire, in 1816. His father left the farm at the age of twelve years and went to Lowell, Massachusetts, where he learned the trade of shoemaker and also the carpenter's trade. After his marriage he returned to agricultural pursuits.

The subject of this sketch was united in marriage February 7, 1866, with Ellen Jenne, who was born April 21, 1846. She is a daughter of Sarah F. (Holden) Jenne, who was born October 6, 1814. Her grandfather Holden was born at Shirley, Massachusetts, May 20, 1787. Mr. and Mrs. Rowland have had ten children, two of whom are deceased.

Mr. Rowland came to Adams county in 1876 and settled in section 21, Colony township, where he now resides. He has 200 acres of fine farming land and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, giving special attention to the latter occupation. He has shorthorn cattle, Englishshire horses and Poland-China hogs. He has a mammoth Kentucky jack and is raising some fine specimens of that breed; also has an imported Englishshire horse.

During the civil was Mr. Rowland enlisted in Company E, Thirty-eighth Wisconsin Regiment, and served with bravery until he was mustered out at the close of the struggle. He was wounded at the battle of Petersburg, and now receives a pension. Politically he is a Republican. He has served as a member of the School Board several terms.

PAGE 339

ANDREW J. LINN, one of the early citizens and business men of Nodaway, has been a resident of the township since 1865. He was born in Washington, Washington county, Pennsylvania, June 8, 1828, the son of Colonel Moses Linn, an officer in the war of 1812-14, and Nancy (Spears) Linn, a relative of President Buchanan. The parents were Pennsylvanians by birth, and lived there until death. Andrew J. was reared in his native State to the occupation of farming. He went to Ohio in 1852, and in 1853 was married to Miss Harriet Merrin, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Merrin. In 1855 he returned to Pennsylvania; in 1866 went to Morris, Illinois, and in 1874 came to Iowa and located in Nodaway, where he engaged in hotel-keeping and farming. He discontinued the former occupation after one year, and devoted himself exclusively to farming. From 1882 to 1886 he was engaged quite extensively in business, including hotel-keeping, grain and stock buying and general merchandising. In 1886 he practically retired from business, and was succeeded by his sons, Alexander S. and Franklin M.

Mr. and Mrs. Linn have six children: A. S., Stephen A. Douglas, Franklin, Andrew J., Richard M. and William T. Mrs. Linn's parents were natives of New Jersey, but removed to Knox county, Ohio, before the birth of Mrs. Linn, who was born in that county. The father died in Cass county, Iowa, near Atlantic, December 13, 1885. The mother is still living with her son near Atlantic. Mr. Linn has been Justice of the Peace for many years, and is also Notary Public, and the duties of these offices, together with hotel-keeping, constitute his principal occupation at present. His son, Andrew J., is engaged in the occupation of teaching. Mr. Linn is one of the representative citizens of Adams county, a gentleman of much more than average ability, and well informed on the general issues of the day; kind and generous to a fault. In his Christian faith a Presbyterian; in politics a Democrat. He enlisted and was Lieutenant in Company H, Eighteenth Pennsylvania State Volunteers, under the call of the Government in 1863, for 300,000 men, and was posted at Hagerstown, Maryland, at the time of the Antietem battle, but was never called into actual service except as an aid in relieving the wounded and suffering after that bloody engagement. As the ninety days' men were released soon after, he returned home and was engaged in recruiting troops, with headquarters at New Brighton, Pennsylvania. Mr. Linn enjoys a proud ancestral war record, dating back to Revolutionary times; came of educated and cultured parentage, and was himself a student at Jefferson College prior to its consolidation with Washington school after the late war; is a deep and logical thinker, a ready and forcible writer, and well entitled to the honor of being called one of dams county's most useful, enterprising and progressive citizens.

PAGE 340

JOHN P. WEBER, of section 3, Mercer township, was born in Wittenberg, Germany, September 12, 1830, the eldest child of John and Eva (Weber) Weber, natives of the same country. In 1844 the family emigrated to America and settled on a farm near Williamsport, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, where the parents passed the remainder of their days. The father died in 1861, at the age of seventy-three years, and the mother in 1865, at the age of sixty-three.

Our subject resided on his father's farm until he had reached his majority. In 1854 he came to Illinois, and two years later to Iowa, settling in Johnson county. He was married March 18, 1858, to Miss Sarah Jane Smurr, a native of Dalton, Wayne county, Ohio, and a daughter of Hugh A. and Margaret Hemperley Smurr, natives of Pennsylvania. April 1, 1858, Mr. Weber came to Adams county. He purchased 160 acres of unimproved land on sections 5 and 6, Quincy township, which he was engaged in improving until the breaking out of the late war, enlisting August 13, 1862, in Company D, Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He participated in many hard-fought battles; was with Sherman's expedition through Yazoo Pass, in the battle of Helena, Arkansas, Shell Mound, where they were under fire for nearly a month; was in the White river expedition, battle of Little Rock, Arkansas, Camden, Mobile, Fort Blakely and Spanish Fort. From there he went to Galveston, Texas, and up the Rio Grande for the purpose of guarding the frontier survey, where he served until the close of the war. He was mustered out of service and honorably discharged at New Orleans, September 15, 1865, and paid off at Davenport. He returned home and followed farming in Quincy township until 1873, when he sold out and purchased 160 acres of wild land, which constitutes his present farm, and now has one of the finest places in Mercer township. He has a fine orchard of two and a half acres and 400 trees, being the best in the county.

Mr. and Mrs. Weber are the parents of eight children, six of whom survive: Ella M., the wife of Elmer C. Mitchell of Mercer township; John E., Cora Leona, Charles A., Jasper P., Eva A., Maggie, who died when three years old, and Minnie, who died at the age of eighteen years. Mr. Weber and wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the G. A. R., Llewellyn post, No. 334. Politically he is a Republican.

PAGE 341

C. M. FULLER, a farmer and stock-raiser of section 20, Jasper township, has been a resident of Adams county since 1871. He is a native of the State of Ohio, born in Morgan county, in May, 1842, and is a son of John M. and Nancy (Duval) Fuller; the father was a native of Pennsylvania, of English descent, and the mother was born in Rhode Island, of Puritan ancestry. Our subject was reared on a farm and remained under the parental roof until the breaking out of the civil war, when he enlisted in Company E, Seventy-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He participated in many hard-fought battles; was in the battle of Fort Donelson, the battle of Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, the capture of Jackson, Tennessee, the battle near Bolivar, Tennessee, was in the march and retreat through central Mississippi, in the Vicksburg campaign, took part in the battles of Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, siege of Vicksburg, was with the Meridian [expedition], was in the Atlanta campaign, in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, the 21st and 22d of July near Atlanta and was with Sherman on his immortal march to the sea. He was mustered out of the service at Beaufort, South Carolina, and received an honorable discharge January 12, 1865. He then returned to his home in Morgan county, Ohio, and engaged in agricultural pursuits.

In 1871 Mr. Fuller removed to Iowa, and engaged in the lumber business in Adams and Montgomery counties for a period of three years.

On January 1, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss E. V. Teeter, a native of Licking county, Ohio, and a daughter of C. W. and Mary (Ashford) Teeter, natives of Pennsylvania. After his marriage he settled on his present farm; his first purchase consisted of eighty acres, and from time to time, as his means would permit, he has made additions to the tract until it now covers 255 acres; it is well improved and in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Fuller had made a specialty of raising high grade cattle and hogs and has met with marked success.

Politically he supports the Republican party. He is a member of G. A. R. Post, No. 324.

Mr. and Mrs. Fuller are parents of six children: C. F., C. P., L. G., Mary A., John M. and one who died in infancy.

PAGE 341

JOHN J. KANE, a farmer and stock-raiser of section 31, Mercer township, has been identified with the interests of Adams county since 1871. He is a native of New York, born January 27, 1833, the eldest of seven sons and two daughters of Allen and Mary (Stockman) Kane, natives of Belfast, county Antrim, Ireland. The parents were married on Wednesday, and the following Saturday sailed for America, in 1832, locating in Albany, New York, where the father followed the trade of nail-making. He resided there until 1839, when he removed to Philadelphia; in 1846 to Cincinnati, Ohio; and in 1849 to California leaving Cincinnati on the 1st of April, and arriving where Sacramento now stands the 20th of September. He located in what was known as Hangtown, on the American river, where he followed mining successfully until the fall of 1851, when he returned to Ohio, via the Isthmus of Panama and New York. In the spring of 1852 he removed with his family to Iowa and settled on a farm near Dubuque, where he resided until his death, which occurred September 21, 1887, at the age of seventy-nine years. His widow still resides on the old homestead, in the eighty-second year of her age.

Our subject's youth was spent in attending school and working on a farm until twenty-three years of age. In the spring of 1856 he went to California, landing in San Francisco in the midst of the vigilance excitement, and engaged in mining on the Feather river near Oroville for a few months; then went to the northern part of the State, near the Oregon line, where he followed mining successfully until 1859, when he returned to Iowa and engaged in farming in Dubuque county.

He was married, November 26, 1861, to Miss Mary Sullivan, who was born near the city of Cork, Ireland, the daughter of Richard and Honoria (Driscoll) Sullivan, who died when Mrs. Kane was an infant. She was brought to America by an uncle, who settled in Philadelphia, where she was reared until eleven years of age. She then came with her uncle's family to Dubuque county, Iowa, where she grew to womanhood. In the fall of 1870, Mr. Kane came to Adams county and purchased 320 acres of land, on which he built a house and the following spring brought his family. By hard work and close attention to his pursuits, he has now one of the finest farms in Mercer township.

Mr. and Mrs. Kane are the parents of eight children, five of whom are are still living: Allen, Richard, John, Edward, Joseph and Ellen. Three died in childhood. Mr. Kane was bereaved by the loss of his wife by death, July 3, 1888. He has served on the county Board of Supervisors, in all the township offices, and now holds the position of township treasurer. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Kane is a Democrat. He is a self-made man, and by his own industry has accumulated a large property, which he uses to the best advantage in surrounding himself and family with all the necessary comforts of life, giving his children the advantages of obtaining a good and practical education. By his many years of honest and upright dealings he has won the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

PAGE 342

HON. EDMUND HOMAN, an early settler of Adams county, residing on section 25, Washington township (post office Mt. Etna), was born in Johnson county, Kentucky, March 6, 1827. His father, Mark Homan, was a native of Virginia, of Welsh extraction, a farmer, a soldier of the war of 1812, for a time a Justice of the Peace and for several years a member of the county Board. After his marriage he moved to Kentucky and some years afterward to Indiana, in 1827, settling in Putnam county, where he resided until his death, at the age of eighty-six years. He was clerk of the Baptist Church for many years, and was widely and favorably known. His wife, nee Nancy Burson, also a devout member of the Baptist Church, passed from this life in 1837. These parents had six sons and one daughter.

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, the sixth in order of birth in the above family, set out in life for himself when of legal age, taught school several years, attended Wabash (Indiana) College several terms, and came to Iowa in 1855, settling on a farm of 120 acres, which had been entered from the Government the preceding year, since which time he iias added by further purchases 218 acres. He is nicely located ten miles from Corning, and has many of the surroundings which indicate thrift, comfort and a happy home. His residence, 26 x 28 feet in dimensions, is one and a half stories high. He has an orchard of 160 trees, which is one of the oldest orchards in this part of the township. His principal crops are corn, wheat, oats and hay, more than half the farm being now in meadow.

Mr. Homan was the first county Superintendent of Schools of this county. During the first year of his term of office there were but sixteen teachers in the county and two schoolhouses. For four years he was also a member of the county Board of Commissioners, and during his term in that office the county seat was moved from Quincy to Corning. In 1879 he was elected a Representative to the Eighteenth General Assembly of this State, where he served on several committees, and took such part as he was able in the debates and proceedings of the House.

He is now the clerk of the Baptist Church at Mt. Etna, of which religious denomination he has been a consistent member for twenty years. In politics he has been independent, generally voting for the best man.

He was married in 1856, in Indiana, to Miss Caroline E., daughter of Joseph M. and Jane Ramsey, of Parke county, Indiana, and they have had eleven children, namely: Laura J., wife of E. M. Chame, a farmer of Adams county, has two children,—Effie M. and Martha E.; Sarah E., now Mrs. S. W. Cooper of Carl township, having four children,—Weaver, Prentiss, Walker and

Anna; Horace G., who married Miss Jennie Hale, and resides in Carl township; James W., engaged with H. G. on the farm; Al¬ bert, following farming; Henry, employed at Des Moines; Oscar and Dora, at home. Three children died in early childhood.

PAGE 343

WILLIAM W. ROBERTS,  county Surveyor of Adams county, Iowa, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, November 19, 1845. His parents, Daniel and Sarah (Inman) Roberts, were natives respectively of Virginia and Marietta, Ohio. His father was for many years successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, and at one time served as Justice of the Peace. He was only five years old when his family moved to Ohio. In Muskingum county, that State, he was married. In 1851 he moved to Henry county, Illinois, back to Ohio the following year, and in 1859 to Adams county, Iowa. Having been an early settler of three States, he well knew the hardships incident to pioneer life. He drilled the first military company ever formed in Adams county, a company of home guards. He understood the manual of arms, having drilled soldiers for the Mexican war, although he did not take part in that struggle. A Christian man and a member of the Baptist Church, he died February 25, 1889, aged seventy years. His widow is still living, aged seventy-two years, with powers of mind and body well preserved. This worthy couple had four children, namely: Pomelia J. and Mary E., deceased, the former at the age of one year and the latter at the age of eight; William W. and Lewis D.

William W. Roberts attended the common schools of Ohio, and after coming to Iowa received instructions in a public school until he was prepared for the freshman class in college. He then entered the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant, and graduated there June 10, 1870, receiving the degree of A. B. and the same from the literary society of which he was a member. Three years later he received the title of A. M. After leaving college, Mr. Roberts taught in the graded schools in Quincy for two years. Immediately thereafter, in the fall of 1873, he was elected county Superintendent of the schools of Adams county; was re-elected in 1875, and filled that important position most acceptably. He is now serving his second term as county Surveyor, having been elected first in 1887. He has also served as Justice of the Peace. A public-spirited, progressive and enterprising citizen, he has been and is to-day an important factor in promoting the best interests of this county.

Mr. Roberts has been in the real estate business with H. F. Dale of Corning for some four years. He came to his present location in 1882. Here, in section 9, Washington township, he owns eighty acres of well improved land. He raises corn and all kinds of fruits, his land being adapted to any product indigenous to this climate.

September 18, 1876, Mr. Roberts wedded Miss Sadie A. Andrews, daughter of O. S. and Delilah Andrews, residents of Box butte county, Nebraska. Mr. Andrews is a contractor and mechanic, as popular as he is extensively known. He was a leading pioneer of Iowa. He and his wife had four children: Patience A., Sadie A., William F. and Letitia O. The last named is the wife of H. K. Prickett, of Box butte county. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have been blessed with nine children, viz.: F. Clyde, Lewis W., Jennie M., Jesse E., Daniel C. and Orlando S. (twins), Ida I., and Mabel and Ethel (twins). Mrs. Roberts, like her husband, was for a time engaged in teaching. She is a lady of much culture and refinement. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In his political views Mr. Roberts is [Independent], voting for men and measures rather than party. He is opposed to monopolies in any form, and believes in keeping pace with nineteenth-century progress. Such is a brief sketch of one of Adams county's best citizens.

PAGE 344

FRANCIS M. THOMPSON,  a leading pioneer of Washington township, Adams county, Iowa, was born in Warrick county, Indiana, April 16, 1838. His parents were John and Sarah (Igelhart) Thompson, the father a native of Kentucky and the mother, of Maryland. In 1820 John Thompson settled on a farm in Warrick county, Indiana, being among the pioneers of that place. At one time he was a major in militia company. He moved to Wapello county, Iowa, in 1844, where he continued farming which he had followed all his life. He died in Adams county, Iowa, August 14, 1857, at the age of sixty years. The mother went with her parents from Maryland to Kentucky, where, in 1820, she was united in marriage with Mr. Thompson. Of their thirteen children five are still living.

During the Rebellion when our country was in need of soldiers to protect her flag, Mr. Thompson was not slow in answering to the call. He enlisted August 13, 1862, in Company D, Twenty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served with bravery until he was honorably discharged at New Orleans, August 10, 1865. During all that time he was never wounded or taken prisoner, but made many narrow escapes.

The war closing, he returned North, was paid off at Davenport, Iowa, and soon afterward engaged in farming at his present location, section 12, Washington township. He had come from Indiana to Iowa with his parents in 1844, and from Wapello county to Adams county in 1857. At that time there was only one store in Quincy, its supply of goods being brought from St. Joseph, Missouri. Mr. Thompson now owns 300 acres of land, all under a good state of cultivation, his principal crops being wheat, oats, corn and grass. His dwelling, fronting the section road, is nicely located on an elevation which commands an imposing view of a most beautiful and fertile country. In short, he is well fixed.

Mr. Thompson was married in 1865 to Miss Martha A. Schooling, daughter of R. H. Schooling, an old and most highly respected settler of Adams county. Twelve children have been born to them, four of whom died in infancy. Those living are Rhoda S., who married Harrison Powell, a farmer of Adams county, and has two children living, Milla M. and Emory L.; Lowrey J., who is engaged in farming on his own account on a claim in Custer county, Nebraska; Charles M., farming for himself on the home place; and Louis M., Almira A., Louisa W., Chester A. and Jessie Pearl. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Baptist Church. Politically he is independent, casting his vote for the man rather than the party. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and is a good example of the worthy, progressive and hospitable farmer.

In connection with the family history of Mr. Thompson it should be further stated that he had two brothers, John L. and James A., who served in the army, the former in the same company and at the same time with him. John L. was wounded in a running fight, but is still living, aged fifty-five years. James A., a member of the same company, was mustered out after serving some time; was discharged at the hospital at Keokuk, Iowa; died in 1868, at the age of twenty-seven years, from the effects of army exposure.

PAGE 345

THOMAS J. HALL,a well-known farmer and stock-raiser of Lincoln township, Adams county, Iowa, dates his birth in Shelby county, Illinois, June 17, 1863. His grandfather, Samuel Hall, Jr., a native of North Carolina, came from the South to Illinois about 1822 and settled in Shelby county, where he owned 160 acres of land. He and his wife, who before her marriage was Nancy Steele, had nine children, three of whom are still living. Samuel Hall, their son and the father of our subject, was born in Illinois, January 11, 1824. He married Martha Perryman, a native of Tennessee, born May 31, 1826. Three of their nine children died in infancy. Those living are as follows: Joseph, who married Delia Huffer, resides in Shelby county, Illinois; Sarah is the wife of Jacob Wonus; Albert, who wedded Julia Moore, is dead; Anna, wife of Thomas Potts, lives in Atlantic; Wilburn, who was for many years a successful teacher and who married Allie Smith, also a teacher, is now traveling in Kansas; and Thomas J., whose name heads this biography. The parents of this family are still living and are honored and respected residents of Adams county, Iowa. They moved from Illinois to this State in October, 1878, and settled on the farm where they now reside. For two years they rented and then bought the property, 120 acres. It is nicely improved and well adapted for general farming and stock-raising.

Thomas J. Hall, while he is engaged in agricultural pursuits, gives especial attention to stock-raising. He has twenty-six jacks and jennies, the largest and best lot of this kind of stock in the State. He also raises cattle and hogs.

In August, 1879, Mr. Hall was united in marriage with Miss Lulu Roberts, daughter of John and Frances Roberts, of Cass county, Iowa. Her parents have four children - Lolo, wife of Charles Stein of Cass county, and Mrs. Hall, Frank and Ralph. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts and their two daughters have been successful teachers in this State. Two children, Albert and Jessie, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hall.

Politically our subject affiliates with the Republican party, and is now serving as constable of Lincoln township. He is progressive in his views and is found well to the front in all enterprises that tend to advance the good of the community.

Mrs. Hall is a member of the United Brethren church, and completed a college course at Toledo, Iowa.

Mr. Hall has made extensive travels all over the West; was for two years engaged in real-estate business, in Monrovia, California. This, like all his pursuits, proved very successful. He had full charge of the Willshire tract of land, and was assistant postmaster. He has now formed a partnership with a well-known stock-raiser, Milton Rowdybush, of Tower Hill, Illinois. This firm will carry on the largest business of the kind in the State.

PAGE 346

WILLIAM TRUSHEL was born in Harrison county, Ohio, April 21, 1841, son of John and Emily Trushel. At the age of sixteen he began business for himself by learning the carpenter's trade, at which occupation he worked until 1886. He came to Iowa from Fulton county, Illinois, about 1860, and for fifteen years worked with the Eagle Manufacturing Company at Davenport. At the end of that time he came to Adams county and has since resided here. He moved to his present farm in section 17, Washington township, in 1880. Here he owns 120 acres of fine land, all under good state of cultivation, located two miles and a half west of Mount Etna.

March 3, 1862, Mr. Trushel married Miss Eliza Miner, by whom he had three children, viz.: James, who is engaged in farming in partnership with his father; Sarah, who has charge of the affairs at home; and Martha, also of the home circle. Mrs. Trushel departed this life in 1871, at the age of twenty-eight years. She was a woman of many estimable qualities and her untimely death was a sad blow to her family and many friends.

Mr. Trushel is politically a Republican.

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RICHARD  E. RICHARDS, a highly respected citizen of Adams county, Iowa, was born in Warwickshire, England, February 2, 1833. His parents were William and Ellen (Steward) Richards, both natives of England. His father was a farmer and leased property then first married that remained in the family, renting from year to year for more than seventy years. He passed his life on the farm and died there March 4, 1864, at the age of sixty-nine years. His mother departed this life January 13, 1881, at the age of eighty years. Both were members of the Established Church of England. Of their nine children Richard E. was the fifth born.

At an early age the subject of our sketch, filled with the spirit of adventure, gained his parents' consent to come to America, bade them good-bye, promised to return in five years, and set out alone for this country. Arrived here he engaged as a clerk in his uncle's wholesale notion store in New York. He clerked there for nearly five years, then in the summer of 1854 came west and worked on a farm in Illinois until his five years were up, after which he returned to England. He remained at home six months and during that time reached his majority. Again he embarked for America. Each time he crossed the ocean on a sail vessel, the first voyage consuming thirty-five days, the second four weeks, and the third six weeks. His second passage was a rough one and at one time the vessel was supposed to be going under. On his last voyage they were becalmed on the banks of Newfoundland. The vessel also encountered other dangers among the icebergs and field ice.

On his return to America, Mr. Richards again came west to Illinois, and until the war came on was variously employed in that State. In August, 1862, he enlisted in company C, One-hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca and Kenesaw Mountain. At the last named place, June 27, 1864, he was wounded simultaneously in the left knee and the right heel, the same bullet doing the mischief in both places. He was yet able to walk to the ambulance half a mile away, and after reaching it was taken to the field hospital. He was wounded at nine o'clock in the morning, and he had nothing to eat or drink, nor did he receive any medical attention until the next day, on account of carelessness on the part of the regimental doctor. When he returned to Nashville gangrene set in his foot. Five times it was operated on, each operation about equal to an amputation. He was much emaciated and was thought to be near death. About this time his wife came to the hospital and was instrumental in having him removed to Louisville, and some weeks later to Chicago, arriving at the latter place in September. He remained in hospital at Chicago until March, 1865, when he was discharged from the service and went home on crutches. He was disabled for some time, the wound on his heel remaining a running sore for more than twenty years.

After trying several devices for making a living, serving in agencies, etc., he returned to farming in Peoria county, Illinois. In the fall of 1869 he came to Adams county, Iowa, and in the spring of 1870 settled where he now resides, section 14, Lincoln township. He left the farm in 1886 and moved to Corning, remaining there till the death of his wife in June, 1889. Her age was fifty-nine years. She was a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a true type of the Christian wife, mother and neighbor. In the fall after her death Mr. Richards returned to the farm. Here he owns 200 acres, all enclosed. His residence is located on a half-section road. Mr. Richards is a man who has made much of opportunity, having started out a poor boy and now being well-to-do and surrounded with the comforts of life.

His marriage occurred March 24, 1856, Miss Sarah Walford the lady of his choice. For history of her parents see biography of Charles Walford in this work. Five children were born to them: W. F., T. E., Mary E., Fanny L. and Charles. T. E. married Susan Boswell and has five children, Walter H., Ethel E., Ellen G., Maggie D. and Homer O. Mary E., wife of W. H. Boswell, died at the age of twenty-one years, leaving one child, Lloyd M. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fanny L. is the wife of George A. Tenant and has one child, Edna C. Charles, the third-born, died in infancy.

Previous to his marriage Mr. Richards was a member of the Established Church of England, and at that time united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the G. A. R. Post of Corning. In politics he is a Republican and has held various township offices.

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CHARLES WALFORD, postmaster of Hayes, Adams county, Iowa, was born in England, September 12, 1826. His parents, Charles and Ann (Allbut) Walford, both natives of England, came with their family to America in 1849, and settled on a farm in Peoria county, Illinois. There his father died in June, 1866, at the age of seventy years. He was a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal church and while in England was a local preacher. His wife did not long survive him, her death occurring in January, 1867, at the age of sixty-six years. She, too, from her early youth was an earnest Christian and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Of the eight children born to them four are still living.

Charles was twenty-two and a half years old when he emigrated with his parents to this country, sailing from London to New York and landing at the latter port after a pleasant voyage of thirty-five days. He was engaged in farming in Peoria county, Illinois, before coming to Iowa. In the fall of 1871 he came out here and bought eighty acres of wild land, and in May, 1873, moved his family to it. This farm is located in section 15, Lincoln township, Adams county, and here he has since resided. His property is now well improved and he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He has a comfortable cottage home and is pleasantly situated. He was appointed postmaster of Hayes in 1878, since which time he has acceptably filled the office; he has also served as secretary of the township since 1881.

Mr. Walford was married, first in Peoria county, Illinois, to Miss Rachael Rebecca Chisman, in March, 1856, who died the death of the righteous the following August. In April, 1858 he again entered the bonds of matrimony with Miss Martha A. Gregg, of that county, by whom he had three children, Richard Henry, John A. and Charles E. Richard H. lives on a farm in Nebraska; is married to Miss Rose Allard and has two children, Roy and Mary; John A. lives on a farm in Nebraska and Charles E. is managing the home place. The mother of these children died at the age of forty years. She was a most estimable woman and a member of the Methodist church. March 17, 1874, Mr. Walford wedded Miss Mary A. Frederick, daughter of Abram and Mary Frederick, who were born, lived and died in Pennsylvania, the father passing away at the age of sixty- four years, and the mother at forty-six. Both were church members. Mr. and Mrs. Walford are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is an ardent Republican, always identified with the best elements of his party.

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XAVIOR MAUDERLY, who resides on the southwest quarter of section 3, Nodaway township, settled where he now lives in 1865, but purchased the place in 1866, the following year. The farm consists of 120 acres, and when purchased by Mr. Mauderly it had no improvements, but

he has since improved it, and now lias a good barn and a pleasant home.

Mr. Mauderly was born in Switzerland in 1829. At the age of seventeen years he enlisted in the Swiss army for services in Italy, and in his capacity as a soldier he took

an active part with his command in the exciting times of the Revolution of Italy in 1849. He took part in the battles of Naples, in the exciting events at Rome and at other places in Italy. He served in the army five years. In 1853, at the expiration of his term as a soldier, he returned to Switzerland and soon afterward embarked for America. Going to Havre de Grace, France, he took passage on the ship Olivia for New Orleans, which port was reached after a long passage of fifty four days. He there engaged to drive a dray for about two months, and then worked for two weeks on the construction of a railroad just across the Mississippi river from New Orleans. He went thence to St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked at whatever he could find to do, remaining until the fall, when he went into the country and worked on a farm two months. He went thence to Highland, Illinois, and engaged in driving team to St. Louis with produce and

returning with lumber, in which he continued two months He next worked in a brick

yard a few miles from Highland, after which he went to St. Louis, and thence to Winchester, Illinois. He was married while living at that place, December 21, 1855, to Miss Maria Romang, who was then living at St. Louis. She was born in Switzerland, November 11, 1835, and came to America with her brother about two months previous to her marriage. Her parents came to this

country later, and lived in Illinois for a time, where her father died. The mother, however, came to Adams county, and died in Nodaway township, in 1885. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Mauderly settled in Springfield, Illinois, where they lived nine years, and then came to this county. They have had eleven children, six sons and five daughters. Two boys and five girls are now living, namely: Mary, the wife of Wilbert Halberstadt; Lena, Levi, Josephine, Catherine, Joseph and Louise. Christopher was born in 1864, and died in childhood. The others died in 1882. The greatest affliction of Mr. Mauderly and family was the death of the wife and mother, which occurred March 17, 1890. The five youngest children are now at home. Mr. Mauderly is an honest, upright man and possesses the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens.

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L. A. BRITTAN was born near Dodgeville, Wisconsin, April 19, 1851, the son of Francis Brittan, deceased, a prominent early settler of Adams county, Iowa. The latter was born in London, England, son of John Brittan, a merchant of that city. He was reared, received a college education and obtained a business experience in London, and was married to Louisa Gates, also a native of England. He came on a sail vessel to New York, and on the voyage encountered numerous storms, both crew and passengers suffering much from hunger before they reached port. For years Francis Brittan was employed as follows: at first obtained a situation in New York; with a stock of fine laces and notions as samples, he became the first commercial traveler in the United States; was engaged in business at Syracuse, New York; conducted a business in La Layette, Indiana, and during the panic of 1835 failed; went to Dodge county, Wisconsin, bought 640 acres of land and engaged in agricultural pursuits, and later in a mercantile business at Dodgeville. It was while he was a resident of the latter place that the subject of our sketch was born. From Dodgeville, in 1857, the Brittan family moved to Burlington, Kansas, when there were only four houses in the town, and the father became one of the first business men of that place. They subsequently moved to Liberty, Missouri, where he engaged in the dry-goods business, and still later located in Missouri City. During the war he left that State and took up his abode in Galesburg, Illinois, where he turned his attention to the hardware business. Disposing of his interests there, he moved to Warren county, Illinois, bought a farm and built a grist mill; thence to Monmouth, same State, where he did a grocery business; and thence to Mount Pleasant, Iowa. His next and last move was to Adams county. Here he bought 615 acres of land, made his home and developed a fine farm. His wife died at Riverton, Fremont county, Iowa, in 1871, aged sixty- five years. Francis Brittan died at Arlington Springs, near Topeka, Kansas, at the age of eighty-five. He was there on a visit to his daughter, and with a party of friends and relatives was out in a boat. The boat upset and a nephew and niece and another young lady were drowned. The shock and exposure brought on a nervous prostration from which the old gentleman never recovered. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and was in politics a Republican. He and his wife were the parents of thirteen children, eight of whom are now living, viz.: Arthur Brittan, of Beloit, Wisconsin, a commercial traveler; Frank, a resident of California; Hatty McClure, also of California; Edward, a commercial traveler; Clara, wife of James Beard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Clifford, of Custer county, Nebraska; L. A., the subject of this sketch; and Laura Dix, of Colony township, Adams county, Iowa.

L. A. Brittan grew to manhood in the different places where his father lived, assisted him in his various enterprises, and received his education in the public schools. February 27, 1874, in Douglas township, this county, he was united in marriage with Miss Ollie Moore, daughter of Benjamin and Margaret Moore, prominent mention of whom will be found on another page of this work. Nine children have been born to them, as follows: Nell E., Annis L., Clara Augusta, Ollie Rosa (who died at the age of seven years), Ed. F., Arthur, Carrie M., Luther Alfred and Paul H.

The Brittan farm is located on section 3, and is one of the best in Douglas township. It is well fenced, has a good two-story house, substantial barn and other improvements. Coal is found here in abundance, 50,000 bushels being taken from the place annually.

Mr. and Mrs. Brittan are members of the Baptist Church, and are distinguished for their genial hospitality to all. Mr. Brittan is a Republican.

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JOHN GOURLEY. — Few pioneers of Montgomery and Adams counties are better known than he whose name heads this sketch, and it is with pleasure that we present a biography of him on these pages.

John Gourley was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, October 31, 1833, the son of Thomas and Catherine (Gardiner) Gourley, both natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania. The father was of Irish ancestry and the mother, a daughter of Henry Gardiner, was of German extraction. Thomas Gourley and wife reared a family of eleven children, whose names are as follows: Betsey Zain, of Wheeling, Virginia; Peggy Russell, residing near Villisca, Montgomery county, Iowa; Robert, of Uhrichsville, Ohio; Thomas, Montgomery county, Iowa; Jane Richards, Zanesville, Ohio; Rachel Stewart, Villisca, Iowa; Nancy Cooney, Montgomery county, Iowa; John, the subject of this sketch; Henry, who settled in Adams county, Iowa, in 1856, where he improved a good farm, and where he died in July, 18980, leaving three sons and two daughters, his widow being now a resident of Villisca, Iowa; and Joseph, a resident of Montgomery county, Iowa. In 1856 the parents moved west and settled in Montgomery county, Iowa, where the father subsequently died at the age of sixty-six years, and the mother at seventy-two. The former had been a farmer all his life. In politics he was an Abolitionist and later a Republican. For many years he was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

John was reared in his native county and received his education in an old log school-house. he was an ambitious young man of twenty-three when the family came west and settled in Iowa, and many are his pleasing reminiscences of their journey by steamboat down the Ohio and up the Missouri to St. Joseph, Missouri, thence by team to near where Villisca now stands. At that place the family had relatives, the Dunns, prominent early settlers of that portion of Iowa. John Gourley was an expert hunter when he came here, and brought with him from Virginia a pack of hounds. Game of all kinds was abundant and the crack of his rifle seldom failed to bring down the object aimed at. He was frequently sent for far and near to go and take part in a wolf hunt or a wildcat chase, and when John Gourley and his hounds were on the scent there was lively sport. One season he killed eighteen wildcats and one season forty deer, besides a large number of wolves. He received $70 for the pelts he obtained one year. He paid his first taxes on personal property with the scalp of a wolf and had 15 cents left from it.

At first Mr. Gourley began his farming operations on rented land. He afterward bought swamp land in Adams county, which he sold before buying his present farm, in section 19, Douglas township. Only six acres of his soil had been broken at the time he purchased it. Now he owns 520 acres, one of the best farms in Adams county. His first home here, a cottonwood log house, after being used for some time gave way to a box house, 14 x 16 feet, now utilized as a granery. His present modern residence was built in 1880, is two-stories high, and is surrounded with beautiful oaks and a fine orchard of 200 trees. This farm is supplied with windmill, stock scales, a barn, 40 x 60 feet, and other substantial improvements. Mr. Gourley raises more hogs than any man in Adams county, his annual product being three car loads. One hundred acres of his land are in timber.

Mr. Gourley has been married twice. At the age of twenty-six he married Caroline Baker, who was born in Missouri, daughter of Judge Samuel Baker, the first judge of Adams county, Iowa. She died in 1871, leaving five children, as follows: Robert, James, Emma, wife of Cordy Phillips of Montgomery county, Iowa; Ida, wife of William Harvy of Wyoming; and John, also of Wyoming. In 1885 he married Laura Baker, sister of his former companion, and by her has three sons, - Samuel, Harry and an infant.

Politicaily Mr. Gourley has been a Republican but is now an Independent. He has passed his sixtieth milestone, weighs 265 pounds, and is still the same frank and cordial man that he was in the old pioneer days. He and his family are surrounded with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, and from their modern home the latch string hangs out as truly as it did from their cabin door.

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J. E. PARRISH, a farmer and stock-raiser on section 5, Carl township, was 9 born in Putnam county, Indiana, June 7, 1848, the son of Edward Parrish, deceased, one of the well known early settlers of the county. The father, born in North Carolina, was eight or nine years old when he was taken to Indiana by his parents in their removal to that State. In 1840 he married Cyrilda McCall, a Kentuckian, a native ot Kentucky and a daughter of John McCall, also a Kentuckian, and afterward came to Carl township, Adams county, settling on section 5, wild land. lie reared five children, namely: Susan Ann, of St. Joseph, Missouri; Mary Jane, of Greencastle, Indiana;

Sarah Elizabeth, of Buchanan county, Missouri; J. E., the subject of this sketch; Thomas O., of Nuckolls county, Nebraska. He died in January, 1888, at the age of sixty-five years; was a farmer all his life, and in politics a Democrat. His wife had died when J. E. was a youth.

Mr. Parrish, whose name heads this sketch, was fourteen years of age when he came to

this county. He is now the owner of 453 acres of rich bottom land, well improved. On these premises are a good house, 24 x 28 feet, the usual ornamental trees, barns and all the farm appliances and improvements, in good order. He has some high grade cattle and some good horses. Politically he is a Democrat, but has never desired office. He is jovial and liberal.

He was married at Quincy, Iowa, October 6, 1870, to Henrietta Hulbert, a native of Indiana, and they have three children, viz.: Cora Belle, now the wife of Orval Griffin, of Carl township; Nora Dell and Edward.

He was married April 7, 1859, in Ogle county, Illinois, to Miss Indiana Eakle, a highly cultured lady and a successful teacher, born in Maryland, daughter of Joseph Eakle, a native of Virginia, but reared in Maryland. He was a musician in the army during the war of 1812.He married Catharine Kaufman, who was born in Frederick City, Maryland, and came to Illinois in 1845, where his wife died, in 1871, at the age of sixty-five years; he died in 1881, aged about eighty-two years. They had three and seven daughters. Mr. Eakle was a Democrat in politics, and in religion a Lutheran.

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J. D. HART, the oldest pioneer settler of Nodaway township, was born near Syracuse, New York, February 5, 1827, the son of John Hart, a native of the same place. The latter was a son of Deacon Ezra Hart, of Connecticut, and of a well educated family. Ezra’s father and two of his

brothers were in the Revolutionary war, and were killed at Yorktown. John Hart married Belinda Brewer, who was born in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, a daughter of Jonas Brewer. They left the Empire State in 1832, and went to Newark, Ohio. Mr. Hart, being a good mechanic and expert mill-wright, took a contract for building a large distillery there. Afterward he went to

Crawfordsville, Indiana, where he built a mill, and in 1838 to Vandalia, Illinois, and after that to Hillsboro, Montgomery county, same State.

J. D., our subject, was with the family in 1844, in their removal to Washington county, Iowa. In 1849 he went overland to California, by ox team, being six months on the way and going by the Lawson route. He was on Feather river, and at Santa Clara and other points, prospecting, raining and farming. In the spring of 1853 he returned, purchased a good herd of cows, drove them to California and sold them at a good profit. Returning to Iowa again, in the spring of

1854, he engaged in buying horses for the Dubuque and Chicago markets. The same

year he entered Government land in Nodaway township, this county, at $1.25 an acre, and located upon it. The next spring he built a log house there and broke some of the land. His wife arrived the next fall, and since then this place has been their residence. They have now a good modern house. The farm comprises 120 acres and is thoroughly improved.

During the war Mr. Hart enlisted, August 13, 1862, under President Lincoln’s call for 300,000 men, in the Twenty-Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, as a private, and was transferred by promotion as Second Lieutenant of Company I of the Fifty-Fourth United States Colored Infantry; was in the battle of Helena, Arkansas, and other engagements, acquitting himself well as an officer. In his political views he is a Democrat. He has been Justice of the Peace, township trustee, etc. He is a member of Meyerhoff Post, No. 466, G. A. R., was a charter member and has been Chaplain of the same. He and his wife and two of the children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

He was married May 9, 1854, to Miss Lucy Walker, who was born at Flemingsburg, Kentucky, a daughter of William Walker, also a Kentuckian. Mr. Walker was born in Cynthiana, Kentucky. He was married to Elizabeth Yannatten, of Fleming county, Kentucky, the daughter of Ferdinand Vannatten. Mr. Hart and wife have six children, namely: William and George, mining at Hill City, Dakota; Kate, now the wife of Samuel Kernan, of Trego county, Kansas; Hettie, Clara, and Linna, a teacher. They lost one son by death—Jonas, who died while his father was in the army.

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GEORGE W. RITNOUR was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1834, son of George and Sally (Wipkey) Ritnour, natives of Pennsylvania.  His grandfather, Adam Ritnour, was born in Germany, and grandfather George Wipkey was of German extraction.  George W. is one of a family of twelve children.  His father was a farmer all his life; in politics, a Democrat, and in religion a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having served as a class leader for many years.  He died at the age of fifty-nine.  The mother lives in Page county, Iowa, and is now ninety years old.

Mr. Ritnour was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of his native State.  In October, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry Volunteers; participated in the battle of Gettysburg and other engagements of less importance, and served until July, 1863, when his term of enlistment expired, and he was honorably discharged at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

After the close of the war he went to Whiteside county, Illinois, where he spent one season.  Returning East, he passed the following four years in his native county.  He then came to Iowa, and in Page county improved two farms, which he subsequently sold at a good profit, and bought 160 acres of land in Douglas township, Adams county, where he now resides.  This he purchased of Bob Houston.  It is one of the best farms in the township; is well watered by a creek and springs, and has good fences and other improvements.  Forty rods back from the road is situated the commodious residence, 24 x 36 feet, two stories high, and built on the southern style.

In Fayette county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Ritnour was married, at the age of twenty-three, to Margaret Ritnour, a native of that place and a daughter of Samuel and Caroline Ritnour.  Thirteen children have been born to them, eleven of whom are living, viz.: Harriette, James McClellan, Hatty, Ellen, Etta, Susan, Sada, Jacob, Mena, Cary and George.  John died at the age of two years, and Henry, in 1891, aged eighteen years and six months.  Mr. Ritnour is a Democrat, and a member of the Meyerhoff Post, Nodaway.  He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church.

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JOSEPH NEWTON HOMAN was born in Carl township, Adams county, Iowa, April 17, 1858, one of the first white children born in the township. He is a son of Wesley Homan, an early settler of this county, prominent mention of whom will be found on another page of this work. His

mother was nee Melissa Ramsay. Reared on his father’s farm and educated in the common schools of a pioneer settlement, young Homan early had instilled into him lessons of honesty and frugality. For four years he was in the employ of B. F. Parmer, of Carl township, with whom he found a good home.

In 1882 Mr. Homan purchased forty acres of land and began farming on his own account. Prosperity attended his efforts; he has since purchased other land, and is now the owner of 120 acres in sections 29 and 30, Carl township. His property is well improved and under good cultivation.

Mr. Homan was married February 21, 1880, to Miss Luna Knodle, before her marriage a successful young teacher. She was born at Mt. Morris, Illinois, and reared and educated there, the daughter of Jonathan and Virginia (Akle) Knodle, natives of Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. Homan have had four children—Oliver L., Lois Ellen, Lula Glee and Ira Thomas. Lulu died very suddenly at at the age of sixteen months. Mr. Homan is now serving as township trustee; in politics is an Independent; is associated with the Farmer’s Alliance. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church.

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DAVID E. EVANS, a farmer of section 26, Grant township, Adams county (postoffice Lenox), is one of the well-known, enterprising and successful citizens of that part of the county. He was born in Cardiganshire, Wales, June 8, 1836, a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Davis) Evans, both natives also of that country, in which they spent their lives. They had four sons and three daughters.

Mr. Evans, our subject, was reared to farm life. In 1856 he bade farewell to family and relatives and sailed from Liverpool to Philadelphia, by steamer. After arrival he first found employment at Johnstown, Pennsylvania. In 1858 he went to Jackson county, Ohio, and for two years was employed in iron mining and blasting furnaces at Cambria. Next he was engaged in coal-mining in Rock Island county, Illinois, until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in defense of his adopted country, in Company D, Twelfth Illinois Infantry, three- months men. Most of the time his regiment was stationed at Cairo, Illinois, and Cassville. At the expiration of his time of enlistment he was honorably discharged and returned home, in August, 1862; but when President Lincoln called for 300,000 men he again offered his services, enlisting this time in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the siege of Vicksburg, the battles at Little Rock (Arkansas), and other battles and skirmishes. On account of disability, in November, 1864, he was honorably discharged, when he was First Lieutenant, having made a gallant record as a soldier and officer.

Returning to Rock Island, he resumed peaceful pursuits, following mining until 1880, when he came to Adams county, locating upon land which he had purchased in 1869. Here he has a modern frame house, 14 x 26 feet, with an L 14 x 16, and both a story and a half in height. Ornamental trees, barn and other outbuildings, good and substantial, adorn the premises.

November 18, 1862, is the date of Mr. Evans' marriage to Miss Sarah Daniels, a native of Amboy, Oswego county, New York, who at the age of eighteen years came to Henry county, Illinois. Her father, Buckley Daniels, was born in Lewis county, New York, and died at Rock Island. Her mother, whose maiden name was Ann Wheeler, was born at Norwich, Connecticut, and died here in Adams county, in 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Evans have one son, Benjamin Grant, who was born at Rock Island, February 24, 1866, and was married December 22, 1887, to Miss Lettie Cochran, a daughter of Thomas and Ann (Kinser) Cochran, of prominent and well-known families in this county. Her father, who was a soldier in the last war, is an old settler here. The younger Evans has one daughter, born December 6, 1888, and named Lula Grace. He is a member of the blue lodge, F. & A. M., at Lenox, of the K. and P. and S. of V. Mr. D. E. Evans is a Republican in his political views, is a member of Lenox Post, 316, G. A. r., and also of the Masonic and Odd Fellows' orders; and he and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church.

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JACOB B. HELLER (postoffice East Nodaway) is one of the early settlers of Adams county and a representative farmer of this vicinity. Coming to Iowa in 1871, he purchased eighty acres of his present farm, then all wild land. He has since added to his original purchase and now owns 120 acres. He was one of the first settlers here to plant an orchard and fruit, and at this writing his orchard, which contains 100 bearing trees, is one of the best of its size in the county. His residence, a frame house, is situated on a nice building site; his other buildings—barn, sheds, cribs, etc., together with his broad pastures and well cultivated fields all show thrift and enterprise. Among his stock we note two fine stallions, a Morgan and Clydesdale.

Jacob B. Heller was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, September 6, 1837, son of Jacob Heller, also a native of that place. Grandfather Jacob Heller, Sr., a son of German parents, was one of the first settlers in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. Some members of the Heller family participated in the war of 1812. The mother of our subject was before her marriage Margaret Daniel, and she, too, was born in Pennsylvania, the daughter of German parents. Jacob B. was

six months old when his parents moved to Crawford county, Ohio, making the journey by team. When they reached their destination they camped under a large oak tree in the midst of the dense forest while the father and two neighbors built a log cabin. His father lived in Crawford county the rest of his days and died there at the age of eighty- five years. He was a farmer all his life; in politics, a Democrat; and in religion, a member of the Dutch Reform Church. The mother in later years joined the English Lutheran Church. She is yet living on the old farm in Crawford county. They had thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters, Jacob B. being the ninth born. He grew up at the old homestead, receiving a common school education.

When the war came on Mr. Heller enlisted August 15, 1861, in Company C, Forty-ninth Ohio Infantry Volunteers, and served about three years. He participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Perryville, Stone River and Chickamauga. At the last named place he was wounded in the left hand, and was confined in the field hospital at Nashville. Later he was examined and transferred to the invalid corps, doing duty at Nashville most of the time. He was an eye-witness to the last battle at Nashville. After receiving an honorable discharge, he was employed by the Government as a member of a bridge company, building bridges near Nashville, and was thus employed for ten months.

After the war closed Mr. Heller returned to Crawford county and spent a short time. He then went to Ogle county, Illinois, where he lived until 1871, the year of his coming to Adams county.

He was married in Ogle county, November 28, 1868, to Miss Lydia Heller, a native of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, Rev. Charles Knepper performing the ceremony which made them companions for life. Mrs. Heller is a daughter of John and Lydia (Shott) Heller, natives of Pennsylvania. They moved to Ogle county when 6he was only six years old. Her mother still resides there and has reached her seventy-ninth year, the father having died at Byron, Illinois.

Mr. and Mrs. Heller have four children, Martha Ellen, Emma Jane, John Franklin and Mary Laura. They lost three in infancy. Mr. Heller is a Republican politically, and has served as constable. He is a member of the Meyerhoff Post, G. A. R.

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JOSEPH NARIGAN was born in Harrison county, Ohio, August 27, 1840, son of Nicholas and Mary (Willson) Narigan, both natives of Pennsylvania, the latter a daughter of John Willson. Grandfather Narigan was of German descent, was a Revolutionary soldier, and was one of the first settlers of Harrison county, Ohio. Joseph was the fifth born in a family of three sons and three daughters. One of these, William, a member of Company E, Eightieth Ohio Infantry, was killed at Missionary Ridge by a ball which entered his left side. He died a few moments later, aged twenty-two years. The father died in Tuscarawas county, Ohio. His whole life was passed of a farm. He was a Christian man, and in politics a Democrat. His widow is now a resident of that county and is eighty-eight years old. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and is a devoted Christian woman.

His father a farmer, the subject of our sketch was brought up at farm work and was educated in the common schools. On December 12, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Eightieth Ohio Infantry, and served with bravery during the war. He was in the battles of Iuka, Corinth, Raymond, Jackson and the siege of Vicksburg. He was wounded at Missionary Ridge, November 25, 1863, while in the act of lifting his brother who was dying. The ball, entering his right side broke three ribs and his shoulder blade. He was taken to the field hospital on the Tennessee river, where he remained for two weeks; thence to the hospital at Chattanooga. At the latter place he lay on his back for nine months and suffered untold agonies. He was granted a furlough of thirty days, but as he was so weak and could only travel slowly the time expired before he reached home. He then spent three weeks in the hospital at Huntsville, from there he went to Nashville and then to Columbus, Ohio; thence he went home, and afterward to Dennison, Ohio. He was honorably discharged September 22, 1864.

In 1867 Mr. Narigan went to Fulton county, Illinois, where he spent a short time; thence to Marion county, Iowa. In 1871 he settled on the farm of 140 acres in section 33, Douglas township, Adams county, where he still resides. This farm with its good buildings and well cultivated fields presents the appearances of thrift and enterprise.

Mr. Narigan was married, in Bushnell, Illinois, to Miss Adelaide Humphrey. She was born in Ohio, daughter of David and Malinda (Nugen) Humphrey, and before her marriage was an efficient and popular teacher. They have eight children, namely: Nelly, Florence and Mary Belle, both successful teachers of Adams county; William, Jacob Oscar, Addie May, Susanna, John Milton and David Humphrey. Politically Mr. Narigan is a Republican. He is a charter member of the Meyerhoff Post, G. A. R., and Surgeon of the Post.

PAGE 357

JOSEPH R. HOLBROOK, of section 2, Quincy township, arriving here as early as 1853, was the first merchant in the county, when there were in the county but nine voters.

He was born in Cheshire county, New Hampshire, November 30, 1831, the son of Luther and Abigail (Britton) Holbrook. His father was born at Boston, a son of William Holbrook, of an old New England family; the mother was also a native of New Hampshire. The subject of this sketch was fourteen years old when the family moved to Perry county, Ohio; in 1851 they moved to Lucas county, Iowa, where they lived about thirty years; then they removed to Hamilton county, this State, and resided near Webster city until death, - the father dying at the age of eighty- three years and the mother when eighty years old. The father was a dairyman the most of his life.

Mr. J. R. Holbrook was brought up in the business of the dairy farm until he was eighteen years of age, when he learned the trade of cabinet and chair-maker, which he followed some four years; and in 1853 he settled at Quincy, then the county seat of Adams county. Here he erected the first house built in town, put in a stock of merchandise, which he had purchased at Savanna, Missouri, 100 miles away. A year afterward he sold out and purchased 200 acres of land on section 16, which he improved and occupied for ten years. Then he bought on sections 14 and 11, 200 acres which he began to improve. In 1873 he purchased where he now lives, in Pleasant valley, on one of the best farms in Adams county, containing 520 acres of bottom, hillside and table-land, - all rich and productive, and within the blue-grass tract. The place is stocked with 100 head of high-grade cattle, besides large numbers of horses and hogs. His barn, 62 x 100 feet, is one of the best in the country. Besides, there is a horse barn, 24 x 32 and three stories high. A plain, old-style house stands on a beautiful plateau of land, which is prettily ornamented with trees, etc., but Mr. Holbrook's residence is a fine, modern structure, with the latest improvements. Pleasant Valley is, indeed, a beautiful place.

Mr. Holbrook was Justice of the Peace eight years, was the first Prosecuting Attorney of Adams county, and served one term as county Supervisor. He is a good business man, well informed and of advanced, progressive views. In political matters he voted the Republican ticket until 1880, when his views underwent a change; since that time he has voted independently.

He was married in Lucas county, Iowa, January 18, 1852, to Miss Mary Ann Miller, a daughter of J. M. B. Miller, who laid out the town of Quincy, and died here in 1855. Mrs. Holbrook's mother was Mary Wiant before marriage, and she died at Quincy. Mr. Holbrook has nine children, as follows: Mrs. Nettie George, John, Mrs. Maggie Mendenhall, Mrs. Lida Deweese, who was before her marriage a school-teacher; Hector, Joseph, Mrs. Josephine Prather, Grant and Alfred. The children have received a good education, enabling them to fill responsible positions in life.

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C. W. LYON,  a progressive farmer of section 27, Nodaway township (post-office Nodaway), was born in Washington county, Iowa, December 27, 1845, - a year before Iowa became a State. His father, Asher M. Lyon, a native of Ohio, was one of the earliest pioneers of this State, settling in that county in 1840. He married Martha Watson, a native of Pennsylvania, who died when C. W. was nine years old.

Mr. Lyon was reared to farm life in his native county, receiving meanwhile the usual log schoolhouse education. In 1863 he enlisted in Company D, Ninth Iowa Cavalry, commanded by Colonel Trumbull, and served until March, 1866. His regiment was stationed most of the time in Arkansas, keeping the bushwhackers and guerrillas in subjection. Mr. Lyon was honorably discharged at Little Rock, Arkansas. His father was also a soldier in the same war, a member of the Thirty-seventh, Iowa, the "Graybeard" regiment. He died in 1867.

In 1869, Mr. Lyon, whose name heads this sketch, moved to Ralls county, Missouri, lived there four years, and then came to Adams county, and bought forty acres of land, partly improved. It was known as the old McKay farm. Two or three years afterward he purchased 160 acres from the railroad company and located upon it. He prospered and purchased still more, until he now has 250 acres of Adams county's richest land, and the "Lyon farm" is now known to be one of the best improved in the neighborhood. He has a fine modern residence, 14 x 20 feet, with an L of the same dimensions, and a 14 x 16 addition, a story and a half in height. The yards and lawn, ornamental trees, orchard, barn (44 x 50 feet) and all out-buildings are conveniently arranged and in good order. Mr. Lyon is an intelligent citizen and a good neighbor.

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JACOB STRAIT was born in eastern Ohio, on the Muskingum river, October 24, 1826, son of Peter and Catherine (Hummel) Strait, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former of German ancestry. Leonard Strait, an uncle of our subject, served in the war of 1812. Jacob was a boy when his parents moved to Athens county, Ohio, where he grew up on a farm and received a common- school education. His parents lived for a time in Pickaway county, that State, where the mother died. The father subsequently came to Adams county, Iowa, where he died at the age of ninety years. He was a farmer all his life; politically, a Republican; religiously, his views were in harmony with Methodist doctrines, although he was not a church member. He and his wife had nine children. Three of their sons participated in the late war. Jacob was a member of the Ohio National Guards, State Militia, and saw active duty when Morgan made his raid through Ohio.

Mr. Strait lived in Athens county, Ohio, until 1865, when he came to Adams county, Iowa. Here he built a log house, 18x20 feet, which still stands as a landmark of pioneer days. He now has a comfortable cottage home, good barn, fine orchard and grove, and 100 acres of rich, well- improved land, located in section 36, Douglas township.

At the age of twenty-one, Mr. Strait was married in Athens county, Ohio, to Sarah Thomas, a native of that place and a daughter of Major and Eliza Thomas. Their union was blessed with six children, five of whom are living, viz.: Sarah A., wife of Henry Taylor, of Brooks, Iowa; Mary C. Thomas, of Bedford, Iowa; Ellen, wife of Harrison James, of Douglas township, this county; Emmeline, wife of George Lawrence, of Nodaway township, this county; Peter, a resident of Douglas township. Mrs. Strait died February 12, 1889. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a woman of many virtues. In her death her family and many friends sustained a severe loss. In October, 1889, Mr. Strait married Miss Celona Clark, a native of Henry county, Iowa.

Mr. Strait is a man thoroughly identified with the best interests of the community in which he resides, and any movement which has for its object the advancement of religion, education or good morals finds in him a hearty support. He is a member of the Methodist Church.

PAGE 359

HUGH O’NEIL, a farmer on section 33, Nodaway township (postoffice Nodaway), was born in county Derry, Province of Ulster, Ireland, April 27, 1833, a son of Barnett and Catharine (Flanagan) O'Neil, natives of Ireland. His mother died when he was four years old, and three years afterward his father moved to Scotland, where they resided about seven years. They then came to America, settling first in La Salle county, Illinois, for a short time. Next they moved to Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, engaging in mining there for a time, and then returned to La Salle county, Illinois, where Hugh made his home for nineteen years, mining coal. In 1876 he came to Adams county, settling on and which he had purchased five years previously. He now has one of the best farms in the neighborhood, comprising 120 acres on each of sections 32 and 33, Nodaway township, also forty acres on section 5, Nodaway township, Taylor county, and twenty acres of timber on section 9, in the last mentioned township. His residence, 20 x 30 feet in dimensions and one and a half stories high, is nicely furnished, attesting the refined nature of the inmates. The barn is 24 x 34 feet in ground area. Other outbuildings and farm appurtenances complete the equipments. General farming and stock- raising constitute the scope of Mr. O'Neil operations. In politics he is a Democrat and in religion a Catholic.

He was married in 1854, in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, to Miss Margaret Collins, who was born in Sligo, Ireland, the daughter of John and Bridget (Tillen) Collins, both natives of the Emerald Isle. By this marriage there were eleven children, eight of whom are living, namely: Patrick and John, in Colorado; Mary Bigley; Maggie, a popular teacher in Omaha; Bridget, in Kansas City, Missouri; Hugh, Jr., at home; Michael, at Shenandoah (Iowa) College; and Charley, at home. The three deceased are, a babe unnamed; Winnie, at the age of twenty-two years, in this county; and Ellen, also at twenty-two, in this county; she was a successful school-teacher. All the children received a good liberal education.

PAGE 360

CHARLES MADISON, another one of the pioneers of Adams county, took up his abode in Carl township in 1870. He is well known here, and mention of him is appropriate in this place.

Charles Madison was born in Hamilton county, Indiana, April 11, 1839, a son of John F. Madison, now in Pennsylvania in 1816. His mother, whose maiden name was Jane Roberts, died about twenty years ago. Young Madison was reared on a "Hoosier" farm and was early inured to hard work, learning to chop wood, plow and grub. At the age of sixteen he entered upon a three years' apprenticeship to the blacksmith trade at Whitestown, Boone county, Indiana, and at nineteen, having completed his term, he came west and located in Polk county, Iowa, where he lived one year. He then moved to Madison county, this state, and made his home near Winterset till 1870. That year he came to Adams county and bought forty acres of land from James Blackwell. Later he purchased eighty acres of wild land, which he brought under good cultivation, now having a fine farm of 120 acres. For twenty years he has worked at his trade and is a number one workman.

April 4, 1857, he was married in Boone county, Indiana, to Susan E. Good, a native of that place and a daughter of Isaac and Polly (Kenser) Good, the former born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Virginia. Isaac Good died in Bloomington, Illinois, at the age of seventy, and his wife passed away in Boone county, Indiana, aged forty years. To Mr. and Mrs. Madison nine children have been born, six of whom are living. Their names are as follows: Missouri Jane, Charles W., Samuel Jesse, Vincent Henry, and Arthur and Luther, twins. Their daughter, Mary McGinnes, who died at the age of thirty-one years, was a woman of high intellectual attainments and was before her marriage a successful teacher, loved and respected by all who knew her. She was a member of the Christian Church. She left one son, Charles Guy. David Francis, their second child, died at the age of two and a half years. An infant daughter lived only three days. Isaac Malvern, their fourth born, died when two years old.

Mr. Madison, his wife, daughter and son Charles are members of the Christian Church, and he is clerk of the church. Politically he is a Republican, however, holding independent views.

PAGE 360

P. P. HUMBERT, farmer and stock-dealer, section 3, Jasper township, is a native of France, born August 10, 1840, and is a son of John and Margarett (Aubry) Humbert. In 1850 he emigrated with his father's family to America, landing on August 10, in the city of New Orleans; ten days later they were in Nauvoo, Illinois, where our subject attended school for a short time. In 1853 he went to Keokuk, Iowa, for the purpose of learning the barber's trade; at the end of six months, however, he returned home, and the following year, came with his father to Adams county; here he assisted in clearing and improving wild land, and remained under the parental roof until the father retired from agricultural pursuits. Then in company with his brother John he purchased eighty acres of land, and as he had not means to pay for this he was obliged to start in life with a heavy debt resting upon him; but, by hard work, good management, and close attention to his business interests, he has accumulated a good property.

Mr. Humbert was united in marriage January 1, 1862, to Miss Lucy Matthews, a native of Andrews county, Missouri, and a daughter of Littleton and Jane (Todd) Matthews; the father was a native of Kentucky, was reared in Indiana, served three years in the Black Hawk war, and was one of the pioneers of Andrews county, Missouri. After his marriage Mr. Humbert resided on the old homestead for eleven years, selling out at the end of that time, and purchasing 160 acres of wild land on section 22; he improved this place and resided there for three years; this he disposed of for the sum of $6,000, and the north half of section 15, also in a wild state, was bought; this he improved and owned for twelve years, selling for $30 per acre. He then purchased his present farm which is in the suburbs of Corning; it consists of 300 acres of well- improved land, and has been brought to this high state of culture through the efforts of Mr. Humbert. In connection with his farming interests he has been extensively engaged in importing and breeding Percheron horses.

Mr. and Mrs. Humbert are the parents of six children; Charles J. died at the age of two years; John is engaged as stenographer in Armour's packing establishment at Kansas City, Missouri; Emma May, August Leroy, Bertha Agnes, Peter Eugene.

Mr. Humbert has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for nearly a quarter of a century; he belongs to Nodaway lodge, No. 206, and Corning Encampment, No. 84; he has passed all the chairs of the order. Mrs. Humbert is a member of the Daughters of Rebekah, Lodge No. 18. In his political opinion Mr. Humbert sympathizes with the United Labor party.

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JOHN HUMBERT (deceased) was born in St. Prancer, Canton De Mircourt, Department Des Vorges, France, May 7, 1804. He was a farmer by occupation. In February, 1829, he was married to Miss Margaret Aubry, by whom he has seven children. Mrs. Humbert was born in 1807, and died November 12, 1847. On account of political troubles in France Mr. Humbert emigrated to the United States with his family of seven children; they landed in New Orleans, came up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, and proceeded thence to Nauvoo, Illinois, where Mr. Humbert engaged in agriculture for a period of four years. In 1853 he was again married to Miss Adelaide Roland, and of this union six children were born, two of whom still survive. In August, 1854, he removed with his family to the frontier of Iowa, and settled in Adams county near the spot where Corning now stands; he entered a small tract of Government land, and, with the assistance of his sons, improved it, and afterwards sold it to two of the sons who now own and occupy it. After selling this land Mr. Humbert returned to Hancock county, Illinois, and made two different trips to his native land, and then returned to Iowa, where he departed this life at the home of his son in Des Moines, November 15, 1878, at the age of seventy-four years.

Thus it will be seen that john Humbert was a benefactor to Adams county, in this, that he reared sons who have become enterprising, progressive citizens; they are among the leading farmers and stock-raisers of the county, and through their energy the stock of horses in this county ranks second to none in the State.  

PAGE 362

FREDERICK THEODORE SCHROEDER, an intelligent and enterprising farmer residing on section 27, Nodaway township, was born in Tangermünde, near Berlin, Prussia, in the province of Brandenburg, October 10, 1836, a son of I. F. C. Schroeder, who married Miss Zabel; both

parents were natives of that country. Young Schroeder completed his school course at the early age of twelve years, not usually finished until fourteen, then served his time as apprentice to the miller’s trade, when, at the age of twenty years, he was drafted in the Prussian army and served

seven years; two years after this period the Austro-Prussian war occurred and he was drafted again. He was First-class Sergeant, though acting most of the time as Lieutenant of the Fourth Battery of Imperial Guard Corps; also, on account of his having a good education and special aptness in mathematics, he was an instructor and teacher in the Brigadier school while in garrison. In 1870 he sailed from Hamburg to England, proceeded to Liverpool and catne across the Atlantic to New York, and on to La Salle county, Illinois, where he had a brother, F. H. Schroeder, a grain merchant, at Mendota. After operating in partnership with him a year he started out for himself, at Ohio, in Bureau county, Illinois; at the end of eighteen months he returned to Mendota and was again in partnership with his brother for six months; next he was in trade again two and a half years at Meriden on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, when his brother’s health failed and he returned again to Mendota and took charge of his business until 1875; and finally he came to Adams county and purchased his present homestead, comprising 160 acres of well-improved land, with the usual farm appurtenances in good order.

In Mendota, Illinois, in 1873, he married Miss Elizabeth Englehard, a native of Bureau county, Illinois, and a daughter of John Englehard, who was born in Germany. They have three children, Julia Anna, Laura Amanda and Frederick William Oscar.

Politically Mr. Schroeder is a Democrat, though in former years a Republican. In respect to religion he was reared a Lutheran, but he and his family attend the Presbyterian Church.

PAGE 362

HENRY PETERSON, proprietor of Nishna Valley farm, is one of the prominent, popular and successful men of the county. He was born in Sweden in 1844, and reared there until nine years of age, when his parents came to Illinois, settling in Henry county, where our subject grew to manhood. He was reared a farmer, and received his education in the public schools of

Henry county and by practical business experiences. The parents of our subject reared two sons and one daughter. The older son, John B., served during the late civil war in the One-hundred and Twelfth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, Company I. He was taken prisoner at Pea Ridge and confined in Andersonville prison thirteen months, where he died of scurvy and gangrene.

In 1872 Mr. Peterson came with his parents to Montgomery county, when all was new and wild. He purchased a farm of 138 acres of wild land, which has since been improved and increased until it now contains 770 acres, and is among the best improved farms of the county. Mr. Peterson has a good residence, one and a half stories high, situated on a natural building site. He has also barns, stable yards, four modern windmills, which supply the motive power for furnishing water for stock and the house, stock scales and other substantial farm improvements. He has also a herd of shorthorn cattle, having been engaged in raising this kind of cattle for seven years. He has the largest herd of Hereford cattle in the county, having purchased 217 head in 1890.

Mr. Feterson was married in Henry county, Illinois, in 1861, to Miss Hannah Peterson, who was born, reared and educated in Sweden. They have six children, viz.: Ellen Feterson, Carrie, Albert, Eddie, Bernie and James. Politically Mr. Peterson is a Republican, has served as township trustee twelve years and in all the minor offices. In religion he is a member of the Lutheran Church; and is a trustee and liberal supporter of the same. He is a self-made man, having commenced life for himself at the age of seventeen years by farming and keeping “bach.” He is possessed of a good constitution, good judgment, industrious habits and good business qualifications, and these combined have helped to make him a successful man.

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WILLIAM FOCHT has been identified with the best interests of Montgomery county, Iowa, since 1857, when he took up his abode on his present farm, 520 acres in section 27, Douglas township. He is one of the enterprising, successful and popular pioneers of the county. For the important part he took in developing its interests and for the prominent position he now occupies among its worthy citizens, he is most justly entitled to honorable mention in this volume. A resume of his life is as follows:

William Focht was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, January 5, 1827. His father, Adam Focht, a native of the same place, was a son of George Focht, who was born in Hamburg, Germany. In his young manhood the latter came to America and settled in Pennsylvania. He served in the Revolutionary War, a portion of the time in the militia and later as a teamster. He assisted in drawing the cannon from Philadelphia to Valley Forge, and for services rendered received a special pension of $50. The mother of William Focht was nee Susanna Furry, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of George Furry, a Scotchman by birth. Adam Focht and family moved from Pennsylvania to Allen county, Ohio, 1837, and there the parents passed the residue of their days, each dying at the age of about sixty-six years. The father was all his life engaged in agricultural pursuits. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a steward in the Lutheran Church, of which both he and his wife were members, and in that faith reared their children. Their family consisted of seven sons and three daughters. One of the sons, Jacob Focht, is a resident of Pilot Grove, Iowa.

William was a lad of eleven years when the family settled in Ohio, and in Allen county he grew to manhood, working on the farm and attending the common schools. At nineteen he enlisted for the Mexican war, in Company K, First Regiment of Artillery, under command of "Stonewall" Jackson. He helped to guard the wagon train from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico. After the war he returned to Ohio, and a short time later went to Pennsylvania, where he made his home for three years[.] Again returning to Ohio, he remained in Allen county till 1857, the year he came west and located in Montgomery county. Here he purchased 160 acres of wild land, built a cabin and made a home. Prosperity attended his earnest efforts on the frontier, and as the years passed by his property assumed a different appearance. The primitive cabin has long since given place to a modern cottage, which is situated some rods back from the highway and is approached by an avenue. Substantial improvements in the way of barn, outbuildings, fences, etc., combine to make this place a valuable one. Mr. Focht has purchased other lands and is now the owner of 520 acres.

At the age of twenty-eight he was married, in Auglaize county, Ohio, to Miss Rebecca Williams, a native of Champaign county, Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob Williams, who was born in the eastern part of the United States, of Scotch ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Focht have seven children, viz.: P. S. is married and has four children; John A. is married, has two children and lives in Douglas township, this county; Melvin, also a resident of this township, is married and has four children; James of the same township, has a wife and one child; Samuel, Washington is married and has two children; Homer is married and lives on the old homestead; and Oscar, at home and unmarried. They lost six children, three sons and three daughters, when quite young.

Mr. Focht is a Democrat and is active in the councils of his party. He has served in various townships offices, always with credit to himself and his constituents, and is at present township trustee. He has recently been chosen by his party as a candidate for county Supervisor, in which selection the best of judgment has been evinced. Mr. Focht is a member of the Centennial Lodge of Grant, No. 373. He has been a Mason forty years. He assisted in organizing the Red Oak Lodge when there were only seven Masons in the county. During the late war he was a member of the State militia and took an active part in the march to St. Joseph, Missouri, to guard the State border.

Mrs. Focht is a worthy member of the Baptist Church.

PAGE 364

DAVID M. FLOWERS, of Quincy township, settled on section 32, where he still resides, in 1868. His farm comprises eighty acres on section 32 and forty-four, on section 31. He was born in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1842, the son of David and Mary Ann (Mead) Flowers. Mr. Flowers was reared to farm life, and at the age of eighteen years enlisted in the defense of his country, in the war of the Rebellion, becoming a member of Company I, Seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The date of his enlistment was October 25, 1861. He was mustered out of the United States service March 8, 1866, his term of service covering a period of nearly four and half years. He participated in many of the most important campaigns and battles of the war. He was at Shiloh, Corinth, Holly Springs and Little Rock. He was captured by the Confederate forces at Marks' Mills, Arkansas, and was held a prisoner for ten months at Tyler, Texas, but was paroled, and exchanged thirty days later. He was then furloughed for sixty days and returned home, reporting to his regiment, which was then at Mobile, at the expiration of his furlough. After the surrender of the Confederate forces to the armies of the Union, and the consequent close of the war, he accompanied what was left of his regiment to Brownsville, Texas. He was mustered out with his regiment at Columbus, Ohio, at the time above mentioned.

After the war Mr. Flowers was for some time engaged in the manufacture of lumber. Coming to Iowa, he reached the village of Quincy, May 11, 1868. He came with his father's family, which comprised his parents, three sons and a daughter, all of whom are now living but the mother. Mr. Flowers was married October 9, 1882, at Woodsfield, the county seat of Monroe county, Ohio, to Miss Blanch Bell, a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Flowers have three sons: Clinton De Witt, Jesse Bell and Forest. Mr. Flowers is one of the respected citizens of Quincy township, and was for more than four years a faithful soldier in the cause of the Union. He is a worthy member of Llewellyn Post, G. A. R., at Corning.

PAGE 365

CALVIN ROBESON, who resides on section 24, Nodaway township, is one of the pioneers of Adams county, residing on his present farm since about November 1, 1857. The farm on which he lives consists of 160 acres. He also has 104 acres on sections 13 and 14.

Mr. Robeson was born in Knox county, Ohio, March 9, 1825. His father, Joseph Robeson, was born in Cadiz, Ohio, and his father, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Maryland. The great-grandfather of Calvin Robeson was a native of Ireland. Mr. Robeson's grandfather was a pioneer of Knox county. The mother of the subject of this notice was Sarah Roof, a native of Virginia, whose parents emigrated to Ohio when she was a child. Joseph Robeson and wife were the parents of ten children who grew to mature years, and all are living but one son, Thomas, who died in Colorado a number of years ago. Calvin Robeson is the only one of the family living in Adams county. He was reared to the occupation of farming, and married Miss Margaret Smith, born in Holmes county, Ohio, but reared in Coshocton county. Her parents were William and Elizabeth Smith. The former was born in New Jersey, and the latter, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Lephy, was born in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Robeson continued to live in Ohio until the fall of 1856, when they came to Iowa. They went directly to Brighton county, and in November, 1857, settled on their present farm. In the summer of 1856, Mr. Smith, the father of Mrs. Robeson, came to Adams county from Ohio and bought three forties on section 24, Nodaway township. Two of these forties now form a portion of Mr. Robeson's farm. Mr. Smith, however, returned to Ohio, and Mr. Robeson and Jacob Smith, a brother of Mrs. Robeson, settled on the land that Mr. Smith had purchased. Mr. Robeson's original farm contained but forty acres; the remainder of his landed possessions he has since added. The parents of Mr. Robeson continued to live in Ohio until their death, as did those of Mrs. Robeson. Mr. Smith purchased the land above referred to for his children, but never returned to Iowa. After making his purchase of land he died, at the age of sixty-nine years. When Mr. and Mrs. Robeson came to Adams county there were but few settlers in what is now Nodaway township, and here they have lived for the long period of thirty-four years, witnessing the great growth and development the county has made since that time.

They have two children, a son and daughter, both of whom were born in Nodaway township; Frank, their son, was born in 1859, and married Miss Catherine Vance, and they have two promising children, - Calvin, named for his grandfather, and Georgia Margaret; the second child of Mr. and Mrs. Robeson is Adna. Mrs. Robeson has a brother, Jacob Smith, living in Nodaway township.

Politically Mr. Robeson was in early times a Whig, later a Republican, and still later became interested in the Grange movement. Mr. and Mrs. Robeson are numbered among the well-known and esteemed old settlers of Adams county, where they have lived so long. They have a pleasant home where they are surrounded by the comforts of life, the results of industry.

PAGE 366

SAMUEL BOOKER, a resident of section 13, Douglas township, Adams county, is an early settler of this neighborhood. He located here in 1860, and has since made this place his home. His biography will be found of interest to many, and is herewith given:

Samuel Booker was born in Queen Anne's county, Maryland , February 3, 1818 , a son of John and Susan (Baker) Booker, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Maryland . John Booker's parents were Germans, and his father, Samuel Booker, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was with General Washington when he crossed the Delaware bay . Samuel was left an orphan at the age of seven years, his parents both dying the same week, leaving a family of five children. Our subject found a home with Peter Swiggitt, was reared on a farm and received a limited education. At the age of twenty-one he began work at the carpenter's trade, which he has followed most [of] his life until the past few years, when he has been retired from active work. In the fall of 1838 he moved to Fayette county, Indiana, where he lived three years. He then traveled through the South, Mississippi , Louisiana and Alabama , returning to Fayette county in August, 1842. In 1846 he moved to Wabash county, Indiana, and made his home there until 1854. That year he located in Galena , Jo Daviess county, Illinois , and engaged in contracting and building and erected some of the best buildings in the place. The years 1858-59 he lived in Warren, that county. In 1860 he came to Adams county and settled on land he had purchased some years before. He built a log house, 15 x 16 feet, and in it made his home until 1873, when he built his present two-story residence. His home is located on a beautiful building site and is surrounded with pines, ornamental trees, shrubs, etc. He has an orchard of two acres and a half, a grove and other improvements. His farm contains 135 acres.

Mr. Booker was married October 18, 1845 , in Rush county, Indiana, to Elizabeth Willson, who was born in Delaware , May 7, 1821 , daughter of John and Maria (Slaughter) Willson. Her father was born in Delaware , and her mother in Halifax , Nova Scotia , of Scotch and English parents. Mr. and Mrs. Booker have nine children, namely; Robert, Council Bluffs, Iowa; Anna, wife of Henry Rice, Des Moines, Iowa; Lewis, Council Bluffs; Ella, wife of Abram Horton, of Douglas township, this county, was before her marriage an efficient teacher; Susan, of Creston, Iowa; William, who lives on his father's farm; Edgar, a brick mason by trade, now residing in Washington; Alma, wife of Allen Hibbard of Council Bluffs; Ida, wife of George McCormick of Omaha; they have two children deceased, Sarah, who died at the age of thirteen months, and Maria Jane, at the age of seven years.

During the war [of] the Rebellion Mr. Booker enlisted August 13, 1862 , in Company D, Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, and was honorably discharged November 26, 1862 , for disability. Politically he is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church , and are honored and respected citizens in the community in which they reside.

PAGE 367

B. L. BROWN, a farmer of section 5, Jasper township, Adams county (postoffice) Brooks), and an old soldier and a solid man of the community, was born in Mercer county, Illinois, June 23, 1839, the son of John H. Brown, who was born in Rochester, New York, and when a lad of sixteen years was a soldier in the war of 1812. His father, Alexander Brown, was born in Scotland, and when a youth he left his native country in order to avoid participation in the Irish rebellion, but became a brave soldier in our Revolutionary war. Mr. B. L. Brown's mother, whose name before marriage was Mary McPherson, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, the daughter of George McPherson, a native of Ireland, who also had served in the American war of the Revolution. His wife made powder for the American soldiers. The father of our subject, John H. Brown, was reared in New York State and moved to Muskingum county, Ohio, where he was married, at the age of twenty-four years, in 1820, his bride at the time being but fourteen years of age. About 1836 the family removed to Mercer county, Illinois. John H. Brown had seven children in Ohio and six in Illinois, - thirteen in all, - ten sons and three daughters. He died in 1874, and his wife in 1885.

Of the above family of children the ninth in order of birth was Mr. B. L. Brown, our subject. In 1862 he enlisted in Company H, Eighty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Beech Grove, Manchester, Lookout Mountain (under General Thomas), Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and all the engagements as far as Atlanta, including those of the Atlanta campaign. At Stone River he was wounded by a gunshot in the left shoulder, and also at Chickamauga by a minie-ball in his leg; but he remained with his company until scurvy set in and compelled him to go to the hospital for five months; and then he returned home.

In 1880 he came to Adams county and purchased the Lorin C. Hughes farm of 247 acres, one of the best in the county for the raising of grain and live-stock. He has built a fine house, 24 x 34 feet, two stories high; and he also has one of the best orchards in the county, on which he has taken all the premiums and sweepstakes, and the prizes at the county fair of 1889. He, of course, devotes his attention to general farming and stock-raising. On national questions he is a Republican. He has served as assessor and president of the School Board for ten years. He is a member of Llewellyn Post, No. 284, G. A. R. With wife and several of the children he is a member of the Christian Church at Brooks.

He has married December 24, 1856, before he was eighteen years of age, to Miss Helen Preston, at Aledo, Mercer county, Illinois. She was the daughter of Lewis Preston, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, of English ancestry, and settled in Freeport in 1838, as a pioneer, and died in 1863. His widow is still living, having now made her home with B. L. Brown, our subject, for the last twenty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had thirteen children, eight of whom are living, namely: Lewis, Laura, Amanda, Essie, Lydia, Harry, Charles and Willie. Two children died in infancy; two, Fannie and Melissa, when several years of age; and one, Lizzie, in her twenty-fourth year.

PAGE 368

PHILIP MAHR, a farmer and stock raiser, residing on section 20, Jasper township, is a native of the State of Ohio, born in Franklin county, February 5, 1843. He is a son of Peter Andrew and Mary Magdelene (Schroodt) Mahr. When he was five years of age the family removed to Fulton county, Illinois, where he grew to manhood, receiving a common school education. He assisted his parents in maintaining the family until he reached his majority. He was married, in November, I860, to Miss Elizabeth Fullmar, a native of Germany; she was brought to this country when she was seven years old. By this marriage two children were born, both of whom are deceased. After his marriage Mr. Mahr settled on a farm in Fulton county, Illinois, for a time, and afterward removed to McLean county, Illinois, where he resided for a period of four years. It was during this period that Mrs. Mahr was taken ill and died at the home of her parents in Fulton county, October 31, 1873. Mr. Mahr was again married, January 8, 1874, to Mrs. Anna M. Fengle, a native of Germany, who removed to America with her parents when she was a child

twelve years old; the family settled in Fulton county, Illinois, where she was reared to

womanhood.

After four years’ residence in McLean county, Mr. Mahr returned to Fulton county where he followed agricultural pursuits until 1882; then he came to Adams county, and for three years rented the farm he now owns. In 1885 he purchased the entire tract which consists of 120 acres in a high state of cultivation. The improvements compare favorably with any other in the township; the barn, erected in 1890, is 48 x 56 feet, and is one of the best constructed buildings in Jasper township.

Mr. and Mrs. Mahr are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is identified with the Democratic party, and he is also a member of the Farmers’ Alliance. Our subject and his wife have three children: George H., John L. and Mary M. By a former marriage Mrs. Mahr had five children: Henry, Catherine, Charles, Fred and Frank, the two last named being twins.

PAGE 368

JOSIAH YOUNG, a farmer residing on section 14, Prescott township, was born July 20, 1823, in Connecticut, and began life for himself at the age of eighteen. For fifteen years he worked in a cotton-mill, at $1.25 per day, and saved up $1,000. He then married, in March, 1847, Miss Mary A. Corbin, who was born in Massachusetts in 1825, and whose paternal ancestors were French and maternal, English. She was the seventh child in a family of eleven. Her father was a stone-mason. Both her parents died about 1864, and were buried at Oxford, Massachusetts. Mr. Young's three older children were born in Connecticut, and the others in Clinton county, Iowa, whither he had emigrated in 1855, and where he resided nineteen years. In May, 1874, Mr. Young moved to Adams county, purchasing [land and] proceeding to establish a comfortable home; and in this he has succeeded well, without the assistance of any one. He is good representative farmer and a useful citizen. He has served as school director and for a year [as] supervisor.

PAGE 369

J. J. BOLLER, a prominent farmer of Washington township, residing on section 85 (postoffice Mt. Etna), was born in Butler county, Ohio, February 7, 1851, son of Joseph and Catharine (Schmucker) Boller, the father a native of Ohio and the mother of Lorraine, Germany (formerly a province of France). His father, who has been a farmer all his life, came to Iowa in 1853, settling in Johnson county, where he and his good wife still reside, each aged sixty-six years, with powers both physical and mental well preserved. The father has been particularly active in educational matters, giving his children a good schooling. He has held many of the minor offices of his community, although no office-seeker. He and his wife are both prominent members of the Mennonite Church.

Mr. Boller, the eldest in the above family of children, began life for himself at the age of twenty-one years, working on a farm. He attended high school in Iowa City for a part of two years, then the Washington training and normal schools for one term, then taught seven terms, his teaching being of a high order and giving excellent satisfaction. In 1878 he embarked in farming, in Johnson county. He arrived in Adams county March 1, 1884, and began opening his farm where he now resides. He owns 120 acres, all highly improved. His house is nicely located on a pleasant elevation, where is the nucleus of a good orchard of one and a half acres, and small fruits of all kinds grown in this locality. His surroundings indicate thrift, comfort and a happy home. He lives two and a half miles from Mt. Etna and seven miles from Corning, the county seat.

He was married, in 1878, to Miss Maggie B., a daughter of J. G. and Eliza (Saylor) Myers, of Kalona, Washington county, this State. Mrs. Boiler was born in that county. Her father was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, and was favorably know as a breeder of fine stock,—hogs and cattle. Twelve of his sixteen children grew up to years of maturity. Both the parents are still living in Washington county, this State, highly respected and widely known. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Boller are ten in number, as follows: an infant, deceased; Mabel, Norman, Lulu M., Edwin, Lora V., Lillian P. and Julius E. (twins), John G. M. and Mary.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Boiler are members of the First Baptist Church of Washington township, this county; and Mr. Boiler belongs also to the Farmers’ Alliance, and is a highly respected citizen, such as gives character to a community.

PAGE 369

HUGH L. KIRKPATRICK came to Adams county, Iowa, in 1883, purchased 120 acres of land in section 16, Carl township, of I. T. Homan, and has since made this place his home.

Mr. Kirkpatrick hails from the Buckeye State. He was born in Athens township, Harrison county, Ohio, September 16, 1829. His father, William Kirkpatrick, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, son of James Kirkpatrick, the family being of Scotch-Irish extraction and members of the Presbyterian Church. William Kirkpatrick was reared in Pennsylvania, and when a young man came West with his father and settled in Harrison county, Ohio, becoming a pioneer of Athens township. He married Sarah Guthrie, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Robert Guthrie, and had eleven children, ten of whom grew to adult age. Both parents died in Harrison county, the father at the age of eighty-six years. He cleared a farm and passed his life in agricultural pursuits. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church for more than forty years, and for sixty years attended the same church.

The subject of our sketch grew to manhood on his father's farm, and received his education in the common schools of Ohio, and continued to reside in his native State until 1882. That year he disposed of his interests there and came to Iowa. After living in Adair county one year, he came to his present location. His place here, with its neat cottage, attractive lawn, orchard and grove, presents the appearance of a well-kept Ohio farm.

Mr. Kirkpatrick was married in Harrison county, Ohio, September 28, 1854, to Miss Malinda Moore, a native of that place. Her father, Samuel Moore, was born in Dublin, Ireland, and when six weeks old was brought by his parents to this country, and was reared in Pennsylvania. He married Christena Leinard, a native of Maryland, and by her had six children. Both parents died in Ohio, the father at the age of ninety- six years and the mother, eighty-six. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick have seven children living, six sons and one daughter, viz.: James M. is married, has two children, and lives in Harrison county, Ohio; Amanda F. is married, has eight children, and lives in Carl township, Adams county, Iowa; John M., also married and a resident of that place; William s. is a resident of Belmont county, Ohio, is married and has two children; Samuel M. is married and lives in Carl township, this county, and Alvin G. and Robert Walton are at home with their parents. One daughter, Ann Eliza, died at the age of fifteen months.

Mr. Kirkpatrick is a staunch Democrat, as were his father and his wife's people. His sons are also all Democrats.

PAGE 370

CHARLES C. NORTON, cashier of the First National Bank of Corning, was born in 1846, at Phelps, Ontario county, New York, a son of S. E. and A. B. (Crane) Norton. His father, also a native of the State of New York, was a business man who came to Iowa in 1873, and is now living in Corning, aged seventy-four years; the mother is aged sixty-eight; and they are living in the serene enjoyment of the fruits of a life of industry and honesty and as members of the Presbyterian Church for half a century.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the excellent public schools of his native town, supplemented by a course in Temple Hill Academy, Geneseo, New York. He began life for himself as a bank clerk. In 1872 he made an extended tour through the Northwest and finally settled in Corning, entering the employ of George W. Frank, banker. In connection with banking they also do a large loan and insurance business; but Mr. Norton had charge of the banking business proper, in which he was eminently successful. July 12, 1883, the First National Bank of Corning was organized with L. E. Darrow, president, and Mr. Norton as cashier; capital stock, $50,000. The building is a beautiful three-story structure, of pressed brick and white trimmings and symmetrical proportions. The interior is artistically finished in oak, and well arranged for the purposes of a bank.

Mr. Norton married Miss Loa McLeod of New York, but she died shortly afterward, in 1873, which event was soon followed by the death of their only daughter, Edna May. For his second wife Mr. Norton married Wilhelmina Frances, formerly of New York, and the names of the children by this matrimonial union are Charles Frances, Emily Crane and William Augustus.

Mr. Norton is widely and favorably known throughout southwestern Iowa. To the bank his name has always been a bulwark of strength. He resides just outside of the town, on a handsome estate, where he makes a specialty of raising the finest strains of purebred shorthorn cattle and Clydesdale horses, and he and his partner, Mr. Joseph T. McFee, are importers of Clydesdale, English Shire and English Hackney horses, their horses being noted for their fine quality, strength of bone and good action coupled with substance.

PAGE 371

IRA PERCY CLARK, teacher, Corning, was born in Geneseo, New York, in 1838, a son of Elias and Mary Clark, natives also of that State and of English descent. The father died in 1849, but the mother is still living, hale and hearty. She is, as was her husband, a member of the Presbyterian Church. The senior Clark was a classical scholar.

Mr. Clark, our present subject, was trained in Temple Hill Academy and Princeton College, at the latter of which he was graduated in the class of 1859, with the degree of A. B. His self-dependent career he began as a teacher, going South and establishing an academy. A few years afterward he began the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1872. The same year he came to Corning and began the practice of his profession. At length he was elected Justice of the Peace, and such was the extent of his business in that office that he was almost entirely excluded from practice as an attorney. On the expiration of his term he refused re-election and returned to practice; was once chosen a member of the School Board, and was prevailed upon to take charge of the public schools, and under his management they rose to the first position. The average attendance was 450, including forty-five non-resident pupils, and there were ten teachers. The course ended with four years of high- school studies. Mr. Clark excels in school discipline, making it appear as if the harmony among the pupils was a mutual agreement among philosophers.

In 1869 Mr. Clark was married to Miss Hattie M. Maxwell, and their children are Maud, a graduate of Painesville (Ohio) College; and Ira P., in school. The family are Presbyterians. Mr. Clark is still a classical student, having one of the finest private libraries in the State, which includes works of ancient literature, on history, theology, philosophy, education, etc., besides many valuable works of reference. Politically he is a stalwart Republican.

PAGE 371

FRED MOSER, deceased, late a farmer of Nodaway township, was born in canton Berne, Switzerland, in February, 1837, a son of Christ and Frederika Moser. After attending school until he was fourteen years of age he was employed on a farm. Emigrating to America when a young man, he settled in Monroe county, Ohio, where he went to school again. He was afterward married, and lived in that county till 1877, when he came to Adams county, purchasing the place where he now lives. At present it contains 293 acres, a good frame house, barn, granary, cribs, etc., besides beautiful shade trees and every feature for making a good home.

Mr. Moser was married in Monroe county, Ohio, October 25, 1860, to Rosina Bruny, a native of that county and a daughter of John and Anna (Mary) Bruny, natives of Switzerland, who came to America before their marriage - the father at twenty-five years of age and the mother at twelve - settling in that county. Mr. Moser, had thirteen children as follows: John Albert, Henry Fred, Lesetta Basels, Alfred, married and living in Nodaway township; David Rinehart, Charley, Mary Ida, Fred William, Herman, Joseph, Emma Louise, William Grover and Edward, who died when ten days old.

Mr. Moser died November 19, 1887. He was a Democrat in political faith, a church member and an honest, respected citizen and a kind father and husband.

PAGE 372

O. P. ESSLEY, one of Grant township's well-known and popular citizens, came to this county in 1874, where he has since resided. He was born in the Hawkeye State, in Washington county, December 21, 1846, a son of John and Jane (Mickey) Essley; the former was born near Muncie, Indiana, and the latter in Pennsylvania. The parents were married in Washington county, Iowa. The father was married previous to this in Indiana, of which State he was a pioneer. Our subject was nine years of age when his father died, and the mother was afterward married, and now lives in Washington county, Iowa.

O. P. Essley was reared on a farm in Mercer county, Illinois, by relatives, and received his education in the common schools. During the great Rebellion he enlisted, in October, 1864, in the one Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company G, and participated in the battle of Mobile, Alabama. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war, and returned to Mercer county, where he engaged in the more peaceful pursuits of agriculture. In 1874 he came to Grant township, Adams county, where he bought eighty acres of wild land, to which he has since added until he now owns 200 acres of Adams county's best soil, well improved. He has a good cottage, an orchard, groves, sheds, cribs, yards and feed lots.

Mr. Essley was married February 27, 1873, to Averilla Pratt, who was born, reared and educated in Mercer county, a daughter of John and Mary (Furgeson) Pratt, the former a native of Pennsylvania, Fayette county, and the latter in Mercer county, where the father died, in 1889, at the age of 73 years. Mr. and Mrs. Essley have four children - Jennie, Mary, Ruth and Martin C. Politically Mr. Essley is a Republican. He is a member of the G. A. R., Lenox Post, and also of the Presbyterian Church, in which he is a trustee. Mrs. Essley and daughter Jennie are members of the same church.

PAGE 372

F. P. AMDOR, M. D., of Carbon, Iowa, is one of the prominent and successful physicians of Adams county, and as such is justly entitled to honorable mention in this volume.

He was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, January 16, 1851, son of Bennett and Sophrona Amdor. His father was born in Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Germany; was reared and educated there, and at the age of eighteen came to America and settled in Dearborn county, Indiana. He died at the age of sixty-five years[.] His mother, a native of Ohio and a daughter of James and Mary (Vaun) Monley, is still living in Dearborn county. Dr. Amdor was the sixth born in their family of nine children, four sons and five daughters. He grew up in his native county, attending the common schools, and assisting his father on the farm. He finished his education at Moore's Hill, Indiana. At the age of sixteen he engaged in teaching and at the same time commenced the study of medicine under Drs. Kyle and Craig, eminent physicians of Manchester, Indiana. He completed his medical course in the Ohio medical college at Cincinnati in 1871. Returning to Dearborn county, he at once engaged in the practice of his profession.

In 1873 he came to Adams county, Iowa, and settled on 160 acres of land in section 23, Lincoln township. For a number of years he resided on the farm, continuing his medical practice. In December, 1889, he located in Carbon where he could better attend to his professional duties. As a skillful physician he has won for himself an enviable position, and enjoys an extensive and lucrative practice.

Dr. Amdor has been twice married. At the age of twenty-three he wedded Miss Rhoda Givan, daughter of William Givan of Dearborn county, Indiana. She died in June, 1885, leaving a son William, now sixteen years of age and a member of the Carbon band. In July, 1886, he was united in marriage with Miss Mira Sterns of Lincoln township, Adams county, Iowa. She was born in Allamakee county, Iowa, daughter of M. M. Sterns, late of Adams county. She, however, was reared in Shelby county, this State. Her mother is now a resident of Cumberland, Iowa. Their union has been blessed with four children, Jessie and Jennie (twins) and Charles and an infant daughter.

Mrs. Amdor is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics the Doctor affiliates with the Democratic party.

PAGE 373

J. M. BELDING was born in Fulton county, Illinois, March 4, 1840. His father, Moses S. Belding, was a native of Saratoga Springs, New York, of Scotch descent; and his mother, who before her marriage was Miss Mary Ann Conneby, was born in Washington county, New York, February 5, 1806. Moses S. Belding located in Fulton county, Illinois, in 1838, and two years later moved to Mercer county, that state, and settled near Keithsburg. He died in Henry county, Illinois, in his fifteenth year. His wife is still living and is now eighty-six years old. Their family was composed of eight children, four sons and four daughters. The father was by trade a carpenter and contractor, and for a number of years carried on farming operations; in politics a Whig; and in religion a member of the Methodist Protestant Church.

The subject of our sketch spent his youth in Mercer and Henry counties, working on the farm and attending the common schools. During the late war he enlisted in March, 1865, in Company E, Eighteenth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, and served ten months. After being honorably discharged he returned to his home in Illinois and worked at the carpenter’s trade and farming there until 1868. That year he moved to Poweshiek county, Iowa, and settled near Grinnell. In 1878 he came to Adams county and took up his abode on his present farm, 160 acres in section 34, Carl township, then all wild land. He has devoted much time and energy to improving his property, and now has a fine farm with good buildings, orchard, grove, etc.

Mr. Belding was married September 14, 1862, to Miss W. L. Rogers, who was born in Ripley county, Indiana, daughter of Elijah and Nancy (Beach) Rogers. Her father was reared in Indiana, and is now a resident of Holstein, Ida county, Iowa. Her mother, a native of Kentucky, died in Kansas in 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Belding have six children, as follows: Charles N., who is married and has two children, lives in Carl township, this county; Clara E., wife of John N. Brown, Corning, Iowa, has two children; Albert L. is married, has one child, and lives in Washington township, Adams county; and Bernice R., Christopher C. and Blanchie D. They lost two by death, a son and a daughter.

Mr. Belding is a member of the G. A. R., and in political views is an Independent. He and his wife and daughter Bernice are members of the Evangelical Church, of which he is one of the trustees. He is also superintendent of the Sabbath-school.

PAGE 374

GEORGE W. ANTHONY, contractor and builder at Corning, was born in Bureau county, Illinois, near Wyanet, the son of M. D., a farmer, and Jane (Kinney) Anthony, natives of the State of New York, and still living, now in Adair county, Iowa, whither they moved when George was fourteen years old. After completing his school days at the academy at Fontenelle, this State, he resumed farming on his own account, but soon began to learn the carpenter's trade. In 1882 he located in Corning and has since followed his trade here, but has added to it the taking of contracts for building and the lumber trade. In both these lines he has had eminent success, as he is so reliable. The lumber trade he began this year (1891), and he is carrying a complete stock of all that is needed in this section of the country.

In 1880 he married Miss Mary I. Madison, of Madison county, Iowa, and they have two girls, Luella and Edna Pearl. Mr. and Mrs. Anthony are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in his political views Mr. Anthony is a Republican.

PAGE 374

HERBERT T. GRANGER, lawyer at Corning, was born in the Province of Canada, the son of John L. and Laura J. (Taylor) Granger, native of New York, who moved to the Province for a brief period, and thence to Illinois when their son was two years old. The father is a Congregational minister of twenty-five years' standing.

Mr. Granger, whose name heads this sketch, was educated at Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois, and at Oberlin (Ohio) College. His first employment thereafter was in the capacity of bookkeeper for three years by the Sandwich Manufacturing Company, of Sandwich, Illinois. He then took up the study of law at Hennepin, Illinois, and after a further course of study at Bunker Hill, that State, was admitted to the bar by the Illinois Supreme Court. In 1883 he established himself here in Corning, in connection with W. O. Mitchell, but he is now practicing alone. His steadily growing practice and the increasing confidence of the public in his ability indicate that he is a man of industry and integrity. His future is full of promise. Clear and concise in statement, comprehensive in comparison of authorities, and forcible, almost brilliant, in public address, he has a great advantage. He is devoted to his profession, holding al other avocations subordinate.

He married Miss Mary Jones, of Corning, and his home life is as pure and devoted as his public is honorable and successful. He is a member of the orders of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias, also of the Congregational Church, and in his political principles is a Republican.

PAGE 375

MATTHEW DARRAH, a farmer and stock-raiser of section 9, Mercer township, was born in county Antrim, Ireland, October 13, 1837, a son of Robert and Eliza (McAfee) Darrah, natives of Ireland and of Scotch ancestry. Robert Darrah was a weaver by trade, and died in the old country in 1878, at the age of eighty-four years. His wife died in 1843. They had a family of nine children, all of whom lived to be grown, and four still survive. Five of the children came to this

country. The oldest sister, Sarah, was the wife of John Awl, came to America and died in Philadelphia. Robert came in 1856, when twenty-one years of age, and at the breaking out of the late civil war was one of the first to answer the call for three months’ men to go out in defense of his adopted country, enlisting in the Twentieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at Raymond, Mississippi, May 12, 1863. In the spring of 1857 our subject came to America and located in Peru, La Salle county, Illinois. Daniel was the next to come, but returned

to his native country a few years subsequently, where he died. Charles came next, and is now a resident of Corning.

The first three years our subject worked on a farm by the month, working ten months in the year for $16 per month, the other two months working for his board. He afterward rented land in Marshall county, Illinois, for twelve years. He was married in Ireland, February 13, 1857, to Miss Jane Bryson, a daughter of James and Jane (Hassen) Bryson. In 1876 Mr. Darrah removed to Adams county and purchased 160 acres of land, and now lias a line farm of 320 acres in a high state of cultivation, where he makes a specialty of stock-raising. In 1878 he rented his farm and took charge of what is known as the Vernon dairy farm, which he managed successfully for eleven years, until 1890.

Mr. and Mrs. Darrah are the parents of sixteen children, fifteen of whom are still living: James, Eliza, Sarah Jane, Maggie, Mary, Robert, Matthew, Charles, Samuel, Haney, John, Minnie, Frank, Carl, Benjamin. Mr. Darrah and wife are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M., Instruction Lodge, No. 275. Politically he is a Republican.

PAGE 375

DELANCY M. PARCHER, who resides on section 10, Nodaway township, came to Adams county with Mr. N. N. Odell in November, 1856. He was born in Crawford county, Ohio, February 28, 1833, the son of Simeon Parcher, who died when his son, Delancy M., was but eleven months old. His mother remarried, her second husband being Robert Kirkland, and the date of the marriage was March 24, 1836. The mother died February 23, 1885, at her home in Crawford county, Ohio. Delancy M. Parcher was the youngest of six sons and one daughter. The mother also had two daughters and a son by her second marriage. The subject of this notice and his brother, John Parcher, are the only survivors of his father's family. Two brothers died in the Union army in the war of the Rebellion - Simeon Beal and George.

The subject of this notice remained at his mother's home until he was sixteen years of age, when he engaged to work for Mr. Eli Odell, and one year later for N. N. Odell, with whom he came to Iowa in 1854, and to Adams county in 1856. Mr. Parcher enlisted, January 4, 1864, in Company D, Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry. He joined the regiment at Little Rock, Arkansas, and served one year under General Steele, in the Seventy Army Corps. In the spring of 1865 he accompanied his regiment to New Orleans, Louisiana, and thence to Alabama - to Spanish Fort - taking part in the siege and battle at the place, thence to Mobile, and thence to Mount Vernon Arsenal, and then again to the city of Mobile and into camp two miles north of that city. There he was taken sick and was sent to the general hospital at Mobile, and about a week later was sent to Sedgwick Hospital, New Orleans, where he was discharged under general order, May 31, 1865. He left the city of New Orleans on the second day of June of the same year, and arrived at home in Adams county, June 12, 1865.

Mr. Parcher was married January 30, 1859, to Miss Nancy A. Thompson, a native of Indiana. Her parents died when she was a child. While Mr. Parcher was absent in the army his family lived in the village of Brooks. In August, 1865, Mr. Parcher removed his family to Nodaway township, settling where he now lives on section 10. His farm of 125 acres had no improvements when he settled here, but it is how under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Parcher and wife have had nine children, eight of whom are living - four sons and four daughters - and although four are married and have families, all are at home but one daughter, having a reunion of the family by invitation of the parents. They lost their second child, George L., at the age of fourteen months. The names of the children in the order of their birth are: Lyman F., who married Emma C. Bowers; George L.; Edwina, wife of John H. Bowers; Noah D., who married Adne Peregrine; Harriet L., wife of Andrew Brown; Frank O., Hannah R., Alma L., John T. It has been seen that Mr. and Mrs. Parcher are among the early settlers of Adams county, who came here when the country was new, and have done their part well, enduring the hardships and trials incident to a new country, and making for themselves a comfortable home.

In his political affiliations Mr. Parcher is a Republican. He cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, in 1856. He and family are faithful and consistent members of the Christian Church. Mr. Parcher has been a resident of Adams county for the long period of thirty-five years. He was a faithful soldier in the cause of the Union, and is a worthy and esteemed citizen.

PAGE 376

HENRY HOWITT La RUE, lumberman, of Corning, was born in Ingham county, Michigan, July 11, 1852, a son of Franklin and Amelia La Rue. In 1866 the family removed to Bloomington, Illinois, where the subject of this sketch attended the Wesleyan University; then until 1879 he followed farming, at which time he came to Corning. Here he first began as clerk for the Rand Lumber Company. At the end of about five years he opened out into business for himself, buying the yard of A. M. Beymer. Since engaging in the lumber trade here a careful estimate would place the amount sold by him at the enormous aggregate of 10,000,000 feet. The steady growth of his business attests the esteem in which he is held by the people. He has the largest stock in the county.

In 1883 he married Miss Emma Jennings, whose parents still reside at Normal, Illinois, and who was educated at Majors College. Mr. and Mrs. La Rue are exemplary members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

PAGE 377

JUSTUS CLARK.—In close unity to its distinction as the great farm region, it occurs that one of Montgomery county's wealthiest and most prominent men, Hon. Justus Clark, is distinctively a farmer and is proud of that title. Mr. Clark was the son of Wright and Lucy Clark, and was born at Royalton, Vermont, March 22, 1819. He was born and raised on a farm and never forsook his calling. Trained in that industry and economy peculiar to his early home, it is to this that Mr. Clark attributes much of his success in life.

In 1830, while he was still a lad, his father acquired the Governor Chittenden farm, in Chittenden county, the largest and finest farm in that State. It has remained in the family ever since. Near here was Williston Academy, taught by the father of President Arthur, where Mr. Clark finished his education, young Chester being a lad of about twelve at that time. In 1835 Mr. Clark became a clerk in the store of Lathrop & Potwin, one of the heaviest merchandising houses in Burlington, Vermont. He rose rapidly and at twenty was offered a partnership, having then been manager two years. He determined not to accept this offer, however, and returned to the farm, and in May, 1839, came to Burlington, this State. Iowa had then been organized as a Territory less than a year, and Mr. Clark was a witness of the first Fourth of July celebration. In Burlington Mr. Clark became manager in the house of General M. M. McCarver and S. S. White, a prominent firm that built the first permanent cabin in Burlington. Here Mr. Clark was married to Mrs. Cartmill, a relative of Mrs. McCarver, and one of the earliest settlers of Burlington.

In 1842 Mr. Clark purchased a farm in Des Moines county, and began life on his own account. Farming has been his constant occupation ever since, he marketing in 1889 his forty-seventh consecutive annual crop of farm produce. It is Mr. Clark's strong belief that farming is one of the most remunerative of all occupations. His strong faith was shown at an early day when he began investing his surplus earnings in the cheap lands of Western Iowa, in Union and Montgomery counties. In 1868 he sold his home farm in Des Moines county, increasing his belongings in Montgomery county and improving them. He had, however, in 1857, purchased a farm in Cook county, Illinois, which he made a dairy farm and sent milk into Chicago for fifteen years. Mr. Clark did not personally superintend this farm, having a tenant manager. It proved a very profitable investment. After disposing of his Chicago farm in 1876, he built his present home in Red Oak on land entered by him from the Government thirty-five years ago. Previously, in 1869, he organized, with his nephew, B. B. Clark, as active partner, the lumber firm of Justus Clark & Co. In 1883 this business was closed out and the Red Oak National Bank established with Mr. Clark as president, B. B. Clark, vice-president, and Paul P. Clark, cashier. The remarkable fact about this institution is that of its $100,000 capital, $80,000 is retired capital, accrued from Iowa farms. It is as Mr. Clark delights to put it, "Iowa farm-made money."

In 1882 the Iowa and New Mexico ranch Company was organized, with Justus, B. B. and P. P. Clark, owners, for the purpose of raising stock cattle for Messrs. Clark's Iowa farms. This year they bring from their ranch here over 700 head: they have remaining 4.000 head of the ranch, the outgrowth of 1,100 yearling heifers placed there five years ago, - "an excellent investment," remarked Mr. Clark, "despite the low price of cattle."

Mr. Clark still continues remarkably active. He is at present operating 3,500 acres under fence, land on which no mortgage was ever laid since he was the owner. In addition to superintending his farm, he has exclusive charge of the New Mexico ranch, and continues active in his position as president of the bank, - certainly a busy life.

Politically Mr. Clark has been likewise active. He has, he says, laughingly, filled about every position from school director up to a disappointed aspirant. He assisted in building log schoolhouses, was a Justice of the Peace, six years county Commissioner and six years in the Legislature, both when the capitol was at Iowa City and when the first three Legislative sessions were held in Des Moines. In 1883 he was a candidate for Lieutenant-Governor on the ticket with Judge Kinne, "when," as Mr. Clark adds, "though we were defeated, the Republican majority was cut down 60,000 votes." Since this Mr. Clark has not been active as a politician, though he has had many flattering offers to become the candidate of his party.

Despite his activity in business, Mr. Clark has been hardly less active as a traveler. In 1850, the year following the gold discovery of 1848, joining four others, he fitted up an ox team and went across the plains 2,300 miles, 2,000 of which was through a hostile Indian country. The trip was successful, they reaching Coloma, where gold was first discovered. They engaged in mining for a time, returning home the next winter by sailing vessel to Panama, footing it across the Isthmus and returning via New Orleans. Since then Mr. Clark has been over every transcontinental line running to the Pacific, having crossed the Rockies fifteen times, in every style of conveyance from a pack train to a palace car. He has also been to Alaska and climbed the great glacier. In 1880 he went to Europe, not only to see cathedrals and ruins but also to study the agricultural and stock-raising industries. He visited all the great stock markets and farming sections, returning home, he says, with increased confidence in the profits of our rich lands for grain and stock purposes, and realizing their high value more than ever. "I have," he says, "no land for sale."

Six years ago Mr. Clark visited Old Mexico, returning to visit the New Orleans Exposition. He has spent most of his winters for the past twelve years in recreation, traveling everywhere from Alaskan glaciers to near the equator, skipping meanwhile not a year in active management of his farms. He takes great interest in various organizations, being Vice-President for Iowa of the National Cattle and Horse Growers' association, and likewise of the National Bankers' Association, and was President in 1887 of the Iowa Fine Stock Breeders' Association. He assisted in the re-organization of the Revenue Reform Club at Detroit and is Vice-President for Iowa. Mr. Clark had lived a long and busy life and deservedly looks back on it now with regret, but with pleasure and pride. Probably no man in the State is prouder of the prosperity and progress of Iowa than Mr. Clark.

Ben B. Clark, vice-president of the Red Oak National Bank, and his brother, Paul P. Clark, cashier of the same institution, are nephews of the president, Justus Clark, and native of Chittenden county, Vermont, the sons of Philo Clark, deceased. Ben B. was born in 1848 and came to Iowa in 1866, and engaged in the lumber business at Afton, where he continued until 1869, and then came to Red Oak, engaging in the same business, the firm name being Justus Clark & Co. In 1883 the Red Oak National Bank was organized, with Justus Clark as president; B. B. Clark, vice-president and Paul P. Clark, cashier; no change has been made in the official management of the bank since its organization. Paul P. Clark was born in Chittenden county, Vermont, in 1856, and came to Red Oak in the spring of 1874. Until the organization of the bank, he was engaged with the lumber firm of Justus Clark & Co.

PAGE 379

JACOB F. LUTZ, baker, confectioner and restaurateur, Corning, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, in 1847, the son of Jacob and Mary (Hoss) Lutz, natives of Weidenburg, Germany. Coming to America in 1802, the father was a resident of this country under every Presidential administration from the second to Pierce's, his death occurring in 1851. Only six months afterward his wife followed him to the other world. They were Lutherans.

The subject of this sketch was reared in his native county, and made good use of the meager educational opportunities he enjoyed. At the age of sixteen years he began to learn the trade of baker, at Bucyrus, the county seat of his native county, and completed his three years' apprenticeship. In 1875 he came to Corning and immediately opened out in his trade, adding first the confectionery business and afterward a restaurant department. With a brief interval spent in Dakota, he has ever since been steadily engaged in his calling here, with success to himself and satisfaction to his patrons, who comprise a legion of the best people of Adams county. He is a prominent and enthusiastic Odd Fellow, having filled in succession all the positions in that lodge, and he is also a member of the Encampment.

In his political principles he is a Republican, and both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was married February 16, 1873, to Louisa J. Butts, a native of Ohio, and of their four children three are living.

PAGE 379

FRANK La RUE, cashier of the State Savings Bank at Corning, was born in Lansing, Michigan, in 1861. His father, Franklin La Rue, is a native of New York, was a civil engineer during his active life and is now retired and residing in Corning. His mother, whose maiden name was Emily Chapin, was of an old New England family. He completed his education in a business college and before he was twenty-one years of age he was appointed deputy county Treasurer. After ten years of service, in 1887, he was elected to the office of county Treasurer. His record of twelve years as a public officer and employe is one of which he may well be proud. When, in February, 1890, the Corning State Savings Bank was organized, he was appointed cashier; and the confidence of the people in the institution is shown by the fact of its amazing growth in business. It is already recognized as an important financial institution in the State. Mr. La Rue is a member of the Blue Lodge of the Masonic order, and also of the Chapter and of the Knights of Pythias.

In 1886 he married Miss Anna Beymer, a daughter of one of Corning's earliest citizens and a lady of more than ordinary culture and piety. They have an interesting son, now three years old, and named Frank J.

PAGE 380

ALBERT W. NICKOLS, photographer, Corning, was born in Morrow county, Ohio, a son of Abner and Margaret Nickols, natives of Ohio and now sturdy farmers in this State, having lived here twenty-four years. Our subject received an excellent education in the Afton (Iowa) high school, and then learned photography in the studio of A. A. Healey. In due season he began business for himself, being successful from the start. In 1890 he located in Corning and he already ranks at the leading artist of southwestern Iowa. His studio attests the skill of his work both in photographic and crayon processes. Few young men stand as well in the estimation of the people. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

He married Miss Olive A. Wiles, in 1884, and they have one child, Carl, who exhibits a very fine intellect.

PAGE 380

CLAUDE BRONNER, blacksmith at Corning, was born in 1843, in Ingwiller, Alsace, France. His father, Francois Bronner, a linen-bleacher, came to America in 1876 and died in 1884. Claude came to America in 1872, following the trade of wagon-maker, and came to Corning in 1879, as a member of the Icarian colony. Afterward he began blacksmithing, and by skill and honest industry he has built up a large trade. He has all the wit and courtesy of his race. He was a soldier in the French army in the war between France and Prussia in 1870-’71, and did valiant service.

In 1872 he married Miss Elise Klienhoffer, a native of France, and they have become the parents of four children, namely: Lizzie, now Mrs. Edwards; Clothilde, who died at the age of ten months; Claude M., who died at the age of two years and four months, and George, who is a remarkably gifted artist and brilliant musician.

PAGE 380

ARVIN BENJAMIN SHAW is a citizen of Corning, where he is editor and publisher of the Adams county Union, a leading weekly Republican newspaper of southwest Iowa. The Union was established in 1874, aud was purchased January 1,1881, by Mr Shaw, who has been the editor and publisher continuously since that time. It has been built up into one of the best equipped country offices of the State and enjoys a prosperous and uniformly growing patronage. The Union has been the constant advocate of the distinctive principles of the Republican party. Mr. Shaw has served for two years as a member of the Republican State Central Committee of Iowa. He heartily believes in building up manufacturing industries in this

section and therefore in the fostering principle of the protective tariff. Mr. Shaw was secretary of the committee for Adams county which organized to establish the amendment to the constitution prohibiting the saloon in Iowa. The Union has been an earnest advocate of this vital reform. It has a warm interest in stimulating our youth to a Christian education, and endeavors by every means at its command to magnify the happiness and sanctity of the home.

Mr. Shaw is a student of newspaper work; was one of the organizers of the Southwest Iowa Press Association, and has been for five years its secretary and treasurer. A newspaper, properly directed, can be of such service in the up-building, development and advancement of its country and people, and the Union under the present management has endeavored to fulfill this duty. Its publisher was one of the organizers of the “ Blue-grass League of Southwest Iowa,” and of the local Board of Trade by which the former is supported. He has for two years past been secretary of the Corning Board of Trade. He appreciates the value of social and fraternal intercourse, and was one of the organizers of King Arthur Lodge, Knights of Pythias, one of the prosperous orders of the city, and in which he is sitting Past Chancellor.

Mr. Shaw is a native of Iowa, his mother, Almira (Bagley) Shaw, having moved with her parents from the Western Reserve of Ohio to a point between Muscatine and Iowa City, Iowa, in 1837. They named their home West Liberty, and the place has grown into a thrifty young city. His father, Alonzo Shaw, moved from his native place, Tioga county, New York, to the same vicinity, Cedar county, at the age of twenty-one years, in 1844—two years before Iowa entered the Union. He was engaged in making the original Government surveys in north-eastern Iowa. Everything worthy in himself Mr. Shaw attributes to his beloved parents, who still reside at the old home, Tipton, Iowa, where his father has held many positions of honor and trust, and which has been his home ever since the first stakes were driven there in the survey of the plat, with the exception of the years 1866- ’71, when he resided at West Liberty. There has not been a death in the family since the birth of the subject of this sketch. He has a brother, Alfred Frederick, and two sisters, Mrs. Anna Yates and Mrs. Lou M. Hamm. After the manner of the book of .Numbers, it may be said that Alonzo Shaw descended from Alanson Benjamin Shaw; he from Jedediah, and he from Jedediah, Sr., who died about 1800, at old Sheshequin, Bradford

county, Pennsylvania, aged about ninety years. The family tree is traceable back to several brothers who “ came over ” early in the seventeenth century. Benjamin Shaw, born 1641, at Hampton, New Hampshire, was a son of Roger Shaw, who is recorded as taking the oath of “ freeman ” in 1638, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, and was a representative from New Hampshire in 1652. Another Benjamin Shaw, born in 1705, one of twins, was a son of Benoni (also a twin with a Benjamin Shaw) son of Jonathan, son of John Shaw who lived at Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1632. He was one of the purchasers of Dartmouth. Edward, Abraham and Robert Shaw were others of the family living in Massachusetts in 1632.

The Shaws formed at one time a Scottish clan, their coat-of-arms being a red lion, fir tree and hand holding a dagger. The subject of this biographical notice entered the State Agricultural College in 1873 and graduated in 1876, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Science, in the department of Civil Engineering. On his return to Tipton he was elected county Surveyor, but soon resigned to enter the newspaper office of his uncle, Hon. B. F. Shaw, of Dixon, Illinois. In 1878-9 he wrote on a history of the lead-mining region of northern Illinois, an octavo volume of 900 pages; also histories of Ogle county, Illinois, Cedar and Linn counties, Iowa. In 1880 he taught in the State Agricultural College, and came to Corning in 1881.

May 17, 1881, he wedded Miss Winifred Dudley, a graduate of the same institution and in the same class, who was a daughter of Mrs. President Welch of that college, and of George E. Dudley, who died in her infancy. Her father was a professor of mathematics in the State Normal School of Michigan and a graduate of Amherst. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw have a model and happy family of two sons and three daughters, namely: Ret. C., born July 14, 1882; Genevieve and Winifred, twins, August 20, 1884; Arvin Benjamin, Jr., February 9, 1889; and Myra Mary,

January 17, 1891.

Mr. Shaw is now combining an active and successful real-estate business with the newspaper work.

PAGE 382

JOSEPH A. LOVEJOY, county Recorder of Deeds, was born in Columbia county, New York, March 26, 1819. His parents, Ira and Fanny (Simons) Lovejoy, were natives respectively of New York and Connecticut, and finally moved to Ohio, where the father died; the mother died in Brooklyn, New York, at the age of eighty-four years.

Mr. Lovejoy, the subject of this notice, was the fourth child in the above family, and was brought up on a farm, as his father was a farmer all his life. He began life for himself at the early age of eleven years, in the pursuit of agriculture. When still a youth, however, he began clerking in the city of New York, and continued there fifteen years. The great civil war then breaking out, he three times offered his services as a soldier before he was accepted, and he was then admitted into Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as First Lieutenant. In Nashville he was Assistant Chief Patrol, doing provost duty. He has in his possession letters like the following.

"Headquarters, Port of Nashville, Tenn.

 "June 13, 1865.

"Captain Lovejoy, Dear Sir: - Allow me to express to you my thanks for your diligence, promptness and personal kindness during the period of your services as Assistant Chief Patrol of this city. I have had nine officers in the same position since I have acted as Provost-Marshal of this post, and I take great pleasure in assuring you that the duty has never been done with more efficiency or popularity than during your term. I again express my gratitude to you for your able assistance in the work of my office, and also my regret that your term of office has expired. I am yours very truly,

 "Hunter Brooke"

Mr. Lovejoy had many exciting experiences during his service in the war, but his record as Provost-Marshall is unexcelled. June 18, 1865, he was honorably discharged, when he had a Captain's commission.

After the war he was at Fayette, Iowa, for a time, and then in Illinois, meanwhile studying theology, and finally, in 1871, he located at Corning, as pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He continued as a minister of the gospel until 1880, when he became bookkeeper in the Bank of Corning. In the fall of 1888 he was elected county Recorder of Deeds; was re-elected in the autumn of 1890, by a majority four times as large as the first, and is now serving in that capacity with satisfaction to the public.

In 1840 he married Eliza A. Palmer, a native of New York, and they have three daughters living and one son dead. The daughters are married, and Mr. Lovejoy has six grandchildren. His first wife died, and he, in 1871, married Martha Pratt. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for fifty years; belongs to the Masonic order, and has been Chaplain of Llewellyn Post, G. A. R., ever since its organization. Politically he was originally a Whig, and since the organization of the new party, he has been a Republican, taking an efficient part in its formation and in the promulgation of its principles.

PAGE 383

J. W. WEED, editor and proprietor of the Free Fress, at Corning, since October, 1890, was born in the State of New York, in 1854, of American parents, whose ancestors were English. At the age of eighteen years he began to work at the saddler’s trade, and continued it until July, 1890, and October following purchased the Free Press. He has lived in Adams county for the last

fourteen years. In his politics he is a Democrat. In, May, 1875, at Clarinda, Iowa, he married Miss Maggie Jones, and they have three children living, one son and two daughters, besides having buried one child, at the age of three years.

PAGE 383

FREDERICK KENNON, an enterprising young hardware merchant of Corning, was born in Clinton county, New York, in 1857, a son of Albert G. and Elizabeth (Garrett) Kennon, natives also of that State. The father, a farmer, came to Iowa in 1872, settling in Nodaway township, Adams county. His wife died in 1887, and this year (1891) he retired to a neat little farm in the suburbs of Corning. He has two children living - the daughter, Clara, is now Mrs. Worley, a widow.

Mr. Kennon, whose name heads this sketch, was brought up on a farm. At the age of twenty-three he took a brief course in the Indiana Normal University, then learned telegraphy, and was an operator in the employ of the Pittsburg & Ft. Wayne Railroad Company for a time, and then in that of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, at Pacific Junction, and finally at Corning. In 1890 he established himself at his present business as hardware merchant at Corning. In this line he carries a complete stock. His industry, integrity and shrewd judgment are bringing him to the front. He is a member of the Masonic order and of King Arthur Lodge, K. of P. He was married in 1887, to Edith La Rue, sister of Frank La Rue, the cashier of the Corning Savings Bank. The two children are Edith and Fred.

PAGE 383

GILBERT G. WILLIAMS was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in January, 1855. His father, George M. Williams, was a native of Virginia, and a farmer, who moved to Ohio at an early day. In 1863 he came further west, and located in Adams county, Iowa, where he is still living. Mr. Williams, whose name heads this sketch, was reared to farm life. At the age of twenty-to years he struck out in the world for himself, first taking a clerkship in a store in Corning, in which he continues until he was elected, on the Democratic ticket, to his present position of Clerk of the District Court, in the fall of 1890.

On July 4, 1877, he married Miss Frances A. Taylor. Of their four children three are living, namely: Maud, Howard and Walter. Mabel died at the age of eighteen months. Mr. Williams is a member of Nodaway Lodge, No. 206, I. O. O. F., and politically he is a straight Democrat.

PAGE 384

JAMES WALKER, of Brooks, Adams county, is a well-known pioneer. He first came here in 1857, and located permanently in 1859. He was born in Adams county, Ohio, January 3, 1821, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Whitley) Walker. His father, a native of Rockbridge county, Virginia, was a son of James Walker, a native also of that State and a soldier of the Revolution, drawing a pension of $96 a year during the remainder of his life. Mrs. Elizabeth Walker also was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, of an old Virginia family. The Walkers and Whitleys moved from Virginia to Highland county, Ohio, in 1812. Joseph Walker had five sons and four daughters, and died at the age of eighty-three years, and his wife also died at about the same age. The father was a farmer all his life, in politics a Whig and Republican, and in religion a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

Mr. James Walker, whose name introduces this sketch, was reared a farmer's boy. In 1859 he emigrated West, coming down the Ohio river and up the Mississippi to St. Louis and Keokuk, thence by railroad to Mt. Pleasant, and thence by stage and private team to Brooks, where he engaged in mercantile business, the pioneer merchant at that point, - at least the first of any prominence. He started in business in a small way, of course, but his diligence and honesty enabled him to increase his stock and trade until 1875, when he sold out and engaged in farming. He has 240 acres adjoining the town plat of Brooks, well improved. He built a dwelling on the place in 1879 a story and a half high, now occupied by his son James L., who works the farm. In 1891 he built a cottage of modern style and southern pattern, twenty-eight feet square, with nine-foot posts. Altogether he owns 480 acres of land.

In his views of state policy he is a radical prohibition Republican. He was postmaster for fifteen years. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Brooks. They are zealous for the best interests of the community.

They were married in this county February 19, 1861. Her name before marriage was Rachel Vining, and she was a daughter of Robert Vining. Her mother, whose maiden name was Mary Waters, was also a native of Greene county, New York, and spent her life in New York. Mrs. Walker was one of the pioneer teachers in Harrison county, Iowa, and also in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have two children: James L., on the home farm, married, and has one son; and Amelia, wife of Charles White, has two sons and one daughter. Mr. and Mrs. James Walker lost their second child, Lusina M., by death, at the age of nine months and fourteen days.

PAGE 384

JESSE L. TWINING, druggist at Corning, was born in Washington county, Iowa, in 1850, the son of Rev. E. W. Twining, one of the most noted pioneer Methodist ministers of Iowa, who was in the service for more than half a century, entering it before Iowa was a State. He held meetings in log cabins and under trees, and endured innumerable hardships in his travels; but he had a successful career. He is yet living, at the age of three score and ten years, still zealous in the holy work, though long since retired from severe labors. He was a descendant from the old Puritan stock that settled in Massachusetts. Later he lived in Licking county, Ohio, studied theology at the Lane Theological Seminary under Dr. Beecher, and began preaching in 1840; was the founder of Cornell (Iowa) College, and was for years its main supporter. The subject of this sketch was educated at the college at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, then took a regular medical course at the Chicago Medical College, graduating in 1872. After practicing in Iowa for a time he began the drug business at Corning, which he still conducts. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, is a Knight of Pythias, a Knight Templar, a member of the School Board, the present Mayor of the city, and one of the most popular men in the county.

He was married in 1876, to Miss Flora D. Rowley, also a member of the Presbyterian Church, and they have four children.

PAGE 385

O. E. WHITAKER, of section 10, Red Oak township, is one of the wellknown and enterprising citizens of Montgomery county. He came to this county in 1869, before the railroad came to Red Oak. He was born in Henry county, Illinois, April 19, 1851, a son of William H. Whitaker, a native of Pennsylvania, who died when our subject was but three and a half years of age. The mother was Margaret (Loyheed) Whitaker, who was also a native of Pennsylvania, and died when our subject was young. The father was an early settler and pioneer of Henry county, Illinois, having

settled at Geneseo. He was a land speculator. O. E. Whitaker was reared in Illinois, and

received a good education at Cambridge, that State. When eighteen years of age he came to Montgomery county, and for a time was engaged at farm work, but afterward in the livery business at Red Oak, with W. C. Lockart. Later he worked at farm work for two years. He then bought an interest of John Shattock, and went into business with Mr. Lockart. He afterward sold his interest and bought out Mr. Roach, who was in the livery business with H. H. Palmer, and Mr. Whitaker was in business with the latter some three or four years, when he sold out to J. L. Bake. He then bought the Red Oak House, which he operated with W. C. Lockart, and at the same time was also engaged in the livery business. He subsequently 6old the the hotel to John Shattock, but continued the livery business for some time. He afterward sold acrain and bought out Mr. Bake, who was in business with Mr. Palmer, and Mr. Whitaker remained with Mr. Palmer some live or six years, when he sold out to him and later bought his present farm of Thomas Lytle, which was then partly improved. Mr. Whitaker has since further improved it, having spent $2,500 for that purpose. The farm is well watered by living springs and running streams, and is well adapted for stock purposes. He is engaged in general farming, stock-raising and feeding. He has some high grades of short-horn cattle and also a herd of Hereford cattle. He has a

good two story house, also barns, yards, cribs and other improvements. Lowland, as the farm is called, is situated three and a half miles from Red Oak.

Mr. Whitaker was married in Red Oak, in 1877, to Miss Adelia Boyd, a woman of intelligence, who was born in Henry county, Illinois, where she was reared and educated. She was a daughter of S. G. Boyd, of Cambridge, Illinois.

Politically Mr. Whitaker is a Republican. He is a man yet in the prime of life and is a popular and successful citizen of Montgomery county.

PAGE 386

WILLIAM T. PARK, one of the intelligent and enterprising farmers of section 27, Grant township, came to Iowa in 1884. He was born at Mt. Vernon, Knox county, Ohio, October 25, 1858, a son

of John and Mary (Marquis) Park. The father was born in Ohio, of Scotch parents, and the mother in Pennsylvania, of Scotch parents. The parents were married in Logan county, Ohio, and reared a family of eight children, six sons and two daughters, of whom our subject was the seventh child. An older brother, Madison, served in the late war, in an Ohio regiment. The father, a farmer all his life, died in 1884, at the age of seventy-six years; he was a Democrat in his political views. His widow now lives in Logan county, Ohio, at the age of seventy-seven

years.

William T., our subject, was ten years of age when he went to McLean county, Illinois, where he was reared to farm life and educated in the public schools. In 1875 he removed to Mercer county, same State, remaining four years; then he returned to McLean county, after which he came to Iowa. He bought his present farm of D. R. Irvin, which consists of 120 acres of well improved land, and on which is a good frame house, 16 x 20 feet, one and a half stories

high, situated on a natural building site. He has also good stables, yards, cribs, sheds, a good tenant house, and all the necessary farm improvements. He is a member of the firm of W. T. Park & Co., owners of a Percheron horse, which was imported by L. Banks Wilson, in February, 1888.

Mr. Park was married in Mercer county, Illinois, January 1, 1880, to Miss Belle Henderson, who was born and reared in that county, a daughter of William and Rose Ann (Dool) Henderson, of Scotch-Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Park have four children: Laura Jennie, John Henderson, Helen M., and Mary Ann. Mr. Park is Democrat in his political views, and religiously both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church at Lenox. Mr. Park is yet in the prime of life, and is an enterprising and successful agriculturist.

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JOHN D. BALLANTYNE, of section 27, Prescott township (postoffice Corning), is one of the intelligent, [enterprising] and successful farmers of that township, and has made his home there since the spring of 1876. He was born near Glasgow, Scotland, February 4, 1840, the son of James Ballantyne, a native of Scotland, who married Ellen Douglas. In 1843 the family settled at Smith's Falls, Canada.

Mr. Ballantyne, whose name introduces this sketch, was reared a farmer's boy. In 1861 he came to Davenport, Iowa, and two years later he moved to Poweshiek county, this State, where he finally died at the age of eighty-two years. He was a farmer all his life and in religious sentiment a Presbyterian. His widow, who survives him, lives in Brooklyn and is now eighty-three years old. They reared four sons and five daughters. One son, Andrew, lives in Quincy township. In 1876 Mr. Ballantyne came to Adams county and purchased wild prairie land at $10 per acre; he now owns one of the best farms in Prescott township, consisting of 180 acres. His dwelling is 16 x 30 feet in ground area and one and a half stories high, with an L fourteen feet square. The residence is located on a natural building site, surrounded by a grove and orchard of two or three acres of small fruits, and there are good stables and other improvements all in good order. His cattle are of the Polled Angus breed, and his horses are of a high-grade draft.

In politics Mr. Ballantyne is a Republican, zealous and able in the defense of his party. He, and his wife and two daughters are members of the Presbyterian Church of Corning.

Mr. Ballantyne was first married to Miss Caroline, daughter of Elihu and Henrietta Adams, and had one child, Anna, who died in childhood. He afterward married Hester De Pencier, March 6, 1871. She was a daughter of Uriah and Hannah (Eastman) De Pencier, natives of Leeds county, Canada. By the present marriage there are four children; Nettie, a successful school teacher; Ella D., Edson and Harry.

PAGE 389

J. H. DAVIS, a general merchant at Mt. Etna, was born in Indiana, November 2, 1851, the son of T. H. and Anna (Fees) Davis, both natives of that state. His father, a farmer, came to Iowa in 1852 and settled in Eureka, and several years afterward located where he now resides, a mile and a half southwest of Etna. He and his wife are both living, honored and respected residents. He has never aspired to public office, but has ever given his best attention to farming interests and the general welfare of his community. His farm comprises 240 acres, conveniently located, well-stocked and well watered. It is mostly "second-bottom" land.

Mr. Davis, our subject, the eldest in the above family of ten children, set out in life for himself when of legal age, teaching school during the winter and breaking prairie and farming during the summer. After continuing thus for nearly ten years he embarked in 1884, in the mercantile business in Mt. Etna, and now carries the heaviest stock in the city, - dry-goods, notions, boots and shoes, queensware, glassware, hardware, groceries and school books. He takes a commendable pride in the enterprises of his neighborhood, and is a responsible and worthy business man. Several times has he been elected to office, but has refused to serve, except a term or two as Clerk of his township. As to the nominations made by the political parties he votes independently, but generally with the Republicans, especially where they favor prohibition. He is a highly esteemed and worthy citizen. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church at Mt. Etna, in which body he is a prominent trustee and assistant Superintendent of the Sunday- school.

He was married November 1, 1881, to Miss M. A. Black, daughter of W. B. and Margaret M. Black, of Adams county, both of whom are still living, well-known and highly respected citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have two children, viz.: Alvin Roy and Lora Elma.

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JOSEPH WOOD, of section 16, Grant township, came to this county in March, 1879, where he is one of the well known and popular citizens. He was born in Durham, England, July 5, 1832, a son of John and Isabella (Cook) Wood, the former a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and the latter of England. When Joseph was one year old his father died, and the mother afterward married and lived in England until her death, which occurred at the age of eighty-three years. Our subject, the only son of his father, lived in England until twenty years of age, and for several years worked in the coal-mines for the Marquis of Londonderry. At the age of twenty years he sailed from Liverpool, and landed at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He worked in the coal-mines at Schuylkill, that State, eight years, and then went to Rock Island county, Illinois, where for about twenty years he worked for P. L. Cable, a well-known railroad man. During the war he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company H, under Colonel Richmond and Lieutenant- Colonel A. M. Beardsley, of Rock Island, Illinois. Mr. Wood was first under fire at Humboldt, Tennessee, then at Vicksburg, Haines' Bluff, Helena, Little Rock, Pine Bluff and Duval's Bluff. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war at Camp Butler, Springfield, Illinois. He then returned to Rock Island, and in 1879 came to this county, and bought his present farm of John Phillips, which consisted of 140 acres of rich land, well improved. He has a good frame house, 24 x 26 feet, one and a half stories high, and also a grove and orchard of three acres, stables, cribs and feed lots. There is also a schoolhouse on one corner of the farm.

Mr. Wood was married in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, in 1855, to Miss Ellen Lockey, a native of Northumberland, England, and daughter of William and Ann (Newton) Lockey, natives also of England. Mrs. Wood was but four years of age when her parents came to America, settling in Pennsylvania, where the father died in Schuylkill county at the age of forty years; the mother died in Mahaska county, Iowa, at the age of eighty-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have five sons and two daughters, viz.: Isabella, the wife of William Hall, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; William is married and lives at Oskaloosa; Robert, Newrick, Joseph, John, Mary Ann at home. They lost one child, James, by death at the age of nine months. Politically Mr. Wood is a Republican, and is a member of the G. A. R., Lenox Post. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Church. His parents were Wesleyan Methodists, and Mrs. Wood was brought up in the Protestant Episcopal Church.

PAGE 388

HORACE MANN TOWNER, Judge of the District Court of the district comprising the major portion of the Blue Grass region of Iowa, was born in Belvidere, Boone county, Illinois, in 1855. His father, John L. Towner, a native of New York, was for many years a minister of the Christian church, preaching in Illinois for a long period, and came to Iowa in 1885, with his wife, who has shared his lot for forty years, and they are spending their declining years in pastoral pursuits. The Judge was graduated during his youth at the high school in Belvidere, and then taught school for a number of years in Illinois and in Adams county, Iowa. Here he was elected county Superintendent of schools. But while he was teacher, especially at intervals from educational work, he was studying law, and he was admitted to the bar by Judge Forey in 1878. After the close of his term of office as School Superintendent, he began the practice of law, and soon gained for himself a prominent position in the legal profession. In November, 1890, he was elected on the Republican ticket to his present position, his opponent being Hon. M. A. Campbell. He has already won for himself an excellent reputation as Judge. Having exhibited great ability both as an advocate and as a Judge, he must be considered one of the rising young men of the State. he is a member of the orders of F. and A. M. and K. of P.

In 1885 he married Miss Hattie E. Cole, a lady of rare culture, the daughter of Charles T. Cole, who has been for many years cashier of the Corning National Bank, and they have two children.

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J. S. MARTIN.—This aged and prominent citizen of Lincoln township, Adams county, Iowa, dates his birth in Sussex county, New Jersey, October 3, 1816. His parents, Jephtha and Mary (Stuart) Martin, were natives respectively of New Jersey and Orange county, New York. The father was an industrious and enterprising farmer. He was twice married and reared sixteen children. Both he and his wife, the mother of J. S., were members of the Baptist Church. They were called from labor to reward, the father at the ripe old age of ninety-four, and the mother at the age of sixty- seven years.

J. S. Martin engaged in farming in his native State and remained there until 1869, when he and his family moved to Adams county, Iowa, and bought 226 acres of Adams county's rich soil. This farm is located about two miles and a half north of Carbon, and here he is pleasantly situated and surrounded with all the comforts of life. His cottage home is so situated as to command a fine view of a rich and beautiful country. Mr. Martin has given much attention to stock-raising. His chief farm products are corn, oats and hay, and he also has an orchard and small fruits.

While a resident of New Jersey Mr. Martin served as Senator from 1861 to 1864, discharging the duties of that important position to the entire satisfaction of his constituents and in a manner that reflected credit of himself. After coming West, he was in 1877 elected county Supervisor of Adams county, and served one term. At this writing he is filling the same position, having been elected in 1888. His present term will expire in 1892. As a member of the Board of Education he has served five years, and has ever been an important factor in advancing all such measures as had for their object the promotion of good in the community.

In New Jersey, in 1852, Mr. Martin married Miss Mary Casterline, daughter of Abraham Casterline of New York. She is a lady of culture and refinement, and to their forty years of married life has brought every sweet and noble attribute to be found in the wife and neighbor.

Politically Mr. Martin affiliates with the Democratic party.

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J. S. BOISE, an aged and highly-respected citizen of Villisca, and Justice of the Peace of the same, was born in Portland county, New York, February 8, 1824. His parents were Charles and Roxanna (Todd) Boise, the father a native of Blanford, Massachusetts, and the mother of New York. Charles Boise, soon after his marriage, enlisted in the war of 1812, and participated in a number of important engagements, being under General Scott, the Commanding General of Stony Point. For services rendered he in after years received a warrant for land. In 1822 he moved with his brother-in-law from New York to Sandusky, Ohio, taking with them a printing-press, the first one used west of Cleveland. They established the Sandusky Clarion, which paper is still in existence, and has been conducted by our subject and his father

ever since. The senior Mr. Boise was one of the old settlers of Huron county, Ohio, and knew much of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life in that locality, having located there when he had only the Indians for his neighbors. He died in 1856, aged sixty-seven years. His wife died in 1872, at the age of seventy-five. Eleven children were born to them, J. S. being the fifth in the family and one of the seven who are now living.

Mr. Boise was six months old when his parents moved to Huron county, Ohio, and on the frontier he was reared and educated. At the age of eighteen he engaged in teaching in Ohio, and for five years followed that profession. After that he entered the employ of David Campbell, and traveled in the interest of the Clarion of Sandusky, Ohio, for three years. The following three years he was employed as chief clerk in the postoffice at Sandusky. In 1850 he went to Milwaukee, where for six years he was engaged in the insurance business. From there, in 1856, on account of ill health, he went back to Ohio, and turned his attention to farming, which he followed there for twenty-one years. He came to Iowa in 1878 and established a general clothing store at Villisca, and here he has since resided. In 1884 he turned the business over to his son, J. S. Boise, Jr., who is still carrying it on, keeping a full line of clothing, furnishing goods, etc. The store is nicely located, and under its efficient management has a thriving trade. In connection with it is a tailor shop. Mr, Boise and his youngest son engaged in the farming implement business in 1889, but soon afterward sold out to Smith & Jones. He is now practically retired from active business.

In 1850 Mr. Boise was united in marriage with Miss Bellvidere McGee, of Sandusky, Ohio, daughter of Thomas McGee. Their union has been blessed with eight children, namely: Franklin C., Freeland T., J. S., Jr.; Ellen A., Bellvidere, Maud M., Seymour C. and Andalucia. Ellen A. is the wife of G. L. Smith, of the firm of Smith & Jones. Maud M., an accomplished musician, graduated at Oberlin, Ohio, in 1886, and has since, with the exception of one year spent in Europe, been engaged as a teacher of music in the Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio.

Andalucia is the wife of A. J. Sinsel. Mrs. Boise is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Politically Mr. Boise is a Republican, and is now serving his second term as Justice of the Peace. He has always been well to the front in everything of a public nature, and his position, influence and abilities have ever been at the service of the community of which he is an honored member.

PAGE 390

THOMAS T. WATERS, who resides in section 5, Washington township, Adams county, is one of the prominent farmers and business men of this community.

He was born in Peoria county, Illinois, March 1, 1859, son of Owen and Catherine (McGinnis) Waters, both natives of Ireland. Owen Waters is now engaged in farming, but was for many years employed as a shoemaker, having learned that trade in the old country. He came to America with his wife and one child in 1846, and settled in Illinois, where he rented land until 1871. That year he came to Iowa, and settled in Poweshiek county. In 1873 he moved to Cass county, this State, where he is now a respected citizen. He and his wife are both aged people. They have had ten children, five of whom are now living, viz.: James, who married Mary O'Connor; Catherine, now Mrs. J. R. Eblen; T. T., the subject of this sketch; Mary, wife of Frank Curry, and John R., who married Louisa Curry. Their son Peter died at the age of twenty years, Owen at the age of sixteen, and three children in infancy.

Thomas T. launched out in business for himself at the age of twenty-four years, and has ever since been engaged in farming. He moved to his present location in 1887, and bought the farm of 160 acres in 1891. His house is nicely located on a truncated cone, and overlooks a wide range of beautiful, fertile country.

January 18, 1883, Mr. Waters married Miss Anna Barry, daughter of James and Catherine Barry, natives of Ireland, and honored residents of Adams county, Iowa. Their union has been blessed with five children - Sarah C., Owen G., Mary, Anna, and James. Mary Eblen, daughter of J. R. and Catherine Eblen, makes her home with them, and this arrangement is mutually pleasant to all parties concerned.

Politically Mr. Waters was formerly a Greenbacker, but now votes the Democratic ticket. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church.

PAGE 391

ROBERT TOWNSLEY, one of the aged and prominent farmers of Washington township, Adams county, Iowa, is a native of Champaign county, Iowa, born June 13, 1830. His parents were John and Hannah (Marshall) Townsley, both natives of Ohio. The father, a miller by trade, died in 1832. His wife lived to be seventy-four years of age, dying in 1866. She was a devoted Christian and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of their nine children Robert is the youngest, and he and his brothers, James and William, are the only ones now living.

When Mr. Townsley was twelve years old his mother broke up housekeeping and he went out to work on a farm. He was employed as a farm laborer when the war broke out. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundredth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served in a number of important engagements, always acting the part of a brave soldier. November 25, 1863, at the battle of Mission Ridge he was wounded. He was sent home on a furlough and after two months rejoined his regiment, continuing in the service until he was honorably discharged in June, 1865. His father had been a soldier in the war of 1812, and for services rendered his mother received a land warrant.

The war over, Mr. Townsley engaged in farming on rented land near Oxford, Benton county, Indiana. In 1868 he came from there to Page county, Iowa, where he rented land for three years. Then, in 1871, he bought the eighty acres in section 3 where he now resides. This place is well improved and devoted to general farming, his chief products being corn, oats and grass. His residence is located two miles and a half northwest of Mount Etna.

In 1866 Mr. Townsley was united in marriage with Miss Emily Fletcher, daughter of John and Sarah A. (Wrightsel) Fletcher of Benton county, Indiana. John Fletcher was a carpenter by trade, and in his later years was engaged in farming. He was well and favorably known throughout his county. He was born March 28, 1816, and died June 11, 1885. His wife was born August 5, 1824, and died June 14, 1873. They were the parents of nine children, Mrs. Townsley being the oldest. Mr. and Mrs. Townsley have five children, - Lulie, John, William and Lillie (twins), and Anna.

Mr. Townsley is a member of the G. A. R. post, and is Senior Vice- Commander of the same. In politics he is independent, usually, however, voting with the Republican party.

In referring to the history of Mrs. Townsley's parents, it should be further stated that they were married on the 11th of February, 1841.

PAGE 392

WILLIAM FUDGE, a worthy and well-to-do farmer of Washington township, Adams county, Iowa, was born in England, May 14, 1859. His parents are Benjamin and Keziah (Salvage) Fudge. His father came from England with his family in 1869 and settled on a farm in Knox county, Illinois. There his father and mother still reside, aged respectively seventy and sixty years. They have three sons and two daughters, namely: William; Benjamin Albert, who resides in Sarpy county, Nebraska, married a Scotch lady, Miss Maggie McLain, and has two children, Willie and May; Henry E., of Knox county, Illinois, married Miss Alice Weech; Bessie, who is married and lives in California; and Elizabeth A., a member of the home circle.

Ever since he started out in life for [himself] William Fudge has been engaged in farming. He came from Knox county, Illinois, to Cass county, Iowa, in 1888, and in 1889 took up his abode in Adams county. He owns 120 acres of well improved land, indeed, a most beautiful farm capable of raising all the various kinds of fruits and grains indigenous to the State. His home is located three miles and a half north of Mount Etna, and commands a view of the most beautiful and fertile country.

Mr. Fudge was married April 6, 1885, to Miss Ida Cox, daughter of Mrs. Sarah Cox of Knox county, Illinois. Her mother, a lady of much culture and refinement, now resides in Cass county, Iowa. She was born in England, of English parents, and came with them to this country in 1855. Her three children are Mrs. Fudge; Charles, at home carrying on the farming operations; and Oren, a business-college graduate, is employed as a cashier and bookkeeper. Mr. and Mrs. Fudge have two children, Arthur and Wilbur.

Politically Mr. Fudge usually affiliates with the Republican party. He is a representative, good citizen of the county, and believes in keeping pace with nineteenth century progress.

PAGE 392

JOHN JOHNSON, a prominent citizen of Washington township, Adams county, Iowa, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, February 16, 1842, son of John and Mary Johnson, both natives of Ireland. The father came alone from the Emerald Isle at the age of eighteen, and settled in Pennsylvania. In 1847 he moved to Butler county, Ohio, where, as in Pennsylvania, he worked by the day and the job, chopping, ditching, etc. He removed from the latter place to Bartholomew county, Indiana, in 1856; bought a team, rented land and began farming for himself. In 1866 he moved to Iowa and settled in Adams county, living on a rented farm here until 1870. That year he moved to Cass county, where he still resides. He is now about eighty years of age, and is highly respected by all who know him. His wife came from Ireland with her parents when she was four years old. She and Mr. Johnson were married in Pennsylvania. Her death occurred at the age of fifty-seven years. The subject of our sketch was the third born of their thirteen children.

July 19, 1862, Mr. Johnson enlisted as a private and a recruit in Company D, Seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry. His first battle was the second Bull Run fight. He was in the army of the Potomac, and served two years with the Seventh Indiana. Their time expiring, the recruits and the veterans of the Seventh Indiana were consolidated with the recruits and veterans of the Fourteenth, Nineteenth and Twentieth Indiana regiments, and was afterward called the Twentieth Indiana Veteran Volunteers. Mr. Johnson was a sergeant of the regiment when mustered out, his discharge being dated June 8, 1865. At the battle of Antietam he was struck once, and at the Wilderness was hit on the knee with a spent ball, these two being the only times he was hurt, and then not seriously. While in the service he contracted chronic diarrhea, and from this disorder has never recovered.

After the war he worked by the month as an employe until 1868, when he engaged in farming on his own account in Adams county. He had bought ninety acres of land in Washington township. This he sold in 1870, went to Tipton county, Indiana, bought eighty acres of land, and remained there engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1878. In 1880 he came a second time to Adams county, Iowa, and the following year purchased the farm on which he now resides. It is located in section 12 and consists of 175 acres, 135 acres of which are improved and under a good state of cultivation. His residence is located on the section road, a mile and three-quarters from Mount Etna.

September 1, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Harader, daughter of Christian and Mary A. Harader, of Adams county. Mrs. Johnson was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Iowa with her parents in 1856. Her father is still living in Kansas, and is now sixty-five years of age. Her mother died in 1867, at the age of forty. Her father is a Dunker minister, well known throughout the State. He had seven children by his first marriage and two by the second, Mrs. Johnson being the third born in the first family. She has been a consistent member of the Dunker church for many years.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have twelve children, namely: Martha, wife of Samuel Hinton; Martin, Rosella, John C., Earnest, David Waldo, Daniel, Roscoe, Bertha, Lulu and, Anda L. Mr. and Mrs. Hinton have two children: Goldie and John.

Mr. Johnson is a member of the G. A. R., the Farmers' Alliance and the Industrial Union, being treasurer of the last organization. Politically he is a Democrat.

PAGE 393

FRED RICHARDS was born in Peoria county, Illinois, February 22, 1857, son of R. E. and Sarah (Walford) Richards, both natives of Worcestershire, England. The father was sixteen years old when he emigrated to this country and settled in Peoria county, Illinois, where, some years later, he was married. To him and his wife were born two children: Fred, Edward, Charley Mary and Fanny. Fanny is now the wife of George Tenant and lives on the old home farm. The father served three years in the late was as a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois Infantry, was wounded at Lookout mountain, and now receives a pension.

Fred was thirteen years old when he came to Adams county, Iowa, and here he was reared and educated. In 1881 he bought wild land where he now resides, in Lincoln township, section 22. He at once commenced making improvements and is now comfortably situated. He has a cottage home, good outbuildings, orchard, small fruit, etc., and is engaged in general farming and stockraising.

January 19, 1881, he married Miss Lydia E. Frederick, a teacher of experience and good reputation. She was born in La Fayette county, Wisconsin, and when eight years of age came to Adams county, Iowa, finishing her education in the Corning high school. She is a daughter of J. M. and Isabel (Roberts) Frederick, of Corning. Mr. and Mrs. Richards have three children: Harvey Edward, John M. and William A. Their first child, Arthur F., born October 16, 1881, was accidentally killed by a runaway team, June 28, 1887.

Mr. Richards is a Republican politically, and is now serving as constable of Lincoln township. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the latter is associated with the W. C. T. U. of Lincoln township.

PAGE 394

E. R. AMDOR, who resides on section 25, Lincoln township, Adams county, Iowa, was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, January 1, 1849. His parents were Bennett N. and Sophronia (Manly) Amdor, the former a native of Saxony, Germany, and the latter of Ohio. Michael Amdor, father of Bennett, left Germany to prevent his oldest child and only son, then about twenty-one years of age, from entering the army. Bennett's two sisters accompanied them to America, and from the eastern coast they made the journey West to Indiana by wagon. One of the sisters, Earnestine, married John Houck and after his death was married to Lotte Boham. The other, Christiana, wedded Lawrence Steinmetz. Both sisters are yet living. Bennett Amdor died in Dearborn county, Indiana, at the age of sixty-four years. He was a farmer all his life and an energetic and progressive man. His wife is still living at the old homestead in Dearborn county, and at this writing is seventy-one years.

The subject of our sketch was the fifth born in a family of nine children. He was reared of a farm, at the age of twenty-one began operations for himself, and has ever since followed the independent life of a farmer. In February, 1871, he came to Iowa. One year he rented land and the next year came to his present location, then wild and altogether unimproved. He now owns 210 acres of highly cultivated and well improved land, all under fence and adapted to corn, oats and grass. He has an artificial grove, a good bearing orchard, and raises some small fruit. His two story residence is nicely located and before it spreads a landscape of beautiful and fertile country. He is located four miles north of Carbon and on the section road. He raises a good grade of cattle, hogs and horses, his stock consuming about all the corn, hay, etc., produced on his place.

April 13, 1873, Mr. Amdor married Miss Sarah Frances, daughter of David and Mary J. Cochran, of Adams county. Mrs. Amdor is a lady of culture and refinement, possessing marked intelligence and a natural grace of manner. Her parents came from Peoria county, Illinois, in 1870. Her father was born in Scotland and her mother in France. They had a family of fifteen children, of whom nine are still living. Eleven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Amdor, viz.: Sophronia, wife of James H. Billingsley; Christina, Ella, Esther, Dayton, Lillie, Everett, Bertha, and the following deceased: Augustus D., at the age of six months, and Eugene and Eunice (twins), at the age of one month and six days.

Politically Mr. Amdor is a Democrat.

PAGE 395

REV. R. R. WYCOFF was born in Switzerland county, Indiana, April 22, 1835. His grandparents, Nicholas and Susan Wycotf, came from Germany after their marriage and settled in Mercer county, Kentucky, at a time when they with others had to live in forts to protect themselves from the Indians. A. C. WycofF, father of our subject, was born in Kentucky, and about 1826 went to Indiana, where he followed his trade, that of cabinet-maker, for nine years. He then turned his attention to farming. He was married in Switzerland county, Indiana, in 1832, to Lydia Cainine, a native of that State. In 1840 he came to Iowa and settled in Des Moines county, where he lived for forty-six years. Having been a pioneer of both Indiana and Iowa, he well knew the hardships and privations incident to life on the frontier. At the time he settled in Des Moines county he was offered land where a large portion of Burlington now stands, at a less figure than he paid in one of the out townships. He died in Adams county, at the home of his daughter, Mary Latimer, March 30, 1887, aged eighty-one years. His birthplace was Harrodsburg, Kentucky, and the date, September, 24, 1806. From his sixteenth year he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for many years served as class-leader and steward. His widow is still living at this writing, seventy-eight years of age. She is also a Methodist, having joined the church in her girlhood. Of the eight children born to them seven are still living, R. R. being the oldest; Susan is the wife of Thomas Long and lives in Creston, Iowa; Fletcher was the third born; Nichoas enlisted in the Fourteenth Iowa Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, August 27,1862,

and served three years; he was wounded in the charge at the battle of Vicksburg, May 22, 1863; was discharged August 25, 1865; and died several years later from the effect of said wound; he was a true Christian and a member of the Methodist Church; his wife was before her marriage Miss Lucretia Hall; Mary, wife of Joseph Latimer, has already been referred to; another son is named Abraham; Lydia J., a graduate of the Chicago Female Medical College, went to India as a missionary and physician, and three years later went to China, where she is now engaged as a missionary; Hardee, who graduated at Mount Pleasant College, is now a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Nebraska; and another son is M. A.

R. R. Wycoff received his education in the public schools. He learned the harness business and followed that three years. Failing health induced him to seek other employment and he turned his attention to mercantile business in Kossuth, Iowa. This he followed for about thirteen years with good success. July 5, 1872, he came to Adams county. He settled on a farm of eighty acres of wild land. He now owns 160 acres of improved land located in section 14, Lincoln township, and here he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. His two-story residence is finely situated and commands a pleasing view of beautiful farming land.

March 23, 1858, Mr. Wycoff was united in marriage with Miss Lydia S., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ephraim Husted, of Des Moines county, Iowa. Her father is still living, now aged seventy-nine years. Her mother was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, in July, 1819, and died at the age of fifty-four years. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church from her thirteenth year. Mrs. Wycoff was the oldest of their seven children. Eleven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wycoff, viz.: Amasy, a jeweler of Villisca, married Anna Pilkington, and has one child Clarence; Ellsworth D. is married and lives in Nebraska; he and his wife have two children, Fannie and Effie; John E. married Nellie Shepherd and has one child, Ray; Alonzo C. died at the age of twenty-four years; EmmaO., Burkett, Nancy E., Perry S., deceased, Elmer, deceased, Robert R., deceased, and Sophronia. Mr. and Mrs. Wycoff and several of the children are members of the United Brethren Church, and he is a minister in good standing in the same. At present he has no regular work as minister, but has filled various appointments acceptably and preaches yet quite frequently. He is candid and cordial in his manner and is one of the deservedly popular and highly respected citizens of Lincoln township.

PAGE 396

OLE T. LOVIG, who resides on a farm in section 31, Lincoln township, Adams county, Iowa, was born in Tellemarken, Norway, April 5, 1849. His parents were Tarje and Joraand Lovig, natives of Norway. They lived and died in that country, the father passing away in 1874, at the age of sixty years, and the mother at the age of fifty. They had a family of nine children, Ole T. being the fifth born.

Mr. Lovig emigrated to Wisconsin in 1871, coming via Christiania, Hull, Liverpool and New York. The first summer after his arrival in that State he worked on a farm, and the following winter attended a public school. In the spring of 1872 he came to Adams county, Iowa, and bought 160 acres of wild land. A part of this he sold and afterward bought more, now owning 140 acres of Adams county's richest soil. His place is well improved with good buildings, etc., and all necessary conveniences for carrying on farming successfully. His residence is a quarter of a mile west of Strand, is nicely located on an elevation, commanding a magnificent view of beautiful and fertile country. He keeps from thirty to sixty head of cattle, from eighty to 120 hogs and about a half dozen horses. He is one of the most successful farmers of this part of the county.

In 1875 Mr. Lovig revisited the home of his childhood, and when he returned a year later brought with him to this country five persons from his old neighborhood.

In July, 1876, he was married to Gro Olsdatter Bergland, a native of Norway, and in 1877 he built the house where he now resides. Their union has been blessed with six children, viz.: Joraand, who died at the age of one year; Thomas, Anna, Oscar, Judith and Marie. Mr. and Mrs. Lovig are members of the Norvigen Lutheran Church. Politically he is an ardent Republican.

PAGE 396

PATRICK EGAN.—This gentleman furnishes a remarkable example of what can be [accomplished] by an energetic, industrious man with strong constitution, properly tempered with will and determination, coupled with honest purpose to make a success of life.

Mr. Egan was born in county Roscommon, Ireland, March 17, 1826, son of Edward and Mary (Haley) Egan. The father was an enemy to English rule, and in this his children did not differ from him. Their coming to America happened in this manner: Thomas and Bridget had considered seriously the propriety of emigrating to this country, and, as they were without [means], finally appropriated a sum of money which the father had laid by with which to pay his landlord. On discovering what his children had done, he gave them the money and added more thereto. Landing here, the two were well pleased and in due time sent for Patrick and Margaret, the former at that time twenty-your years of age. A few years later, when the four had saved their earnings and had means enough to send for the rest of the family - the parents, Edward, Mary, William and John - they did so and all were united in this "land of the free and home of the brave." They settled in Lee county, Illinois, where the parents spent the rest of their days and are buried, the father having died August 6, 1881, at the age of ninety-two years, and the mother in 1872, at the age of eighty-four. Both were devout members of the Catholic church. Of their eight children, Edward, Mary, Thomas and Bridget are deceased.

Patrick Egan received his education on his native isle. He was put to work at the early age of twelve years, and has been a hard worker ever since. As already stated, he was twenty-four when he came to America. On his arrival here, he stopped with an uncle, who lived near Baltimore, two years and a half. He then located in Lee county, Illinois, where he made his home for fourteen years, working for the railroad company. During this time he laid up money and speculated in town lots, and later bought eighty acres of land from the railroad company. He subsequently sold the land, and in 1877 came to Adams county, Iowa, to the farm where he now resides, in section 7, Lincoln township. He bought a half section of land, when all wild, now under a high state of cultivation. His cottage home is nicely located and overlooks a most beautiful stretch of fertile country. He has a new barn, other good buildings and all necessary conveniences for successfully carrying on general farming and stock-raising. An orchard of four acres is among other improvements on his farm.

Mr. Egan was married in Lee county, Illinois, in 1857, to Miss Bridget McGinnis, a native of Ireland. Following is the issue from their union: Edward, who died when a year and a half old; John, who only lived ten months; Thomas, at home, engaged in farming for himself; William, who has been a teacher for some time, is now working on a farm in Lee county, Illinois; Mary, also a teacher; James, Patrick, deceased; and Peter.

Mr. Egan and his wife and some of their children are members of the Catholic church. Politically he is a Republican.

PAGE 397

J. W. DAY, a merchant of Prescott, Iowa, was born August 1, 1854, at Jacksonville, Kentucky, a son of Hon. E. Day, now a resident of Muscatine county, this State. In 1863 the family, consisting of parents and five children, emigrated to this State, settling in Muscatine county, where J. W., the second child, grew up and received his education. At the age of twenty-two years he started out for himself, working for L. M. Morris for three months; then, commencing in 1876, he was employed in a grocery for a time, gaining some knowledge of mercantile business. In 1877 he came to Corning, engaging in the grocery trade, in a small way, and by industry and good judgment he has prospered in his trade and correspondingly enlarged his business. In connection with his grocery he has also a meat market. He is cordial in manner, accommodating in disposition and a gentleman of integrity in all his dealings, and accordingly has made many friends in Adams county.

In February, 1888, he married Miss Mary E. Clark, a daughter of Mr. E. Clark, of Prescott, who was born four and a half miles from Quincy, Illinois. She received a good education at Greenfield. By this marriage there is one child, named Irma M., who has considerable musical talent. Being now only eleven years of age, she surprises every one with her skill at the piano, and she is making rapid progress in lessons on the violin.

PAGE 398

THOMAS HARDEN, a prosperous farmer of section 16, Prescott township, was born November 15, 1821. in Guernsey county, Ohio. His ancestors on his father’s side were from New Jersey and those on his mother’s from England. He obtained his education in the primitive log schoolhouse, Morrow county, Ohio, and at the age of twenty-four years left his parental home, and for twelve years cultivated a rented farm. In 1844 he married Miss Rice, a native of New York. He continued on the farm a short time after her death, and in 1875 located in Adams county, Iowa. In 1860 he was again married, this time to Miss Lockwood, of Vermont ancestry, and by this marriage there have been seven children, all of whom are living and have obtained a good education.

Mr. Harden is one of the oldest settlers in Adams county. At first his nearest post-office was St. Joseph, 113 miles distant. At the time he located near Quincy there were only seven settlers in the neighborhood, and the wolves were so plentiful and bold that they would sometimes, approach to the very door of his cabin. Of deer he has seen as many as twenty-four at one' time from his dwelling. Mrs. Harden, although having suffered much and long from pioneer privations, has a remarkably good memory. Her parents settled here about two years previous to Mr. Harden’s arrival, coming in 1855, by emigrant wagon, from Washington county, New York, and being six weeks on the journey. Her father died but a few years ago.

Mr. Harden’s home is about four miles from Corning, where he has by diligence, perseverance and economy accumulated an ample fortune, owning now over 500 acres of choice land. His beautiful barn is conspicuous for miles around. His three sons conduct the farm, and three of his children are married and reside elsewhere. In his political views Mr. Harden has been a life-long

Democrat.

PAGE 398

EZRA R. FOSMIRE, of section 11, Union township, Adams county, was born in Monroe county, New York, January 8, 1835, the son of John Fosmire, deceased, native of Rensselaer county, New York. The latter emigrated to Knox county, Illinois, in 1844, settling on a farm near Galesburg, when it was yet a new country. Ezra R., our [subject] was reared to farm life and received his education in the common schools of Illinois, and also in the Knoxville public schools. He subsequently learned the wagon-maker's trade, which he followed several years, having previously worked at tailoring. He was engaged at carpentering for the United States for a time during the war, and was at Chattanooga when Hood's army threatened the place and cut off our communication with Nashville. Mr. Fosmire was engaged in a wagon and carriage shop several years in Oneida, Illinois, and in the spring of 1879 came to this county, settling on his present farm of 160 acres, where he is engaged in general farming and stock- raising. He raises graded short-horn cattle, English Shire horses and Poland-China hogs. He has served as Justice of the Peace six years, and was secretary of the Board of School Directors a few years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Farmers' Alliance.

Mr. Fosmire was married July 5, 1857, to Ellen Randall, a daughter of Ralph Randall, of Knoxville, Illinois. They had five children: Adelaide, Seth H., Fannie, Frederick R. and James. The mother died in 1874, and August 30, 1876, Mr. Fosmire married Mrs. Mary McDonald; she had one child, Jennie, by a former marriage, who married A. Mayne, and resides in Salt Lake City, Utah.

PAGE 399

ARTHUR M. BEYMER, hardware merchant, Corning, was born in Seneca county, Ohio, in May, 1844, a son of Arthur S. and Ruth (Skinner) Beymer, natives of Ohio. The mother was of English ancestry, and the father was a farmer brought up in the Western Reserve, came to Union county, Iowa, in 1870, and died in 1872. His mother is still living, at Afton, Iowa, at the age of ninety years. They reared ten children.

Mr. Beymer was educated at the Seneca Academy and spent one year at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware; then returned to farming for a time; next was a year in commercial business at Clyde, Ohio, and then, in 1869, he came to Corning, Iowa, where he engaged in the lumber trade fifteen years, selling lumber for nearly all the fine houses in the vicinity; and he was one of the prime movers of the Blue Grass League, organized to produce blue grass in one of the finest regions in the world, he being one of the early discoverers of the elements required in a good blue grass soil. Quitting the lumber trade, he engaged in the hardware business, in which he still continues. He has acquired some good pieces of land in the vicinity of town. He was a member of the City Board of Trustees when the electric lights and water-works were established; was also a member of the School Board thirteen years, during which time the public school buildings and the academy were erected; and he has been a trustee of the Corning Academy.

He was married, in 1865, to Miss Amine L. Strickland, of Clyde, Ohio, and they have had four children, including one daughter, who died when young. He is a member of Instruction Lodge, No. 275, F. and A. M.; of Eureka Chapter, R. A. M., and of the Presbyterian Church, as is also his wife. In politics he is a Republican.

PAGE 399

ALBERT DOWNING, proprietor of a meat market at Corning, was born in Indiana, in 1848, a son of Albert and Sarah (Moore) Downing, natives of Virginia, who were noted for their piety and strict adherence to the teachings of the Christian Church. His father died in 1862, and his mother is still living, in Cedar county, this State, whither she emigrated after the death of her husband.

Mr. Downing, the subject of this sketch, is the third-born of six sons. Coming to Iowa thirty-seven years ago, he grew up in Cedar county. After twenty-two years of farm life he came to Corning and began his present business, in which he is prospering, being well-known for his faithfulness. In 1889-90 he was Mayor of Corning, and has always been an earnest and practical supporter of all improvements, including electric lights, etc. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and a liberal thinker on all subjects.

In 1871 he married Miss Mary Brown, a native of Iowa, and they have four children, named Albert, Lulu Adell, Clyde Leroy and Nora May.

PAGE 400

ANTHONY D. JONES, one of the venerable citizens of Montgomery county and a carpenter and joiner of Villisca, was born in Greene county, New York, July 14, 1821. His parents were Lora and Nancy (Smith) Jones, and both died in New York State, the former in 1867, at the age of sixty-seven years, and the latter in 1870, aged seventy-eight. Of their thirteen children, twelve grew to maturity and seven are still living, Anthony being the fourth born and the oldest now living. He was reared in the Empire State. At the age of fifteen he commenced to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner. That trade he has followed through life, although at various times he has been engaged at farming and other work.

In May, 1846, Mr. Jones enlisted in Company I, First Regiment of New York Volunteers, for three years or during the war. The regiment went from Bath to Governor's Island, New York, and there our subject, and indeed one-third of the company, were sick, caused by bad water. By permission from his colonel, he went to the house of a friend and while there and before he had recovered, the vessel with his regiment on board left New York harbor for the seat of war. The war closed, however, before they were one-half way to Mexico.

Returning home, Mr. Jones worked at his trade there until the fall of 1862, when he moved to Clinton county, Michigan, and located near Lansing. He worked in and near Lansing till the spring of 1864; moved to Bureau county, Illinois; in 1875 came to Iowa and settled in Taylor county; and since 1883 has been a resident of Villisca. While in Taylor county he served two years as Justice of the Peace. As a workman he is skillful with tools, having few superiors in his trade. He is a remarkably temperate man; never drinks or uses tobacco and never played cards.

He was married, August 8, 1854, to Miss Elma F. Aldrich, daughter of Warner and Phidelia (Eddy) Aldrich. Six children have been born to them: Frank; Addie, wife of W. B. Woods; Charles; Warner, deceased; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Stephen Matson; and Delia B. The whole family are church members. In politics Mr. Jones is a Republican.

PAGE 400

CHARLES W. WINNE, of the firm of Frederick & Winne, dealers in agricultural implements at Corning, was born in 1830, a son of Jacob and Ida Winne, natives of New York. His father, a mason by trade, moved into Pennsylvania and remained there until his death. Mr. Winne remained in that State until 1854, was engaged in milling in Wisconsin until 1861, and then enlisted in Company D, Twelfth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and saw four years of hard service; was with Grant at Vicksburg, and later at Natchez and Meridian, and with Sherman on his grand march to the sea, and finally took part in the grand review at Washington. He was never struck by a Rebel bullet and was never absent from his regiment.

After the war he followed farming for a number of years; in 1879 he came to Iowa, and in 1890 moved to Corning, forming his present business relation. He is one of the oldest Odd Fellows in the State, having joined the order in 1854; is also a member of the G. A. R., and he attends worship at the Congregational Church.

PAGE 401

JOHN W. ALEXANDER, dealer in furniture at Corning, was born in the State of New York, in 1863. His parents, Ephraim (who died in Illinois in 1875) and Helen (Smith) Alexander, were natives also of the Empire State, and had two sons and a daughter; the latter is now the wife of Frank Widener, president of the First National Bank.

Mr. Alexander, our present subject, was a farmer in Jasper township, Adams county, until 1890, when he moved into Corning and engaged in his present business, into which he throws his energy, with commensurate success. His stock is the nicest imaginable. In 1886 he married Miss Lee, a native of Wisconsin, and they have two children - Martha and Frank. Mr. Alexander is a member of the order of the Knights of Pythias.

PAGE 401

JOHN M. FREDERICK, of the firm of Frederick & Winne, dealers in agricultural implements at Corning, was born in 1830, in Pennsylvania, a son of Abraham and Margaret (Mills) Frederick, natives of East Coventry, Chester county, Pennsylvania, who lived and died in that State. He came to Wisconsin before the war and engaged in farming. In 1862 he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-Third Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served to the end of the war, taking part in a large number of the great sieges and battles; was with Banks on the Red river expedition, Grant at Vicksburg, and Sherman on his march to the sea. While in the service he was injured by a fall, but returned to be discharged with the rest.

After the war he resided again for a time in Wisconsin. In 1869 he came to Adams county, and settled in Lincoln township, where he improved an estate of 200 acres.

In 1882-3 he was county Treasurer. In 1889 he moved to Corning and engaged in the sale of agricultural implements, in his present partnership relation. Into his business, as in all others, he has brought that care and integrity which have won for him an honored place in the estimation of his fellow-citizens. He is a stalwart Republican, and a member of the G. A. R., R. A. M., and I. O. O. F., and also of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

He was married in 1857, to Miss Isabella Roberts, and they have had twelve children, eleven of whom are living in Adams county.

PAGE 401

ZACHARY TAYLOR WIDENER, merchant at Corning, was born in Indiana in 1856. His parents were natives of Virginia. One of his ancestors was Peter Widener, the great financier. The father of our subject, a farmer, died in 1873, and his mother in 1889. Of this family the elder sons fought bravely for the Union, and their record for faithfulness in the army makes one of the bright pages in the history of Indiana.

When a young man Mr. Widener became a merchant at Farmington, Fulton county, Illinois, and afterward came to Corning and engaged as a merchant with Mr. Chapman; but he soon bought his interest and has since continued in business alone. There is probably no other man in the Blue Glass region who possesses finer taste or more unerring judgment in the selection of fabrics than Mr. Widener; and bis integrity has led all his patrons to rely upon his word as to the quality of goods. Indeed, it is a mark of confidence rarely seen in these day6. Mr. Widener is a young business man with a bright future. Besides other real estate he owns a cosy residence, embelished with much that indicates his fine culture and taste. He is a member of the Congregational Church and takes an efficient part in the Sunday-school; is also a member of the order of K. of P. In politics lie is a stalwart Kepulican. lie has been a member of the School Board. Mr. Widener is a liberal man, unassuming in manner and yet remarkably efficient as a public-spirited citizen.

In 1882 he married Miss Hettie Weterman, and they have had the following named children: Ethel Vernice, Carl Chester and Fay,—all bright and beautiful children.

PAGE 402

JEFFERSON PROCTOR, photographer at Corning, was born in Elkhart, Indiana, in 1842, a son of John and Mary (Powell) Proctor. His father was a merchant and died in 1860, and his mother resides with him, the son. AS he grew up he learned the trade of steam engineer. At the beginning of the war he enlisted in Company D, Thirty-third Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and during his service had some thrilling experiences. At one time he was [captured] by guerrillas and a rope was placed around his neck to hang him when he was fortunately saved by the intervention of a friend. He served with his regiment in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee, taking part in many of the great battles and sieges, and being struck four times with Rebel bullets, but at no time was he so severely wounded but that he remained in the ranks.

Returning home after the war he learned photography and located in Ottumwa, this State. He came to Corning when it was a straggling village, being the first artist here, and with the exception of a short interval he has been a resident here ever since. He is the standard photographer of the place. He has occupied his present home twenty years, becoming one of the landmarks of the city. He is a member of the Christian Church and of the I. O. O. F.

In 1866 he was married to Miss Alice Weston, and their children are Amazilla, now the wife of Owens Eldon; Aretta and May.

PAGE 402

MILLARD F. ANDERSON, blacksmith at Corning, was born in 1850, in Pennsylvania, the fifth child and eldest son in the family of seven children of Richard and Ruanna (Kirkpatrick) Anderson, natives also of that State. The father, a blacksmith also by trade, and noted for being an uncompromising temperance man, died in March, 1890, greatly mourned by the community. The mother is still living in Nebraska. The parents moved to DeKalb county, Illinois, when Millard was but eleven years of age. When still comparatively young the subject of this sketch began to learn the trade of blacksmithing, and followed it in Illinois until 1879, when he came to Adams county, and has since continued in the business with the exception of two years, when he was in Omaha.

In his politics he is a stalwart republican. In 1872 he began the study of Freemasonry, and was initiated into the order at Shabbona Grove, Illinois, and he has taken successive steps at Creston, this State.

His first wife died in 1879, the mother of three children: Gracie, Willie and Delia. The last mentioned died at the age of two years. In 1880 Mr. Anderson was again married, this time to Miss Electa Wilson.

PAGE 403

R. F. READHEAD, D. V. S., of Corning, was born in Hamilton, Canada, the son of John Readhead, a lumber merchant. He was brought up in that city and received an excellent education, completing it in a business college, and in his profession he graduated in the Ontario Veterinary College, and since then has enjoyed a successful career in the treatment of animals, having now an extensive and growing practice. He is a man of integrity and courtesy of manner. He graduated with the degree of D. V. S., which was conferred upon him by the Agricultural art Association, with a special diploma for high honors and scholarship. After his graduation he returned to Hamilton and practiced with Dr. McTaggert, an eminent veterinary surgeon, for two and a half years. Then, in 1888, he came to Corning, where he is now a favorite in the community.

PAGE 403

SAMUEL G. JOHNSTON, dealer in agricultural implements, etc., at Corning, was born in Ohio, in 1824, a son of John and Margaret (Carnes) Johnston, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Pennsylvania. He was reared on a farm and received only what education the pioneer days afforded. He began farming in Ohio, but in 1866 he went to New York City, where he was a wholesale merchant for twenty-three years. In 1878 he came to Adams county, Iowa, and engaged in farming in Prescott township. In March, 1879, he bought the implement stock of Charles Morse, and afterward added stoves and tinware. He keeps a complete line of farming implements, also wagons and buggies. His goods are exactly as represented, and his trade is constantly growing. In his political principles he is a Jeffersonian Democrat. At his advanced age he is one of the most genial and lively men of the community.

In 1848 he married Miss Sarah Helen Johnston, a native of Ohio, and of their ten children nine are living. Mrs. Johnston is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

PAGE 403

CHARLES B. DEWEY, a farmer and stock-raiser of Quincy township, Adams county, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1830, a son of Thomas L. and Mary (Morris) Dewy, natives of Pennsylvania, who moved when Charles B. was four years old to Morgan county, that State. He vividly remembers many of the incidents of that journey. The family afterward moved to Athens county, same State, where Charles at length began life for himself, as a farmer. Soon he moved to the vicinity of Columbus, Ohio. In 1853 he emigrated to Iowa, settling in Henry county, where he enjoyed the rude but hospitable life of a frontiersman. In 1863 he came to Adams county and settled on section 3, Quincy township, where only twenty-eight acres of land had been broken. The rest of his admirable farm of 270 acres he has himself made from virgin soil. In time he became fully engaged in the rearing of live-stock, in which he has excelled. Although sixty years of age, he is still hale and active, and personally superintends his interests. He has been an efficient member of the School Board. In religion he has been a consistent member of the United Brethren Church ever since he was nineteen years of age, and politically he has been a Republican ever since the formation of the party, aiding in the election of the first Republican Governor of this State.

He was married, in 1850, to Miss Mary Gardner, a lady of rare Christian character, and through all the long struggle from poverty to affluence she has been a reliable and efficient aid. At marriage their capital was only five dollars, one dollar of which went for the ceremony. They are now enjoying a competence in the evening of life. She also is a member of the United Brethren Church.

They have had six children, namely: Sarah, now Mrs. Bristow, of Nebraska, and the mother of seven children; Eliza McCormick, of Quincy township, the mother of three children; Frances M., now the wife of Rev. Surface, a United Brethren minister, and the mother of one child; Mary A., now the wife of Mr. Rodgers, president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers at Galesburg, Illinois, and has four children; Charles A., an engineer living in Georgia, and Lewis J., who died at the age of sixteen years.

PAGE 404

ROLLIN J. DEVORE, one of the well known citizens of Corning, Iowa, has been a resident of Adams county since 1874. He is of French ancestry. His great grandfather came to America with Marquis de La Fayette, under whom he fought for the freedom of the colonies in the war of the

Revolution. After the American colonies had secured their independence, he decided to remain in this country, and settled in Washington county, Pennsylvania. His son, James Devore, the grandfather of our subject, removed from Washington county to Ohio, when a young man, where he was an early pioneer. Jacob Devore, our subject’s father, was born in Champaign county, in 1823,where he spent his entire life. His mother, whose maiden name was Lydia Ann Organ, is now a resident of Corning. Jacob Devore and wife were the parents of six children, four sons and two daughters.

Rollin J. Devore was born in Champaign county, Ohio, in 1847, and was reared to the occupation of a farmer. In June, 1862, when but fifteen years of age, he enlisted for service in the war of the Rebellion, in the Sixty-sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served four years, or until in June, 1865. His regiment belonged to the Twelfth Army Corps, and with it he fought at the great battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Soon after the last mentioned battle, the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps were consolidated and became the Twentieth Corps, and placed in command of General Joe Hooker, and took part in all the important engagements of the Atlanta Campaign, was in the siege of the city of Atlanta, and was present at the fall of that stronghold of the Confederates. Mr. Devore was severely wounded at the battle of Peach Tree Creek, and owing to the trouble that his wound gave him he was placed on detached duty soon

after the fall of Atlanta, where he remained until the close of the war. He has never really recovered from the effects of his wound.

At the close of the war Mr. Devore returned to Ohio, and was soon afterward married to Miss Jennie Miller. In 1874 he removed to Adams county, Iowa, and settled on an unimproved farm on section 27, Jasper township, of which he has since made a beautiful place. It contains 120 acres, and is now occupied by liis son. Mr. Devore resides in the village of Corning. He lost his

wife by death, in 1880, she having died at their home in Jasper township. In 1882 he was united in marriage to Miss Angeline McMillan, daughter of Thomas McMillan, who, at an early day, settled in Taylor county, Iowa, just across the line from Adams county. He died in 1880; the wife and mother is still living. The first marriage of Mr. Devore was blessed with three children, and his present marriage by the same number. Mr. Devore is quite largely engaged in the purchase of live-stock, and deals especially in horses. By honorable and upright dealings and by his social character, he has secured the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens He was a gallant soldier in the war of the Union, and is an honored member of of Llewellyn Post of Corning.

PAGE 405

W. D. SHAW, a well-known citizen and prominent stock-raiser of Adams county, Iowa (post office Briscoe), was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, December 26, 1835. His parents, John and Sarah (Harsha) Shaw, were both natives of Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather was born in Scotland, came to America at an early day, and took part in the Revolutionary war. The maternal grandparents were John and Esther (McMillen) Harsha; the former was a cabinet-maker, and served as a soldier in the war of 1812. The father of W. D. Shaw was an enterprising and successful farmer all his life. He lived and died on the same farm, which has been known by the name “ Shaw ” for more than 100 years. He was a prominent member of

the United Presbyterian Church, of which his wife was also a member. February 4, 1879, at the age of seventy-five years, he was called from labor to reward. His wife passed away July 24, 1868, at the age of sixty years. Of the thirteen children born to them, at this writing, five are still living.

W. D. Shaw inherited the patriotic spirit of his worthy sires, and like them in the time of war risked his life for the freedom of his country. In April, 1861 he enlisted in the three months service, Pennsylvania having her quota of troops filled in the seventy-five thousand call. His regiment returned home, and in August started again for the field— this time for three years, or during the war. He was Sergeant in Company A, Eighty-fifth Regiment, army of the Potomac, and his first duty in battle was the Peninsular campaign, under General McClellan. He took part in the battles of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Baltimore Cross Roads, Fair Oaks, Seven Days’ Battle, Black Water, Folly Island, Morris Island and the siege of Charleston. He was then detached from his regiment and appointed to receive recruits and forward them to the army, having his headquarters at Camp Reynolds (Braddock’s fields), Pennsylvania; during all his service he was never wounded or taken prisoner. His discharge dates November 22, 1864, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Shaw’s brother, Joseph, served the same term of service in the same company; another brother, James, now living in Guernsey county, Ohio, served four years in the First Regiment of Virginia Cavalry.

After the war Mr. Shaw engaged in farming in Pennsylvania; in 1869 he came West and located where he now resides, in section 4, Lincoln township; his residence, one of the most attractive in Adams county, is beautifully located, overlooking, as it does, a magnificent tract of country.

January 22, 1875, Mr. Shaw married Miss Sarah Bancroft, a daughter of Augustus and Abiali (Flagg) Bancroft, natives and residents of Grandmanan, New Brunswick. They have three children: Sadie M., born October 28, 1875, Fred. W., August 4, 1877, and Charles S., September 11, 1879. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church. Politically Mr. Shaw is a Republican and a member of the G. A. R.

PAGE 406

SILAS G. SIMPSON, general merchant at Nodaway, Adams county, is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the State of Iowa. He located at Nodaway in the fall of 1879 and engaged in the hardware business, which he continued about two years, when he engaged in general merchandising. He erected his present store building in 1884.

Mr. Simpson is a native of Dearborn county, Indiana, where he was born in 1828, the son of Matthias Q. Simpson. The ancestors of the subject of this notice came to America in Colonial times, long before the Revolutionary war. The grandfather, William Simpson, was born in New Jersey, August 25, 1767, and at the age of twelve years entered the service of the Government as a teamster. This was during the darkest days of the struggle of the colonies for their independence. After the close of the war, and while yet a young man he went to Pennsylvania, and there married Miss Anna Ammerman, a lady of German descent. The marriage occurred May 8, 1797. In 1800 the grandfather was a farmer in Cayuga county, New York, whence he removed to Dearborn county, Indiana, in 1817, and thence to Warren county in 1829, where he died, July 21, 1841. William Simpson was of Irish descent, and was the father of six sons and three daughters.

Matthias Q. Simpson, the father of the subject of this sketch, and son of William Simpson, was born in the State of New York and went to Indiana with his father's family in 1817. He married Sin Garrison, who died when her son, Silas G., was but a boy. The father is still living, at this writing, in 1891, residing at Farley, Dubuque county, Iowa.

Matthias Q. Simpson came to the Territory of Iowa with his family about 1838, settling first in Jones county.

Silas G. Simpson began life for himself as a carpenter and farmer, but at the age of about forty-two years he gave up carpentry. He was married in Cedar county, Iowa, to Miss Harriet Hall, who died about twenty years later. His present wife was formerly Mrs. Courtright, whose maiden name was Mary Shirley. Mr. Simpson has four living children, - two sons and two daughters, - two of whom are by his first marriage and two by the second.

Mr. Simpson has been a resident of Iowa for more than half a century, and is a worthy and respected citizen.

PAGE 406

FRANK A. CLARKE, who resides on section 22, Quincy township, is a son of a pioneer family of Adams county. His father, Hezekiah b. Clark, located in the village of Quincy, September 18, 1855. He was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, July 24, 1816, the son of Colonel James Clark, who belonged to an early Connecticut family. Mr. Clark remained in that State until a young man, and was reared to mercantile pursuits, his father having been a merchant at Lebanon. About the time he had attained his manhood he removed with his father's family to Le Roy, Genesee county, New York, and later the family removed to Michigan. There the parents spent the remainder of their lives. H. b. Clark was married in Wayne county, Michigan, in 1840, to Miss Caroline V. Taylor, a native of Ontario county, New York, born in 1818, who went with her parents to Michigan when about ten years old. Her parents were Philo and Theodosia (Stout) Taylor, who continued to live in Michigan. After marriage Mr. Clark was engaged in farming. In 1855 he removed with his family to Adams county, Iowa, and settled at Quincy, which was then a flourishing village and the county seat of Adams county. There he engaged in the mercantile business, in which he continued until death, which occurred March 24, 1868. He and wife were the parents of three children, one son and two daughters, viz.: Julia, the eldest, became the wife of F. M. Davis, and died December 6, 1881; Frank A., the second child and the eldest son, was born in Michigan, December 3, 1848, being about seven years old when he came with his parents to Adams county; he married L. Augusta Lovejoy, and they have a daughter, Maud. The third child of Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Clark was Ida, who died in early childhood, born January 10, 1863. Mr. Clark was an esteemed and respected citizen, and a moral and upright man. His religious sentiments were of the most pronounced type, and he was especially noted for his piety and consistent Christian life. He was a member of the Congregational Church, and his home in early days was the headquarters of the gospel of any denomination. His hospitality in that regard was unbounded. In the days of slavery he was a friend of the slave, was identified with the Abolition party, and was ever ready to help the escaping slaves to the land of freedom. In short he was a most estimable and worthy man. His wife, who now resides with her son in Quincy township, was a worthy companion of her esteemed husband.

PAGE 407

NOAH N. ODELL, who resides on section 2 in Nodaway township, is one of the pioneers of Adams county, and one of the oldest present residents of his township, the time of his coming having been in November, 1856. There were then but few families in the township. He was born in Crawford county, Ohio, in 1826, the son of Eli Odell, a native of Vermont, who removed when a boy of eleven years with his parents to New York, thence to Canada, and from there went with an uncle to Crawford county, Ohio, in 1822, when he was a youth of nineteen years. There he married Miss Asenath Parcher. In 1854 Eli Odell removed with his family to Winterset, Madison county, Iowa, where they lived until death. They were the parents of two sons and five daughters who grew to mature years. The two sons and three daughters are now living.

Noah N. Odell, the subject of this notice, settled on section 16 in the fall of 1856, and there, in that year, erected a steam sawmill. This was the first steam sawmill in Adams county, which was an entirely new mill when Mr. Odell bought it at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and had it shipped to the place where it was erected. An effort was made about the same time to erect an old steam sawmill at Brook, but it was not a success, so that Mr. Odell's mill may properly be said to be the first steam sawmill erected in Adams county. He removed his mill to Brooks in the spring of 1859, and in 1863 to Washington township, having sold it to Christopher Hardier. This mill had now disappeared, as the man to whom Mr. Odell sold it disposed of various parts to different persons, who removed the same from the county. Mr. Odell has carried on farming ever since his mill experience, but in connection therewith was also engaged in carpentering and building for many years. His father was a carpenter and he very naturally learned that trade. He has done much building in Adams county, having built the first frame barn of any importance; this was on what is known as the "Billy Wilson" farm in Quincy township. The largest barn he built was on the Vernon place near Corning. In fact he has erected a large number of both dwellings and barns in Adams and Montgomery counties. He has resided on his present farm since 1866. He has a fine farm of 200 acres, and has also given land to his sons.

Mr. Odell was married in 1847 to Miss Lydia A. Field, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Selden Field, a native of Connecticut. Her mother's maiden name was Lydia Ketchum, a native of Vermont, but reared in the State of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Odell have seven children, six sons and one daughter, and have lost four daughters by death. In his political affiliations Mr. Odell has been a Republican ever since the organization of that party. His first presidential vote was cast for Martin Van Buren. He voted for General Fremont in 1856, and for General Harrison in 1888, and all Republican presidents between those two. He was reared in the Abolition school of politics, his father having belonged to that party, and in his early days in Ohio helped many an escaping slave on his way to freedom. He and his wife have long been faithful and consistent members of the Christian church.

We have thus endeavored to give a biographical sketch of Mr. Odell, one of the best known pioneers of Adams county, who with his wife came here when the country was new, and have done their part in contributing to the growth and development of the county. The lives of such as they are well worthy of preservation in the annals of the county with which they have been so long and closely identified. Cordial and genial in disposition and ever generous and hospitable, they have the esteem and respect of all.

PAGE 408

MICHAEL M. KENNEDY, a trusted and valued employe of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, at Corning, was born in county Tipperary, Ireland, in April, 1832, the son of Patrick and Jane (Ryan) Kennedy, natives of that country and farmers who spent their lives there. Of their four children, the two daughters remained in the old country, while the two sons came to America, one of whom is a resident of Farmer City. In 1856 Michael sailed from Liverpool on the ship Compromise, Captain Childs, and in due season landed at New York. After spending five years in Connecticut he came to Illinois, in May, 1862, and in May, 1870, he came to Omaha and shortly to Corning, where he took charge of a section of railroad four miles long, besides one a half miles of side-track. His long service here for such a company as the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, is sufficient evidence of his faithfulness. As a citizen he is esteemed as quiet and law-abiding, yet having the courage of his convictions. He has acquired a small piece of land and erected for himself a cosy residence. Politically he is a staunch Democrat, and he and his wife are faithful members of the Catholic Church.

He was married in April, 1862, in Fairfield, Connecticut, to Miss Susan Connors, a native of county Tipperary, Ireland, and they have five children, as follows: Mary, who died at the age of eighteen months; John, the eldest son, born in July, 1865; Ellen, in 1866; Michael, in 1867; and Katie, in November, 1871.

PAGE 409

PAUL D. McCLELLAND, who resides on section 35, is one of the well-known early settlers of Nodaway township, coming in 1859. He was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, July 29, 1823, the son of John McClelland, also a native of that county. The great-grandfather of our subject was a native of Ireland, and the grandfather, James McClelland, was one of the early settlers of Greene county. On his mother's side, Mr. McClelland is of Scotch descent. His mother was Mary Dawlin, born near Philadelphia. She was the mother of six children, and died when her son, the subject of this sketch, was about ten years old. Later the father re-married, and eight children were born by this union. Only three of the first children are now living, viz.: James, a resident of Washington county, Iowa, and Paul D., and Mrs. Sarah Ann Bishop, a resident of Knox county, Ohio. Of the second family of children three are also living: William H., a resident of Wymore, Nebraska; Mrs. Elizabeth Fraser, of Harrison county, Wisconsin; Charles, in Mount Liberty, Knox county, Ohio.

Mr. McClelland lived in his native county until his fourteenth year, when he removed with his father's family to Knox county. The mother had died in Pennsylvania, and the father in Knox county, in September, 1862, in his sixty-sixth year. The second wife is still living, with her youngest son, Charles, in Knox county. Paul D. was reared to the occupation of farming. He married Miss Elizabeth Guthrie, January 1, 1846, a daughter of James and Mary (McKibben) Guthrie. The mother was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1824, but removed to Ohio with her parents when but thirteen years old. The parents continued to live in Ohio, in Muskingum county, until death. They had two sons and six daughters, only three of whom are known to be living. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McClelland continued to live in Ohio until 1856, when they emigrated to Iowa. They came all the way by wagon to Warren county, and were about four weeks in making the journey. Mr. McClelland has three brothers living in Warren county, and his intention was to make a settlement there, but finally decided to come to Adams county after a residence in Warren county of nearly three years. The time of his settlement on his present place was in the spring of 1860. His first land in this county consisted of 200 acres, 160 of which was prairie and forty acres timber land, and no improvements whatever had been made on the place when he purchased it. His first residence was a hewn log-house, located just north of his present residence. He occupied this house until he built his present residence in 1870. He has added 232 acres to his first purchase, and now has a farm of 380 acres. Mr. McClelland paid $700 for 200 acres of his original purchase, which was the extent of his financial ability. By honest industry he made his land a beautiful farm, and is surrounded by the comforts of life.

Mr. and Mrs. McClelland have had nine children, four sons and five daughters, and three are now deceased. The living are John, Cynthia A., Paul M., Clarinda, Elizabeth Ellen and Rev. William C. McClelland. The three deceased were: Margaret Jane, the second child, who died at the age of nineteen years; James L., died at the age of twenty-seven years, and Mary M., at the age of thirteen months. Mr. and Mrs. McClelland are numbered among the oldest and most esteemed citizens of Adams county, where they have lived so long, and are well worthy a place in the prominent record of the old settlers of Adams county. Politically Mr. McClelland is a Democrat. He cast his first Presidential vote for James K. Polk, in 1844. The family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Nodaway township, and their son, Rev. William C., is the present pastor of this church.

PAGE 410

PETER DOYE, a resident of section 5, Mercer township, is a native of France, born May 3, 1843, and is a son of Peter and Mary Ann (Pruines) Doye, natives of the same country. In his youth he served an apprenticeship at the butcher’s trade in the city of Paris, and worked at the business until he was twenty-one years of age. He then entered the army and served six years; he fought in the Franco-Prussian war, and was severely wounded in battle; for several months he was unfit for active duty, and while home on a furlough he joined the

Communists, for which he would have been punished had he not deserted and sought freedom on our shores; he landed at New Orleans September 3, 1871, remaining in that city one year. At the end of that time he went to Indian Territory, and in August, 1872, he landed in Adams county, Iowa; he located with the French colony, in Prescott township, and resided there three years.

Mr. Doye was married March 23, 1873, to Miss Hortense Montaldo, who was born in Illinois, a daughter of Ignatius and Celine (Pigney) Montaldo. The father was a native of Spain, and the mother was born in France; they were united in marriage in Hancock county, Illinois, where Mrs. Doye was born. In 1853 Mr. Montaldo was sent as an agent of the Icarian colony to look up a suitable location for carrying on agriculture. He came to Iowa, and pre-empted a large tract of Government land in Adams county, and afterwards accepted the position of president of the colony. When Mrs. Doye was three years old her parents removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, and resided there for twelve years; she was educated in the public schools of that city, and at the age of sixteen years she began to teach, following that vocation for several years. Mr. Montaldo died December 21, 1871. His widow still survives him, and is now a resident of Adams county.

Mr. and Mrs. Doye settled in their present home in 1875; they have a fine farm of 280 acres in a high state of cultivation. They are the parents of five children: Ignatius is now being educated at the State Agricultural College at Ames, Iowa; George, Robert, Frederick and Charles.

Politically Mr. Doye affiliates with the Republican party and is a staunch advocate of its principles.

PAGE 410

JOHN CASEY, farmer and stock-raiser, section 14, Mercer township, was born in Butler county, Ohio, April 6, 1837, the older of two children of Adam and Rachel (Cook) Casey. The former was a native of Germany and came to this country when a young man; he located in Ohio, where he married the above, who was a native of Ohio and of English and German descent. In 1843 the family removed to the Territory of Iowa, and when our subject was ten years of age his father died and the family returned to Ohio, and he worked out on a farm until he was nineteen years old. In 1856 he and his mother again came to Iowa and settled on the lands his father had previously entered, where he followed farming until he came to Adams county. He was married June 20, 1861, to Miss Catherine Yakle, who was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and a daughter of Luke and Ann Eliza (Frink) Yakle, who came from Germany about the year 1835, and first settled in Virginia, then removed to Butler county, Ohio, and in 1844 came to Henry county, Iowa. Here Mr. Yakle passed the balance of his days, and his widow still resides here. In May, 1874, Mr. Casey removed to Adams county and purchased 160 acres of wild land, which he improved, and followed general farming until 1885, when he turned his attention to the growing and improving of the variety of potatoes and has since made a specialty of that line, from which be has gained a wide reputation in this and adjoining States.

Mr. and Mrs. Casey are the parents of six children: Alice J., the wife of M. J. Riley; Jonathan E., Franklin A., Leveright L., Laura R. and Charles B. Mrs. Casey is a member of the Baptist Church. Politically Mr. Casey is a Republican.

PAGE 411

A. S. BUTLER, a retired farmer of Adams county, was born in Rush county, Indiana, May 12, 1832. He is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Shannon) Butler, natives of Fleming and Shelby counties, Kentucky, respectively. The paternal grandfather came from London, England, and died in Kentucky during the war of 1812. In 1830 the parents of Mr. Butler removed from their Kentucky home to Rush county, Indiana, and settled on a tract of wild land which was cleared and improved through their efforts, aided by their children. There were seven children in the family, two of whom died in youth.

Mr. Butler was the second born, and his younger days were spent in assisting his father in the clearing and improving of the farm. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, and then began teaching school in his native State. In 1860 he went to Adams county, Illinois, where he taught for two years, returning at the end of that time to Indiana. August 13, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Thirty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and started for the South to take a part in putting down the Rebellion. He joined the company at Cowan, Tennessee, the regiment being a part of the army of the Cumberland, then stationed at Nashville, Tennessee. He was in many severe engagements, was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and witnessed the grand review which was held in Washington, District of Columbia, at the close of the war. He was honorably discharged June 22, 1865, and returned to his former home in Rush county, Indiana. After a short stay there he went to Adams county, Illinois, again, and resumed his profession, that of teaching, which he followed until he came to this county in 1871.

April 17, 1872, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Shelby, a native of Athens county Ohio, and a daughter of Wilson and Margaret (Shields) Shelby. On coming to this county he purchased 240 acres of land, which was still in the wild state in which Nature had left it. This he improved and cultivated, until it is one of the best farms in the county. In 1890 he sold this land, and is in circumstances to live comfortably the remainder of his days, and enjoy the accumulations of his

many years of labor.

Mrs. Butler departed this life May 19, 1888. She and her husband were consistent members of the United Presbyterian Church. In his political opinion Mr. Butler is an uncompromising Republican, and he is also an ardent worker in the temperance cause.

PAGE 412

FRED SCHAFROTH, one of the leading stock-raisers and farmers of Jasper township, was born in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, February 5, 1841.  He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Sutlen) Shafroth, natives of the same place.  In 1852 the family, consisting of the parents and nine children, emigrated to America and settled in Monroe county, Ohio.  There Mr. Shafroth purchased a farm and passed the remainder of his days.  He died in the spring of 1863, and his wife survived him but three weeks.

Young Shafroth was reared on a farm and attended the district school; he assisted his parents in the maintenance of the family until the breaking out of the civil war, when he enlisted August 14, 1862, in Company E, One Hundred and Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  He participated in many hard-fought battles, and did his country valiant service.  At the close of the war he was honorably discharged, June 14, 1865, and returned to his Ohio home where he resumed the occupation of agriculture.

Mr. Shafroth was united in marriage June 6, 1866, to Miss Margaret Walter, a native of Switzerland and a daughter of Jacob Walter, who emigrated from Switzerland in 1853, and settled in the state of Ohio.  In the spring of 1868 our subject came to Adams county, and settled on what is known as the Dairy Farm near Corning; there he resided until 1877, when he purchased his present farm, which contains 200 acres of good land in a high state of cultivation.  He makes a specialty of breeding short-horn cattle and Berkshire hogs.

Mr. and Mrs. Shafroth are the parents of five children: Emma M., Mary, the wife of Rev. W. C. McClelland, of Donaway township; Cora, Louis and Clara.  The family were deeply bereaved by the death of the wife and mother, which occurred January 10, 1882, at the age of thirty-seven years.

Mr. Shafroth is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party.

PAGE 412

W. M. CASHMAN, farmer and stock raiser, has been identified with the interests of Adams county since the spring of 1877. He was born in Clinton county, Ohio, July 28, 1843. and is a son of George and Rebecca J. (Murphy) Cashman; there were twelve children in the family, of

which he is the seventh. The father was a native of the State of Pennsylvania, and of German parentage; the mother was born in Ohio, and was a daughter of Jacob Murphy, one of the early settlers of Clinton county, Ohio, where he lived and died upon a farm pre-empted from the Government. The parents of Mr. Cashman died in Knox county, Illinois, the father, at the age of eighty-one years, and the mother, at the age of seventy- three. He was reared to the life of a farmer; at the age of nine years he went with his parents to Knox county, Illinois, where his youth was spent in assisting on the farm, and attending the district school. He remained under the paternal roof until he was about twenty-five years of age. He was married December 23, 1871, to Miss Lydia A. Harper, a native of Knox county, Illinois, and a daughter of Daniel Harper, who was one of the first settlers of Knox county. One child, Sarah Maud, blessed this union. In 1877, March 9, Mr. Cashman came to Adams county, Iowa, and purchased 320 acres of

land in a wild state; he at once began the task of placing it under cultivation. At that

time it was thought that tame grass would not grow on the prairie, but Mr. Cashman, firm in his conviction that such was not the case, sent to Illinois for seed, and the result of this experiment was the first tame grass grown in the county of Adams. He also brought a car-load of short-horn cattle to his farm, and has since made a specialty of raising live-stock of a high grade. His farm

consists of 240 acres of fine land, well adapted to the raising of live-stock.

Mr. Cashman was a second time married, in March, 1882, to Imogene Manrose, a native of Fulton county, Illinois, and a daughter of Burman Manrose, a native of Ohio, and a pioneer of Fulton county, Illinois. One child, Florence M., has been born of this union.

Mr. Cashman is a member of the Farmers’ Alliance.

PAGE 413

BENJAMIN MOORE was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, August 28, 1821. His father, S. J. Moore, served in the war of 1812. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and was a son of Amos Moore, who was born in Scotland, and served in the Revolutionary war. The mother of our subject was Jane (Jamison) Moore, a native of Pennsylvania. Her father, Lord John Jamison, was born in Scotland, and received a collegiate education there. After coming to America he was engaged as a teacher in Pennsylvania and Kentucky, and lived to be eighty-nine years of age. His wife was before her marriage Miss Jane Wills. In 1834 Samuel J. Moore and wife left Kentucky and moved to Putnam county, Indiana, where the mother died in 1838. The father subsequently went to Rising Sun, on the Ohio river, and from there came to Marion county, Iowa, where he died at the age of eighty- three years. He was by trade a cooper and wheelwright. Of their six sons and one daughter, only the subject of our sketch and his sister are now living. The latter, Sarah Strahan, is seventy-eight years of age. One son, Robert P. Moore, was State Attorney of Kentucky. His death occurred at Cincinnati, Ohio.

Benjamin Moore was fourteen at the time of his going to Indiana, and in that State he grew to manhood. In 1840 he came to Iowa and remained one season in Des Moines county. In the fall of that year he settled in Henderson county, Illinois, where he lived until 1856, and during that time was deputy Sheriff four years. His next move was to Adams county, Iowa. He first lived in Washington township, then in Douglas, and in 1883 settled on the farm of fifty acres in Quincy township, where he now lives. His place is well improved with good buildings, and has one of the finest orchards in the county. He has 500 trees in bearing, of which seventy-five are cherry and thirty are apricot trees. He also has a large variety of small fruits.

Mr. Moore was married in Henderson county, Illinois, in 1845, to Margaret I. Spencer, a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky, daughter of Alfred and Elinor Spencer, both natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Moore, however, was reared in Knox county, Illinois. They have nine children living, viz.: Robert A., an attorney of Kearney, Nebraska; Winfield Scott, Lincoln township, this county; Sarah Ellen, wife of John Harlow, of Kingman, Kansas; Alonzo, a lawyer of Callaway, Nebraska; Ollie J., wife of L. A. Brittan, Douglas township, this county; Curtis L., also of Douglas township; Nancy A., wife of Ed. Leach, Corning, Iowa; Alfred J., a postal clerk, and Arthur E., at home. Four of their children are deceased: Benjamin, who died at the age of ten years; Monroe, who died at the age of fourteen months, and two children that died in infancy.

Few men in the county are better known than Benjamin Moore. For forty years he has acted as auctioneer, and for eight years he was Justice of the Peace. His political affiliations are with the Republican party. Ever interested in religious matters, he has served as class-leader and Sabbath-school superintendent for many years.

PAGE 414

WILLIAM THOMAS’ livery and sale stables, Red Oak, Iowa, were established here in 1879, and have since changed hands. It is now one of the leading popular livery institutions of Red Oak. For three years previous to the present proprie[t]orship, J. P. Thomas, the father of William, was the owner and manager. The barn is located a square east of Mr. Thomas' residence, is 25 x 112 feet in dimensions, and the buggy room is fifty feet square. Every department is neat and well-arranged. Mr. Thomas keeps twenty head of good driving horses, for all classes of drivers, and splendid carriages, both single and double, and his turnouts are second to none in style and comfort.

Mr. Thomas came to this county in 1876. He was born in Louisa county, Iowa, in 1858, the son of J. t. Thomas, a well-known citizen of Red Oak; was reared to farm work and was married in January, 1880, to Mary A. Hughes, and they have two children: Etta and Louie. Mr. Thomas is a good business man, accommodating and popular. He is a member of Lodge No. 120, I. O. O. F.

PAGE 414

ROBERT DIVINE, of Red Oak, Iowa proprietor of Cold Springs, is one of the reliable, enterprising, fine stock men of Red Oak, and one of the well-known citizens of the county, having settled here in February, 1875, where he has since resided and been identified with the interests of the county.

He was born in Ireland in March, 1844, and is a son of William and Mary (Kelley) Divine. He was nine or ten years of age when his father emigrated to America and settled in New York. He grew to manhood in Washington county, New York, being reared a farmer and receiving his education in the public schools.

He was married January 12, 1870, in Washington county, to Miss Margaret Wilson, daughter of William and Jane (Wier) Wilson. She was born in Ireland, but when two years of age her parents came to New York; she was reared and educated in Washington county, New York.

Mr. Divine resided in New York until 1872, when he came to Warren county, Illinois. He resided near Kirkwood some three years, and then came to this county. He bought eighty acres of land in Grant township, where he remained five years. He then sold the farm and rented land one year. He purchased 160 acres three and a half miles from Red Oak, which he kept two years. He then sold eighty acres to a neighbor and exchanged the other eighty acres for land in

Nance county, Nebraska. His next purchase of land was 160 acres in Red Oak township. This he traded to John Hayes for the farm where he now resides—Cold Springs. The place contains 160 acres of land well improved. It is situated one mile from the city limits. Mr. Divine has a good frame house, situated on a natural and pleasant building site, from which Red Oak can be seen in the distance. He has two good barns, one 56 x 72, well arranged for stock and feed, the other 24 x 30, yards, sheds and feed lots. There are several good springs on the farm from which it derives its name; there is a modern windmill for grinding feed and pumping water; water for the house is brought by pipes to a reservoir near and is conveyed to the house.

Mr. Divine, though but a short time in the business of raising shorthorn cattle, has a good start, having secured some of John Hayes’ cattle.

Mr. Divine and wife have nine children, viz.: William James, Ella J., Andrew J., Robert H., George A., Mary Gracie, Minnie Myrtle, Maggie Belle, and Haney May.

Politically he is a Republican. He and his wife and three children are members of the United Presbyterian Church of Red Oak; he is one of the active members of the official board and an elder in the church. He is also an active worker in the Sabbath-school. He is yet in the prime of life, intelligent and one of the esteemed men of the county.

PAGE 415

WILLIAM CLARK is a member of the firm of Clark & Co., proprietors of the River Roller Mills near Red Oak. This mill was established about 1870, by Samuel Wheeler, an old-time miller of this county. It was later operated for some time by J. J. Monk. Mr. Clark leased the mill in 1882 and afterward bought out the owners. The building is a substantial one, forty feet square and about forty feet high, has a double set of rollers, with a capacity of eighty barrels a day, of first-class flour. The company therefore has a large local trade, shipping some to adjacent towns and some even to Chicago. The products of their mill give the best satisfaction everywhere they are used. The son, E. E. Clark, a practical miller of nine years' experience, is a partner.

Mr. William Clark, the senior member of the firm, came here in the spring of 1869. He was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, March 6, 1838, a son of James Clark, who was a native of Ireland and came to America when a young man, and was married in Pennsylvania, to Miss Adaline Bittinger, a native of that State. The father was a contractor and builder of pikes and public roads. Mr. Clark was reared in Adams and Franklin counties, of the Keystone State, until sixteen years of age. At the age of eighteen he went to Mt. Carroll, Illinois, where he was engaged in the wood trade and in the grocery business. In 1869 he came to Montgomery county, and opened up a new farm west of Red Oak; later he was engaged as a brick mason in this city, and afterward in the butcher's trade, and finally, in 1882, he entered the milling business. He also has a good farm and is a successful feeder of live-stock and dealer in the same.

February 7, 1861, at Mt. Carroll, Illinois, Mr. Clark was married to Miss Maria J. Adair, a native of Pennsylvania who was reared at Mt. Carroll, and they have four children, viz.: E. E., who is in company with his father; F. H., a clerk in the postoffice at Omaha; Jesse N., at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; and Nellie, at home. The family lost one by death, their fourth child, at the age of three years.

In his political sympathies, Mr. Clark is a radical Republican; in religion he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is steward, class-leader and Sunday-school worker; and his wife and three children are also members of the same church. Mr. Clark is in the prime of life, intelligent, cordial and highly respected.

PAGE 416

EAST END LIVERY, FEED AND

SALE STABLES, of Elliott, Iowa;

M. Lindsay, proprietor. This is the popular and leading livery institution of the place, where the proprietor keeps a sufficient supply of driving horses, single and double carriages, etc., and indeed everything that is needed for good turnouts. Mr. Lindsay came from Kansas and started in business here in 1889, buying out Joseph Humphries, who had had the place for a year. The barn, which is a good one and located on Main street near the hotel and depot, and convenient to all the business houses, was built by

Martin Soddars, 56 x 100 feet in dimensions and well arranged. Mr. Lindsay thoroughly understands the business, being withal kind and obliging.

He was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, April 1, 1846, a son of Henry and Sarah (Hazen) Lindsay, both natives of that State, who emigrated to Iowa when our subject was a babe, settling in Jackson county. When he became a young man he visited Erie county, Pennsylvania, and resided two years at Edinboro. Coming to Jackson county, he lived there until 1871, when he moved to Kansas, settling in Ottawa county, as a pioneer, where he took a homestead. After improving two or three farms there until 1888 he came and took his present situation.

He was married at Minneapolis, Kansas, in 1878, to Miss Elizabeth Little, who had been born and brought up in Ottawa county, Kansas, the daughter of Hugh R. Little, one of the first settlers of that county. They have had five children, three of whom are now living: Hugh Ben, Chester Milo and Archie J. Mr. Lindsay is one of the reliable and popular men of Elliott, a Republican, a member of the Masonic order, Lodge No. 493, and of the Christian Church.

PAGE 416

HIRAM KENT, an enterprising farmer of section 7, Prescott township (post-office Corning), was born in Putnam county, Indiana, April 20, 1845, the son of Moses and Dolly (Miller) Kent, natives of Vermont. The parents were married in New York State, near Buffalo, and afterward moved to Putnam county, Indiana. In 1856 the Kent family moved to Poweshiek county, Iowa, where the mother died in 1868 and the father in 1881. He was a farmer all his life. Politically he was a Republican.

Mr. Hiram Kent resided with his parents until 1882, when he purchased wild prairie land in Adams county, and he is rapidly improving it, having already one of the best farms in the neighborhood; it embraces 111 acres. The appurtenances - residence, yard, grove, barn, wells, - are sufficient in number and in good order. The house is 14 x 24 feet in dimensions, with an L 14 x 16 feet, - both parts being a story and a half high. In respect to national issues Mr. Kent is a Republican. He is a genial gentleman.

He was married in June, 1863, to Elizabeth Viretta Erip, a worthy partner for life. She was born in Missouri, a daughter of William Erip, a native of Maryland. Her mother's maiden name was Martha Arbuckle, and she died during the childhood of Mrs. Kent. Mrs. Kent was reared in Poweshiek county, Iowa. Her father lives at Marengo, Iowa, being now eighty-one years old. Mr. and Mrs. Kent have three children, namely: Clara Florence, wife of John D. Bagenstos of Poweshiek county; Mary Ann, who married Ellsworth James, and is now living in Prescott township; and Benjamin, at home. Three children died, viz.: Laura Isabelle, at the age of five and a half months; Cornelius Allen, when thirteen and a half months old; and Clinton Oscar, who died at the age of two years and four months.

PAGE 417

F. W. SCHRADER, a farmer of Nodaway township (postoffice Nodaway), was born in Germany, May 10, 1845, a son of Charles and Mary (Traft) Schrader, both natives of Germany. Mr. Schrader, whose name introduces this sketch, came to America in 1858, with two older brothers, the parents having died when F. W. was seven years old. They first settled at Buffalo,

New York, then in the country near by. Young Schrader received a good education, in both the English and the German languages. In 1871 he came to Taylor county, Iowa, and cleared a tract of land from the brush and grubs, making of it a fine farm. In 1882 he sold that place and purchased eighty acres of wild land a mile from Nodaway station, where he now lies, and which

place is now one of the best farms in the vicinity. In 1883 he built a modern resid¬ ence, 24 x 28 feet and two stories high, surrounded with beautiful scenery. All the farm appurtenances are sufficient in number and in good order.

In his views of national policy Mr. Schrader is a Democrat, and, with his wife and three of the children, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

At the age of twenty-one years he married Miss Mary Barron, a native of Pennsylvania, but reared and educated in Erie county, New York, whither her parents had moved during her childhood. Before her marriage she was a school-teacher. Her father was Ray R. Barron, a native of Pennsylvania; her mother’s maiden name was Lucy Knowlton. Mr. and Mrs. Schrader have four children, namely: Arthur A., in a wholesale house at Creston, Iowa; Cora Estella, a successful teacher; Delia Cordelia Cynthia and Herbert.

He was married in 1870, in Ralls county, Missouri, to Miss Mary Pierson, a woman of intelligence and of a good family, born in New Jersey, a daughter of Morris and Mary Ann Pierson. They have three children: Morris A., Alice and Robert S.

Mr. Schrader is a Republican in his political views, and a member of Meyerhoff Post, No.

466, G. A. R.; formerly he was a member of Thomas Lundy Post at Villisca, and he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Nodaway, to which religious body his wife and daughter also belong.

PAGE 417

JOHN F. HUMBERT, one of the progressive farmers of Jasper township, has been a resident of Adams county since 1854. He was born in France, January 4, 1837, and is a son of John and Margarett (Aubry) Humbert. At the age of thirteen years he came with his father to America, landing in the city of New Orleans. There he remained four years, spending a portion of the time in attending the common schools. In 1854, as before stated, he came to Adams county, where he assisted his father in clearing up a farm; he resided under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. He then went to Hancock county, Illinois, but after a year and a half he returned again to Adams county. He and his brother purchased his father's farm, and also the live-stock; as they had little means to pay down, they had a struggle for some time, but by hard work and good management they met their obligations as they became due; they lived economically, and were soon out of debt.

Mr. Humbert was united in marriage January 22, 1862, to Miss Susan Jane McMahan, a native of Johnson county, Missouri, and a daughter of Moses and Mary (Taylor) McMahan. The parents were formerly from Tennessee, but removed to Missouri in 1853. After his marriage our esteemed subject settled on the farm he had bought of his father, where he resided for a period of five years. In 1867 he traded it for a tract of eighty acres of unimproved land, the residence being a small log cabin. This place he improved, and as his means would permit he invested in other land, until he now owns eighty acres in section 11, eighty acres in section 16, and forty acres in section 10, all of which is well improved and under excellent cultivation.

Mr. and Mrs. Humbert are the parents of five children: Mary, the wife of R. J. Mahe, of Corning; Margaret, wife of Peter Gerard, of Mercer township; Frank, a farmer in this township; Samuel, also a farmer, and William. Mr. Humbert has served as school director for several years, is a self-made man, and a good citizen in every sense of the word.

PAGE 418

JAMES J. HAMILTON, one of the well known pioneer farmers of section 34, Nodaway township (postoffice Nodaway), was born in county Tyrone, Ireland, on March 23, 1823, the son of James and Jane (Fife) Hamilton, natives of the same county. Mr. Hamilton, our subject, was reared to

farm life in his native country. In 1841 he emigrated to the New World, sailing from Londonderry, Ireland, to St. John, New Brunswick, thence down the coast to Boston and to New York, where he obtained work on a farm. During the war he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Sixty-eighth New York Infantry Volunteers, and served about a year, being in action in ten different States. His company went to New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Yorktown and in the raid after General Lee made an attempt to enter Pennsylvania. He was honorably discharged,

and returned to his home in Orange county. New York. He lived there until 1867, and then came to Iowa and purchased eighty acres of land, where only a few acres had been broken and a log-cabin built. This constitutes a portion of his present fine farm of 160 acres, well improved and furnished with all the appurtenances, in good order, essential to a first-class, rural home. The residence is a modern frame house, 16 x 24, with L 14 x 20, and one and one-half stories

high; the barn is 16x40, and the granary 14 x 16. Native shade-trees and an orchard also grace the premises. With reference to national questions Mr. Hamilton takes Democratic views, but for local offices he votes for the “ best men.” He and his wife belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and are exemplary members of society, kind and hospitable to all.

Mr. Hamilton was married in Orange county, New York, at the age of thirty-five years, to Miss Sarah Jane Kelley, a worthy help-mate to her husband. She was born, reared and educated in Ireland, a daughter of James Kelley, who was killed by an accident when she was a child. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have an adopted son, named William Lawrence Hamilton.

PAGE 419

E. M. REICHARDT, a prominent farmer residing on section 22, Nodaway township, was born at Altenberg, Saxony, February 4, 1852, the third of the four sons of Godfrey and Ida Wilhelmine (Kuenstler) Reichardt, natives also of Saxony. His father died January 2, 1877, in Saxony, and his mother is still living, aged sixty-nine years. From the age of fourteen to seventeen years he served as apprenticeship at the glazier's trade, and then emigrated to America, landing at New York, October 30, 1869. After spending six weeks visiting an aunt he came to Bureau county, Illinois, where he worked upon a farm and attended school, according to the season, for about four years, when, in 1880, he came to Adams county. For the first three years here he made his home with his brother, A. F. He then married and settled upon his present farm, which he had bought in 1875, and which is one of the best in the neighborhood. The house, 14 x 24, one and one-half stories high, is erected upon a beautiful site and surrounded with a fine lawn, ornamented with trees, etc., and a barn and out-buildings, etc., are well arranged and in good trim, all constituting good evidence of the thrift of the proprietor. On national questions Mr. Reichardt is a zealous Republican. In religion he was reared a Lutheran, and his wife a Methodist. Mr. Reichardt is a well informed citizen, and frank and cordial in his manner.

He was married November 29, 1883, in Jasper township, this county, to Miss Elizabeth Storch, a popular and successful teacher, born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Leonard and Mary (Krieger) Storch. By this marriage there are two sons, namely: Chester Otto, born July 29, 1886, and Albert Godfrey, February 22, 1890. One child died in infancy.

PAGE 419

JAMES WHITE, a well-to-do farmer of section 35, Nodaway township, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, near Zanesville, May 17, 1849, a son of Alfred White, a favorably-known pioneer of that county who was born in Pennsylvania, of English ancestry. Mr. Alfred White was married in Ohio to Eliza Devoll, who died when the son, our subject, was a lad of fifteen years old. Afterward he was again married. He improved a farm of 360 acres, in Nodaway township, and a few years before his death moved to Brooks, where he died.

Mr. James White, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm in Nodaway township, obtaining his schooling in the pioneer log- schoolhouse. After his marriage he left his parental home and worked rented land three years; then, in 1859, purchased ninety acres of his present farm of Milton Ritchie, who had improved the place. Since then he has added by further purchases, until he now owns 250 acres. His home farm contains 130 acres, and there are 120 acres in two lots on section 36. Twenty acres are timber land. His home place is one of the finest farms in Adams county. A good stream of water runs through the farm. The residence, barn and other buildings and appurtenances all show the prosperity and good judgment of the owner. In his political views he has always been a Democrat, and as a citizen he is one of the solid men of Adams county. Mrs. White belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

In April, 1871, in this county, Mr. White married Miss Agnes, a daughter of George Bowers, of Nodaway township. Of their eight children four died in infancy. The living are: Hattie, Etta, Felbert and Ora.

PAGE 420

ED. BYCROFT, a successful farmer and favorably known citizen of section 36, Nodaway township, bought land there of the railroad in 1873, and two years afterward broke it, and since 1876 he has resided there.

He was born in Lincolnshire, England, May 1, 1833, a son of John and Eliza (Ward) Bycroft, natives also of that shire. His father was a laboring man all his life, and reared to years of maturity four sons and two daughters, three of whom emigrated to the United States and three remained in England. Mr. Bycroft, our subject, sailed from Liverpool in 1866 to New York, and went to Henderson county, Illinois, where he had a brother living, and was employed there two years in ditching, well- digging and in hedging. The brothers bought a team and farming outfit, and worked rented farms till 1876, when our subject came to Adams county. For his present farm he paid $16 an acre for a portion, and $14 an acre for the rest. He first built a small frame house, which is now used for a kitchen. His present residence he built in 1890. It is a fine modern house, 16 x 20 feet in ground area, with 14-foot posts, and well arranged, in Southern style, and nicely situated on a natural building site a few rods from the road, and surrounded with a beautiful grove of trees, - maple, cottonwood, Lombardy poplar, box-elder and elm. There is also an orchard of small fruit, barn and other outbuildings and farm conveniences. He owns 180 acres of land, constituting one of the best farms in the neighborhood.

At the age of twenty-four years, in Lincolnshire, England, he married Jane Proctor, a daughter of Richard and Eliza Proctor, and they have four sons and two daughters, namely: Eliza, John, William, Anna, Eddy and George.

In his political sympathies Mr. Bycroft is with the "Greenback" party. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

PAGE 420

EVERETT B. WILMARTH, a highly respected farmer of section 30, Quincy township, since 1865, was born in Kennebec county, Maine, March 16, 1831, the son of J. P. Wilmarth, a native of Massachusetts. The latter married Nancy Noyes, also a native of the Bay State. He was a cotton manufacturer, moved to Massachusetts when his son, our subject, was six years of age, and afterward to Utica, New York.

The subject of this sketch finished his schooling at Whitestown Seminary, then taught school, and in 1856, moved to Henry county, Illinois, where he lived until 1865; then he came to Adams county, settling in Colony township, where he improved a farm. He was principal of the Quincy schools one year, when that town was the county seat and the metropolis of southwestern Iowa for about fifty miles around. In 1868 he settled as a pioneer on the place where he now resides. Altogether he owns 260 acres of improved land. His home farm is well furnished with the arrangements and equipments necessary for convenience and comfort.

He was married in 1853, at Utica, Oneida county, New York, to Miss Lizzie, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Roberts) Armstrong. Mr. Armstrong was Scotch, and his wife a native of Devonshire, England. Mr. Wilmarth has three sons, viz.: Warren L., of Quincy township; Myron, a popular and successful teacher, residing at home; and Willard, who is married and resides on section 31, Quincy township. Two children died: Maria, at the age of eighteen months; and Myron F., at two years and four months.

Politically Mr. Wilmarth is a Republican, and he has faithfully and satisfactorily served as Assessor of his township for seven terms. Both himself and Mrs. Wilmarth are members of the North Class, Corning Circuit, Methodist Episcopal Church.

PAGE 421

PHILIP GADD, a farmer of section 4, Quincy township (postoffice Corning), is a favorably known citizen, having been here since August, 1871. He was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, November 13, 1838, a son of James Gadd and remotely of English ancestry. James was a son of Jasper Gadd, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Philip's mother's name before marriage was Hannah Fount, and she too was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. James Gadd brought up seven children. He was all his life a Democrat, and in religion an attendant at the Protestant Episcopal Church. In 1863 Philip went to Adams county, Ohio. June 25, 1863, he enlisted in the First Ohio Heavy Artillery, and served two years, being honorably discharged in August, 1865. His regiment was stationed most of the time at Johnson's Island. After the war he went to McLean county, Illinois, settling at Funk's Grove, nine miles south of Bloomington, and on one of Funk's farms. Remaining there until 1871, he came to this county. Here he purchased eighty acres of wild land, which constitutes his present fine farm. His house if 14 x 24 feet in ground area, and one story and a half high, with an L 16 x 32 feet and one story. The lawn is beautiful, dotted over as it is with pines, cedars and shrubs, and there is an orchard of small fruits. The barn and other outbuildings are substantial and well arranged. In his political views Mr. Gadd is a Republican, and in religion a member of the Christian Church at Prescott. He also belongs to Campbell Post, No. 170, G. A. R., in which he has held the office of Quartermaster.

He was married in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, November 19, 1860, to Miss Martha Thomas, a native of that county, and a daughter of Joseph and Anna Thomas, natives also of Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Evangelical Church at Mount Etna. Mr. and Mrs. Gadd have seven children, namely: Lizzie, wife of T. E. L. Bishop, of Minneapolis, Kansas; Joshua, of Marysville, same State; Joel, of Warren county, Illinois; Willie, of Kansas; Naomi, of Brooks, Iowa; and Gracie and Jesse, at home. Jonas Orvey died at the age of eighteen months.

PAGE 421

FRED WALTER, deceased, late an honored resident of Nodaway township, was born in Berne, Switzerland, October 17, 1835, a son of Jacob Walter, who was a son of Jacob Walter, Sr. The name of his mother before marriage was Susanna Tymon. His ancestors were all natives of Switzerland.

At the age of eighteen years Mr. Walter came to America, settling in Monroe county, Ohio. In 1868 he came to Adams county and rented land for six years, and then purchased the place which he occupied the remainder of his days, dying in 1886, a believer in the Reformed Protestant Church and in politics a Democrat. The homestead is a fine, well equipped farm, containing 135 acres of rich land, well adapted for stock and grain raising. Mrs. Walter has nine children, namely: Mary Louisa, now the wife of Ezra O. Tapert of Nodaway township; Amelia, now Mrs. Joseph Shields of Brooks, Iowa; Matilda, who lives at Denver, Colorado; Mary Ann, at home; Susanna, now the wife of Alfred Moser of Nodaway township; and Franklin, Effie, Rodalle and Charlie, - all at home. One child, John Frederick, died in February, 1887, at the age of twenty-three years. Mrs. Walter and six of the children are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

PAGE 422

CHARLES PICKETT, a leading citizen of Jasper township, was born in Onondaga county, New York, June 16,1838, the son of Hiram Pickett, who was born in the same county, of Irish ancestry. In an early day two brothers came from Ireland, one settling in Virginia, from whom the

Confederate General Pickett descended, and the other in New York. Mr. Pickett’s mother, whose name before marriage was Harriet Pulsifer, was of a Scotch family.

Charles was eight years old when his parents removed to Wisconsin, settling in La Fayette county. Many years afterward they moved to Green county, that State, where they shortly afterward died, the father at the age of sixty-six years: he was a farmer all his life. The mother died also at the same age. They reared five sons and one daughter, of whom Charles was the

fourth in order of birth. He was brought up a farmer, as a farmer’s son. In 1864 he enlisted in Company C, Fiftieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out in June, 1866, being honorably discharged when he was Second Sergeant of his company.

After the war he returned to Wisconsin and engaged in trade at Riverside, La Fayette county, and continued there seven years. Then in 1873 he came to Iowa, locating in Cass county, but made Corning his trading point. In the spring of 1880 he settled on his present farm in Jasper township. It contains 200 acres of good land, and is a fine place. He has a good frame house, 18 x 28 feet in dimensions and one and three-fourths stories high, with an L 16 x 22 and one story high. The premises are attractive. Ten acres are in orchard. The barn is 18 x 32 feet, with sixteen-foot posts. The other outbuildings are well arranged. A modern windmill supplies water for the live-stock. He has just completed a stock barn, 40x60 feet, and eighteen feet high.

February 14, 1859, is the date of his first marriage, when he wedded Miss Charlotte Pickett, and they had three children, as follows: S. C., a dealer in musical instruments at Corning; A. W., a dealer in agricultural implements at the same place; and Charlotte, the wife of Ed. Miller, of Jasper township. Mrs. Charlotte Pickett died January 3, 1870, and April 28, 1873, Mr. Pickett married Miss Elizabeth Jane Jackson, of Riverside, Wisconsin, and by this marriage there are

Hiram D., Bambena Amytis, Enos Roscoe, Harriet Lucretia, Ella May, Mary Esther and Charles J.

In regard to national matters Mr. Pickett is a Republican. While in Cass county he served on the Board of Supervisors three years, with credit and honor. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Pickett was made a Mason at Riverside, Wisconsin, in 1869, and was one of the charter members of Mt. Etna Lodge, and served as its Master. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the "Republic at Corning. He is a popular man, being a gentleman of refined principles.

PAGE 423

JOHN B. HOWIE, a farmer of section 4, Grant township, Adams county (post office Prescott) came to this country in the spring of 1877. Like many of Adams county’s intelligent and successful citizens, he is a native of Scotland, born in Ayrshire, March 8, 1884, a son of John B. Howie, a farmer, who is a native of the same country, and nee Margaret Logan; they are still living—the father aged eighty-eight years and the mother ninety seven. Their ancestors were prominent as “ Covenanters.”

Of their family of four sons and four daughters, the subject of this sketch is the eldest. His early youth was spent at farm work, and later he learned the trade of machinist at Glasgow. April 13, 1858, he married Miss Jane Hill, a native of the same shire and a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Kettle) Hill, both also natives of Scotland. Her father died in middle life, but the mother at the age of 100 years. In 1872 Mr. Howie, our present subject, emigrated to America, settling in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where for eighteen months he engaged in coal-mining. Then he went to Five Lakes, Michigan, near Lapeer, where he was employed at millwrighting for six weeks. Next he moved to Clay county, Indiana, and was employed two years in engineering; then followed mining and prospecting in this State, and operated a coal mine, and finally, December 22, 1877, he settled in Grant township, Adams county, first on D. McAfee farm for three years, then on the Weaver farm, and finally at his present place. This he purchased when it was wild land, at $25 an acre. It is now in good cultivation and a fine farm. Indeed, he cultivates more thoroughly, and raises more grain per acre than any other man in the township. In 1890 his corn ground yielded seventy-five bushels to the acre, and potatoes 300 bushels. His

house is 16x36 feet, with twelve foot studding, the barn 18x50, also with twelve-foot posts; besides, he has sheds, cribs, yards, feed-lots, etc. The farm comprises 147 acres, separated into fields.

Mr. Howie has five children, namely: Mary, at home; James, who is a brakeman for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Company and resides at Creston, married and has three sons and one daughter; John, a machinist at Creston, married and has two daughters; Thomas, living also at Creston, and Margaret, the wife of William Manrose, in Grant township. Mr. and Mrs.

Howie are also bringing up two adopted children, James and Sarah Finley. They lost one child by death, who was born in Clay county, Indiana, and died in her fourth year. In politics Mr. Howie is Independent, and in religion a Presbyterian; is especially active in Sunday-school work.

PAGE 423

WILLIAM B. SELEY.—This gentleman was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, in 1833, son of Joseph and Levina (Loper) Seley. His father was born in Pennsylvania, on the Susquehanna river, and was of Scotch ancestry, while his mother was of English extraction and a native of New Jersey. Both died and are buried in Crawford county, Pennsylvania. The father passed away at the age of seventy-five years. He was a farmer all his life; in politics a Democrat; and in religion, a Baptist. Their family was composed of eleven children, of whom William B. was the seventh son.

Mr. Seley grew up on a farm in his native State, receiving an ordinary education in the common schools, which was afterward supplemented by study and reading at home. This reading he has continued all through life, has gained a general store of useful knowledge, and is well posted on the topics of the day. Mr. Seley remained in Pennsylvania, engaged in agricultural pursuits, until 1860, when he moved to Henry county, Illinois, spending four years there. At the end of that time he returned to Pennsylvania, and a year later came west again, this time to Union county, Iowa, where he was one of the early settlers of the county and an important factor in its growth and development. In 1877 he disposed of his interests there and came to Adams county. He came to his present farm, 160 acres in section 12, Carl township, in 1883. From its wild state he has brought it up to a high development. His cottage home is erected on a natural building site and near by are his orchard and grove. Here he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, assisted by his sons.

In Crawford county, Pennsylvania, at the age of twenty-three years, he wedded Miss Lucretia Finlay, who was born, reared and educated in the Keystone State. Her father, William Finlay, was born in Ireland and was only six months old when he arrived in Pennsylvania, where he was reared. Her mother, Rebecca Finlay, nee Taylor, was a native of Crawford county, that State. Mr. and Mrs. Seley have had born to them sixteen children, eight sons and eight daughters, eleven of whom are now living, namely: Thomas B., of Creston, Iowa; Jennie, a successful teacher of Carl township, this county; Willie E., of Adair county, Iowa; Ed. F., of Creston, engaged in business with his brother Thomas B.; Minnie, wife of Joseph Fisher; Mary, who is attending the Creston high school; and Joseph F., Samuel L., Della W., Gifford W. and Gracie Mabel, at home. Ed. F. is a graduate of the Creston high school and was the recipient of a gold medal.

Politically Mr. Seley is a People's man, believing in the best measures and best laws for the greatest number of people. He and his wife and daughter Mary are members of the Congregational church.

 

PAGE 424

JESSE MADISON, a successful and enterprising farmer of Adams county, resides on 120 acres of land in section 18, Carl township. He came here in 1871, and has since made this place his home.

Mr. Madison was born in henry county, Indiana, in 1840, son of John F. and Jane (Roberts) Madison. His father is a native of the South and is of Irish extraction; has been a farmer all his life, is now seventy- eight years of age, retired from active life, and resides at Corning, Iowa. The mother was born and reared in Indiana, and died in Adams county, Iowa, at the age of fifty-two years. John F. Madison is the father of twelve children.

The subject of our sketch spent his youth on a farm in Indiana, and received his education in the common schools. At the age of nineteen he came to Iowa and spent one year in Polk county. He then went to Madison county, lived there until 1871, and from that place came to his present location. Here he settled on wild land, which he has since improved and developed into a fine farm, with grove, orchard, good buildings, fences, etc. The District No. 4 schoolhouse is located on the southeast corner of his farm.

Mr. Madison was married in Madison county, Iowa, to Miss Nancy Farris, a native of Missouri. Her father, Charles Farris, was a pioneer of Madison county. Following is the issue from this union: Charles Wesley, who is married and lives in Colony township, this county; Lucy, wife of W. West, resides in Carl township; John F., Alpheus Levi and Edith A., at home. One child, Chrissie, died at the age of three years. Mr. and Mrs. Madison and two of the children are members of the Evangelical Church of Mount Etna. He votes with the Republican party, and has served as a member of the School Board. A man in the prime of life, possessing a strong physique, frank and cordial in his intercourse with his fellow men, and honorable in all his dealings, Mr. Madison is regarded by all who know him as a most worthy citizen.

PAGE 425

JAMES S. McCALL, section 11, Carl township, is one of the pioneers of Adams county, he having located here in 1866. Occupying, as he does, a position among the early settlers, lie is justly entitled to appropriate mention in the history of his county.

James S. McCall was born in Fulton county, Illinois, March 24,1840. His father, James McCall, was born in Tennessee, May 20, 1811, sou of James, Sr., who was a native of the South and of Irish extraction, and Martha Shaw McCall, of Tennessee. The father of our subject was thirteen years old when he went to Park county, Indiana. He subsequently went to Fulton county, Illinois,

where, at the age of twenty-four, he was united in marriage with Mary D. Beadles, a native of Kentucky. He and his wife moved to Iowa in 1858. In 1857 they located in Adair county, this State, and there, in 1879’ the wife died, aged fifty-seven years. Thirteen children were born to them, seven sons and six daughters. Of these ten are yet living: James S., Hattie I., W. R., Mary E., Joseph Gr., Elijah T., Lindsey F., Viah Iola, Walter A. and Eva L. John settled in Missouri and is supposed to have died in the array. Sarah and Martha are the names of the other deceased. W. R. was a member of the Twenty-ninth Iowa Regiment and served eighteen months. He now lives in Adair county. James McCall now lives with his son, James S. In his youth he received only a limited education, enough, however, to enable him to teach school in those days. He served as Justice of the Peace for some time in Fulton county, Illinois, and for a number of years was an Elder in the Christian church. He has passed an active and useful life and is now numbered among the octogenarians.

The subject of our sketch was reared on a farm in his native county, and at the age of seventeen came to Iowa. August 15, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He served with bravery all through the war and was honorably discharged at New Orleans, being mustered out at Davenport, Iowa. He then returned to Adair county, and in the spring of 1866 came to Adams county and settled on his present farm, which was then wild

land. At this writing he has a well cultivated farm, with a story and a half cottage a grove and orchard and other substantial improvements. Mr. McCall’s father is the pioneer sorghum maker in this vicinity, he having made the first sorghum here in 1858, and in this business the son has been engaged every season since. On one occasion James S. manufactured 1,500 gallons.

Mr. McCall was married in 1861 to Miss E. A. Brewer, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Wilson and Parmelia (Mapes) Brewer. Her parents now reside in the State of Washington. Mr. and Mrs. McCall have seven children, namely: Charles W., Thomas A., Fred, James W., Hattie M., Effie May and Franklin H.

Mr. McCall cast his first vote for President Lincoln, and has ever since given his support to the Republican party. He is a member of the G. H. Waggner Post, No. 535, G. A. R., of Prescott; is also a member of the Farmers’ Alliance.

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JOHN RUDISIL, Jr., was born in Marion county, Indiana, near Indianapolis, December 19, 1845, son of John Rudisil, Sr. The latter was born in Maryland, in 1812, while his father, George Rudisil, was participating in the war of 1812. The grandfather was of German extraction, and was also a native of Maryland. John Rudisil, St., was reared in his native State, and in 1838 went to Indiana, where, in 1843, he married Miss Nancy Bellis, a native of Kentucky and daughter of John Bellis, who was born in the Old Dominion. In 1863 he came with his family to Iowa and settled in Madison county, where he lived four years. At the end of that time he removed to Adams county. Here he improved a farm and has since lived, he and his wife being now residents of Carl. They have five children, namely: George, John, Jr., William, Charles and Anna.

The subject of our sketch grew up on a farm in Indiana and received his education in the public schools of that State. He was eighteen when he came to Iowa. In 1866 he located in Adams county, and in 1877 settled on his present farm in section 2, Carl township. No improvements of any kind had then been made here, and since that time he has developed a fine farm. It contains 120 acres, is well improved with good buildings, fences, grove, orchard, etc. His orchard contains a hundred bearing trees and small fruits of all kinds.

Mr. Rudisil was married in Carl township, this county, in March, 1869, to Rebecca J. Scott, daughter of D. C. Scott, a pioneer of this county, prominent mention of whom will be found elsewhere in this book. Mrs. Rudisil was reared and educated in this county. Two children have been born to them: Ada Belle and Elbert E.

Mr. Rudisil is a Republican, and has served officially in Carl township. He is a member of the Congregational Church and a deacon in the same; is also active in Sabbath-school work, being assistant superintendent. He is a most worthy citizen, and one whose influence is ever felt for good. Any movement, educational, religious or otherwise, that has for its object the advancement of the best interests of the community is sure to find in him an earnest support.

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GEORGE W. LEIGH, one of the enterprising and successful young farmers of Carl township, came to Adams county in 1875.

Mr. Leigh was born in Oneida county, New York, December 31, 1860. His father, Charles Leigh, deceased, was born in Rensselaer county, that State, son of John Leigh, who was of German extraction. The wife of Charles Leigh and the mother of George W. was before her marriage Miss Frances Huntington. She was born, reared and educated in Rensselaer county, New York. The subject of our sketch was four years old when his parents came to Cedar county, Iowa, and located near Clarence. There the family lived until 1875, when the father came to Adams county and purchased a farm of John Chatman. On this farm, which is located in section 11, Carl township, George W. now lives. Here the father died, aged sixty years. He had been engaged in the lumber business most of his life, operating saw-mills, building and contracting, and was a successful business man. Politically he was a Republican. The mother died in Cedar county. They reared a family of three sons and one daughter, viz.: Adella, wife of Alfred Ballou, who resides in Carl township, this county; George W., whose name heads this biography; Perry, who died at the age of twenty-four years, and Eugene, also a resident of Carl township.

George W. Leigh spent his youth at farm work and received his education in Cedar county. As already stated, he now resides on the old homestead, where he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He is a man of intelligence, is well informed on the topics of the day, is frank and cordial with all, and adheres to the strictest integrity in his business dealings. Although a young man, he is regarded as one of the substantial citizens of Carl township.

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DAVID C. SCOTT.—This gentleman, who has long been identified with the interests of Adams county, was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, January 4, 1818. His father, John Scott, a native of Virginia, removed from the Old Dominion to Kentucky at an early day. Of his five daughters and five sons, David C. was the ninth-born and the youngest son. The latter went from Kentucky to Putnam county, Indiana, in 1843, and from there in 1849, to Monroe county, Iowa, where he lived until the spring of 1855, when he came to Adams county, settling in Carl township, when it and Colony township were embraced in one.

In Putnam county, Indiana, March 1, 1843, Mr. Scott was married to Margaret Perkins, who was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, August 18, 1818, daughter of Thomas Perkins, of Kentucky. Only one child has been born to them, Rebecca J., who is now the wife of John Rugesal, a resident of Carl township.

Mr. Scott owns 173 acres of land in Adams county, 160 acres of which are in section 12, Carl township, and the remainder joining to and in the town of Nevinville, all of which is well improved and in a good state of cultivation. He settled on his farm in Carl township at a date that entitles him to claim the distinction of being the oldest settler here. He and his estimable wife are now enjoying the rest and comfort to which they are entitled, in a cozy home with many pleasant surroundings, in Nevinville. Here he has a good orchard and plenty of small fruit. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were members of the first class ever organized in the township and the second in the county. He has been called upon to serve the township in the capacity of Clerk two terms, Assessor one year and other minor township offices.

Mr. Scott has lived to see Adams county changed from a wild waste to the beautiful and highly-cultivated county it now is; has seen the trees he planted with his own hands grow to a diameter of four feet; and has noted the passage of the Indian and deer to make room for the advance of civilization. During all these years he has done much to promote the best interests of the community, and now in his old age is surrounded by many friends and enjoys the respect of all who know him.

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ROBERT M. CREIGHTON was born in Stark county, Ohio, April 2, 1835, son of James and Elizabeth (Sidle) Creighton, the former a native of Ireland, and the latter born in Pennsylvania, the daughter of German parents. Mr. Creighton was brought up to farm work in his native county, and received a limited education in the public schools. In 1855 he went to Stark county, Illinois, where he lived for some years. His father died in Ohio at the age of eighty-eight years. He was a farmer all his life. Politically he was a Whig, and religiously a Presbyterian, having served for many years as a deacon in the church. The mother died at Indianola, Warren county, Iowa, in 1885, aged seventy-six years. They reared a large family, and five of their sons served in the late war. Robert M. enlisted in August, 1862, in the One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, and served until he was honorably discharged, June 20, 1865. He was in the battles of Knoxville, Resaca, Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, Wilmington (North Carolina), and the East Tennessee raid. For ten months he served as a cavalryman. At Knoxville, Tennessee, his horse falling, he received serious injury to his right leg, from the effects of which he has never recovered. He now receives a small pension.

After the war Mr. Creighton returned to Illinois and engaged in farming in Knox county. In 1881 he came to Adams county, Iowa, and bought the old Robinson farm, as it was called, and here he has since lived. This farm is located in section 12, Carl township, and comprises eighty acres of rich land. It has a nice grove and orchard and other improvements.

September 13, 1866, in Stark county, Ohio, Mr. Creighton wedded Miss Nancy Jane McIlravy. Her father, Hugh C. McIlravy, was born in Ireland, came to America in 1812, and died at Victoria, Illinois, at the age of eighty-nine years. Her mother, nee Ellen Quigley, a native of Pennsylvania, died March 28, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Creighton have three children: Elizabeth Ellen, William M. and Ida K. J. Miss Elizabeth E. is a member of the Congregational Church.

Mr. Creighton affiliates with the Republican party, and is a member of the G. A. R., Post No. 35.

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DAVID McILRAVY was born in Harrison county, Ohio, February 1, 1829. His father, Hugh McIlravy, was a native of county Antrim, Ireland, and a son of Hugh C., also a native of that county. The family came to America in 1812 and settled in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where the grandfather of our subject died. Hugh McIlravy learned the trade of bricklayer, which he followed for a number of years. He married Ellen Quigley, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of John Quigley. In 1868 he moved to Knox county, Illinois, where he died at the age of eighty-eight years and eight days. His education had been received in the schools of Ireland, and after his arrival in this country he was in politics a Whig and later a Republican; in religion, a Presbyterian, having served as elder of the church for more than forty years. His wife had preceded him to the other world, her death having occurred in Harrison county, Ohio, in 1863. Their family consisted of six sons and one daughter, of whom two sons and the latter are now living, viz.: Robert, of Knox county, Illinois; David, our subject; and Nancy Jane Creighton, Carl township, this county.

David McIlravy was reared on a farm in Harrison county, Ohio, and educated in the public schools of the Buckeye State. He was married in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, June 27, 1865, to Miss Sarah Elizabeth True, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Masters) True. Her father was born in Delaware, a son of Thomas True, of Scotch ancestry, and her mother in Tuscarawas, Ohio, daughter of Isaac Masters. They had seven children, one son and six daughters. The mother died in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, when Mrs. McIlravy was ten years old, and her father still lives at that place, at this writing, aged seventy-five years. He is an honored citizen of Tuscarawas county, and a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. McIlravy lived in Ohio, engaged in farming until 1865, when he moved to Knox county, Illinois, and settled near Victoria. In 1880 he came to Adams county, Iowa, and bought his present farm in section 4, Carl township. By the expenditure of much time and labor he has highly improved his farm until it is ranked among the best in the township. His dwelling, a story and a half cottage, with bay windows and porches, beautifully located and surrounded with fine lawn and shade trees, is one of the attractive places to be seen in this vicinity. A three-acre orchard, grove and 100 rods of Osage hedge are among the other improvements which enhance the value of this property.

Mr. and Mrs. McIlravy have six children, whose names are as follows: Mary E., wife of James Arnold of this county; William Q., Isaac Homer, John D., Chauncy R. and Olin Fremont. They lost one son, Charlie, who died in Knox county, Illinois, at the age of sixteen months. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics he affiliates with the Republican party.

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ALLEN PIATT has been a resident of Adams county, Iowa, for twenty years and is one of the well-known and reliable citizens of Carl township. A resume of his life is herewith given:

Allen Piatt was born in Butler county, Ohio, November 17, 1826, son of Jacob Piatt, a native of Penn valley, Pennsylvania. His grandfather, Abram Piatt, was a Revolutionary soldier and the son of a Frenchman. The mother of Allen Piatt was before her marriage Miss Jane Thompson, a native of Juniata valley, Pennsylvania, a daughter of James Thompson, who was also born in

Pennsylvania. The late Hon. Joseph McDonald, of Indiana, was a first cousin of Allen Piatt. The parents of our subject moved from Pennsylvania to Butler county, Ohio, where they lived until 1842. That year they moved to Henry county, Illinois, and settled six miles south of Cambridge,

where they passed the rest of their lives, the mother dying some years before the father. The latter wedded a second wife. By his first marriage he had three children and by the second four. His life was spent on a farm. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a Presbyterian.

The subject of our sketch was reared on the farm, and his education obtained in the common schools. In 1859 he went to California, making the long and tedious journey across the plains with ox teams, returning in 1862, via the Isthmus of Panama, having spent the intervening time engaged in mining and farming in California and in Carson valley, Nevada. In 1867 he moved to Dallas county, Iowa, where he lived four years, at the end of which time, in 1871, he located in Adams county. He first settled on 160 acres of land, the farm on which Mr. A. Putnam now lives. This he subsequently exchanged for his present farm, formerly owned by Mr. A. Webel. It contains 120 acres and is well improved with good buildings, grove, orchard, etc., the general appearance of the place indicating the thrift and enterprise of the owner.

Mr. Piatt was, on November 27, 1862, in Illinois, united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Rogers, who was born in Ripley county, Indiana,daughter of Elijah and Nancy (Beach) Rogers, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Kentucky. Her father is now a resident of Holstein, Ida county, Iowa. Her mother was a daughter of James Beach and a descendant of English ancestry. She died in Kansas in 1880. Mrs. Piatt was reared in Rock Island county, Illinois. The children born to them are as follows: Homer, a resident of Omaha, Nebraska; Ella, wife of Eugene Dudley, of Creston, Iowa, and Wilmuth, Frank and Rachel. The parents and three oldest children, are members of the Evangelical Church.

In politics Mr. Piatt’s views are in harmony with Democratic principles. He has served the public as township trustee and as a member of the school board. He is one of the substantial citizens of the township, and one whose influence is always felt for good in the community where he lives.

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JOHN W. JONES is one of the early settlers of Carl township, a highly respected and esteemed citizen and an ex soldier of the late war. He came to Adams county, Iowa, in 1875, and has since made this place his home.

Mr. Jones is a native of Champaign county, Ohio, born March 28, 1837, son of john and Mary (Laferty) Jones. Grandfather Jones was of Welsh extraction, and was among the early pioneers of Champaign county. The parents of our subject, both natives of Champaign county, passed their lives there and die in the same neighborhood where they were born. The father died July 15, 1876, at the age of seventy-one years; the mother died September 18, 1884, at the age of seventy-six years and eight months. They reared a family of seven children. The father was a farmer by occupation; in politics a Whig and later a Republican; in religion a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as was also his wife, and he was a class-leader of the church a great many years.

The subject of our sketch grew up on his father's farm and received his education in the public schools of his native county. During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted, May 3, 1864, in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio Infantry, volunteers, and served four months. His regiment was stationed at Cumberland, Maryland, and at Bermuda Hundred, on the James river. He was honorably discharged in August, 1864, at Columbus, Ohio. Returning to his home, he engaged in farming. In 1869 he moved to Clinton, De Witt county, Illinois, and subsequently to Douglas county, that State, locating near Tuscola. In 1875 he came to Iowa and settled on his present farm, 120 acres, section 25, then all wild land. As a result of Mr. Jones' well directed efforts his farm has been brought up to a high standard of development, and now ranks favorably with the best farms in this vicinity. His first home here, a box house, 16 x 16 feet, with a room in the loft, served its purpose then, but has been replaced by a modern cottage of seven rooms, tastefully furnished and complete in all its requirements. A beautiful lawn, dotted over with ornamental shrubs and trees surrounds the house. Everything necessary for the successful carrying on of farming operations is found here - good barn and outbuildings, fine pond, stock scales, etc. His farm is well stocked, he being especially interested in a high grade of cattle.

Mr. Jones was married in De Witt county, Illinois, February 29, 1860, to Miss Sarah E. Hendricks, a native of Vermont. She was four years old when her parents moved to Ohio, where she grew up and received her education. Her father and mother, Moses and Lucy (Hall) Hendricks, both died in Clinton, De Witt county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have four children: John H., who married Miss Mary E. Wallace, October 6, 1886, and lives in Carl township, this county; Mary Elizabeth, Charles W. and William C. Their second child Samuel A., born September 17, 1862, was accidentally killed August 30, 1867, aged five years.

Mr. Jones is a Republican, and he and his wife and daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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D. B. DENSENBERRY has been a resident of Adams county since 1876, and is one of the representative farmers of the county. A brief sketch of his life with mention of his ancestry is as follows:

D. B. Densenberry was born in West Virginia, September 27, 1857. His father, George Densenberry, was born in Virginia on the farm where he now lives and where he has passed his life. Grandfather Henry Densenberry, a native of the Old Dominion and a son of German parents, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and for service rendered received a land warrant. The mother of our subject is Alcinda Densenberry, a native of West Virginia. She and her husband reared a family of nine children, eight of whom are still living, namely: Henry, William, James, D. B., Mary, George, Larkin (deceased), Becky and Anna. The parents and six of the children live in Monongalia county, West Virginia. The father is a Democrat, and he and his family are members of the Methodist Church.

The subject of our sketch was reared at the old homestead, receiving his education in the common schools and completing his studies at Morgantown College, West Virginia. For some years he was engaged in teaching. In 1876 he came to Adams county, Iowa, and bought wild land. He now has a good farm of 130 acres in section 28, Carl township. His land is well improved with buildings, orchard, vineyard, grove, stock scales, etc. Mr. Densenberry is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, in which he has been very successful.

He was married November 28, 1878, to Miss Maggie Mathews, who was born in Illinois and reared in Kewanee, Illinois, and in Union county, Iowa. She is a daughter of John Nelson Mathews, who was born near Seneca lake, New York, son of Ambrose Mathews, a soldier of the war of 1812. Her father was a member of the Forty-second Illinois Infantry, Volunteers in the late war, and died at Hamburg, Tennessee, of typhoid fever. He was born in 1820 and died in 1862; left a widow and three children. The former, whose maiden name was Eliza W. Barton, was born at Meadville, Pennsylvania, daughter of Aaron and Matilda (Parks) Barton, and was married to Mr. Mathews in Geauga county, Ohio. In 1865 she was united in marriage with W. S. Oliver, and in 1873 came to this county.

Mr. and Mrs. Densenberry have five children: Bertie, Maud, Verne, Fay and Inez. Mr.Densenberry is a Democrat and a member of the Farmers’ Alliance. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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HARVEY ENO, deceased, was among the early settlers of Carl township, Adams county. He located here in 1873 and made this place his home until the time of his death. Following is a brief outline of his life. Harvey Eno was born in Onondaga county, New York, June 9, 1837, son of Ira and Esther Eno, both of English ancestry. He was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools. In early life he learned the trade of mason, which he followed for some years. On arriving at manhood, he came west, and in Bureau county, Illinois, was married to Esther Sheldon, who was born in Lake county, Ohio, near Cleveland. At the age of thirteen years she moved with her parents to Bureau county, Illinois, where she grew to womanhood. Her parents, Samuel and Emma (Vickry) Sheldon, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of New York, subsequently came to Adams county, Iowa, where they passed the rest of their lives and died. Mr. Eno lived in Bureau county two years after his marriage. He then west East and spent three years in New York. His next move was to Clinton county, Iowa, in 1867; thence, in 1873, to Adams county, where he bought 160 acres of land and lived on it until the time of his death, November 20, 1883. He was a good citizen and a man who had the respect of all who knew him. He left a widow and nine children. The latter area as follows: William Moores, of Carl township, this county; Hattie, wife of Homer Ray of Nuckolls county, Nebraska; Ed. W., also of Nuckolls county, Nebraska; Emma, wife of William Morrison of Adair county, Iowa; and Joseph, Nettie A., Albert, James D. and Howard.

Mrs. Eno has a fine farm of 200 acres, having added forty acres to the land her husband had purchased. Her comfortable cottage home is located on a natural building site and is surrounded by a beautiful lawn, orchard and grove. Everything on [the] premises is in good shape and shows enterprise and prosperity. Mrs. Eno is a woman who has passed through many trials, and has always proved herself equal to any emergency. She is a devoted Christian and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Carl.

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GEORGE BARKER, a pioneer of Adams county, Iowa, was born in Clayton township, Perry county, Ohio, January 18, 1841. His father, Richard Barker, born in the same township, was a son of John Barker, born in New Jersey, son of Samuel Barker. Samuel Barker was one of four brothers who came from England to America before the Revolutionary war. He participated in that struggle, went home sick and died soon afterward. One brother was named William, and the names of the other two are not known. John Barker was one of the early settlers of Ohio. He married Mary Chamberlain, a daughter of Irish parents, the maiden name of her mother having been Mulford. Their son, Richard, father of George Barker, was reared in Perry county, Ohio, and there married Elizabeth Strait, who was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and reared in Ohio. Her parents were Peter and Catherine (Myers) Strait. April 17, 1860, Richard Barker lef[t] Perry county, Ohio, for Iowa; crossed the Mississippi river May 12, and on the 21st of the same month arrived at Quincy, then the county seat of Adams county, Iowa. He located on wild land in Douglas township, section 36, and there made his home until March 10, 1879, when he moved to Harrison county, Missouri. At the latter place he died on the 28th of May, 1882. His widow still lives on the old farm where he died, and is now seventy-one years of age. They had a family of eight children, five of whom [r]eached adult years, namely: George, whose name heads this biography; Maria Guysinger, of Nodaway county, Missouri; Melki, of Douglas township, this county; Milton, who resides with his mother in Harrison county, Missouri; and Clara, wife of Charles Snethen, also of Harrison county, Missouri. The three deceased ones are Jemima, wife of Isaac H. Morris, of Portland, Oregon, who died leaving one child, Evered Morris; and Albert, who died at the age of ten years, and Frank, at eighteen months. Richard Barker was a farmer all his life; in politics a Democrat, and in religion a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a man in every respect deserving of the honor and esteem he received from all who knew him.

George Barker grew up on a farm and received his education in the common schools of his native county. He was twenty years of age when he came with his father to Adams county. During the war he enlisted here, August 9, 1862, in the Twenty-Third Iowa Infantry, Captain George's company, and served some three years, participating in many important engagements. He was honorably discharged at Harrisburg, Texas, July 27, 1865; returned to Iowa and was paid off at Davenport. He then came back to Adams county and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He improved a farm in section 1, Nodaway township, and lived on it for nine years. In May, 1875, he took up his abode on his present farm, in section 26, Douglas township, which was then wild land. He has spent his time and energy in improving and cultivating this farm since that time, with the exception of ten months spent in the mercantile business in Carbon. He owns 100 acres with good buildings, orchard, grove and other improvements.

Mr. Barker was married June 24, 1866, at Quincy, Iowa, to Mary Malinda Bean, who was born in Carroll county, Ohio, and reared in Van Buren and Adams counties, Iowa. Her parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth (Sherrol) Bean, were born in Ohio. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Barker, viz.: Elizabeth, who is engaged in teaching; John Albert, Francis Augustus, George Frederick, Ella Belle, James Richard, Charles Alonzo, Benjamin Ford and Joseph William.

In politics Mr. Barker was a Republican for twelve years, then a Greenbacker, later a Democrat, and now an Independent. He has served as trustee, assessor and clerk of his township. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, is a class-leader and Sabbath-school superintendent, and in 1888 was licensed as a local preacher. His wife and two daughters are also members of the church. Mr. Barker is associated with Llewellyn Post, G. A. R.

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JACKSON BIXLER was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, August 4, 1850, son of Charles Bixler, who was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. Grandfather Jacob Bixler was also a native of Pennsylvania. He was a son of Joseph Bixler, a native of New Jersey and a descendant of German ancestors. Charles Bixler married Mary Ann Markley, and Jackson, the subject of this sketch, was the second born of their ten children, live of whom are now living. He was four years old when the family emigrated to Iowa. They came by steamboat down the Ohio and up the Missouri river to St. Joseph, from whence they made the journey to Adams county with ox teams. The father settled in Douglas township, where he still lives.

Jackson was reared on his father’s farm and received his education in a log school-house, remaining under the parental roof until he was twenty-six years old. He purchased eighty acres of wild land in section 21, Douglas township, which he has since developed into a line farm, with good buildings, fences, orchard, grove, etc. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising,

and is ranked with the enterprising and go-ahead farmers of the community.

In December, 1876, he was united in marriage with Anna Penton, a native of Ohio and a daughter of John and Lavina (Terry) Penton, both natives of Ohio, for several years residents of this county, and now of Taylor county, Iowa.

Mr. and Mrs. Bixler have one son, Roy Morris, born August 28, 1881. Mr. Bixler is a Republican.

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PATRICK TOOHEY, late of Adams county, Iowa, was for many years an honored citizen of this place. A resume of his life will be found of interest to many, and is as follows:

Mr. Toohey was born in Lee, county Tipperary, Ireland, in 1825, a son of poor but honest and respected parents, Michael and Winifred (Burke) Toohey, both natives of the Emerald Isle. Patrick was reared in Ireland and when a young man emigrated to Canada, settling near Guelph, Ontario. While a resident of that place he was united in marriage with the playmate of his youth, Miss Johanna Brairton, a native of county Tipperary, and a daughter of William and Mary (Ryan) Brairton, both of Ireland. Mr. Toohey and his wife lived in Canada some seven years after their marriage, and then came west and located in Sterling, Whiteside, county, Illinois.

In that small, quiet town in Illinois Pat Toohey was living when news of the war of the Rebellion reached him. A love for the country of his adoption and her free institutions caused him to risk his life for her protection. Enlisting in the Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry, Volunteers, he kissed his wife and children good-bye, and went to the front. He was in any important engagements, and was with Sherman on his memorable march from Atlanta to the sea; was never wounded, but while in service contracted a chronic disease from which he never recovered. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to his family at Sterling, Illinois, where they continued to reside until 1876. That year he removed to Page county, Iowa, thence to Jackson township, Montgomery county, remaining at the atter place one year. He then bought a farm of eighty acres in Douglas township, Adams county, where he spent the rest of his life, and where his widow now lives. This farm is now owned by his son, John Toohey, an intelligent and enterprising citizen.

Patrick Toohey died March 19, 1881. In politics he was a Democrat; in religion a devout Catholic. The widow and seven children survive. The names of the latter are as follows: Mary Ann, at home; Michael, Greeley county, Nebraska; Kate, wife of Patrick Grady, Greeley county, Nebraka; Anna, wife of William Devereaux, Douglas township, this county; Emma, wife of William Hauf, of Chicago; and John and Patrick, twins, the former at the homestead and the latter a resident of Greeley county, Nebraska.

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B. H. EGLESTON has been a resident of Douglas township, Adams county, Iowa, since 1881, and is one of its intelligent and prosperous citizens.

Mr. Egleston was born in Oswego county, New York, September 25, 1849. His father, Jeremiah Egleston, was born at Floyd Hill near Holland Point, New York, son of Ezekiel Egleston, also a native of New York State, the family being of English descent. The mother, Rozena (Howard) Egleston, was born in Oswego county, New York, daughter of Dexter Howard, a native of Whitesboro, New York, and a descendant of Dutch ancestry. To Jeremiah Egleston and his wife were born eight children. The father was a contractor and builder, and was a member of the Baptist Church. He died at the age of fifty-six years. The mother is now a resident of Pulaski, Oswego county, New York, and is seventy-two years of age.

B. H. Egleston was reared in his native county, attended the public schools and completed his studies at Mexico Academy. He learned his father's trade, that of carpenter, and has followed it the most of his life. In 1873 he moved to Will county, Illinois, and made his home near Joliet for four years. He then went to Trego county, Kansas, bought and improved a farm and lived there three years. In 1881 he came to his present location, purchased eighty acres of wild bush and, at once began the work of clearing and improving, and now has a good farm, comfortable cottage home, good barn and outbuildings, and an orchard and grove. Since coming to Adams county he has devoted much of his time to work at his trade.

Mr. Egleston was married in Oswego county, New York, at the age of twenty, to Ida Cole, a native of that place and a daughter of Clark and Caroline (Root) Cole. They have five children: Louisa, wife of Oscar Oster, of Douglas township, and Willie J., Arthur, Freddy and Roy. Gracie, their third child, died at the age of two years.

Mr. Egleston has served as a member of the School Board for ten years, and is at present Township Trustee, being an efficient and popular officer. He is a Democrat and an active worker in the ranks of his party.

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W. H. ENSIGN.—This gentleman has been a resident of Douglas township for many years and is well known here. A brief review of his life and ancestry furnishes the following facts:

The family name was originally English[.] One of his ancestors was an ensign in the British army, and was a rebel and deserter. Coming to America he dropped his own name and assumed that of Ensign, which has been handed down to his posterity. The great-grandfather of our subject was a mechanic by trade and made cutlasses for the Revolutionary soldiers. His grandfather, Isaiah Ensign, was a captain in the war of 1812, and both he and his son William, father of W. H., were natives of Hartford, Connecticut. William was twenty years old when his father moved to New York State, and the former was engaged in the manufacture of salt at Syracuse when that town contained only four houses. He married Huldah Brookins, a native of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, and a daughter of of Stephen Brookins, a native of Massachusetts. Stephen Brookins was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, as was also his wife's father, Michael Taylor. The Ensign family were among the early settlers in Madison county, New York, Captain Ensign died there, aged eighty-eight, and his wife, ninety-six.

In 1856 William and Huldah Ensign removed from Madison county, New York, to Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, where they remained until 1866, when they came to Adams county, Iowa. They reared a family of five children, four of whom are living. Here the mother died in 1873, and the father passed away at the age of seventy-five years. The latter was a Whig and subsequently a Republican; was an earnest Christian man, first a Baptist, afterward a Methodist, and at the time of his death a member of the United Brethren Church. The names of the children born to them are as follows: Polly Noise, of Bates county, Missouri; W. H., whose name heads this sketch; O. S., of Douglas township, Adams county; Stephen B., deceased, and Eunice Jenette Wright, of Bates county, Missouri.

Stephen B. Ensign was born in Madison county, New York, and was reared there and in Wisconsin. He was married in Adams county, Iowa, to Mrs. Mary E. Erskins, nee Spargur. She was born and reared in Highland county, Ohio, daughter of Caleb W., and Lydia Spargur. Her first husband, Michael Erskins, died in Highland county, Ohio, leaving her with one son, M. G. Erskins, who now resides with W. H. Ensign. Stephen B. Ensign and wife both died about the same time, some twelve years ago, leaving a daughter, Anna Belle Ensign, who also resides with her uncle, W. H. Ensign.

The subject of our sketch was reared on a farm in Madison county, New York, where he was born August 18, 1835. He received his education in the common schools of his native State, and was twenty years old when the family moved to Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin. February 9, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, Thirty-fifth Wisconsin Infantry, volunteers; served on the Mississippi river, most of the time doing provost and guard duty, and was honorably discharged at Madison, Wisconsin, May 12, 1865. In 1866 he came to Adams county, Iowa, with his parents and older sister, making the journey with teams and camping out at night. He settled on his present farm in 1870. It was then wild land, and under his judicious management it has been developed into a fine farm. The two-story residence is built on the southern style and is located somewhat back from the road. Mr. Ensign has given much attention to stock. He owns one horse, now twenty-six years old, that he brought with him from Wisconsin.

A jovial bachelor, honorable and upright in all his business dealings, and frank and cordial at all times, Mr. Ensign is a favorite among his many friends. He is a Republican and a member of the Meyerhoff Post.

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HON. THOMAS WEIDMAN, present State Senator, is a son of Phillip Weidman, who was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, in 1800. The grandfather was Henry Weidman, also a native of Pennsylvania; but his father, who was also named Phillip, was a native of Germany and emigrated to America and settled at Philadelphia long before the war of the Revolution. He was a Quaker and as there was much disturbance in the colonies, he removed to Canada, where he settled and died. The grandfather of our subject did not go with his father, but settled in Pennsylvania.

The mother of Thomas Weidman was Susanna Rymond, also of an early Pennsylvania family. Her father was Jacob Rymond, a native of Germany. The father was the eldest of eight sons and there were also two daughters; all grew to mature years. Phillip Weidman was a shoemaker by trade; he and his wife had six children who grew to maturity, two sons and four daughters, all

still living. The father came to Fremont county, Iowa, in 1857, where he settled on a farm on which he lived until his death in 1862; the mother survived for ten years; she lived with her son Thomas the last years of her life.

Mr. Weidman was born August 30, 1838, being about nineteen when he came to this State. In 1861 he came to this county and married at that time Miss Betsy Chenoweth, the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Skidmore) Chenoweth. She was born in Ohio. They have had eleven children, seven sons and four daughters. The eldest daughter married Ezra Ruffner and died about three and a half years after marriage; Frances Alice and Gertrude, both married and live in this county; Richard, Edward, Frank, Clark, Joseph, Phillip and Le Roy. Our subject has been engaged in farming in Grant township where he took a homestead; he has 445 acres in a body. He was for sixteen years Justice of the Peace; was a member of the county Board and was very popular; was elected in the fall of 1888 to the State Senate by a majority of 300 against the Hon. W. W. Merritt. He took a prominent part in the organization of the Senate, discharged his obligations to that body and to his constituency with fidelity and ability that was as admirable as rare; moved to the town of Red Oak in May, 1890, where he has a pleasant home. He is a member of the Protestant Methodist Episcopal church. He has been a hard worker; has never taken a drop of liquor nor ever used tobacco; is an upright, moral man and a citizen of whom any community might be proud.

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JAMES T. FIFE, a farmer and stock-raiser of section 24, Jasper township, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March 3, 1829, a son of William Fife, who was a descendant of John Fife, of Fifeshire, Scotland. John Fife was born in 1721, and removed to county Tyrone, Ireland; in 1756 he came to Winchester, Virginia, and in 1766 to Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, where he purchased 1,000 acres of land of the Indians and there he died November 19, 1800, and this land still belongs to his descendants. William Fife, the grandfather of our subject, a son of John Fife, Jr., was born in 1751, and died July 25, 1818, and served as a soldier during the Revolutionary war. His wife was Margaret Boyd. The father of our subject was reared on the old Fife homestead, and married Mary Thomas, of Nodaway township, Washington county, Pennsylvania. The maternal ancestors of our subject were among the first settlers of Washington county, and were of Welsh descent. In 1835 William Fife sold his interest in the old homestead and removed to Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he died when our subject was fourteen years of age, leaving his widow and twelve children but limited means.

It became necessary for those that were able to do anything to go to work; our subject commenced work on a farm at $4 per month and never received more than $7. In the summer of 1847 he attended Washington college; in the fall of the same year he engaged in the sale of books and in this business he obtained means to pursue his studies until the spring of 1850, when he left school and went to Salem, Columbiana county, Ohio, and there purchased a property of Rev. A. G. Kirk, for $800; $50 cash, 4100 in three months, $150 in six months; balance in two equal yearly payments with interest. He gave his mother the free use of this property whilst she remained a widow and with the assistance of a brother and sister provided for her and the younger children.

He was married, November 25, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth H. Shafer, a native of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, and daughter of Michael Shafer, a soldier of the war of 1812. In 1853 he rented a farm in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, and farmed in the summer and sold books in the winter. In 1855 he removed to Seneca county, Ohio, and for $10 per acre he purchased 240 acres of land in a branch of the Black swamp; the land was considered worthless by the citizens; he ditched a portion of it and put it in a good state of cultivation and divided it into four lots, and in 1860 sold the same at a price ranging from $20 to $30 per acre and moved to Marshall county, Indiana, where he continued to farm until 1872.

In the last year of the civil war he served the Government in the capacity of a detective. When our Government was at war with Mexico he was a member of the Jefferson Grays, and with the company offered his services to the Government, which received orders to be ready on notice to go, but the war coming to an end they were not called for. He also served as a detective and broke up a gang of thieves headed by John Mauler, in the vicinity of Tyner City, Indiana. In 1872 he removed to Adams county, Iowa, purchased 240 acres of raw land and improved it.

He and his wife were the parents of eight children: Lawrence H., Andrew V., Arthur S., Olive O., Michael T., James M., Bertha I. and Clara E. His wife died in October, 1881. Lawrence and Bertha are also dead. He was again married in August, 1883, to Mrs. Mary a. Mitchell, a native of Brown county, Ohio; by this union they had one child, born in November, 1887, and died in March, 1888. March 17, 1886, his house and household goods and barn and farming utensils were destroyed by fire; they were partly covered by insurance in the Ætna and it was promptly paid to a cent; he rebuilt in good shape; here he lives and intends to stay and enjoy all he can of life.

PAGE 438

N. M. KING, a member of the Board of Supervisors of Adams county, Iowa, was born in Sandridge township, Menard county, Illinois, April 28, 1841. His father, N. M. King, Sr., was born in Virginia in 1802, and his great- grandfather, Daniel King, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The King family came from England and were among the first settlers in Virginia. N. M. King, Sr., located in Illinois in 1821, at the age of nineteen. He and Abraham Lincoln worked by the day together, both enlisted in the same company in the Black Hawk war, and were warm friends all their lives. Mr. King married Jane Runnels, daughter of John Runnels, who was born in North Carolina and when eleven years of age was taken to Kentucky where she was reared. They lived in Illinois until 1865, when they moved to Madison county, Iowa, where Mr. King died February 15, 1883, in his eighty-first year. His wife was past eighty- one when she died. He was a farmer all his life; in politics a Whig and later a Republican; and in religion, a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Of their ten children, nine reached adult age.

The subject of our sketch was reared on his father's farm and educated in the common schools of his native county. When the war came on he was among the first to offer his services to his country. November 28, 1861, he enlisted in Company M, Second Illinois Cavalry, that regiment which so grandly distinguished itself. He participated in many important engagements, and at the close of the war was mustered out at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, being Quartermaster Sergeant at that time.

Returning to Illinois after the war, he remained in that State two months, thence to Madison county, Iowa, where he lived until December 13, 1870, when he settled on wild land in Adams county. He now owns 295 acres of rich land in section 21, Douglas township, this county, and forty acres in Madison county. The "King farm," as it is known, is one of the best in the township A good modern residence was built in 1891 and is surrounded by a grove and orchard. A substantial barn, 30 x 40 feet, and all the farm improvements, broad meadows and well cultivated fields, indicate the enterprise of the owner and the prosperity which has attended him. This farm is all bottom land except 120 acres located on the hill side. Mr. King has given much attention to stock-raising, and has been eminently successful in his various operations.

August 1, 1860, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Close, who was born and reared in the same neighborhood with him, attending the same district school. She is a daughter of George and Rebecca (Beams) Close, the former born in Licking county, Kentucky, and the latter born in South Carolina and reared in Kentucky. They became early settlers of Menard county, Illinois. The father died in Madison county, Iowa, in March, 1871, aged seventy-five years; the mother is now a resident of Livingston county, Missouri, and is in her eighty-ninth year. To Mr. and Mrs. King eleven children have been born, viz.: Minerva Isabelle, wife of William Strait; Trinvilla, wife of Rufus Gooddle, of Lincoln township, this county; Mary A., wife of B. F. Myers, of Jasper township; Rebecca J., wife of A. A. Strait; Charles S., U. s. Grant, Fanny Frances, Guthrie N., John Leonard, Ada I., and Howard W.

Mr. King was elected to his present office, county Supervisor, in the fall of 1890, receiving a good majority of the votes cast. He is a man of good judgment and executive ability and is the right man in the right place. In his political relations he formerly affiliated with the Republican party, but is now an Independent. He is a member of the Meyerhoff Post, G. A. R., and both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church.

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H. J. PERKS, a prominent and prosperous merchant of Carbon, Iowa, forms the subject of this biography. Mr. Perks has been in business here for several years and is well and favorably known. He carries a finely assorted stock of general merchandise, embracing dry-goods, boots and shoes, staple and fancy groceries, notions, queensware, hardware and provisions, and his establishment is one of the leading stores in Carbon.

Mr. Perks was born in Worcestershire, England, July 8, 1854, son of George and Mary Ann Perks, and spent his youth in his native land. At the age of seventeen he came with his father to America. After remaining two months in Pennsylvania he came West to Kewanee, Henry county, Illinois, thence to Bureau county and later to La Salle county, same State. Since 1875 he has been a resident of Carbon, Iowa. His parents now live in Camden, Missouri. For many years Mr.

Perks was engaged in coal-mining. In 1885 he became connected with his present business, his father having been engaged in business here for some time previous to that year. His store building, 23 x 36 feet, with cellar under the whole, is conveniently arranged and well suited for its purpose. At the rear of this is his dwelling, a story and a half cottage, 23 x 24 feet, with basement kitchen, the entire premises being well cared for and in good shape.

At the age of twenty-six, at Red Oak, Iowa, Mr. Perks wedded Barbara Deck, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Benjamin Deck of Quincy. Following are the children born to them: Mabel, Maud, Jessie, Walter and Olive. Mr. Perks is a man in the prime of life, is honorable and upright in all his dealings, and has the respect of all who know him. In politics he is an Independent.

PAGE 440

JAMES A. DAVID, a prominent and well to-do early settler of Adams county, Iowa,

resides in Lincoln township. Following is a brief review of his life:

James A. David was born in Richland county, Ohio, May 3. 1843. His father, Joseph David, a native of the East, died when James was five years old. His mother, nee Martha Barnett, sister of James Barnett of this county, was born in northern Ireland, and was reared and educated in Ohio. Her death occurred in Jackson county, Illinois. Mr. David was eleven years old when he went with his mother to Illinois, and in Jackson county, that State, he grew to manhood and

received his education. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Eighty-first Illinois Infantry Volunteers, and bravely did he act his part in that sanguinary struggle. He received a shot through the right hand by a minie-ball, was taken prisoner and for some time suffered untold agonies. He was subsequently exchanged, served till the close of the war, and was honorably discharged at Vicksburg, Mississippi. He was paid off at Chicago and from there returned to Jackson county, Illinois, where he continued to reside until 1871. That year he came to his present location and bought eighty acres of wild land. After living on it some time he sold out and returned to Illinois, from there went to Kansas, and then back to Illinois ao-ain in 1876.

Returning to Iowa, he took back the land he had sold and has lived here ever since. He now owns 280 acres of land, all in a high state of cultivation, and has a comfortable cottage home, beautifully situated amid evergreens and shrubs, with an orchard and grove near by. His barn, outbuildings, scales, fences, etc., are all kept in good repair. From a pond on the farm water is piped into tanks for stock purposes.

Mr. David was married in 1866 to Miss Frances Teal, a most estimable lady who died three years subsequent to her marriage. His present wife, formerly Miss Ellen Holt, he wedded in 1875. She was born in Greene county, Indiana, and reared in Jackson county, Illinois, daughter of William and Mary Ann (Spence) Holt, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Northern Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. David have one son, John A., born in April, 1879. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, He is a member of the G.A. R., Llewellyn Post, Corning, Iowa. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party.

PAGE 441

STEPHEN J. HORN, one of the intelligent, popular and well-to-do citizens of Lincoln township, has resided here since February, 1874. Following is a brief outline of his life.

Stephen J. Horn was born in Knox county, Ohio. His father, Isaac Horn, was a son of Joseph Horn, and both were born in Pennsylvania. The mother of Stephen J. was before her marriage Miss Phoebe Ulrey. She was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Stephen Ulrey. Both the Horn and Ulrey families were of German ancestry. Isaac and Phoebe Horn were married in Knox county, Ohio, where they still live. Their son, Stephen J., was reared in that county. In 1871 he came to Iowa and took up his abode in Marshall county, where he remained one year. Then he went to California, and for eighteen months was engaged in farming on the Pacific coast. At the end of that time he returned to Ohio. In 1874 he came to Adams county, Iowa, and bought eighty acres of land where he now lives. The land here was then all wild and

he was one of the first settlers in this neighborhood. He has been prosperous in his

various undertakings, has bought more land, and is now the owner of 200 acres. His property is well-improved with good buildings, fences, grove, orchard, etc., and he has everything arranged for the carrying on of farming and stock-raising in the best manner. He has a flock of 800 Black Top Merino sheep, one of the finest flocks in southwestern Iowa.

Mr. Horn was married, in Knox county, Ohio, at the age of twenty-eight years, to Miss Anna Dudgen, daughter of David and Mary (Freeman) Dudgen. They have three children: Jenny E., Rawson J. and Deraus. Their last child, Ida J., is deceased.

Politically Mr. Horn affiliates with the Democratic party, He is a member of the School Board.

PAGE 441

WILLIAM TINDALL was born in New York City in 1849. His father, George P. Tindall, was a native of the East, and a descendant of German ancestry; was by trade a cabinet and carriage maker. His death occurred in New York City. The mother of our subject was Mary Garrison. She died when he was a small child.

Young Tindall spent his early years on the farm and received a limited education in the common schools. At the age of fifteen he enlisted in the service of his country; but his father, thinking him too young for the hardships of camp life and the battle field, took him out of the regiment. At eighteen he came West and located at Kewanee, Henry county, Illinois, where he subsequently cast his first vote for General Grant. From there he moved to Stark county, same State, where he remained until 1878. That year he came to his present location, section 4, Douglas township, Adams county, Iowa. Here he purchased eighty acres of wild land which he has since improved and developed into a fine farm. His cottage home is located on a natural building site and is shaded by beautiful oak trees.

While a resident of Stark county, Illinois, Mr. Tindall was married, at Osceola, August 13, 1869, to Miss Jane Gary, a lady of intelligence and of good family. She was born at Nesquehoning, near Mauch Chunk, Carbon county, Pennsylvania. He father, Daniel Gary, a native of county Cork, Ireland, came when a young man to America, and in Pennsylvania was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth Abbott, a native of Derbyshire, England, and a daughter of William and Ellen Marsden. Daniel Gary and wife had four children. He died in Pennsylvania in 1855. Mrs. Tindall received her education at Tamaqua, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. The seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Tindall are as follows: Sarah, Florence, Ray, Retta, Jessie, Charles and Emma Marsden. The two oldest daughters and their parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Carbon. Mr. Tindall is an intelligent and much respected citizen. His political views are in harmony with Republican principles.

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JACOB BAYLISS, son of John and Gertrude Bayliss, came with his parents from Germany to America when he was eleven years old. His father settled in New York State, where his death occurred in 1861. The mother died in 1878. Jacob was next to their oldest child. He lived in New York until 1869 when he came to Iowa and settled in Muscatine county. He subsequently lived one year in Clark county, and in 1881 came to Adams county. Here he has 280 acres of fine land, located in section 25, Colony township, which is well adapted to general farming and stock-raising. He has six or seven acres in orchard, an abundance of small fruit, fine grove, a large barn and two-story residence, and is most comfortably situated. Among his stock are shorthorn cattle, Percheron and Norman horses and Poland-China hogs.

March 1, 1866, Mr. Bayliss married Miss Jane Markham, and by her has nine children, viz.: Nellie, Henry, Charles, Morris, Flora, Emma, George, Walter and Edith.

While in New York Mr. Bayliss was a member of the New York State militia, and served six years in that body. In politics he is a Democrat. He has served the public as Township Trustee and a member of the School Board. He is one of the substantial men of Colony township. Frank and outspoken though genial in his manner, he receives the respect of the entire community

in which he lives.

PAGE 442

CHARLES E. RICHARDS, attorney at law, is the oldest member of the bar, having established himself here in May, 1867, continuously practicing law here since. He was born in the town of Riga, Monroe county, New York, December 9, 1835. His father was Ira Richards, who settled in the town of Riga in 1812. He was a native of Hillsdale, Massachusetts, born in 1791. He belonged to an early Massachusetts family of Puritan ancestry. He went to western New York from Massachusetts when the former was the far West. The site of the city of Rochester at that time was but a marsh. He opened a farm in the heavily timbered regions of Monroe county, his location being in the town of Riga. Returning to Massachusetts he married, but his first wife died in the town of Riga, leaving no children. He later married Ruth Turner, who was born in Portland, Maine, and removed with her parents to Riga.

Charles E. Richards was born in Monroe county and was reared on the farm where his father settled. He prepared for college at Riga Academy, and graduated at Rochester University in the class of 1860. He taught for two years and then read law three years and was admitted to the bar at Rochester. Later he followed surveying for a considerable time. In 1867 he came to Red Oak, and has [since] devoted his time to his profession. He is a Democrat in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Richards have two children, - Paul W. and Carl E.

PAGE 443

ALFRED HEBARD, capitalist, and present State Senator, is a pioneer of Red Oak. He was born in Windham county, Vermont, May 10, 1810. His parents were Augustus and Bathslieba (Leonard) Hebard; they were descended from early families of the colony of Connecticut.

The subject of this notice prepared for college at home and at Plainfield Academy,

and graduated from Yale in the class of 1832. Men who afterward became famous were members of his class in college, including Cassius M. Clay of Kentucky, Hon. Allen T. Carpenter, who afterward became United States Senator, and others who attained national distinction. For two years after graduating Mr. Hebard was engaged in teaching in Edgehill Seminary, at Princeton, New Jersey, and then took charge of a school for boys in New London, Connecticut. In 1841 he married Ann M. Huntington of New London. This union has been blessed with four children, two of whom are deceased. Those living are Augustus H., an iron merchant in St. Louis, Missouri, and Mary S., who is still at home. After teaching for a few years Mr. Hebard engaged in civil engineering on a newly projected railroad line, and began a log cabin near the present city of Burlington, Iowa, in 1837, where he lived for fifteen years. In 1853 he made the preliminary survey of the Burlington & Missouri River railway across the State of Iowa, and fifteen years later the road was built on the line that he laid out. He was a member of the legislature held at Burlington. During the war of the Rebellion he operated in the Government

civil engineering service in Missouri and Tennessee,"and spent some time after the close of the war,in the constructing of railroad in Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. He settled at Red Oak in 1868, and in 1875 was elected to the State Senate. In 1878 he was one of the two United States Commissioners to the World’s Fair or International Exposition at Paris, and made a tour of Europe before returning home. In 1879 he was re-elected to the Senate and was continued in that body for several terms. He is one of the representative citizens of Iowa, and a man of

marked ability.

PAGE 443

JOHN SMITH, who resides on section 17 in Quincy township, is one of the pioneers of Adams county.

The time of his reaching Quincy, his point of destination, was in the afternoon of the 16th of November, 1854. He was born and raised in Cumberland township, Greene county, Pennsylvania. His birthday was July 28, 1818. His father, Benjamin Smith, was a native of the same town and county, as was his mother, whose maiden name was Barbara Neff. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Ichabod Smith. The Smith family are of Scotch descent, but the maternal ancestors were of German lineage.

The mother of Mr. Smith died at the homestead in Greene county, Pennsylvania, in 1846. The father later went to Richland county, Ohio, and died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Mary Findley. Mr. Smith is one of ten children, seven sons and three daughters; only four of the family are living in 1891. Mr. Smith was obliged to make his own way in life from an early age. He began learning the trade of a carpenter and joiner when eighteen years old with Albert Rickey. After about two years he engaged to learn cabinet-making with Hiram Mulligan, with whom he continued three years, and became a thorough master of the trade,

In the fall of 1845 he went to Indiana; general work at his trade was easy to yet at that time; while in Indiana he engaged in the manufacture of fanning mills. But he returned to Ohio in the fall of 1845, and engaged at the business of carpentering in Coshocton county, at West Carlisle. The following February he returned to his old home in Pennsylvania, and next April he returned to Coshocton county, Ohio, accompanied by his brother, Abraham.

June 3, 1852, he was married to Miss Hannah Plowman, a native of Maryland, and a daughter of Joseph and Harriet (Moffitt) Plowman, who emigrated from Maryland to Ohio, where they lived till death. In the spring of 1854 they removed to Knox county, Ohio. In October following they started for Western Iowa, for the purpose of making a permanent settlement. The family then consisted of himself, wife and one child, Benjamin F. They came through in a wagon, being about six weeks on the journey. Mr. Smith settled with his family in the village of Quincy, where he continued six years, engaged in working at his trade. He then settled where he now lives. He has 260 acres in his home farm and on section 27 has 200 acres, and seventy-five acres of timber on section 29. Mr. Smith has a fine farm and a pleasant home. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In fact, Mr. Smith has been a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1842, and his wife, since she was fifteen years of age. They are the parents of six children: Benjamin F., Joseph R., James Freeman, Emery Alvin, Ella, wife of George Baker, and Mary.

Mr. Smith is one of the well-known and esteemed citizens of Adams county, where he and his wife have resided so many years. He has ever been interested in the financial, moral and religious growth of the community, where he has lived so long.

PAGE 444

ANDREW BALLANTYNE, who resides on section 23, Quincy township, is one of the well-known citizens of this county. He settled on his present farm in the spring of 1876, although no improvements had been made on the place when he purchased it in 1875. He was born in Canada in 1844, a son of James Ballantyne, a native of Scotland, who emigrated to Canada with his family from Scotland. He died December 17, 1888. The mother is still living, residing in Poweshiek county, Iowa, where the family settled a number of years ago.

Andrew Ballantyne came to Scott county, Iowa, in 1865, and worked there for two years. He later owned and improved a farm in Poweshiek county. He was married in Michigan to Miss Charlotte Miller, a native of Canada. Mr. Ballantyne came here from Poweshiek county. He and his wife have six children, three sons and three daughters: George, Mary, Frank, Byron, Maggie, Edna.

PAGE 444

WILLIAM L. ABBEY resides on section 14, where he settled in the spring of 1884, the first improvement having been made by Mr. Applegate. Mr. Abbey was born in Morgan county, Illinois, a son of Ebenezer Abbey, a native of the State of New York; but when a young man went to Ohio. He married Miss Mary E. Tiffany, a native of Buckeye State, and afterward removed to Morgan county, Illinois, thence to Henry county, Illinois, and to Adams county, Iowa, in 1868. He passed the remainder of his days here, and his wife died when William L. was about three months old. Ebenezer Abbey was three times married. He was the father of five sons and a daughter, who is deceased.

Mr. Abbey came to Iowa in the fall of 1865. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served over three years; was in the trans-Mississippi Department; participated in the seige of Mobile and the battles connected therewith. He was married just before entering the army to Miss Annetta Frink, a native of Indiana.

They have five children, three sons and two daughters. The oldest is in Illinois. All the rest are in Iowa.

PAGE 445

W. O. MITCHELL, farmer and lawyer, residing at Corning, was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, April 4, 1846. His parents, George and Sarah M. Mitchell, were natives of Kentucky, and came to Iowa in 1840, engaging in farming. W. O., the second of their five children, at the age of sixteen years enlisted in the war for the Union, joining Company C, Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served three years, eight months of which time he spent in southern prisons, including Andersonville, Salisbury and Florence, - from the last named of which he escaped. The horrors he suffered, in common with many other "boys in blue," are too well known to need recital. Mr. Mitchell was in the siege of Vicksburg and in many other important engagements, escaping rebel bullets, however, without injury. After the war he graduated at Cornell College and immediately began the study of law in the office of Stuart Brothers, Chariton, Iowa; was admitted to the bar in 1872. He has ever since been in active practice. He has for some time been engaged also in farming and stock- raising. He has an estate of some 700 acres, situated in the heart of the famous Blue-Grass region. Probably no man in the country has done more to call attention to the matchless resources of the eighteen counties embraced in this tract. Knowing its agricultural and mineral resources, he enlisted with enthusiasm in the development of an important section, and has been particularly active as a member of the Blue-Grass League, of which he is now president.

For his wife he married the daughter of A. H. Chaffee, the architect, a resident of Corning, and now has two children. He is a member of the G. A. R., as well as of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a stalwart Republican. In 1891 he was elected as Representative to the 24th General Assembly. Mr. Mitchell is the first man to be elected by his party to this important office in the last fourteen years. He only ran seventeen votes behind the Governor, although the Democrats and People's party fused on their candidate. No higher mark of respect and esteem could be given him by the people of Adams county than in his election in November, 1891, when such odds were against him. As a lawyer he is prominent, leading and able; as a business man he is possessed of good executive ability, untiring and energetic; as a citizen he is active, progressive, public spirited and liberal, and since coming to the county he has ever been loyal to her best material interests, advocating all measures that the best elements therein strive to maintain. Of strict and upright manhood, he constantly labors for her welfare and is always found in the line of the best citizenship.

As a friend he is true, honest, faithful and sacrificing to all who show themselves worthy of his friendship; as a man he is amiable, temperate, benevolent and just, with fine literary tastes and broad culture.

PAGE 446

GIDEON FARRIS, one of the old settlers of Adams county living on section 26 (Mt. Etna postoffice), was born in Claiborne county, Tennessee, June 10, 1825. His parents were Robert and Mary (Gentry) Farris, both natives of Virginia. The father was a farmer all his life. He moved to to Edgar county, Illinois, in 1833, rented land there, and made a reasonable success of his labors. He died in Illinois, in 1850, at over seventy years of age. His wife died in 1854 at the age of about seventy years. She was a member of the Protestant Methodist Church.

These parents reared eight children to mature years. Our subject is the only one now living. He began for himself at the age of twenty-six years. He followed the cooper's trade for several years, with farming, and later gave his whole attention to agriculture. He farmed in Illinois first, and came to Iowa in 1852, and settled on the place where he now resides and has been living ever since. There were seven families in the county when he came. They had to go to Savannah and to St. Joseph, Missouri, for their goods, quite a contrast with the present order of arrangement. He now owns 260 acres of good land, all of which is improved and fenced. He bought a portion of it from the railroad and a portion from the United States Government. He is nicely located on the old Wintersett road, has a good orchard, and grove, small fruits, etc. His house is 16 x 32 feet with an L 22 x 16 feet. He is in a good neighborhood, near church and school. He has been fairly successful, having made much of opportunities; coming here without means, with energy, industry and frugality he has acquired a nice home.

Mr. Farris was married, April 3, 1851, to Miss Eliza Carns, daughter of David and Mary Carns, of Vermillion county, Indiana. Their children are: William, married Nancy Cummins, and Lena was their only child; the mother died in 1880 at the age of nineteen years; his second marriage was to Carrie Stewart, by whom there are two children: George and Lucy; Harrison died at the age of thirty years; Frank married Martha F. Thomas; their two living children are Ella and Perry.

Mrs. Farris is a member of the Baptist Church. Politically our subject is a Democrat.

PAGE 446

J. R. ARNOLD who lives on section 18, Colony township; was born in Kentucky, May 8, 1851. His father was C. B. Arnold, born in Kentucky, July 25, 1828; he died in October, 1889. The mother's name before marriage was Mary Carpenter. They were the parents of thirteen children, of whom Mr. Arnold is the eldest. He lived in Kentucky until he was eleven years of age, when he removed to Jones county, Iowa, with his parents. He came to Carroll county in 1872, and lived there until his removal to Adams county in the year 1874, when he settled near the town of Nevinville, but has since removed to his present location.

Mr. Arnold has 240 acres of land in section 18, adapted to general farming and stock-raising. The house is 30 x 22 feet, one and a half stories high. The barn is 32 x 34 feet, and there are stock scales, windmill, granaries, etc. There are about 200 apple trees, and three acres of artificial grove. Mr. Arnold in politics is a Republican. He has had no political aspirations, but has served on the school board. He has a fine herd of cattle, and quite a number of high grade Norman and Clydesdale horses; also Poland-China hogs. He is one of the substantial men of the county, and enjoys the respect and confidence of the people.

He was married December 13, 1875, to Miss Alice Gibson, of this county. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

PAGE 447

C. F. WHIPPLE, a farmer of section 9, Colony township, Adams county, was born in New London, Connecticut, April 2, 1856. He lived in Connecticut till he was eleven years old, and then came to Adams county with his parents. Daniel Whipple, his father, was born in Ledyard, Connecticut, October 7, 1817, and removed to Adams county in 1867. He died in September, 1877. The mother is still living. They had four sons and four daughters, and two sons and three daughters are living. Mr. Whipple is the seventh child. He was married December 9, 1880, to Ellen Ware, born in Des Moines county, Iowa, November 25, 1859. They have six children, three

sons and three daughters: Burton, Jennie, Julia, Everett D., Martha F. and Frederick. Mr. Whipple owns 100 acres of good land, adapted to general farming; two acres are in orchard, three acres in grove and three in small fruit.

Politically he is identified with the Republican party, and has held several township

offices. He and his wife are members of the Congregational Church.

PAGE 447

JAMES M. WILLIAMSON, who resides on section 8, Colony township (Nevinville postoffce), was born in Scotland September 27, 1846. He came to America in 1855, and resided in Warren and Erie counties, Pennsylvania, fifteen years; he was there when oil was first struck. He removed to Adams county in 1870, and settled where he now resides.

His father, James M. Williamson, an educated Scotchman who is now seventy-one years old, lives with his son James M.

The mother’s name was Margaret Kitchen; she also was born in Scotland in 1818, and died July 8, 1888. There were eight children, six of whom are living. James M. is the oldest son, but has two sisters older than himself, one of whom resides in New York, the other in Pennsylvania.

Mr. Williamson was married November 24, 1874, to Alice A. Ball, who was born in Connecticut, October 30, 1841, the daughter of genuine Yankees. The ceremony took place in Colony township. Mrs. Williamson was for many years a successful teacher. Mr. Williamson has always been a farmer of the progressive type, and has some very fine stock.

In politics he is a Democrat. He has held the offices of township Trustee and Treasurer for several terms, and has discharged the duties of his position with satisfaction to the people and credit to himself. He has eighty acres of land which is also adapted to stock-raising. His house, which is pleasantly situated, is 22 x 28 feet, one and a half stories,with an L 10x14 feet; the barn is 24 x 80, and both have stone foundations. There are five acres of artificial grove of evergreen and deciduous trees, two acres of orchard, one acre and a half of vineyard from which he sold four years ago ten tons of grapes and an abundance of small fruit. He has a herd of graded shorthorn cattle, some high-grade Clydesdale horses, a flock of seventy-five sheep which are not excelled in the State, of the Cotswold breed; the average weight of fleece is eleven and a quarter pounds, and one fleece weighed nineteen pounds. He keeps quite a number of bees and has at present forty hives of pure Italian bees. He is now engaged in building a

bee house.

Mr. Williamson is one of the substantial men of Adams county, an open, frank, outspoken gentleman who is wide awake to the best interests of the county in which he lives, and is respected by all who know him.

PAGE 448

GEORGE W. GRANT, who now lives on the line of Adams and Adair counties, was one of the earliest settlers of Adams county. He was born at York, Maine, October 20, 1837, was raised there and educated in the common schools and afterward taught. He left Maine and went to Boston, Massachusetts, and staid two years, when he removed to Adams county, Iowa, and settled in Colony township, on section 4.

His father's name was Benjamin Grant, a native of the town of York, Maine; he died when the subject of this sketch was seven years old.

Mr. Grant's wife was Julia Woodward, who was born in York, Maine. She is the daughter of William and Lucy Woodward. They were married September 22, 1861. They have had born to them eight children, three of whom have died. Of those living there are one girl and four boys. Their names are as follows, in the order of their birth: Hattie M., who is the wife of G. W. Jennings now living in Highland township, Union county, Iowa; George D., who married Katie Bartlett, living in Adair county; Fred H., Herbert L., Benjamin E.

Mr. Grant has 160 acres of fine land adapted to general farming and stock-raising. His house is 36 x 20 feet with an L 10 x 18; the orchard contains 250 trees, besides small fruits; there is an artificial grove of five acres and the necessary sheds and outhouses. He has a number of graded cattle and quite a number of sheep.

In politics Mr. Grant is Independent, and has held all the township offices. He and his wife and daughter are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. Grant at fifty-four is just in the prime and vigor of his manhood; he is an intelligent farmer and a man of sterling integrity, - one of the hardy pioneers who have helped to make Adams county what it is today.

PAGE 448

FREDERICK N. BALL, who lives on section 9, Colony township (Nevinville postoffice), was born in Ledyard, Connecticut, October 29, 1839; he lived in Connecticut twenty-nine years, and then removed to Adams county, where he now resides. His father, Frederick Ball, was born in Ledyard, Connecticut, in the same house, September 22, 1806. His grandfather was born on Block Island, but lived in Connecticut. The mother’s name was Susan A. Ball, nee Appley; she was born in Canterbury, Windham county, Connecticut, April 30, 1816, and is still living, residing with her son, Frederick. Mr. Ball enlisted December 3,1861, and served three years. He took part in the engagements at Laborville and Camp Bisland, Louisiana; Fort Hudson, Winchester, and Cedar Creek, where he was wounded by a gunshot. He was in every battle and skirmish his regiment was in. He has held the offices of Trustee and Assessor, and has served on the School Board of his township. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as i§ also his wife; he is a trustee in same. Mr. and Mrs. Ball are the parents of four children, all living: John, Witton,

Mary E. and Sherman H. His wife’s name was Sarah E. Bugbee before her marriage, February 10,1875. Mr. Ball has 240 acres of land; house, 24 x 30 feet; L, 14 x 16 feet; barn, 100 x 20 feet; crib and granary, 32 x 24 feet; two acres are in an orchard.

In politics he is a .Republican. He is now fifty-one years old, and in good health of body and mind; he is one of the representative men of this neighborhood, and is respected by the community in which he resides.

PAGE 449

MRS. NANCY E. JEWETT was born in Olney, Maine, December 23, 1820. Her father's name was Nathan Plummer, born in northern Maine. Her mother's name was Nancy Plummer and she was born in Wiscasset, Maine. Mrs. Jewett was the only child of her parents.

She was married to John Jewett December 29, 1840. John Jewett was born in Whitefield, Maine, April 29, 1811, and died April 13, 1886. They had five children born to them, two boys and three girls, four of whom are living: Clara A., Sarah A. who married T. M. Ball, now residing in Colony township; D. B. Jewett married Horace H. Whipple, now in Colorado; Oliver P. Jewett, married Emma Wheeler, of Canada, now residing in this township; Clara A. Jewett married Albert Delany, now living in Nevinville. John Jewett was a strong Republican in politics.

Mrs. Jewett has always been a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Jewett removed from Maine to Adams county, Iowa, where they arrived May 10, 1858, and settled at Nevinville, where they lived until the death of Mr. Jewett, and where Mrs. Jewett still resides. Mr. Jewett owned in this township previous to his death, 270 acres of land. Mrs. Jewett retained thirty seven acres of the home farm, the same on which she resides. The dwelling, which is a large and handsome one, is situated at the edge of the town, surrounded by a beautiful grove of evergreen and deciduous trees; the grove embraces thirteen acres; there are five acres of orchard and an abundant supply of small fruit. Flowers and flowering shrubs are found on every side; the house is furnished in a style that indicates that it is the home of wealth, culture and refinement. A good barn, commodious cribs, sheds and outhouses complete the surroundings. Mrs. Jewett has lived in Adams county long enough to see small trees grow to large dimensions, from three to four feet in diameter, to see the wild deer and wilder Indian give way before the advance of civilization, and now at more than seventy years of age is still quite hale, enjoying the full use of body and mind. She and her husband were representative people of this township, and lent their aid to every enterprise that tended to better the condition of their fellow men, and have enjoyed the respect and confidence of all who knew them. All the family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. Jewett held several township offices and was Treasurer for many years. He chopped the first log for a cabin in Colony township.

PAGE 450

B. A. St. CLAIR, one of the well-known and enterprising citizens of section 3, Red Oak township, came here in 1854, where he has since resided and made his home. He is a native of Jackson county, Ohio, born October 25, 1852, a son of David St. Clair, who was one of the Montgomery county’s first settlers. He was a native of Ohio. The mother was Caroline M. (Johnson) St. Clair, now the wife of Judge Low, of Montgomery county. B. A. St. Clair was one of four children, of whom three sons are now living, and our subject is the eldest of the boys. He was but two years of age when he came to Montgomery county, where he grew to manhood, and was but eight or nine years old when his father died. He was reared a fanner and received his education in the public and district schools of this county. Mr. St. Clair is now located on the old homestead, which consists of ninety acres of land. He has a good frame house, situated on a natural building site, also stables, yards, feed lots and other farm improvements.

He was twice married, first, in 1875, to Miss Mary F. Weatherly, of this county, the daughter of Alfred and Emily (McComb) Weatherly. By this union there were five children, three of whom are living, viz.: Clara M., Mary S. and Ernest L. The two deceased are Arthur D. and an infant son. Mrs. Mary F. St. Clair died July 3, 1887, and Mr. St. Clair was again married, October 27, 1889, to Mrs. Jessie C. Wolf, of Buena Yista county, Iowa. She had one child by a former marriage, Iva May. , Mr. St. Clair is politically a Democrat, and a wheel-horse of the party. He is the present

township Assessor, and has served on the School Board nine years, has served as Road Supervisor five years, serving with credit to himself and to the best interests of the public. He is president of the Farmers’ Alliance, No. 1981. Mr. St. Clair is a man yet in the prime of life, frank and cordial in his manner and address, and is one of the popular men of Red Oak township.

PAGE 450

THOMAS CLELLAND resides in Colony township, on section 4. He was born in Scotland, March 26, 1820, and emigrated to America in 1851, settling in the State of New York, in Genesee county; he remained there four years and then went to Wisconsin where he lived from 1855 to April, 1867, when he came to Iowa; he resided in Des Moines several years and followed his occupation of engineer; he came to Adams county in 1871 and settled where he now resides.

His father’s name was Peter Clelland, and was of an old Scotch family. His mother’s name was Agnes Cummings. His wife’s name before marriage was Mary Gilmour; she was born in Scotland in Inverness, March 17, 1827.

Mr. and Mrs. Clelland were married in Genesee county, New York, September 4, 1852. They have had two children, one of whom is living—Agnes Clelland, who is now the wife of S. P. Moore, who also resides in Colony township, on section 4.

Mr. Clelland has eighty-eight acres of land, about 100 trees, small fruit, quite an extensive artificial grove, containing something like 200 walnut trees which have been growing more than thirty years. The house is 18 x 24 feet, one and a half stories high, and the barn and outhouses are substantially built. Mr. Clelland has a herd of graded short-horns and other stock. He has been township Trustee several terms; in politics he is a Republican. He has beautiful surroundings and is living in ease and comfort. He is one of the well-known and respected citizens of the township and has done his part in advancing every enterprise that tended to the uplifting of the county in which he has lived and enjoys the respect of all his neighbors.

PAGE 451

MRS. HANNAH PENN, of Red Oak, is the widow of William H. H. Penn, who was one of Montgomery’s earliest and best known pioneers, coming here in 1865. He was born in Scotland county, Missouri, a son of Harwood Penn, who was a native of Pennsylvania and one of the first

settlers in that part of Missouri. Mr. William H. H. Penn was reared in Missouri, and went to Warren county, Iowa, where he married, in January, 1865, Miss Hannah Osborn, a lady of intelligence and a worthy companion through life for her husband. She was born in Wells county, Indiana, the daughter of Larkin Osborn, who also was born in that State, in Union county, a son of William Osborn. A brother named James Osborn, was a Senator. Mrs. Penn’s mother’s maiden name was Rachel Mingle, and she was born at New Castle, Henry county, Indiana, a daughter of John Mingle, a native of Germany, who was five years of age when his parents emigrated to this country. He married Mary Ritchie, who was born in Buffalo, New York, of French parentage. Hannah Osborn was a young child when her parents moved with her to Scotland county, Missouri, where she grew up and was educated. Intending to go to California they sold out, but changed their minds and remained here. Mrs. Penn’s father now lives in southern Missouri, while her mother at present is with her. Mr. and Mrs. Penn came to Red Oak

shortly after their marriage, with but very little means, but he was a successful man and accumulated a valuable property, some of which consists of choice land in Nebraska

The home farm comprises 160 acres, and there are forty acres on section 10 belonging to the

estate. The house, thirty-two feet square, is a good dwelling, two stories high and surrounded with the usual farm buildings, trees, groves, etc., all of which are kept in good condition; there are also good springs on the place.

Mrs. Penn has had eleven children: Harwood Major resides in Lancaster county, Nebraska; Mary Jane was educated at Tabor and Shenandoah, Iowa, and is now the wife of Frank Jefferson, Lancaster county, Nebraska; Millard F. is a graduate of Des Moines Business College; Ruel Taylor is married and also resides in Lancaster county, Nebraska; Anna

Belle is a student at Shenandoah College; William H. H., Jr., was drowned in in 1890, at the age of eleven years; the remaining four are, Francis M., Lncv M., Alma Amelia, and John M.

Mr. Penn died in 1882. Politically he affiliated with the Democratic party; he was a member of the Masonic fraternity, but had taken only two degrees, as a protracted illness prevented his attending the lodge. He was a kind husband and father, was highly respected by all his neighbors, and was one of the most useful citizens of the community. His mother’s maiden name was Amelia Daggs, a daughter of Ruel Daggs, a native of Virginia; his father and relatives residing in Missouri were owners of slaves until they were set free in the late war.

PAGE 451

LEON H. HUMBERT, importer and dealer in Percheron and Suffolk horses, was born in St. Pranche, France, Canton De Mirconst, Department Des Vorges, October 30, 1832. He is the oldest child of John and Mary (Aubry) Humbert, an extended notice of whom will be found on another page of this work. He was reared on a farm in his native county, and in the year 1850, in company with his father, brothers and sisters, emigrated to America, sailing from Havre, May 9, in the ship Orlando. After a voyage of fifty-eight days they landed in New Orleans, and proceeded thence to Nauvoo, Illinois, and after a residence there of four years, they came to Adams county; they settled on a tract of wild land, which Leon H. assisted his father to improve. He was united in marriage December 4, 1855, to Mademoiselle Liegerot, a native of France, who had emigrated with her parents to Adams county in 1855. After his marriage Mr. Humbert resided on his father's farm until July, 1857, when he moved to Sonora, Hancock county, Illinois; he was engaged in farming there for a period of eleven years, and then returned to Adams county, purchasing a tract of 160 acres of wild, unimproved land; he at once set about placing this under cultivation, and making a home for himself and family; by close attention to his business, and wise management, he has succeeded almost beyond his anticipations; he has now a landed estate of 500 acres, with many modern improvements, well stocked with high-grade cattle, hogs and horses.

In 1882 Mr. Humbert sent his son, Charles E., to France to purchase some pure-bred horses; the son was then a lad of seventeen years; he made the trip in safety, bought three horses, in which a large amount of money was invested, and returned home, having made the initial purchase of what has since grown to be a large and profitable business. Mr. Humbert has a large herd of full-blood horses, his reputation as a dealer having spread throughout the State; he also does a large business in raising cattle and hogs.

Mr. and Mrs. Humbert are the parents of six children, three of whom have died: Alice H., aged four years, Isabelle, aged two years, and Leon, aged six months, all died of croup within a few days of each other; Mattie is the wife of G. W. Morris, of this township; Charles E. resides in Cloverdale, California, and Ernest L. is at home.

Mr. Humbert is a member of Lodge No. 275, a. F. & a. M., and his wife is a member of the Eastern Star. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party.

PAGE 452

WILLIAM A. WILLIAMSON, who resides on section 8, Colony township (Nevinville postoffice), is an old settler. He was born in Scotland, June 22, 1852, and was brought to America in 1855; he went to Pennsylvania, to the oil region, before the oil business was developed, and lived there until 1870. He came West then and located in the neighborhood of his present home.

His father is James M. Williamson, Sr., who is still living with one of his sons in Colony township. He was born in Scotland, in 1820. Mr. Williamson’s mother was Margaret Kitchen, also a native of Scotland. She was born in 1818, and died July 8, 1888. The father of our subject was an educated man of strong literary tasks and has written a volume of Scotch poems. He has always been a farmer. He and his wife had eight children, six of whom are living. William and J. M. are twins.

Mr. Williamson was married in February, 1878, to Miss Agnes Krisinger, who was born in Austria. They have had two children, one boy and one girl: George James and Florence May. Mr. Williamson has eighty acres of well-improved land, adapted to general farming and stock-raising. His house is 1.6 x 28 feet, beautifully located and surrounded by groves. He keeps good graded stock and is a progressive farmer. He has held several township offices. In politics he is Independent. He is identified with the intelligent, enterprising citizens. He is like all the Scotch—frank and open in his manner, hospitable in his home, and commands the respect of those with whom he mingles.

PAGE 453

JOHN H. LANDERS resides on section 26, where he has a farm of 160 acres, comprising the northwest quarter of this section. He has owned this land since the spring of 1883, and has been a resident of the county since the fall of 1882, at which time he settled in Corning. He was born in Adams county, Illinois, in 1840, but grew to manhood in LaSalle and Bureau counties. His father was John Landers, who emigrated from Canada with teams, in 1839, and settled in Adams county, Illinois. The following spring he removed to Knox county, where the family resided seven years, and after other moves finally settled near the present city of Rochelle, in 1853. There he located on Government land, and made a home for himself and family, and there lived till 1867, when he removed to Montgomery county, Iowa, and now resides at Lamoni, Iowa. He has attained the advanced age of ninety-seven years, having been born in 1794. His father, the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a resident of the colony of New York when the Revolutionary war began. He enlisted in the Continental army and served seven years in that struggle. After the war he settled in Canada. John Landers was a resident of Canada when the war of 1812 broke out, and was drafted into the British army; but all his sympathies were on the side of the Americans, his father having fought for liberty in the war of the Revolution. He therefore deserted the British army, and served in the pioneer corps in the United States service, in which he received a severe gunshot wound. After the war he returned to Canada and was arrested as a deserter; but in consideration of his youth and the fact that the war was over, he was spared the extreme penalty of the law for desertion, and sentenced to seven years in the British service; but owing to an order for the decrease of the Canadian army, his regiment was disbanded at St. Johns, New Brunswick.

He married in Nova Scotia a Miss Griffin, by whom he had two children, a son and a daughter. The former was killed after he had attained manhood by falling from the mast-head of a vessel at sea. The latter is now a resident of Harrison county, Iowa, the wife of Wm. Small.

Mr. Landers, Sr., was married the second time near Prescott, Canada. This union was blessed with nine children, only three of whom are living, among then the subject of this notice. In order of birth they are: Catherine, wife of Charles Stedman; Alexander, a resident of Washington county, Kansas, the subject of this notice being the youngest of the three survivors. All of the family but two attained to mature years. The mother is still living, being eleven years the junior of her husband. Henry, the youngest son, served in Battery G, Second Illinois Artillery, and died after the war from disease contracted in the service. His parents have received a pension for his services in the cause of the Union.

John H. enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Fortieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served 130 days in Tennessee, Alabama and Missouri. He returned to Illinois, where he resided until spring, 1869, when he came to Montgomery county and purchased land in Pilot Grove township, which he improved and on which he lived five years. He purchased and improved a farm of 160 acres near Red Oak. He then removed to Villisca, where he purchased a hotel, which he ran for a time, when he engaged in the livery and stock business. He then bought a farm in West township, Montgomery county, of 160 acres, which he sold. He next purchased a farm in the northern part of Page county and came to Corning in the fall of 1880. Mr. Landers is engaged in general stock business, buying, breeding and shipping.

He was married in Rochelle, Illinois, in June, 1867, to Miss Margaret Ann Swartz, a native of Canada. Her parents are William and Eunice Swartz. They have nine children, five sons and four daughters. They lost their oldest at the age of six years.

PAGE 454

H. J. BALL, a resident of section 16, Colony township (postoffice Nevinville), was born February 11, 1844, at Ledyard, Connecticut. Fred. Ball, his father, was born at Ledyard, Connecticut: the mother’s name was Susan A. Appley before marriage, and she was born at Canterbury, Connecticut; she is now seventy-six years old, and is living with Fred. Ball, of Colony township.

H. J. Ball was the fourth child of his parents. He removed to Adams county from Connecticut in April, 1869, and settled where he now resides. He was married November 25, 1879, to Miss R. M. Rowland, and they have three children, two girls and one boy: Alice W., Jesse S. and Florence L.

In politics Mr. Ball is a Republican; he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. During the late war he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-sixth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, and was at the siege of Port Hudson; he took sick and was discharged by reason of disability. He has 100 acres of fine land, adapted to general farming and stock-raising. His house, granary, stables and sheds are substantially built; he has an orchard of 100 trees and a fine artificial grove. He has been very successful in his farming operations, and is numbered among the most reliable and prosperous agriculturists of the community.

PAGE 454

MARTIN REILY, a farmer and stock-raiser, section 15, Mercer township, Adams county, since the spring of 1868, was born in Germany in 1830, a son of Eve (Klink) Reily. The father was killed by an accident before Martin was born, and the mother was subsequently married to Michael Gates. The son was taken in charge by his grandfather Klink, who in turn died in a few years, and the boy was then taken care of by an uncle until he was of age. He was married in 1853, to Miss Eve Fairbank, a native of Wittenburg, Germany, and a daughter of Michael and Catharina (Kabler) Fairbank. In 1853 they emigrated to America, coming on the sailing vessel Antwerp, and landing at New York after a voyage of eight weeks. He resided in Columbiana county, Ohio, until he came to Adams county in the year mentioned, and purchased 160 acres of wild land, and he has since made it a fine farm, one of the best in the township. He also has eighty acres of improved land on section 22, in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Reily is a Democrat in his general politics, and he and his wife are church members. They are the parents of seven children, as follows: John and Martin, residing in the same township; William H.; Melissa, now the wife of James Waller, of Prescott township; and Frank, Charles and Lewis.

PAGE 455

REINHOLDT T. SCHOLZ, a merchant of Corning, was born in Breslau, Germany, 1854, and in early youth came to America. After a brief season in the public schools here he began his life as a clerk in Racine, Wisconsin, and the greater proportion of life has been spent behind counters as a salesman, and there are none better. He opened business in Chicago and suffered loss from the great fire of 1871. In 1879 he came to Corning and became a member of the firm of Scholz Bros., which was dissolved in 1883. His present business was established in 1890, and its remarkable growth attests his popularity as a business man, and his untiring industry. In the Methodist Episcopal Church and in society he is a power. Religion, including temperance, or rather total abstinence from intoxicating liquors, enlists his enthusiasm. As president of the Blue

Ribbon League he is recognized as one of the most successful leaders in the State. Under his management the organizations in Adams county have multiplied and grown in strength until the county has become known as a reliable temperance county. He is also a Royal Arch Mason.

He was married in Racine, Wisconsin, to Miss Catherine M. Hogley. They have two children: Clinton R. and Nellie M. Mrs. Scholz died December 9, 1889, after a long and painful illness. She has been a member of the Methodist Church for many years.

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J. W. BURKETT, one of the aged, prominent citizens of Washington township, section 25 (Mt.Etna postoffice), was born in Butler county, Ohio, January 10, 1813, a son of George and Charlotte (Freehart) Burkett, the father a native of Virginia and the mother of Pennsylvania. Her ancestors can be traced back to the Mayflower through the name of Craig. The father was a farmer and stock-raiser. He came from Virginia to Maryland, thence to Pennsylvania, thence to Ohio, and thence to Jackson county, Indiana, where he died about 1844 at more than eighty years of age.

The mother died in 1836 about forty years of age. She was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. These parents had eight children, our subject being the only one now living so far as known. He began business at the age of nineteen years; he worked at the carpenter’s trade, did teaming and farmed. Farming and carpentering have been his chief occupation, and he has given some attention to fruit-growing. He came to his farm in 1889. Before that he

had lived at Quincy. He came to this State in 1848 and settled in Polk county, where he was one of the pioneers. He enlisted in 1846 in Company A, Second Regiment of Missouri Mounted Volunteers. At this time he lived in Buchanan county, Missouri, and served about fourteen months. He took part in one battle, the regiment being stationed in New Mexico. He had good health while in the army and was discharged about September 14, 1847.

He is now nicely located near the Quincy & Carl Railroad; has a large orchard of ten acres, and raises small fruit. He lives two and one-half miles southeast of Mt. Etna, and has a nice home.

Mr. Burkett was married in 1832 to Miss Nancy Wheeler, of Hamilton county, Indiana. Two children have been born to them: John J., who is married to Catherine Whetstone; they have nine children: he is a broom-maker and farmer of this county. Willliam H., a farmer and carpenter of Warren county, Iowa, is married to Jane McClintic; they have eight children. Mrs. Burkett died in 1837. She was a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Burkett is a member of the Masonic Order. In politics he is an Independent.

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JOSIAH P. LATIMER, one of the prominent farmers of section 14, Lincoln township, Adams county (Carbon post-office), was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, November 7, 1831. His parents were James and Catherine Latimer, both natives of Ohio. The father was a farmer by occupation. He moved from Jefferson to Harrison county, Ohio, in 1832, and settled on a farm. He lived there until 1855 when he came to Washington county, Iowa, and settled on land a large portion of which he improved. From there he moved to Whiteside county, Illinois, in 1869, and lived there until his death June 3, 1870, at the age of sixty-six years, one month and twenty- one days. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and an elder in the same. His wife died in 1885, aged eighty-three years. She also was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Out subject is the second in a family of five boys and two girls; he was educated in the public schools of Ohio and began for himself at about the age of eighteen years, at which time he went to learn the harness maker's trade; he worked at that trade for three years, then farmed until the war opened. During the war he worked on Government contracts in the harness business in Pittsburg and Allegheny City. This he continued until 1864, when he came to Iowa and worked in the shop at Burlington for two years; then he went to Whiteside county, Illinois, and settled on a farm. He followed this occupation for seven years before coming to Iowa. He came to Adams county in 1875 and settled on the farm where he now resides. It was wild land then, and he first owned eighty acres, to which he has since added another eighty acres. He now has a beautiful farm of Adams county's rich soil. His farm is well adapted both to stock and grain; the land is well improved and divied off into fields of convenient size. He has a nice grove of maple and willow trees and an orchard. His house is 18 x 26, one and a half stories, and an L 16 x 22 feet, also one and half stories high. He has a new and convenient barn and sheds for the shelter of stock.

Mr. Latimer was married December 31, 1868, to Miss Mary Wycoff, daughter of Abram Wycoff of Des Moines county, Iowa.

The home of our subject and wife has been cheered in the birth of four children, viz.: William F., Nicholas P., Stewart E. and Lydia Pearl. The parents are members of the United Brethren Church.

In politics our subject is Republican. He is an honored citizen and worthy of the esteem in which he is held.

PAGE 457

ADAM KRAUT, one of the old and respected German farmers of Washington township, Adams county (Mt. Etna postoffice), was born in Kurhessen, Germany, October 4, 1826. His parents were Henry and Cathrina (Simon) Krauts, both natives of Germany. The father came to this country in 1851, and settled in Germantown, Pennsylvania. He came to Iowa in the early fifties, and settled on a farm of 160 acres in Cass county, where he died in 1853. He was a member of the Reform German Church. His wife died in Germany at the age of fifty-eight years. He died about the same age. They were the parents of three children; our subject is the oldest of the family. John, a brother, lives in Iowa City, Johnson county. Mr. Kraut has been a farmer all his life. He came to America when he was twenty-eight years of age and settled in Johnson county, Iowa. He owned a farm there of forty acres, which he sold in the fifties and then bought a farm near the place on which he now resides. Mrs. Coleman owns that farm now. He bought his present farm in 1880; there are eighty acres in the farm; it is nicely located near the section road in the midst of an excellent and fertile country. He raises corn, oats and potatoes, and in fact almost anything that can be grown in the county. He is one of the good and substantial German farmers who understand agriculture.

Mr. Kraut was married in Philadelphia in 1859, and had four children by this union: Anna, wife of Thomas Smith, living in Dakota; Edgar, Simon and John, all farming in Cass county.

The mother died in 1857. Her age was thirty-two years.

Our subject married his present wife, Miss Mary Couchet, in 1870. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kraut are members of the Evangelical Church. In politics he was formerly a Greenbacker. He is an industrious and well-to-do citizen.

PAGE 457

CHARLES H. BRYANT, physician and surgeon, Corning, Iowa, was born April 24, 1857, at Sycamore, Illinois, and is the eldest of four children, three sons and one daughter, born to Dr. William W. and Cordelia E. (Sheldon) Bryant. The parents were natives of Massachusetts, of Puritan stock, but moved to Sycamore, Illinois, in 1856, where they have since remained. Our subject belongs to a family of physicians; his grandfather was also a physician and he has a cousin and an uncle who are practicing medicine in Iowa.

The Doctor’s elementary education was received in the graded schools of Sycamore, and at an early age he began the study of medicine under his father, so that at the age of nineteen he was prepared to enter the Chicago Medical College, where he was graduated in the spring of 1879. The following six years he spent in practice with his father at Sycamore, and in May, 1885, he moved to Corning, Iowa; the Doctor is a member of the Knights of Pythias of Corning, having

filled all the chairs of King Arthur Lodge, No. 173; in political matters is a staunch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party.

He was married at Sycamore, Illinois, March 27, 1878, to Miss Lottie V. Harrington, a daughter of George Harsha; her mother died when she was but an infant and she was legally adopted by her grandfather Harrington, taking his name. This union was blessed by one child, a girl, Claire, who only lived to be a comfort to them for three years when she passed away. Hr. Bryant,

while yet a young man, has endeared himself to the people of Adams county, and no one enjoys a more lucrative practice than he.

PAGE 458

B. L. JONES, a prominent business man of Carbon, was the second child born in Quincy, then the county seat of Adams county, Iowa, his birth having occurred June 22, 1855. His father, John W. Jones, a pioneer of this county, located here in 1854, and is still a resident of Adams county.

John W. Jones was born in Hampshire county, Virginia, February 9, 1822, son of Jephthah Jones, born in Virginia, son of John Jones who was a soldier in the war of 1812. The Joneses originally came from Wales and were among the first settlers of Baltimore, Maryland. The mother of John W. was Martha Poland, a native of Hampshire county, Virginia, and a daughter of Samuel Poland of New Jersey.

In 1853 the Jones family took boat at Wheeling, Virginia, for Burlington, Iowa; thence by stage to Mount Pleasant, where the father and brother of John W. had come the fall before. In March, 1854, John W., in company with L. V. Ritchie, came to Adams county, and the former subsequently went to Council Bluffs and entered land for Mr. Ritchie and himself. Jephthah Jones and his wife came to this county in 1858. The father died here in 1865 and the mother, in 1888, the latter at the age of eighty-six years. They had reared a family of nine children, seven of whom are living at this writing.

John W. Jones was married in Marion county, Virginia, May 18, 1843, to Jane Jonst, daughter of Peter Jonst and Margaret his wife. She died in Virginia, in 1851, of cholera. February 7, 1854, he wedded Mary Wolf, a sister of Judge Barnett's wife, and by her had two children: B. L., the subject of our sketch, and Salona, who is deceased. his second wife died in March, 1859. In May, 1862, he was united in marriage with his present wife, Clara, daughter of William Lockwood, a pioneer of Adams county. This union is blessed with five children, namely: Clara, Lillian, Frank Eathel, Bessie and John Cleveland. John W. Jones has filled many local offices of trust; was county Assessor in 1858, and for a number of years served as Justice of the Peace.

B. L. Jones received his education in the common schools of Polk and Adams counties, completing his studies at the Baptist University at Des Moines. He then began teaching, in which profession he was engaged for some time. In 1878 he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits in Lincoln township, and in 1883 came to Carbon and engaged in his present business.

He was married, in 1876, to Ella J. Hall, who was born in Pennsylvania and reared in Iowa, daughter of William and Mary Hall. They have two children: Willie P. and B. L., Jr. Their second born, Ruby May, died at the age of two years.

Politically Mr. Jones is a Democrat and is identified with the best elements of his party; he is a member of the Democratic Central Committee. During President Cleveland's administration he was postmaster of Carbon. He is a notary public and does all kinds of legal business; he has been active in educational matters, and is now serving as a member of the school board. In short, every good cause calculated to promote the best interests of the town and county receives from him a hearty support.

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JOHN L. NEILL, a farmer of Douglas township, Adams county, first arrived here in 1856, when a boy, and is, therefore, one of the best known citizens. He was born in Des Moines county, this State, near Burlington, in 1843, when Iowa was a Territory. His father, John Neill, deceased, was born in county Down, north Ireland, March 12, 1812, and came to America when a young man, and becoming one of the first settlers at Burlington, when there were but three log cabins in the place. He opened a farm near there, and later engaged in the grain trade, shipping the first ear-load from that place; also dealt in live-stock, etc. He married Mrs. Lucinda Boyd, whose maiden name was Ladd; she was born in Indiana, a daughter of Christopher Ladd, who built one among the first log houses in Burlington. He and his sons owned a large portion of the town site. He moved to Adams county in 1855, settling upon 320 acres which he had purchased near town from Jude Lowe. In the spring of 1856 he bought 220 acres more, - all wild land. He and his two eldest sons, Henry and John L. (our subject), with three hired men, broke ninety acres the first season, during which time they lived in a board shanty which they had built, and where Mr. John L. Neill was cook, and had charge of the "Hotel de Neill." In the fall they built a log house sixteen feet square, on section 23, and there the family of parents and seven children, and hired men and hired girl, all lived, and sometimes strangers, arriving cold and hungry, were also welcomed to the best the house afforded. Mr. Neill, the father, opened here a large farm, bought stock, which he drove to Eddyville and Ottumwa, 140 miles distant. It required three or four weeks to drive the hogs to that point; cattle were driven twelve to fifteen miles a day. They hauled their dressed hogs to St. Joseph, Missouri, when the market was better for dressed meat. Engaging in the mercantile trade on the old farm, Mr. Neill sold goods to the best settlers. Later he started a store at Red Oak, where Henry and John L. had charge, hauling their goods from Council Bluffs, St. Joseph, Des Moines and Ottumwa. Some time afterward the father and John L. engaged in trade at Hawleyville, Page county, and still later did an extensive business at Villisca. The father was a good business man and financier. He was a self-made man, politically a Democrat, and was a valuable man to this county in early days. He died at Villisca, in 1875; his wife had in December, 1869. They had four sons and three daughters, namely: Henry, now in the livery and money lending business at Santa Ana, California; John L., our subject; Samuel, of Douglas township, Adams county; Julius, of Kansas; Emma, wife of James Preston, of Rock county, Minnesota; Ida, wife of Samuel Leach, of Springfield, Nebraska; and Ella, who died in 1861, at the age of twelve years.

Mr. John L. Neill, whose name introduces this sketch, was a lad of thirteen years when he came to Adams county, where he was brought up on a farm, and still follows that noble calling, farming, now owning 662 acres of land, - all in one body and mostly bottom land; eighty acres are in Page county. His pasture is in blue-grass and clover. His residence is a good one, of modern style, 26 x 36 feet and two stories high, with porch. The barn is 44 x 72 feet, and there are the other outbuildings necessary for good farm management. Mr. Neill keeps fifty horses, from thoroughbred Clyde and Norman down, 150 head of cattle of good grade, etc.

In 1863 he crossed the plains and mountains with team to the Pacific coast, leaving the Missouri river April 16, and arriving at Portland, Oregon, September 18. He went to San Francisco by water, and thence by the Nicaragua route to New York. In 1881 he went with his family on a visit to Santa Ana, California, where he bought and sold some real estate, with profit. Thus he has spent two winters on the Pacific coast.

Mr. Neill is a Democrat in his political views, is a successful business man and a useful and popular citizen.

He was married at the age of twenty-five years, to Miss Eliza Hollis, a lady of intelligence and of a good family, born in Indiana, a daughter of Ed Hollis, who was a well-known early settler of Page county. Her mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Murphy. Mr. and Mrs. Neill have six children, namely: John Edward, who married Ada Hollingsworth, has one son, Ralph E.; Anna Stella, Cora May, Grace Blanch, Belle and Willie.

PAGE 460

WILLIAM H. ELLENWOOD, one of the prominent farmers of Washington township, section 29, Eureka postoffice, was born in Henry county, Illinois, May 20, 1840. His parents were Morris and Susannah (White) Ellenwood, both natives of Ohio. The father was a farmer; was hackdriver and mail carrier after coming to Illinois, owing to the loss of an arm. He came to Illinois from Washington county, Ohio, about the year 1838, and settled on a farm in Henry county. He died in Henry county, Illinois. His wife is still living with general health fairly good. She is still an honored resident of Henry county, Illinois, is well known and highly respected as an old settler. Her father, Rev. William White, was a minister of good standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Our subject began assisting in the support of the family at about the age of fourteen years. Agriculture has been his business all his life. He farmed in Henry county, Illinois, until 1870, when he moved to Adams county, locating on the farm where he now resides; it was then raw prairie. He bought 120 acres of ridge land. His house, 16 x 26 feet, one and a half stories high, is located on the road leading from Carbon to Mount Etna. He has a nice location, commanding a view of the surrounding country. He has an orchard of three acres and raises small fruit as well. The farm is adapted well for a stock farm, being well watered.

Mr. Ellenwood was married in 1863, to Virginia Cole, daughter of Asa and Rebecca Cole, of Washington county, Ohio, now of Henry county, Illinois. The father was a very thorough farmer, well and favorably known as an honest and upright citizen. He is still living, an honored resident of Henry county, Illinois. His wife died April 17, 1891, at the age of sixty-six years.

Mrs. Ellenwood is the oldest in a family of eleven children, nine of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Ellenwood are the parents of sixteen children, three of whom died in infancy. The others are, Edward J., married to Emma Anderson; Ard, deceased at the age of twenty-three years; he went West and took possession of a claim in Banner county, Nebraska; he made a visit home and on his return to his claim he took sick and died June 21, 1889; Elmer, married to Ida Powell; Majesta, wife of John Powell; Maud, wife of A. B. Schofield; Lucy R., wife of Rodman Hathaway; Virginia, William S., Bennett G., Olive L., Martha B., Leonard and Lillie B. Both parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

In politics our subject is a Republican; he is also a member of the Farmers's Alliance. He is a highly esteemed and valued citizen.

PAGE 461

JOSEPH CARL, one of the prominent citizens and farmers of Lincoln township, section 36, Carbon postoffice, was born in Adams county, Ohio, August 9, 1844. His parents were Andrew and Nancy (Wallace) Carl, both natives of Ohio. The father was a miller by trade; he ran a mill in Adams county for many years and followed that calling from the early age of eighteen years. He took part in the late was as private in Company G, Thirty-seventh Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was over age and enlisted for garrison duty and detached service. He served for more than one year. He was never wounded nor taken prisoner, but was discharged for disability; he came home and died in about a year, in 1865, at the age of fifty-four years. He was a deacon in the Baptist Church for many years, and was well known and universally respected. He lived in Des Moines county since 1851, and died there. His wife is still living at the advanced age of seventy-six years.

These parents had six children, five of whom are yet living; our subject is third in the family. He began life for himself at the age of twenty- one years. Farming was his business. He came to Adams county, March 7, from Dakota, having lived there for nine years. He owned a farm there, and bought land on which he now resides of T. B. Kenyon; there are 175 acres, fifteen of which are in timber; 160 acres are improved and in good condition. He raises corn, hay and oats, has an orchard and a nice vineyard, and raises small fruit as well. His house is pleasantly located and commands a view of most beautiful and fertile country. He raises stock of all kinds, and is numbered among the progressive, worthy and well-to-do citizens of the township.

Mr. Carl has held township offices, but has little taste for official position. In his public life he has given a reasonable degree of satisfaction. He is progressive in his views and favorable to the enterprises which promote the best welfare of the community. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.; in politics a Republican and a worthy and well esteemed citizen.