Henry County, IAGenWeb

 MOUNT PLEASANT CITY - 1879

From "The History of Henry County, Iowa.
Containing a History of the County, its Cities, Towns and Census."
Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1879.

Updated by Conni McDaniel Hall, October 2017

MOUNT PLEASANT

ANDERSON, ELIJAH, butcher.
Anderson, Merritt.
Anderson, Robert, laborer.
Andrews, Asa, farmer.
Andrews, N.B., farmer.
Andrews, H.D.,
Ackerman, L.G., baker.
Ainsworth, Lewis.
Albee, W.D., speculator.
Alberts, W.L.

ALLEN, JOHN N. Clerk of the Courts of Henry County, born in Rockingham Co., Va., January 12, 1834, came to Iowa and located in Henry County, September, 1856. He was engaged as a clerk in  a store for some years; Deputy Postmaster for six years. Enlisted in the 25th regiment, I.V.I., Co. H; after being mustered in, he received an injury in camp which prevented his going in the field with the regiment; afterward enlisted in the 45th regiment, I.V.I. Co. A. He was elected Clerk of the Courts I 1870; re-elected in 1872; re-elected in 1874-76; and also at the recent elections in 1878; and is now serving his fifth term. He married Miss Ellen D. Allen from Ohio, in April, 1859. They have one daughter—Kate. Lost two children.

ALLEN, R.D., ., merchant tailor; born in Otsego Co, N.Y. in 1826. In 1860 he came to Iowa and located in Henry Co.; he has been engaged in business here for the past ten years. He married Miss Elizabeth Little from the State of New York. They have seven children, two sons and five daughters.

Alscep, John C., carpenter.

AMBLER, HENRY, attorney at law; was born in 1821 ; lived in Pittsburgh, Penn.; in 1840 went to Ohio and commenced reading law; after completing his studies, he was admitted to the bar and practiced his profession in Salem, Columbiana Co., Ohio, for ten years; he came to Iowa first in 1854; located permanently at Mt. Pleasant in October, 1856; he associated with Mr. Woolson in the practice of law for some years; has practiced here for over twenty years; his brother, Richard, is now associated with him; he has been connected with the Wesleyan University for some years as Law Professor. Married Louisa Phillips from Stark Co., Ohio; has six children—Nellie (now Mrs. W. H. Campbell of St. Joseph; she was Preceptress and Professor of English Literature in the University); Fannie (now Mrs. D. G. Higley of Fairfield; Ione, Pauline, Glauces S. (married and living at Colorado Springs, Colo.), Louie, Iowa.

Ambler, Richard, attorney.
Arbuckel, J.C., laborer.
Arnold, C.V., Deputy Co. Treasurer.

BABCOCK, N.E., farmer.

BABB, W.I., attorney at law, firm of Woolson & Babb; born in Des Moines Co., Iowa Oct. 2, 1844; he came to Henry County in 1860; received his education at the Iowa Wesleyan University. During the war he enlisted in the 8th regiment I.V.C. and served as Quartermaster’s Sergeant until the close of the war. Returned here and completed his education and graduated in 1866. He studied law with Messrs. H. & R. Ambler, and wa admitted to the bar in the fall of 1867; has practiced his profession here; and for the past six years has been associated with Hon. John S. Woolson. He held office of City Attorney for eight years. Is a Democrat; in the late elections held Nov. 1878 he received the nomination from his part for the office of District Judge; he carried his own county by a large majority, receiving the support of both parties and his opponent was elected by a majority of only 116 votes. He married Miss Alice Bird from Mt. Pleasant Oct. 9, 1873; they have two children—Max and Millie.

Baines, Edward, merchant.
Ballard, H.H., tinner.
Barclay, A.A., school-teacher.
Bartlette, George G., salesman.

BARTLETT, GEO. O, proprietor of the Brazelton House; born in New Bedford, Mass, Nov. 3, 1844 and was raised in that State. He married Miss Mary A. Williamson from Philadelphia; they came to Iowa and located in Mt. Pleasant in 1878, and became proprietor of the Brazelton House. Have one son—Sammy Lewis.

BASSETT, H.M., DR., First Assistant Physician and Surgeon of the Iowa State Hospital for the Insane; born in Lorain Co., Ohio, Jan. 1, 1840, he received his education in Cleveland; he studies medicine and graduated at the Western Reserve College in 1863, and immediately entered the army as Assistant Surgeon of the 113th Regt. Ohio Inf.; very soon after was commissioned Surgeon of the 121st Regt. Ohio Vol. Inf., and held that position until the close of the war. He came to Mt. Pleasant in 1865 and since has been connected with the Iowa Hospital for the Insane; he was physician in charge for two years from 1873 to 1875, during the absence of Dr. Rancey; has been connected officially with the institution longer than any other officer. He married Miss Ellen P. Melendy of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Oct. 31, 1873. They have two children---Elmer M. and Fred.

BAUGH, L.G., firm of Leedham & Baugh, lumber dealers and manufacturers of sash, doors, and blinds; born in Loudon Co., Va., in January, 1827; his parents removed to Ohio, when he was 4 years of age; there he learned the trade of millwright and the milling business; came to Iowa in 1857, and located in Mt. Pleasant; has been associated with H.K. Leedham for the past six years; they do an extensive business. He married Miss Jane Darst, from near Dayton, Ohio, in June, 1853; she was a daughter of John Darst, the Dunkard minister, and one of the earliest settlers of Miami Co, Ohio; they have two children- John, Flora, was a graduate of both the high school and the University, and Julia, would have graduated at the high school within a month previous to her death if she had lived; all died within one month of diphtheria, in 1874.

Bayles, Mason.
Beatty, Alfred, lab.
Beatty, John, harness and shoe.

BEATTIE, WRAY, Professor of Natural Sciences in the Iowa Wesleyan University; born in Ireland Jan. 6, 1831; he came with his parents to America when only 3 years of age; they located in Eastern Ohio, where he received his education at the Ohio Wesleyan University, of Delaware; graduated from that institution; he came to Iowa in 1855; became connected with the University and has been connected with that institution longer than any of his Professors; has also studied medicine and is a graduate of the St. Louis Medical College. On the 1st day of January, 1856, upon the occasion of a leap year party, he married Miss Phebe J. Jenkins, of Hillsboro, Montgomery Co., Ill.; their wedding was a complete surprise to their friends. Prof. Hull, of Agency City, was married at the same time and at the same place. Mrs. Beattie was engaged in teaching in the University when Senator Harlan was its President. Prof. and Mrs. Beattie have two children- Charles, born May 5, 1859, and Helen La Rue, born Feb. 15, 1864; lost one daughter- Jessie Irene.

Becker, C.G., Professor, college.

BECKWITH, WARREN, CAPT., contractor for masonry work on the C.B. & Q.R.R.; born in Monroe Co, N.Y., Jan. 31, 1833, and received his education there; studied surveying civil engineering when he was 19 years of age; and in 1852-54, he was engaged on the Genesee Valley R.R. (now the Rochester Branch of the Erie R.R.) Went to Kansas in 1854, and came to Iowa in May, 1856; became connected with the B. & M.R.R., directly after the Land Grant Act was passed from 1856 to 1860, then resigned and went to Texas with stock. When the war broke out, returned here and enlisted in the 14th Regt. Iowa Cav; held the position of Battalion Adjutant; he was promoted to Captain, Jan. 1, 1863; he was in a number of severe fights and skirmishes; in the battle of Guntown one-third of his men engaged were killed and wounded; he was in the service until August, 1865. Upon his return was appointed Roadmaster of the B. & M.R.R. and held that position until the consolidation of this road with the C.B. & Q.R.R., when he was appointed Superintendent of the track and bridges over the whole line, which position he held until he was appointed chief engineer of the whole line. On account of his health he has recently resigned. He married Miss Louzenia Wallace Porter April 14, 1863; she is a daughter of Col. A.B. Porter, one of the earliest settlers of Henry Co. They have five children- Everett, Orville, Emily, Florence and Warren.

Bedford, Lewis, laborer.
Beers, T.L., dentist.

BEREMAN, T.A., attorney at law; born in Hendricks Co, Ind., March 4, 1833; came with his parents by wagon, to Iowa; arrived in Mt. Pleasant July 31, 1845; he attended school here; then entered Knox College at Galesburg, Ill, and completed his education; commenced reading law, and was admitted to the bar in 1859. When the war broke out, he was among the first to enlist; the day the news was received of the rebels firing on Fort Sumter, in April, 1861, he enlisted in the 1st Reg. I.V.C., Co. E; was elected 2d Lieutenant; in June, 1863, he was commissioned Captain Co. E, and in January, 1865, was promoted to Major; was in the service till the close of the war, then returned. Bought out the Home Journal, and conducted that for one year, then engaged in the practice of his profession. In the fall of 1865; was elected to the State Legislature; was elected Clerk of the District Court in the fall of 1866, re-elected in 1868; was elected District Attorney at the recent elections, November, 1878; was a member and Recorder of the City Council; is now Secretary of the School Board. He married Miss Anna E. Paxson, from Columbiana Co., Ohio, May 17, 1860; they have three children- Harold A., Howard T. and Mildred A.

Berry, Elias, laborer.
Berrins, M.T., farmer.
Bigler, Theodore, speculator.
Bird, N.T., druggist.
Bird, Wellington, physician.
Black, John B., plasterer.
Booten, Morris, laborer.

BOWMAN, H.M., of the firm of Bowman & Kaufman, elevator and grain business, coal and seeds; born in Lancaster Co, Penn., April 24, 1844; he came to Iowa and located in Mt. Pleasant in 1866; he engaged with J.W. Castor, afterward with Castor & Farwell, in the grain business; associating with Mr. Kaufman, he engaged in the grain and coal business. He married Miss Amanda Cleaver, from Washington Co, Penn., in 1871; they have two children- Gertie and Florence.

Bradick, I.A., minister.
Bratton, H.L., peddler.
Bratton, R.H., peddler.
Brentholts, Josiah, boots and shoes.
Brooks, A.T., ex-Mayor.
Brooks, Stephen, hotel.
Brown, J.B., railroad man.
Brown, J.L., pumpmaker.
Brown, N.H., sexton.
Brown, R.C., editor.
Buddee, John G., confectioner.
Burger, J.W., Clerk.
Burk, Charles J, clerk.
Burket, M.F., tinner.
Burmaugh, H.H. and A., laborers.
Burmaugh, Samuel, laborer.

BURNETT, HIRAM, REV., better known as "Father Burnett," was born in Georgia, Feb. 19, 1799; in his infancy his parents moved to East Tennessee; when he was ten years of age, they removed to Ohio, fifty miles east of Cincinnati; his father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died soon after his return from the war, leaving a wife and six children, of whom Hiram was the oldest and he had to provide for the support of his mother and family; they removed to Highland Co., Ohio, where on the 7th of June, 1821, he married Miss Ann Hixson, a native of Virginia; four years after his marriage in 1825, he was converted and very soon after, began preparing himself to preach the Gospel; he soon began preaching from house to house; four years after his conversion, he was licensed to preach, and the year following was ordained minister of the Gospel in the Baptist Church; for fifteen years, it is doubtful if there was a single Sabbath that he did not preach one or more times, and during that time baptized over six hundred persons; four years of that time, he preached on an average one sermon every day. They came to Iowa by wagon, and arrived in Mt. Pleasant Oct. 1, 1842, among the early settlers; in February, 1843, he established the Baptist Church here; it was organized at his own house with eight members; he was the father of the Church, and served as its Pastor for many years. He bought the place where he now lives and moved there April 10, 1843, and began holding meetings in his own house; he has been Pastor of several churches and actively engaged in preaching until within a few years past; he has now reached his fourscore years, and has spent a long life of great usefulness to the Church and to his fellow-men. Father Burnett and his wife, have been married over fifty-seven years; they have two children living- David L. of Washington, D.C., in the Government Post Office Department; William H., of Washington, D.C. in the War Department; they have lost one son- Joseph.
Burton, J.W., clerk.
Burton, W.S., wagon-maker.
Butler, George I., minister.

BYRUM, WILL H., bakery, restaurant, and fancy groceries; born in Knox Co, Ill, Aug. 13, 1857; when 10 years of age, came to Iowa; he was employed in the State Hospital for the Insane for five years; he engaged in his present business Aug. 1, 1876, and since then has built up a good trade; beside his business, he owns 160 acres of land in Kansas.

CAHAIL, EDWARD, laborer.
Campbell, A.J., clerk
Carmichael, T., cooper
Carpenter, M.S., expressman
Carrigan, C., railroad laborer.
Carroll, G.B., retired.
Carter, J.J.A., laborer.
Carter, R., cabinet-maker.
Cary, J., painter.
Casey, J., laborer.
Castleton, James, Sexton school.
Cauffman, D.W., merchant
Caughran, Simon, laborer
Cavance, Eli, shooting-gallery.
Clark, F.J., Justice of the Peace.
Clark, H.S., Cashier First National Bank.
Clark, H., bill-poster.
Clark, Thomas, laborer.
Clawson, John R, tinner.
Chronister, John, laborer.
Coat, J.B., speculator.
Coates, Calvin, carriage-maker.
Coates, Rodney, blacksmith.
Cobb, George, laborer.
Cobb, Lyman, laborer.
Coffin, J.R., laborer.
Cole Brothers, pumps and lightning rods.
Cole, R.S., firm Cole Bros.
Cole, W.R., firm Cole Bros.
Coleman, A, traveling agent.

COLE BROTHERS, manufacturers, wholesale and retail dealers in pumps and lightning-rods. Among the enterprising business men of Mt. Pleasant is the firm of Cole Bros., composed of R.S., J.W., J.J., and W.R. Cole. The pumps and lightning-rods sold by this house are manufactured by them at their extensive works, which are located at Greencastle, Ind., under the supervision of J.W. Cole who resides there. J.J. Cole lives in St. Louis; R.S. and W.R. Cole reside here. The firm do a large an extensive business, which extends over Iowa, Nebraska, Kanasa, Texas and Arkansas. William R. Cole, who has the management of the business here was born in Dearborn Co., Ind., Aug. 12, 1828; he came to Iowa and located in Henry Co. in the fall of 1840, attended school here and entered Lombard University at Galesburg, Ill. where he went through his college course, he completed his education at the Harvard Divinity School at Cambridge, Mass; he was in the ministry of the Universalist Church from 1864 to 1874, when he became connected with the active management of the business of the firm here. He married Miss Cordelia Throop of New York in the fall of 1857; they have six children - E.C., Ralph G., H.A., Clara, Ollie and Arthur; lost one daughter.

Colston, A.M., laborer.
Colston, George W., laborer.

COMSTOCK, A.W., Vice President of the Comstock Scale Works, born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, near Cincinnati, Dec. 23, 1827; his parents came to Iowa when he was 7 years of age and located in Des Moines co., near Burlington; after reaching manhood he was engaged in the nursery business for a number of years; he came to Mt. Pleasant in March, 1870; engaged in the lumber business. Previous to coming here he was connected with the Scale Works in Burlington and became familiar with the imperfections of the scales in use, and, in 1874, he invented what is known as the Comstock Scale, and began the manufacture of them in 1876; the Comstock Scale Works were organized, and he was elected Vice President of the company - which is doing a good business. He was Captain of a company of militia in Des Moines Co., and was afterward elected Colonel of the regiment and was commissioned by Gov. Stone. He married Miss Sarah Ann Avery, July 4, 1849; she was a daughter of Robert Avery, of Macoupin Co., Ill; she came to Iowa in 1835; they have six children - Laura (now Mrs. H. Clark), Stella (now Mrs. D. Saunders), Henry W., Jennie, Mary and Alice. The parents of Mrs. Comstock are still living near Burlington and are both over 80 years of age.

Corkhill, T.E., minister.
Corkhill, W.H., retired.
Cooper, Ezeakel, retired.
Cooper, George, merchant.
Cosgrove, Pat, laborer.
Coulter, David, retired.
Cowles, N.M., janitor school.

COZIER, BEN L., Superintendent of the Public Schools of Mt. Pleasant; born in Clark Co., Ohio, near Springfield, March 14, 1839; he attended school in the Academy under Dr. Howard, afterward President of Athens University, then entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio; after completing his education he taught for one year at the Delaware Female College; also taught in Springfield and afterward in the Pittsburgh Female College for two years; came to Iowa in 1860, and located in Mt. Pleasant. After the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in the 4th Iowa Battery, was commissioned Lieutenant, and served in the Ordnance and Quartermaster's Departments until the close of the war. Upon his return here in 1866, he was elected Superintendent of Schools of the city of Mt. Pleasant, and he has been re-elected to this position every year for the past twelve; he occupies a high position as an educator. He married Miss Augusta L. Flory from Ohio, July 28, 1869.

CRANE, B.H., merchant, dealer in hardware, stoves, tinware, and agricultural instruments; born in Portage Co., Ohio, Nov. 20, 1838; came with his parents to Iowa and located in Mt. Pleasant in 1853; he completed his education here. Enlisted in the 25th Regiment, I.V.I., Co. B; was promoted through all the non-commissioned offices of his company; then commissioned Second Lieutenant, and detailed as Lieutenant and Aide-de-camp on Staff duty; was in twenty-seven distinct engagements; wounded in the battle of Chattanooga, and was in the service three years. After the war he returned and has been engaged in business for the past ten years. He married Miss Abbie E. Mellen, from Quincy, Ill., Jan. 2, 1866; they have six children - Ann M., Bert W., Laura E., Fred B., George and Julius H.

Crane, Eber, minister.
Crane, H.N., jeweler.
Craig, John S., City Marshal.
Crawford, J., teamster.
Creal, Joseph, mason.

CULLUM, R.H., dental surgeon; born in Franklin Co, Ind., May 30, 1848; he studied dentistry and practiced there until coming to Iowa; located in Mt. Pleasant in 1876, succeeding Dr. Hildreth in the practice of his profession. He married Miss Sarah E. Beeson, from Indiana, in June, 1872; they have one daughter, Mary R.

Currin, Mike, laborer.

DAILEY, B.F., railroad employe.
Danaho, Mike, laborer
Daniel, S.S., mail agent, railroad.
Davis, William, pork packer.

DAVIDSON, JAMES R., Sheriff of Henry Co; born in Westmoreland Co, Penn, Jan. 26, 1832; in 1856, he removed to Ohio; lived there two years; came to Iowa, and located in Van Buren Co in 1858; to Henry Co. in 1866 and since then has lived here. He has held office of Justice of the Peace for ten years; has been Town Clerk, and filled other town offices; was elected Sheriff of Henry Co. fall of 1877. He married Miss Rachel J. Jordan, from Fayette Co, Penn., Oct. 7, 1852; they have five children- Lavina, now Mrs. Pope, of this Co., John C., Roger A., Anna, Johnson W.; Lottie B., a daughter, died Nov. 25, 1876.

DAWSON, ELIAS, of the firm of Elias Dawson & Co., meat market; was born in Springfield, Ill, Jan 9, 1844; came with his parents to Iowa when 10 years of age; they located in Mt. Pleasant in July, 1854. Enlisted in the 4th I.V.C. Co. C.; was musician in the brass band. He has been engaged in business for the past ten years. He married Miss Sarah E. Davis, from Marietta, Ohio, in October, 1867; they have one son - Frank A., lost one daughter - Susie.

Dawson, James M., butcher.
Day, R., carpenter.
Deal, A.B., farmer.
Devol, C.F.
Dickey, Benjamin, farmer.
Devol, C.F.
Dickey, Benjamin, farmer.
Dickey, Samuel, sexton cemetery.
Dougherty, D., merchant.
Dougherty, E., sewing machine agent.
Dougherty, James, merchant.
Dougherty, W.F., cabinet maker.

DRAYER, JOHN BREITENBACH, Circuit Judge of the First Judicial Circuit; was  born in Lebanon, Lebanon Co, Penn., on the 7th of April, 1823; his parents were Joseph Drayer, watchmaker and Henrietta Breitenbach, both of German descent; the families were among the early emigrants from the old world to Pennsylvania; the grandfather of John B. spelled his name Dreher; Joseph changed the orthography, but retained the German pronunciation; the family removed to Hamilton, Ohio, when Joseph was 10 years old, and there he learned the trade of his father and worked at it until his 19th year, with no literary education except what he obtained in a common and high school; at 19 he commenced reading law with Hon. John Woods, since a member of Congress from Ohio and admitted to practice in April, 1844, when just 21 years old; he practiced at Hamilton about eight years; then at Eaton, Preble Co., until March, 1858, when he removed to Mount Pleasant. In 1862 he entered the service as Captain of Co. H., 30th I.V.I. and after seven months was obliged to resign his commission on account of ill-health. He was elected County Judge in 1863 and served from January, 1864, to January, 1869, when he went on the bench; has been re-elected twice, the last time without opposition, and his third term will not expire until of Dec. 31, 1879; as a jurist, he is scrupulously conscientious and painstaking, studying each case with the utmost diligence, and his decisions are rarely reversed; as a Probate Judge, it is doubtful if he has a superior in the State; in all the relations of life he has shown himself a man of the strictest integrity. Judge Drayer has been a member of the M.E. Church since 1846, and at one time since locating in Iowa, he preached for two years, resigning a pastorate in the Brookville Circuit to go into the army; his Christian record, as well as the ermine which he has worn so long, is unsoiled. The Judge was originally a Whig, and one the demise of that party promptly, and with hearty sympathy, cast in his fortunes with the noble party of freedom; before becoming Judge he was an active politician; he has lost none of his attachment to the principles of the Republican party, but in his official position his intimate sense of propriety deters him from active partisanship. He has taken the second degree in Odd Fellowship. Judge Drayer has a third wife; his first, Miss Mary M. Withrow, of Butler Co., Ohio; married Jan. 5, 1847, died July 22, 1852, leaving two children, both now deceased; his second wife, Miss Mary J. McCabe, of Eaton, Ohio; married Feb. 21, 1854, had one child, and died Oct. 13, 1871; his present wife was Miss Amanda Baird, of Butler Co., Ohio; married Dec. 24, 1872; she has one child; of the two children by his first wife, a son, Samuel J., died at 6 years of age; the other, Marietta, was the wife of George W. Curfman, of Fairfield, died March 9, 1873; the child by his second wife, Anna, is the wife of William R. Sullivan, Secretary of a scale company of Mount Pleasant. Judge Drayer had a hard struggle in early life, but overcame all obstacles and pushed manfully forward until he reached his present position; should his life be prolonged, he has more history, equally honorable to make.

Drummond, D., retired.
Drummond, J.T., retired farmer.
Dugdale, J.A., retired.
Dugdale, J.D.. liveryman.

EARHART, C.E.

EDWARDS, MARTIN LUTHER, was born in New Milford, Litchfield, Co., Conn., Nov. 6, 1816; the eldest of seven children; father was the same name; his grandfather was Edward Edwards of Welsh descent, emigrated from London, Eng. just before the Revolutionary war and settled in New Milford; mother, the daughter of Nathan Hoyt of same place. The family removed to Warwick, Orange Co., N.Y. in 1821, residing there until 1826; lived several years with Grandfather Hoyt, including part of the time the family was in New York, working on the farm; in 1826, the whole family, father, mother and seven children, moved to Ohio, going all the way in a two-horse wagon; settled permanently in Canfield; then Trumbull, and since Mahoning Co., where some of the family have resided ever since, excepting one year in Steubenville, Ohio; received only a common-school education; mostly in Connecticut; learned the trade of chairmaker and painter with his father; taught school several terms in Canfield, Boardman and Poland, Ohio; also, afterward in Switzerland Co., Ind.; read law some in the offices of Seldon, Haynes, in Poland and of Messrs. Whittlesey & Newton, in Canfield; having taken the silk and mulberry fever, with two others, left home in the spring of 1837; never afterward returning, except on visit; located at Patriot, Switzerland Co., Ind., and engaged in raising mulberry trees, morus multicanles, etc; made a little money raising and selling trees; none in raising silk; left the business after a year or two; lost what was so made through unwise investments and fall of property, following the crash of 1837; was a minister of the Gospel, of the Universalist Church, for about ten years, from 1841 to 1851; laboring in Washington and adjoining counties in Iowa. Was married June 5, 1844, to Lucy Rebecca, daughter of Hon. O.R. Loring, of Belpre, Washington Co., Ohio; in November, 1847, removed from Belpre to Iowa, and located at Mt. Pleasant; soon after arrival purchased and moved into the house he now occupies; was chosen Judge of Henry Co., August, 1851; serving as such four years; was afterward Justice of the Peace; Mayor of the city; at different times a member of the City Council; for many years a member of the School Board, or otherwise connected with it; was admitted to the bar of Henry Co. in November, 1864; engaged in other business; has practiced at the bar but little, excepting a few of the first years, and then mostly in connection with probate matters; has been connected with the Iowa Hospital for the Insane at Mt. Pleasant ever since August, 1857, as Secretary of the Board of Building Commissioners and Accountant, to July, 1862; as Trustee and Secretary of the Board of Trustees from July, 1862, to July, 1874; as Treasurer of the institution from July, 1866, to the present date; in all over twenty-one years. As to politics, strongly Antislavery from early youth; always supporting some party having that aim; a Republican from the first organization of the party; afterward supporting for the Presidency, Horace Greeley and Peter Cooper. In religious faith, Universalist. Mrs. E. died in May, 1870; has since remained unmarried; has no children living; since 1870, the family has consisted of self and widowed sister, Emma E. Curtiss, whose husband had previously deceased in California, and her daughter, Alice G. Curtiss.

Elliott, John, physician.
Emmerson, S., taylor.
Eoff, Leonard.

ESHELMAN, CHARLES B., merchant, dealer in clothing and gents furnishing goods; born in Mt. Pleasant, in July, 1853; his father was an early settler and one of the oldest merchants in Henry Co., Charles B., attended Howe's Academy; then went East and completed his education at Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Andover, Mass; he has been connected with the clothing business since a boy, except when in school; the past two years has been in business for himself.

ESHELMAN, JOHN, of the firm of Eshelman & Humphrey, dealers in clothing and gents' furnishing goods; born in Union Co., Penn., in 1821; when 12 years of age, removed to Lebanon Co., where he learned the trade of merchant tailor; came to Iowa and located in Mt. Pleasant October, 1845, being one of the early settlers; engaged in merchant tailoring; has been in the clothing trade over twenty-five years; only two or three merchants here have been engaged in business as long. Has held the office of City Councilman. Married Mrs. Maria P. Elkins, from Vermont, Oct. 11, 1847; she died June 7, 1874, leaving two children - Emma L., (now Mrs. Humphrey of Chicago), and Charles B., engaged in the clothing business in this city. Mrs. E. died June 7, 1874.

ESHELMAN, REUBEN, dealer in clothing and gents' furnishing goods; born in Lebanon Co., Penn, July 10, 1829; learned the tailor trade when 19 years of age; came to Mt. Pleasant in September, 1848; has been engaged in the clothing trade the past twenty-five years. He had nothing when he came, and by industry and good management, has built up an extensive business; he also established a house in Fairfield and carried on business there for some time and sold out his interest. Married Miss Annie B. Hildebrand, of Pennsylvania, in January, 1866; she came to this State when only 3 years of age; they have one son - Daniel Fred, and twin daughters, Annie May and Hattie Maple; lost one son.

[Page 564] 

FAGAN, MIKE, laborer. 

FARR, LEONARD, retired farmer; born in Chittenden Co., Vt., April 1, 1814; at the age of 18, moved to Ohio and engaged in teaching for about five years; then removed to Virginia, and engaged in teaching there for nine years.  While in Virginia, he became acquainted with Miss Margaret D. Bush, from Augusta, Va., and they were married Feb. 22, 1848; they came to Iowa the same year, and arrived in Mt. Pleasant on Christmas Day, 1848;  the snow at that time was thirty inches deep, and Mrs. Farr says that she did not see the ground for three months.  Mr. Farr engaged in teaching for several years, and in improving his land; he taught the Seminary at Salem for two years.  He has held the office of Superintendent of Schools of Henry Co.  When he commenced life, he had nothing, and now owns 1,400 acres of land in Henry Co.  They have no children. 

Faucett, Isaac J., ex-County Recorder.
Fergueson, J.S., minister.
Ferriss, George E., carpenter.
Ferris, T.E.V., Sr., physician.
Feshe, Fred, wagon-maker.
Fiddler, Ira, carpenter.
Fisher, Peter, retired.
Flora, G.W., miller 

FLUKE, GEORGE W., dairyman; was born in Ashland Co., Ohio.  He came to Iowa in 1863; to Mt. Pleasant in 1871, and engaged in the dairy business, and by industry and good management, he has established a good trade; sells his milk in Mt. Pleasant - and supplies the largest part of the demand.  He owns from thirty-five to fifty milch cows. 

Foley, Joseph, laborer.
Forbes, O.P., retired.
Foster, James, carpenter. 

FITZGERALD, JOHN J., attorney, firm of Bereman & Fitzgerald; born in Fleming Co., Ky., Jan. 5, 1856; his mother came here when he was very young.  He was educated here; graduated at the high school; entered college and graduated.  He studied law with Messrs. Woolson & Babb, and was admitted to the bar in 1877; he has recently associated with Maj. T.A. Bereman in the practice of law.  Married Miss Anna A. Smith Oct. 31, 1878; she was a daughter of the late Henry Smith, Esq., of Pekin, Ill., for a long time one of the most prominent business men of that place. 

Fuller, Harrison, clerk. 

GAMMAGE, G., speculator.
Gardner, Fred, music-teacher.
Garlick, T.H., woolen manufacturer.
Garrett, S.E.
Garrison, E.P., cabinet-maker.
Garvin, James, retired.
Garvin, S.M., merchant.
Garvin, S.W., merchant.
Gilchrist, J.R., manufacturer. 

GILLIS, JAMES L., JUDGE, retired; was born in Hebron, Washington Co., N.Y., Oct. 7, 1792, where he was brought up until 18 years of age, when he removed to Ontario Co., in 1810.  Upon the breaking-out of the war of 1812, he enlisted in the New York volunteers and was commissioned and served as lieutenant of Cavalry; he was in a number of battles; among others was the battle of Fort George, Chippewa, Lundy’s Lane and many other fights and skirmishes; he was wounded at the battle of Lundy’s Lane; he was taken prisoner three miles above Fort Erie, Aug. 7, 1814, and was confined while a prisoner, in jail at Toronto, Kingston, Prescott and Montreal; while held in confinement at the latter place, he sent word to the Governor General of the Canadas, who came and visited him and ordered his release from jail and sent him to a good hotel with special orders that he should be well cared for; he was soon sent to Quebec and exchanged.  After the close of the war, he returned to New York; he went to Pennsylvania in 1822 and located in Jefferson Co., which was then a wilderness; his nearest neighber in one direction was sixteen miles, and in another twenty-four miles distant; the first year he was there, he cleared 100 acres of land and built a grist-mill and made other improvements; the nearest post office was seventy miles distant, with a mail once in two weeks; in 1825, he engaged in cutting and manufacturing lumber; he floated the first lumber on the Clarion River and was the pioneer lumber manufacturer in that section of the country, and continued until 1862.  He held the office of Associate Judge in Elk and Jefferson Cos., Penn., being appointed by Gov. David R. Porter; he served three terms in the State Legislature and represented his district in State Senate for three terms; he was elected Member of Congress in 1856, and represented his district for two terms during the administration of Andrew Jackson, and was an intimate friend; he was also well acquainted with Henry Clay, Calhoun, Silas Wright and Daniel Webster; during the administration of President Buchanan, he was appointed Indian Agent and served for three years.  Judge Gillis has been twice married; he married Miss Mary B. Ridgeway, from Philadelphia, in 1816; she died Jan. 29, 1826; in 1828, he married Cecelia A. Berry, from New York; she died in April, 1855; of ten children nine survive--Charles B. is living here; James H. is in the United States navy, Captain of the receiving-ship Franklin, at Norfolk, Va.; B.W., lives in Richmond, Va.; Robert S. is living here; Claudius V. and Jeannette C. live in Pennsylvania; Mary B. lives in Detroit; Augusta E. lives in New York, and Cecelia A. lives in Beardstown, Ill.  Judge Gillis came to Mt. Pleasant in _____, and since then has resided here; there are very few men of the last century now living who have lived such an eventful life and whose vigor of mind remains so clear and unimpaired. 

Gillis, R. S., Assistant Cashier National State Bank. 

GIMBLE, O. J., dealer in groceries and provisions; born in Germany, Feb. 26, 1831; came to America when 4 years of age; came to Iowa, and located in Mt. Pleasant in the spring of 1857.  He has been engaged in mercantile business since 1864.  He married Miss Clara Smith, from Pennsylvania, in December, 1855; they have three children--Ida C., Charles B. and Anna M. 

Ginn, Isaac S., teamster.
Gladden, William, agricultural implements.
Glenney, W.C., agricultural implements.
Goan, Andrew, tax titles.
Goe, Joseph, express man.
Graves, Enoch, retired.
Gray, James, retired.
Gray, William, farmer.
Green, O.K.
Grensell, N., express deliverer. 

GREUSEL, NICHOLAS, COL.; was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 4, 1817; his parents and nine brothers and sisters emigrated to America in 1834; after arriving in New York the first person who gave Nicholas employment was the mother of Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State under President Grant; the following year the whole family removed to Michigan, arriving in Detroit Nov. 1, 1835; in the spring of 1836, Nicholas entered the employ of Rice, Coffin & Co., in the lumber business, and remained with them eleven years, until the breaking-out of the Mexican war, when he recruited a company for service and was elected Captain of Co. D, 1st Regt. Mich. Vols.; they marched on foot to Springfield, Ohio; thence to Cincinnati, and by steamer to Vera Cruz; in the march on the City of Mexico, their progress through the country was almost a continuous battle with guerillas; in 1847, the war closed and he returned to Detroit; he was appointed Superintendent of the City Water Works in 1847, and Inspector General of lumber for the State of Michigan in 1848, and held that office for two years; then engaged in railroading.  When the war broke out, he was the first volunteer from Aurora; recruited a company at Aurora, and was elected Major of the 7th Ill. V. I.; when the Fox River regiment was organized, Aug. 14, 1861, Lieut. Col. Greusel was commissioned Colonel, and took the regiment in the field; he was in many severe battles--at Pea Ridge, siege of Corinth, Perryville, Stone River and others; he commanded a brigade under Gen. Sheridan over one year; there were few officers in whom Gen. Sheridan, and the commanders in the Army of the Cumberland, had as great confidence as in Col. Greusel; on account of ill-health, he was obliged to resign his commission; he issued his farewell address to the 36th regiment and to his brigade at Camp Sheridan, Salem, Tenn., Feb. 9, 1863; his regiment, the 36th Illinois, was the healthiest regiment in the Army of the West; he was presented with a silver-plated revolver for the best drilled regiment in the Army of the Cumberland.  Col. G. came to Mt. Pleasant in 1864; was appointed Roadmaster of the B. & M. R.R., and since then has resided here; at the re-union of the surviving members of the 36th regiment, held at Aurora, Ill., he was presented with a gold medal bearing this inscription: “Presented to N. Greusel, first volunteer from Aurora in the late rebellion;” he was also presented with a handsome gold headed cane at a re-union of his regiment; as time passes their regard for their old commander increases.  Col. Greusel married Miss Jane Doumens, of Windsor, Can., June 22, 1839; they have eight children--Josephine, Edwin S., Lizzie F., John O., Rachel, Nettie, Susie, Philip S.; lost one son--Joseph, who was killed in the army. 

Griffith, Joel E., gardener.
Griffith O.F., hardware man.
Guylee, J., peddler. 

HARBIN, J. C., real estate and insurance agent; born in North Carolina Nov. 20, 1810; lived there until 20 years of age; moved to Indiana in 1830; he prepared himself for the ministry and joined the Indiana Conference, and was connected with it until 1845; he came to Iowa in 1849, and settled in Washington Co., and , on account of his health, engaged in farming; in 1861, he was appointed pastoral supply of a church for a time; he was engaged in mercantile business in Washington, Washington Co.; he came to Mt. Pleasant in 1865, and since then has been engaged in insurance and real estate business.  Mr. Harbin has been married three times; he married his present wife, Catharine Brown, from Westchester, Penn., in 1862; they have one daughter--Lillia May; he has one son by his first wife, and one son and one daughter by his second wife. 

Hardin, Thornton, painter.
Hargrave, T. H., clerk. 

HARLAN, JAMES, HON.; was born Aug. 26, 1820, in Clark Co., Ill.; his parents, Silas and Mary Conley Harlan, were farmers.  The paternal ancestors came of English stock, and settled originally in South Carolina, from whence they moved to Pennsylvania; his mother’s father served in the American army during the Revolution.  Silas Harlan located in Parke Co., Ind., when his son James was three years old, and engaged in farming.  James remained upon the farm until he was 25 years of age.  His education was received at Asbury University, Greencastle, Ind., then under the Presidency of Bishop Simpson.  He graduated in 1845, came to Iowa and located in at Iowa City, where he began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1847.  He practiced his profession until 1853; at that time he was chosen to the Presidency of  the Iowa Wesleyan University, at Mt. Pleasant.  In 1855, he was elected to the United States Senate, his term beginning March 4; he resigned the Presidency of the University, but for a number of terms filled the Chair of International Law therein.  Mr. Harlan, in politics, was a Whig; is now a Republican.  His first speech in the Senate was delivered March 27, 1856, on the subject of the admission of Kansas to the Union; he at once established his position as an orator and a logician.  The history of his eventful career in public life is far too important to be abbreviated into such space as is available here.  Elsewhere, is given an account of the unseating of the Senator, and his return by a prompt and highly complimentary vote of the Iowa Legislature.  Senator Harlan was re-elected to the Senate in 1861, and resigned on the 15th of May, 1865, to accept the portfolio of the Interior Department, under an appointment made by President Lincoln prior to his assassination.  After serving a time under President Johnson, Secretary Harlan was again elected to the Senate, serving a full term from March 4, 1867.  From the time when the Republican party became dominant in the Senate to the date of his retiring from his high post, Senator Harlan held commanding places in the Committees of the Senate; he was Chairman of the Committee on Public Lands, an office which he was especially qualified to hold.  Subsequently, he was Chairman of the Committees on Indian Affairs, and on the District of Columbia; of the former, and of the Committee on the Pacific Railroad, he was a member for more than three-fourths of his Congressional life.  He must be regarded as one of the most influential persons in shaping the Government policy in regard to the disposal of the public domain, the homestead bill, educational matters, agricultural affairs, internal improvements, foreign emigration, general religious matters, meteorological service as applied to agriculture, organization of Territories, universal suffrage, and many subjects relating to the welfare and prosperity of the people.  He was the friend and adviser of President Lincoln, a fact which speaks trumpet-tongued of his sterling worth and profound abilities.  In 1849, Mr. Harlan was nominated as the Whig candidate for Governor, but it was ascertained that he was not old enough to accept the position tendered him, and James L. Thompson, of Johnson Co., was substituted instead.  In 1861, Gov. Kirkwood appointed Senator Harlan a member of the Peace Congress.  The wife of Senator Harlan was Miss Ann Eliza Peck, of Maysville, Ky.  They were married in October, 1845, and of four children which they have had, but one survives---Mary E., wife of Robert T. Lincoln, son of President Lincoln; two of the children died in early childhood, and William A. at 23 years of age. 

Harley, S. W.
Harrison, H., butcher.
Hart, James B., speculator.
Harter, Sylvester, carriage-maker.
Hatton, R.
Hawkins, Eli, farmer.
Hawkins, J. C., gardener.
Hedges, E. M., laborer.
Helsor, Joseph, laborer.
Heltick, Augustus, laborer.
Hennie, John, restaurant.
Herrick, S., restaurant.
Hewett, S., merchant. 

HIGGINS, JOHN A., Street Commissioner; born in Chittenden Co., Vt., Sept. 7, 1827; when nine years of age, his parents removed to Portage Co., Ohio, and lived there three years; he came with them by wagon to Iowa, and they arrived in Mt. Pleasant June, 1839; were five weeks on the way, and among the early settlers here; the following year, Mr. Higgins carried the mail on a mule from Mt. Pleasant to Fairfield, making two trips a week; there were only half a dozen cabins between the two places on the road.  Mr. Higgins has held the office of Street Commissioner for the past fourteen years.  He married Miss Mary E. Coburn, from Chillicothe, Ohio, in May, 1852; they have one son, Arthur T.; have lost two daughters. 

Higgins, James O., blacksmith.
Higgins, Levi, blacksmith. 

HILL, S. ENOCH, retired; born in New Jersey, near Trenton, on the Delaware River, April 8, 1802; after reaching manhood, he engaged in business in Philadelphia and New York.  Jan. 30, 1827, he married Miss Delia A. Stillwell, from New York City, a daughter of Dr. Stillwell.  Mr. and Mrs. Hill emigrated to Iowa by canal and river, and arrived in Burlington [then called Flint Hills], on the old steamboat Galena, Nov. 2, 1836.  In 1837, he built a mill on Big Creek, about four miles from here; hired a man to teach school in his own house, and paid him $300 a year; he afterward gave the lumber to build a schoolhouse there; they came to this county about Nov. 1, 1838.  He sawed the lumber for the building on the square; he engaged in the mercantile business, and had an extensive trade; in 1856, retired from active business; has contributed liberally to railroads, churches and educational institutions; is now enjoying the results of a long and useful life; they have been married over fifty-one years and have two children--Cordelia [now Mrs. Chamberlain, of Burlington] and William R., of this city; they have lost one son, Jasper. 

Hill, W. R., capitalist.
Hinkle, Henry, laborer.
Hinman, M. L.
Hobart, F. E., broom-maker.
Hobart, Milo, minister.
Hobart, W. K., carpenter.
Holcomb, D.I., merchant.
Holland, B., minister.
Hollis, John H., carpenter.
Hollis, W. H., carpenter.
Holwick, C. A., merchant.
Hoopert, William, laborer.
Hoover, Alexander, blacksmith.
Hope, Fred.
Hopping, A. S., foundry.
Hosea, Robert, laborer.
Howard, H. J., retired. 

HOUSEMAN, JOHN F., firm of Newbold & Houseman, merchants; born in Mt. Pleasant March 15, 1845; his parents were early settlers; received his education here at the Iowa Wesleyan University.  He enlisted in the4th I. V. C., Co. D, and was in the service two years.  After his return, he engaged in business.  In the Fall of 1873 was elected Treasurer of Henry Co. and held that office for two years; he was Secretary of the Henry Co. Agricultural Society four years and is a member of the Board of Education.  He has recently associated with ex-governor Newbold in the mercantile business.  He married Miss Estella M. Bell, from Pennsylvania, Sept. 19, 1867; they have three children--Frank, Charlie and Hanson. 

Howe, Charles, merchant. 

HOWE, SAMUEL L., deceased; was born in Vermont in 1808; in 1818, moved with his parents to Licking Co., Ohio; he early resolved to gain a liberal education, defrayed the greater part of his expenses through Athens University, by cutting wood and doing other work about the institution; he was not ashamed to work and the discipline and habit of his school days left an impress upon his character which marked his after life; after completing his literary studies, he turned his attention to the study of law; soon abandoned this and began teaching, as more in keeping with his tastes; in Ohio, he was very successful, and established a good reputation as an educator.  In the autumn of 1841, removed to Iowa and settled on a farm three miles east of Mt. Pleasant; the following winter taught in a log school house; in 1849, he removed into the village and opened a school in the old log  jail, and afterward taught in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church building; about this time inaugurated his high school and female seminary; of this school , he was Principal during the remainder of his life.  In the school which he established at Lancaster, Ohio, General and Senator Sherman were among his pupils, and during his famous march to the sea, in 1864, in conversation with Gen. George A. Stone, Gen. Sherman said: “Prof. Howe I consider to be the best teacher in the United States; nay more,” he added with peculiar emphasis, “I am more indebted to him for my first start in life then to any other man in America.”  But recently ex-Gov. Saunders, of Nebraska, now United Senator, wrote to Mr. Howe’s son: “It is to the kindness of your father that I am indebted for much of my success in life.”  While teaching at Lancaster, Ohio, Mr. Howe published a treatise on Grammar, entitled Howe’s Philotaxian Grammar; this manual was reprinted in Chicago in 1871, and again in Detroit in 1874, and it is now widely adopted in the schools throughout the country.  Mr. Howe was superintendent of the schools of Henry Co. for several terms, and resigned that office a few weeks prior to his death; his life was not solely devoted to educational interests; every worthy cause found in him ardent support.  In 1849, the first Antislavery paper in Iowa was established, called “The Iowa Freeman.”  Identifying himself with this paper, Mr. Howe soon acquired exclusive control, removed the office to his own building, changed the name to The Iowa True Democrat, and for several years issued it as an Antislavery sheet; he was one of the leaders of the Free-Soil Party in Iowa, and an eloquent advocate of woman’s suffrage, of temperance and of the abolition of the death penalty, and fought with his might the land monopoly.  Before attaining his majority, in 1829, he married Miss Charlotte Perrin; they had nine children--Oscar P., Elizabeth W., Warrington P., Edward P., Hayward H., Mary Frances, Samuel L., Seward C. and Cora Belle; all but two survive to comfort and cheer the declining years of their widowed mother.  Mr. Howe was for many years a consistent member of the Congregational Church, and when on Feb. 15, 1877, he laid down the armor in which he had so nobly fought the battles of this life, it could be truly said of him that a victor had passed to his reward.  The school in which Mr. Howe labored he left to the charge of his son, Seward C. Howe, who was trained by his father with special reference to this work; under his able management Howe’s High School and Female Seminary will undoubtedly maintain its present high reputation and prosperity. 

Howell, H. R.
Howlets, E., retired. 

HUBBARD, LEVI, physician; born in Holden, Mass., Feb. 24, 1808; received his education in Massachusetts; studied medicine and took his degree of M. D. at Williams College; practiced medicine in Massachusetts for twenty-five years; he came to Illinois in 1868; to Mt. Pleasant in 1876.  He married Miss Luzilla Haskell, from Peru, Mass., in 1836;  they have four children---Harvey M. P. B. Frank, Sarah and Elizabeth; lost one daughter---Mary. 

Hurley, Peter, laborer.
Hutson, Henry, laborer. 

IVES, GEORGE, laborer. 

JERICHO, GUSTAVE, harness-maker.

JEFFRIES, W. J., attorney at law; born in Beaver, now Lawrence Co., Penn., July 27, 1846; when 10 years of age, his parents removed to Warren Co., Ill.; he received his education at Monmouth College, and at the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mt. Pleasant; graduated in the law department of the Iowa State University in 1873; he associated with Judge Palmer and engaged in the practice of his profession, firm being Palmer & Jeffries, until the present year.  He is a member of the City Council.  Married Miss Amelia A. Wallace in June 1874; she is a daughter of David Wallace, Esq., one of the early settlers of this county; they have two children---Mary L. and Frank W.

JERICHO, PETER, Mayor of Mt. Pleasant, manufacturer and dealer in harness and saddlery hardware; born in Germany Oct. 10, 1825; emigrated to America in 1852; came to Iowa and located in Mt. Pleasant April 1; engaged in the harness-making business, which he has continued over twenty-five years; was elected Mayor of Mt. Pleasant in 1876, and re-elected in 1877-78.  He married Mary Mehl in 1859; have one son--Charlie. 

Johnson, Henry, laborer.
Johnson, Jerry, railroad contractor.
Johnson, Matt., gardener.
Johnson, W. T., foreman Journal office.
Jones, Emmerson, laborer.
Jones, Thomas, speculator.
Julian, M. L., salesman. 

[Page 570]  

KAPFERER, OTTO, laborer.  

KAUFFMAN, ANDREW J., of the firm of Bowman & Kauffman, elevator, grain and seed business, and dealers in coal; born in Lancaster Co., Penn., May 6, 1844, and lived there until coming to Iowa in 1871, when he located in Mt. Pleasant.  He enlisted in the 195th Regt. Penn. V. I., commanded by Col. Jos. Fisher, now Judge of the Courts of Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory.  Mr. Kauffman married Miss Ophelia Bowman, from Lancaster Co., Penn., September, 1871; they have three children--Fanny, Carl, and Laura.  

Kauffman, M., elevator.
Kieffer, Joshua, butcher.
Keller, J. H., carpenter.
Kellog, Charles, stone-cutter.  

KETCHAM, FRANCIS H., of the firm of Ketcham Bros., manufacturers of hard wood, lumber and railroad timber; born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., June 24, 1844; lived there until ten years of age; came to Mt. Pleasant in 1856; he spent several years in Kansas, and held the position of Cashier of the First National Bank of Chetopa, Kan.; he has been associated here with his brothers for the past six years; married Miss Jane McDevitt in August, 1866; she is a native of Ohio; they have four children--William, Leander, Nellie and Francis.  

Ketcham, L., of Ketcham Bros., elevator and mill.  

KETCHAM, WILLIAM B., of the firm of L. Ketcham & Bros., manufacturers of hardwood lumber and R. R. timber.  Born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., March 28, 1835; he came to Iowa in 1856, and located at Mt. Pleasant; he has been engaged in business here for the past fifteen years.  He married Miss Harriet McDevitt, a native of Ohio, Aug., 1858; they have two sons--Albert and Ernest.  

Kibben, R. F., stockman.
Kooch, J. G., shoe business.
Kronkheimer, H., merchant.  

LAMBERT, A. E.
Lang, C. J., painter.
Langston, D. C., carpenter.  

LASH, JOHN B., retired; born in Hampshire Co., Va., June 5, 1808; in 1836, he went to Indiana; the following year, in company with one or two others, he started West; came to Iowa; arrived in Mt. Pleasant, in April, 1837, one of the earliest settlers; there are only a few here now who were here when he came; there were no buildings, except log cabins here with sod chimneys; he came here in charge of a stock of goods and engaged in mercantile business for the owners; he returned to Virginia, and married Miss Sarah Keller, from Hampshire Co., in May, 1838; they returned here, and he has been engaged in the mercantile business until within a few years past; he was elected to the State Legislature in 1839. They had one daughter, who died in infancy.  

Lash, Thomas, merchant.
Leach, William, at asylum.
Lee, George, clerk.
Lee, P. A., merchant.  

LEECH, JOHN F., attorney at law; born in Bloomfield, Davis Co., Iowa, July 9, 1851; attended school there, then entered the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mt. Pleasant, and graduated; located in Mt. Pleasant, in 1870; he was editor of the Mt. Pleasant Journal from June, 1874, to December, 1876; studied law, and was admitted to the bar in August, 1877, and since then has practiced his profession here.  

Leedham, C. J.
Leedham, R. C., planing-mill.  

LEEDHAM, H. C., manufacturer of sash, doors and blinds; born in Washington Co., Ohio, April 6, 1823; he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner at Marietta, Ohio; came with his parents to Iowa and located in Henry Co. in April, 1844; they were early settlers.  He married Miss Emily Doan, from Washington Co., Ohio, Dec. 25, 1844; they have lived in Mt. Pleasant for twenty-five years, and for the past ten years he has been engaged in manufacturing sash, doors and blinds; they have four children--Emma, Addie, Russell and Ansel; lost one son.  

LEEDHAM, H. K., of the firm of Leedham & Baugh, dealers in lumber and manufacturers of sash, doors and blinds; born in Washington Co., Ohio, Dec. 24, 1830; came with parents to Iowa and arrived in Henry Co. in April, 1844, being among the early settlers; he has been engaged in business in Mt. Pleasant for the past ten years; has been associated with L. G. Baugh for the past six years in manufacturing sash, doors and blinds.  Mr. Leedham has married twice; married Elizabeth Clark, from Indiana, in 1853; she died in 1861; he married Emma Wright, from Pennsylvania, in 1862; they have two children--Perry and Ida May.  

LEEDHAM, W. D., Justice of the Peace; born in Washington Co., Ohio, April 16, 1825; at 19 years of age, came to Iowa; arrived in Burlington April 1, 1844; after stopping there a few days, came to Henry Co. and was among the early settlers; he engaged at the carpenter and joiner trade.  He has held the office of Justice of the Peace, except a short time, for the past twenty years; held the office of Mayor of the city of Mt. Pleasant about eight years, and also that of Coroner.  He married Miss Sarah L. Smith, from Illinois, Oct. 5, 1848; they have four children--Martha, Lucy, Frank and Henry; lost three children.  

LEHEW, R. M., Auditor of Henry Co.; born in Uniontown, Muskingum Co., Ohio, Feb. 6, 1845; came to Iowa and located in Henry Co. March 20, 1857.  Upon the breaking out of the war he enlisted in Co. G, 11th I. V. I.; he was wounded in front of Kenesaw Mountain, during the siege of Atlanta.  After the war, he returned and engaged as a salesman in a hardware store.  He was elected County Auditor in 1875, and took charge of the office in January, 1876; re-elected in 1877.  He married Miss Phebe Ann Hagenbuch, of Pennsylvania, Nov. 2, 1865; they have four children--Willie W., John L., Ben A. and Anna K.  

Lehew, W. F. carpenter.  

LEWELLING, L. D.; was born in Salem, Henry Co., Iowa, Dec. 21, 1846; was the youngest of a family of six children; his mother was Cyrena Wilson, daughter of Michael and Rebecca Wilson, long known as residents of Salem Tp.; his father, William Lewelling, was a minister of the Society of Friends and one of the earliest settlers in Iowa; assisted Aaron Street in laying out the town of Salem; he was an earnest advocate of the abolition of slavery, and at one time took the stump, with the late Prof. Howe, in favor of the Abolition party; he died in the year 1848, while in the State of Indiana, engaged in his ministerial labors; his widow lived in Salem until after the memorable raid of the Missouri slave-holders.  At the age of 10 years, L. D. was left an orphan by the death of his mother, and was compelled to struggle on as best he could; at one time he shoveled dirt on the Burlington & Missouri R. R.; afterward, went North in the service of the Government as a bridge-builder, being too young to enlist as a soldier; he then traveled East, and spent some time in the State of New York; studied bookkeeping at Eastman’s Business College at Poughkeepsie; drove on the Erie Canal; returned and taught the Freedmen at Mexico, Mo., where he had a varied and thrilling experience; he received his education from various institutions--Knox College, Galesburg, Ill., Howe’s School, Mt. Pleasant, and Whittier College, Salem, Iowa, in which he was at one time employed as a teacher; during a portion of the years 1871 and 1872, he published a paper at Salem, known as the Salem Register.  April 18, 1872, he married Angeline Cook, who was also born in Salem, but who, at the time of her marriage, was a teacher in the high school at Red Oak, Iowa.  April 1, 1873, Mr. and Mrs. Lewelling were elected to the positions they now hold, as Superintendent and Matron of the girls’ department of the Iowa Reform School.  They have two children--Jessie and Pauline, aged six and two years, respectively.  

Lewis, J. B., student.
Lindley, C. Z., carpenter.
Lindsey, John.
Lusenrings, J. R., photographer.
Loring, Henry, laborer.
Lowe, J. B., retired.
Lyon, Smith, druggist.  

McALLISTER, S. F.  

McADAM, JAMES, of the firm of McAdam Bros., photograph artists; born in Harrison Co., Ohio, Oct. 20, 1845; when 10 years of age , his parents removed to Illinois; he learned his business there; came to Iowa and located in Mt. Pleasant in 1875, and since then has been engaged in business here.  He married Miss Agnes S. Phillips, of Pennsylvania, June 27, 1877; they have one little girl--Mary A.  

McADAM, GEORGE W., publisher of the Mt. Pleasant Journal; born in Cadiz, Harrison Co., Ohio, Nov. 2, 1832; lived there on a farm until 20 years of age, when he entered Franklin College, and graduated in 1857; after engaging in teaching for a time, he entered the Theological Seminary at Alleghany College; after completing his theological education, he engaged in preaching for two years in the U. P. Church; in 1864, removed to Newark, Ohio, and published the Newark Republican; he came to Iowa and located at Mt. Pleasant in 1866; in 1869, he became connected with the Journal, being associated with Frank Hatton, now of the Burlington Hawk-Eye; in May, 1874, he bought Mr. Hatton’s interest, and is now editor and proprietor of the Journal; he holds the office of Postmaster, being appointed in April, 1874, and is also member of the School Board.  He married Miss Carrie Hatton, from Cadiz, Harrison Co., Ohio, daughter of Richard Hatton, editor of the Cadiz Republican; they have three children--Frank H., Richard H. and Jessie.  

McCarty, William, laborer.
McClaran, James.
McClary, B., turner.
McClary, W. F., tinner.
McClelland, J. R., grocer.
McClure, Alexander S.
McClure, A. W., physician.
McClure, Hugh, hog-buyer.
McCormac, F., laborer.
McCoys, Jacob, butcher.
McCoy, William, clerk.
McCoy, John, retired.
McCracken, S. H., barber.
McDonald, John.
McDonald, Peter, plasterer.
McDowells, James, blacksmith.
McDowell, J., minister.  

McDOWELL, W. C., homeopathic physician and surgeon; born in Butler Co., Penn., Jan. 24, 1855; in infancy, came with his parents to Iowa and located in Mt. Pleasant, and received his education here; graduated at the high school; entered the University, and graduated from that institution.  He studied medicine and graduated in Philadelphia, in March, 1878, and since has practiced his profession here.  

McGovern, M., laborer.  

McGREGOR, JOHN S., of the firm of Rukgaber, McGregor & Baines, dealers in hardware and house-furnishing goods; born in Jefferson Co, Ohio, March 31, 1825; he came to Iowa and located at Mt. Pleasant, Nov. 8, 1855; engaged as clerk in dry goods store, and excepting about four years, has been engaged in business since.  He holds office of City Councilman.  Married Martha Rex, from Jefferson Co., Ohio; she died in 1866; married Mary Hatton, from Cadiz, Harrison Co., Ohio, in 1868; they have three children--Henry V., John and Mary M.; lost one son.

McKibben, J., clerk.  

McKIBBEN, WILLIAM, merchant, dealer in groceries and provisions; born in Clinton Co., Ohio, Dec. 16, 1822; lived there until he came to Iowa in 1865; located in Mt. Pleasant, and has been engaged in business here since.  Married Miss Martha West, from Ohio; she died Nov. 7, 1849.  He married Miss Jane Hogan, from Clinton Co., Ohio, in 1850; they have four children--Frank S., Laura C., John F. and Sylvia; lost two sons.

McLaughlin, S. B., carpenter.
McMillen, C., farmer.
McMillan, J. W., farmer.
Magdepau, C., shoemaker.
Malling, Jerry, retired.
McLoughlin, S. B., farmer.
Maroney, M. J., blacksmith.
Maroney, Mike, laborer.
Marsh, Charles F., physician.
Marsh, Dr. W. S., physician.
Martin, C. B., teamster.
Martin, C. H., carpenter.
Martin, Garrett, retired.
Martin, G. S., merchant.  

MARTIN, R. M., merchant, dealer in dry goods and notions; born in Lycoming Co., Penn., 1835; at 20 years of age, went to Elgin, Ill.; was engaged in business there for sixteen years; came to Iowa and located in Mt. Pleasant in 1874 and engaged in the mercantile business.  He married Miss Cornelia M. Sherman, of Elgin, Ill., in 1863; they have two children--Maple J. and Robert N.  

Mason, Alfred, laborer.
Masters, Levi, carpenter.
Mathews, J. C., sadler.
Mathers, Thomas, city scales.  

MELCHER, P., firm of P. Melcher & Co., marble-cutters, born in Baden, Germany, May 4, 1829, and learned his trade there; emigrated to America in 1851; came to Burlington, Iowa., in 1852, and to Mt. Pleasant May 1854, and carried on stone-cutting business; he cut the stone for the College and furnished over twenty thousand  feet of cut stone for the Asylum; in 1861, he engaged in the marble business, and has carried it on since then; is doing a good business.  He built and owns the store he now occupies.  He married Miss Mary Messman, from Lee Co., Iowa, in January 1857; they have 5 children--William, Katie, Henry, Theodore, Augusta; lost one daughter.  

MERRITT, GEORGE P., retired; born in Belmont Co., Ohio, in 1810; lived in Jefferson Co., Ohio, until 18 years of age, when he went to Philadelphia, Penn., and learned the trade of bricklayer; came to Illinois and located in Putnam Co. in 1835, soon after the Black Hawk war, and was one of the earliest settlers in that part of the State; he engaged in farming.  Married Sabina Hoyle, of Ohio, March 12, 1840; they came to Iowa, and located in Mt. Pleasant; they have two sons--Charles and William; Mr. Merritt has two daughters by a former wife, both married.  

MESSMAN, MICHAEL, retired; born in Germany, Feb. 18, 1811, and emigrated to America in 1837; he lived in New York State for one year, and while there married Miss J. Lay, near Buffalo, in August, 1837; she was born in Germany June 13, 1809; they came to Iowa and located in Lee Co. in 1838, with but enough household furniture for one room; they settled in the timber and began to clear it; they used to grate corn and grind wheat for bread; he went in debt for a cow, which died, and he sold his wedding coat to pay for it; he used to split rails, and he and his wife carried rails around six acres to fence it; they had a very hard time; they came to Henry Co. in 1855, and located in Marion Tp., where he owned over three hundred acres of land.  Mr. Messmann has always been noted for his honesty and fair dealing; his word was always as good as his written obligation.  In 1870, he moved to Mt. Pleasant; since then, he and his wife have lived a restful life here; they have four children--Jacob, Mary, Phebe and Catharine.  

Miller, J. W. B., laborer.
Miller, S. O., carpenter.
Mills, L.  P., merchant.
Millspaugh, B. F., saddler.  

MILTONBERGER, T., merchant, dealer in clothing and gents’ furnishing goods; born in Warren Co., Ohio, June 20, 1850; his parents came to Iowa and located in Henry Co. when he was only 2 years of age; received his education here; has been engaged in the clothing business for the past five years.  He married Miss Emma Randall, from Rushville, Ill., Oct. 2, 1877.  

Minchall, B., agent marble-yard.
Monroe, James, laborer.
Moore, E. C., carpenter.  

MOREHOUSE, CHARLES L., editor and proprietor of the Mt. Pleasant Daily Reporter; born in Belmont Co., Ohio, June 13, 1830; there he learned the printing business; came to Iowa and located in Mt. Pleasant in 1853; was editor and proprietor of the Ft. Madison Democrat, the Salem Register, the Eldon Independent, the Agency Independent and the Iowa Republican; he has been editor and proprietor of a paper of his own for the past twenty-two years.  He married Miss E. A. Meredith, of Greensburg, Ind., Dec. 24, 1853; they have three children--James Franklin, Frederick D. and Laura Belle.  

Moorehouse, Josiah, retired.
Morgan, A. L.
Morris, N. S., gardener.
Moseley, Moses, laborer.
Mount, Timothy, works at Asylum.
Munchill, C. B., marble.
Murphy, W. L., carpenter.  

[Page 576]  

NATHANS, SAMUEL.  

NEWBOLD, JOSHUA G. (firm of Newbold & Houseman, dry goods and grocery merchants); is a son of Barzella and Catharine Houseman Newbold; was born in Fayette Co., Penn., May 12, 1830; lived on a farm; when 8 years of age, the family moved to Westmoreland Co., where he was educated in the common school and academy, the latter was taught by Dr. John Lewis, now of Grinnell, Iowa; at the age of 16, he returned with the family to Fayette Co., and remained eight years, assisting his father in running a flouring-mill, when not teaching; when about 19, commenced the study of medicine, reading a year or more, while teaching, and then abandoning the notion of being a physician; in March, 1854, Mr. Newbold removed to Iowa, locating on a farm, now partly in the corporation of Mt. Pleasant; removed to Cedar Tp., Van Buren Co.; there engaged in merchandising and farming; in 1860, removed to Hillsboro, Henry Co., and pursued the same calling.  In 1862, at the call of President Lincoln for six hundred thousand men to finish the work of crushing the rebellion, he left his farm in the hands of his family, and his store in charge of his partner, and went into the army as Captain of Co. C, 25th Regt. I. V. I.; served nearly three years; resigned just before the war closed, on account of disability; during the last two or three months at the South, he served as Judge Advocate, with headquarters at Woodville, Ala.  On returning to Iowa, continued in the mercantile trade at Hillsboro for three or four years; then sold out, and gave his whole attention to agriculture, stock-raising and stock dealing; was a member of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth General Assemblies from Henry Co., and Chairman of the School Committee in the Fourteenth, and of the Committee on Appropriations in the Fifteenth General Assembly; in the Fifteenth, was temporary Speaker during the dead lock in organizing the House; in 1875, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of the State, serving as President of the Senate in the session of 1876;  Gov. Kirkwood being elected United States Senator during that session, Mr. Newbold became Governor, taking the chair on the 1st of February, 1877, and served until January, 1878, the election of Hon. John H. Gear.  He has always affiliated with the Republican party, and holds to its great cardinal doctrines; has been a member of the Christian Church for the past twenty-fine years.  Gov. Newbold married Miss Rachel Farquhar, from Fayette Co., Penn., May 2d, 1850; they had five children, three living--Mary Alline, the eldest daughter living, is the wife of Benjamin F. Isaman, of Aurora, Hamilton Co., Neb.; Emma Irene and George G.  

Nichols, J. R. H., plasterer.
Nicholson, William, plasterer.  

NICKELL, FORD, Recorder of Henry Co.; born in Jackson Co., Ohio, Dec. 10, 1846, and came with his parents, in infancy, to Iowa; they located in Henry Co., where he was educated.  He was in the army during the war; enlisted when only 17 years of age in the 4th Reg. I. C., Co. K, and was in the service eighteen months.  He was elected Recorder of this county in November, 1878.  He married Miss Mary E. Sayles, of Ohio, Jan. 18, 1869; they have four children--Walter, Lena B., Thomas and Mary E.  

Noble, Richard, mason.  

ORR, JOHN, REV., preacher.
Ohearan, Thomas, laborer.
Osgood, S. O., agent.  

PAGE, WILLIAM, laborer.
Palm, Adam, mason.  

PALM, JOHN W., Superintendent of Schools of Henry Co.; born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Oct. 23, 1850; his parents came to Iowa in 1856, and located in Henry Co., in Marion Tp., about three miles from Mt. Pleasant, and engaged in farming; graduated at the high school in 1869; was awarded the scholarship in the university, which had been offered as a prize for the best three years’ course at the high school; the award, after a thorough examination of candidates, was made by a committee of five chosen for the purpose; he attended Prof. Howe’s Academy for two years, then entered the University and graduated from that institution; he was engaged in teaching at intervals while attending school; after graduating he engaged in teaching in Des Moines, and within one year, upon the death of Prof. Howe, he was appointed to succeed him as Superintendent of Schools of Henry Co; he was elected by the people to the same office in 1876.  

Palmer, L. G., attorney.
Pardee, J., works at Asylum.  

PARKER, WILLIAM J., merchant, dealer in dry goods and notions; born in West Virginia Dec. 25, 1823; when 14 years of age, came, with his parents, to Iowa; they located in Van Buren Co. in 1837, and were among the earliest settlers; there was not a house within ten miles of them when they made their claim; in 1843, William J. came to Wapello Co., and made a claim near Agency City, and the first year he was there he split and made over 42,000 rails; he came to Henry Co., in March, 1864.  He married Miss Lovina Boyce, from New York, in Wapello Co., Dec. 3, 1844; they have four children living --Margaret Ann, Wilson L., William J. and Albert C.; lost five children.  

Parker, S. R., clerk.
Parker, J. J., furniture.
Parker, W. J., dry goods merchant.
Patrick, Asa, lab.
Patch, J. T., attorney.
Patterson, J. C., teamster.
Pearce, J. B., gardener.  

PENN, EDWARD L., merchant, dealer in dry goods, carpets, boots and shoes.  Born in Philadelphia, Penn.; arriving at manhood, engaged in the mercantile business at Lafayette, Ind., for some years, where he did an extensive business; there married Miss Amelia A. Weaver, from Harrisburg, Penn., in 1851.  On account of his wife’s health he came to Iowa and located in Mt. Pleasant in October, 1856, and engaged in mercantile business, doing an extensive business.  They have three children---Ella A., Lulu B. and Katie A.  

Pennington, W. W., merchant.
Perry, A. S., carpenter.
Perry, D. E., carpenter.
Perry, M. M., dentist.
Perry, Nathan B.
Peters, C. H., livery.
Phillips, Isaac, carpenter.
Phillips, Joseph, lab.
Phillips, U. L., blacksmith.
Pitcher, A. O., Physician.
Pitcher, C. F.  

PIXLEY, BENJAMIN F., wagon-maker and wheelwright; born in Marietta, Iowa, Dec. 12, 1810; learned his trade in Marietta, and lived there until 33 years of age.  He married Miss Lydia V. Conner, from Marietta, Ohio, on Christmas Day,  1833; they came to Iowa and located in Mt. Pleasant in the spring of 1843.  Mr. Pixley came here and selected this place the year previous; were early settlers; he engaged in wagon-making, and has worked at the business longer than any man in the county, and probably longer than any one in the State.  They have six children---Theodore, Francis, Waldo, Webster, George and Zella; and lost one daughter.  

PORTER, ASBURY B., COL., retired; born in Bourbon Co., Ky., June 20, 1808; when 21 years of age, his father died, leaving a wife and nine children; Asbury being the oldest, upon him devolved the care of the family; they removed to Illinois and located in Vermilion Co.; while living here, he became acquainted with Miss Martha A. Brazleton, a native of North Carolina; she came to Illinois at an early age, and they were married Jan. 18, 1835; the same year Col. Porter came to Iowa and bought land in Henry Co., raised a crop and went back to Illinois for his family, they arrived here in October, 1836, and were among the earliest settlers; there being only a few now living in the county who were here at that time.  He was elected Clerk of the Courts in 1847; re-elected to the same office in 1849; was elected and represented this county in the Territorial Legislature; was re-elected and served for three terms; was engaged in the mercantile business for twenty years; was Captain of a military company---”The Mt. Pleasant Grays”--- and when the war broke out, at the first call for 75,000 men, this company enlisted in the three-months service, and Capt. Porter went with them to Keokuk; while there, was elected Major of 1st Regt., Iowa V. I., the only Iowa regiment that answered the first call for 75,000 men; when the term of service for which they enlisted had expired, there was a prospect of a battle, and Gen. Lyon requested the regiment to remain; a vote of the regiment was taken and they unanimously decided to stay, and did remain until after the battle of Wilson Creek was fought; about one week before the battle, Gen. Lyon wrote the Secretary of War, recommending Maj. Porter for promotion to the rank of Major in the regular army, and requesting that he be assigned to duty under him; but he preferred to remain in the volunteer service; upon the expiration of the three-months service, he received authority from the Secretary of War to raise the 4th Regt. Iowa Cav.; was commissioned Colonel; he was also authorized by the Secretary of War to select, inspect and buy the horses for the regiment without restrictions; the only instance known where this privilege was given the Colonel of any regiment during the war; Col. Porter selected and inspected every horse; the regiment was composed of battalions of horses of matched colors, and left for the field twelve hundred strong, and was with Gen. Curtis in Missouri and Arkansas; Col. Porter was obliged to resign his commission in 1863, on account of his eyesight.  After the war, he held the office of Revenue Inspector in this Congressional District.  They have seven children---Watson B., with the C., B. & Q. R. R.; Emily D., now Mrs. Dr. McClure; Louzenia W., now Mrs. Capt. Beckwith; Sallie E., at home; Frank P., contractor on the C., B. & Q. R. R.; Jennie C., now Mrs. Bean, of Albia; Asbury B., civil engineer on the C., B. & Q. R. R.; lost one son---Samuel A.  

Poston, James, laborer.
Potter, Andrew, retired.
Poucher, William, laborer.
Powell, Calvin, retired.  

POWELL, JOHN W., auction and commission business; born in Morgan Co., Ohio, May 18, 1839; when 10 years of age, came with his parents to Iowa; in 1857, he went to Kansas, made a claim and built a cabin; it was torn down by bushwhackers and rebuilt three times; he served under John Brown in pursuing them in that State; in 1860, he went to California.  When the war broke out, he enlisted in the 2d Cal. V. C., Co. D, and was in the Indian war; was in the service three years.  He was Government express agent in California, and carried the express across the Yuma Desert; on one trip that he made, the thermometer was at 130 degrees in the shade.  He came to this county in the fall of 1864.  Has held the office of City Marshal for three years.  Married Miss Sarah E. Durr, of Lee Co., Iowa, Dec. 11, 1864; they have four children---John C., Hattie V., Charles W. and Sadie J.  

Prince, Charles, machinist.
Pritchard, Thomas, retired.
Purdie, James, works at Asylum.
Putnam, P. D., teacher.
Pyle, Denning, mason.
Pyle, Elwood, mason.  

PYLE, SAMUEL M., druggist, dealer in fancy goods; born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, Oct. 28, 1844.  When the war broke out, though only 17 years of age, he enlisted in the 52d Regt. Ohio V. I., Co. G; was in the service three years, and in twenty-four battles, but was not wounded.  After the war closed, he came to Iowa, and located in Mt. Pleasant in 1865; has been engaged in the drug business for the past ten years.  He married Miss Jennie L. Lyons, of Jefferson Co., Ohio, in May, 1866; they have two children---Frank S. and Grace.  

Pyle, T. H., clerk.  

QUARRY, W. J.  

[Page 579]  

RAGAN, PATRICK, laborer.
Rand, E. S., fruitman.
Randolph, Retal.  

RANNEY, MARK, physician and Superintendent of the Iowa State Hospital for the Insane; born in Westminster, Windham Co., Vt., July 7, 1827; he received his preliminary education in the seminary and academy of that State, and commenced reading medicine; he pursued his medical studies in Providence and Boston, and graduated in the Vermont Medical College, at Woodstock, in 1849; immediately after graduating, he received the appointment of Assistant Physician at the Butler Hospital for the Insane, at Providence, R. I.; remained there until 1854, when he received the appointment of Physician to the McLean Asylum, near Boston, where he remained until 1865, when he was invited to take the responsible position of Superintendent of the Iowa State Hospital for the Insane, upon the resignation of Dr. Patterson; Dr. Ranney was so fully indorsed by Dr. Ray, of the Butler Hospital for the Insane, at Providence, and by Dr. Tyler, of the McLean Asylum, as being so well qualified to fill the position, that he received a unanimous invitation from the Board of Trustees to take charge of the institution before they had seen him; he held the position until 1873, when he was invited , at an increased salary, to take charge of the State Hospital for the Insane, at Madison, Wis.; he accepted, and, after two years, resigned the position with the intention of going abroad to visit similar institutions in Europe; before leaving on his foreign tour, Dr. Bassett, his successor in charge of the State Hospital here, resigned his position, and the Board of Trustees induced Dr. Ranney to relinquish his visit tot Europe, return here and take charge of the institution in 1875.  He married Miss Martha W. Sawyer, a native of Sterling, Mass., Oct. 1, 1865, who occupies the position of Matron of the institution.  

Ramsey, J. T., carpenter.
Reesor, William.
Richmond, Elmer, laborer.
Ripley, W. J., laborer.
Risser, Dan., Jr., clerk.
Risser, Dan. A., shoemaker.
Roach, T., laborer.
Roads, Addison, County Treasurer.
Roberts, C.
Roberts, E., retired.  

ROBINSON, D. W., DR., physician and surgeon; born in Harrison Co., Va., June 14, 1826; he received his education there and studied medicine; after graduating, practiced there until coming to Iowa, in 1855; he located in Muscatine for two years, then removed to Montezuma, Poweshiek Co.   Upon the breaking-out of the war, he raised two companies, 204 men, for the 40th Regt. I. V. I., and was elected Captain of Co. B; at the request of Gov. Kirkwood, he was commissioned Surgeon of the Post at Iowa City; he afterward went in the field service as Surgeon of that regiment; Lieut. Gov. Campbell succeeded him in command of Co. B; in 1864, he resigned his commission, returned to Montezuma, and came to Mt. Pleasant in 1865; since then has practiced here; has been in constant practice since 1850; he published the “Free Press” for several years.  Married Miss Sarah Dudley, of Ohio, in 1858; they have three children---Eddie, David and Charlie.

Rhodes, M., laborer.  

ROBINSON BROS., merchants; dry goods, notions and fancy goods; T. W. Robinson, J. A. Robinson and W. N. Robinson compose the firm of Robinson Bros.; were born in Frederick Co., Va., and lived there until the breaking out of the war; then came West, and engaged in the mercantile business at Macon, Mo.; commenced the dry goods and notion trade here in 1869; they have also established business houses in Iowa City, Canton, Ill., and at Cedar Rapids, Iowa; selling exclusively for cash, and are doing an extensive business.  

Robinson, J. V., painter.
Robinson, R. A.
Rock, Francis, shoemaker.
Rodgers, Joseph, retired.
Rogers, James.  

ROMMEL, R. P., MRS., Principal of the Mt. Pleasant Female Seminary; is a native of Greene Co., Penn.; received her education at the Steubenville Female Seminary in Ohio; graduated in 1860; came to Mt. Pleasant in 1865; she engaged in teaching in 1866, and since then has been connected with the Seminary, and has held the position of Principal since 1874.  She married Dr. Thomas Morton, of Pennsylvania, in 1863; he died in 1866; in 1875, she married her present husband, Prof. Rommel.  

ROPER, ARTHUR, freight and ticket agent of C., B. & Q. R. R. at Mt. Pleasant, was born in England Oct. 19, 1837; when 8 years of age, went to Canada; lived there about fourteen years, and was in the employ of the Great Western R. R. of Canada, and the Detroit & Milwaukee R. R., for seven years; came to Iowa in 1860, and entered the employ of the B. & M. R. R.; he has been connected with the B. & M. R. R. and the C., B. & Q. R. R. since 1860, except about eight months spent in California.  He is President of the Red Ribbon Club of Mt. Pleasant.  Married Miss Mary E. Sunderland, of Burlington, in 1861; she died in 1864, leaving one son---William S.; Jan. 29, 1867, he married Miss Sue A. M. Wiggins, of Mt. Pleasant; they have three children---Eloise L., Susan E. and Florence A.  

Rork, M., laborer.
Rork, Chris, laborer.
Roseman, E. D., peddler.
Ross, A., gardener.
Ross, B. F. & J. L., lumber.  

ROSS, B.F., dealer in lumber and building material; also of the firm of Ross Bros., lumber dealers at the depot; born in Washington Co., N. Y., in 1825; in 1854, he removed to Lake Co., Ill.; afterward, engaged in business in Chicago; came to Iowa, located in Mt. Pleasant in 1870, and engaged in the lumber business.  He has held the office of Assessor and other town and school offices.  He married Miss Elizabeth Lyon, of Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1848; they have one daughter---Julia.  

Ross, Samuel H., retired.
Rouse, G. W., clerk.
Rouse, J. P., plasterer.
Rouser, S. C.
Rowley, L. T., preacher.  

ROYCE, A. J., of the firm of Royce & Hopping, proprietors of the Hawk-Eye Foundry and Machine Shops; born in Crawford Co., Penn., May 21, 1833; he learned the machinist’s trade; came with his mother and located in Mt. Pleasant March 4, 1857; was engaged as foreman in a machine-shop; March, 1875, he associated with Mr. Hopping, of Burlington, in their present business; they build engines and do all kinds of foundry and machine work.  He was Second Lieutenant of Co. A, of State troops, when the war broke out.  Married Miss Mary E. Noble, of Mercer Co., Penn., in October, 1855; they have five children---Edmund M., Nettie A., Rosa, Burton M. and Maud; lost two sons.  

Rozelle, N. M., carpenter.
Rudsell, George H., speculator.
Rugg, E., carpenter.
Rukgaber, Chris, laborer.  

RUKGABER, CHARLES B., of the firm of Rukgaber, McGregor & Bains, dealer in hardware and house furnishing goods, Mt. Pleasant; born in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1834; emigrated to America in 1857; came to Iowa in 1858 and located in Mt. Pleasant and engaged in business.  Enlisted in the 4th Regt., Iowa Cav., Co. C, in 1861; he was in many battles and skirmishes; was in the service four years and never off duty a month; after his return, again engaged in business.  Married Johanna Miller, from Baden, Germany, April, 1861; she came here when quite young; they have five children---Louise, Emma, Hermina, Carrie and Victor.

Rukgaber, D.
Rumble, Wesley.  

ST. CLAIR, C., teamster.
Sample, J. G. & R. W.
Sanguest, John, tailor.
Sargent, J. F., jeweller.
Sater, A. H., plasterer.
Saunders, A. B., merchant.
Saunders, W. P. omnibus line.  

SAUNDERS, H. C., agent and dealer in real estate, and agent for the sale of lands of the B. & M. R. R., Mt. Pleasant; born near Staunton, Va., in the Shenandoah Valley, Dec. 28, 1829; when 8 years of age, he came with his parents by wagon to Iowa; they arrived in Mt. Pleasant May 26, 1838, and were among the earliest settlers; there were only a few log houses here then; he has seen the wild prairie-grass burn over the present site of the public square; has lived here, except two years, for the past forty years.  He held the office of Deputy County Treasurer, and was acting Treasurer for five years; and has held other town and school offices.  Married Miss Rhoda Bowman, from Pennsylvania, in November, 1855; they have four children---D. Mont, Frank, Orie and Anna.  

Saunders, Presley, banker.
Saunders, Smith, merchant.
Saunders, William G., retired.
Saunders, A. B., merchant.
Sayles, E. E., clerk.
Scheopp, W. S., shoemaker.  

SCHLIEP, WM. H., manufacturer of cigars, and wholesale dealer in cigars and tobacco, Mt. Pleasant; born in Hanover, Germany, June 19, 1835, and came to America in 1847; came to Cincinnati, attended school and learned his business there; he came to Iowa in 1854, and came to Mt. Pleasant in 1856; in 1858, went to Kansas for a short time; he lived in Belleville, Ill., six years; returned to Mt. Pleasant in 1865; since then, has been engaged in business here, and has built up a good trade.  He married Miss Kate Messmann, from Lee Co., Iowa, in October, 1860; they have six children---Lewis, William, Ida, Emma, Frank and Charlie; lost three children.  

Schmidt, Martin, saloon-keeper.
Schreiner, T., carpenter.
Schriver, Noah, carpenter.
Schroeder, Dan, baker.
Scisson, R. T., clerk.
Seaburn, N.  A., laborer.
Shane, John, gardner.
Shean, J. S., jeweler.
Shepp, Sol, carpenter.
Sherman, J. G., carpenter.
Shields, Joseph L.
Short, A., retired.  

SHRYOCK, L. B. W., Superintendent of the Mt. Pleasant Female Seminary; was born in the State of Pennsylvania; he received his education at Jefferson College, and graduated in 1851; then engaged in teaching; was elected President of the Harrodsburg Female College, of Kentucky; afterward, was elected President of Muskingum Female College, of Ohio; still later, of the Oxford Female Seminary, of Pennsylvania; from there he came to Indiana, and engaged in pastoral work; he was Treasurer, Financial Agent and Professor of Latin in Hanover Female College; he founded New Windsor Female College, of Maryland, and after being there three years, was obliged, on account of ill-health, to try change of climate; he is a man of large experience and ability as an educator; he has recently become connected with the Mt. Pleasant Female Seminary as Superintendent of the Educational Department.  Married Miss Elizabeth A. Abraham, of Steubenville, Ohio, in 1852; she was educated at the Steubenville Female Seminary; they have three children---William T., Everett H. and Annie W.  

Shultz, A. F., wagon-maker.
Shultz, W., foreman scraper works.
Simons, A. B., physician.  

SIMONS, L. A., homeopathic physician; born in Chenango Co., N. Y., May 3, 1824; attended Hamilton University, and studied medicine; attended lectures in Philadelphia, Penn., and also in New York; also attended lectures and graduated at the Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, in 1870; came to Iowa and located in Mt. Pleasant June 1, 1873; and engaged in the practice of medicine; he has built up a large and successful practice.  He married Miss Harriet Bostwick, of Hornellsville, Steuben Co., N. Y., Nov. 20, 1851; they have four children---Ann E., Alpha B., Emma E. and Ella A.  

Simpson, J. R., farmer.
Simpson, John R., farmer.
Singer, Andrew, retired.
Slifer, Henry, saloon-keeper
Smiley, Adam, laborer.  

SMITH, GEORGE E., of the firm of Smith & Hagan, druggists; born in Peoria Co., Ill., Oct. 14, 1853; when 10 years of age, he came to Iowa, to Mt. Pleasant, in 1871; he studied medicine under Dr. Marsh for two years, and will graduate the present winter; he has been engaged in the drug business here since July, 1877.  He married Miss Mary B. Sutton, of Pennsylvania, Nov. 25, 1877.  

Smith, John, laborer.
Smith, Simon, carpenter.  

SNIDER, CHARLES, druggist; born in Germany in 1831; came to America in infancy; was brought up in Pennsylvania; in 1851, went to California; returned to Pennsylvania and married Miss Mary E. Niccolls, in Pittsburgh, August, 1854; they came to Iowa, and located in Mt. Pleasant, November, 1854.  He engaged in the drug business in 1855, and has been in the business longer than any drug house in Henry Co.  He has held town offices, and is a Director in the First National Bank, and has been since its organization, and is one of the Trustees in the College.  They have three children---Howard E., Charles and Edith  

Snider, William D., clerk.
Snyder, C. M., Jr., merchant.  

SPAHR, GEO. H., merchant and dealer in clothing and gents’ furnishing goods; born in West Virginia, Jan. 22, 1840; came to Iowa and located in Henry Co. in 1864; he engaged in farming, on account of his health, for four years; in 1868, he engaged in his present business.  He enlisted in the 1st Regt. W. Va. C., and was commissioned Captain of Co. A; he raised the first company of Federal soldiers from West Virginia that was in the Union army.  Holds the office of Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Henry Co.; he was elected in 1875 to fill a vacancy, and re-elected in 1877.  He married Miss M. L. Wagner, from Morgantown, West Va., October, 1863; they have eight children---four sons and four daughters.  

SPAULDING, W. J., President of the Iowa Wesleyan University; born in Wayne Co., N. Y., April 18, 1827; when about 8 years of age, his parents removed to Northern Indiana; he received his education at Asbury University, and graduated in 1854; he came to Iowa in 1857, and was connected with this institution for eight years, and then returned to Indiana, and had charge of the Union School at Sturgis, Mich., for two years; was connected with other educational institutions, and was also in the ministry, engaged in pastoral work, for several years.  He married Miss Martha A. Berry, daughter of Rev. Dr. Berry, President of Asbury University, Nov. 13, 1854; they have four children---Cora, Ida, Wilber B. and Stella.  

Spencer, Andrew, bricklayer.
Spencer, William, retired.
Squire, E. J.
Stokes, Franklin, laborer.
Stough, O. V., mason.
Stratton, John.
Stratton, Levi B.  

STUBBS, JESSE, of the firm of  John Fitzgerald & Co., railroad contractors and builders, was born in Shelby Co., Ind., Feb. 21, 1832, and lived there until 17 years of age; then came to Iowa in 1859, and engaged in railroading; he came to Mt. Pleasant in 1863; he has had contracts on the C., B. & Q. R. R. for some years, and for the past few years he has had large contracts; it being the only railroad in the West that has continued making large improvements since the panic.  The firm of Fitzgerald & Co. are among the heaviest contractors in this county.  Mr. Stubbs has invented an improved wheel-scraper for moving earth work, which is very valuable for railroad work and which gives this firm an advantage over others.  A stock company has been organized for manufacturing the machines and the works are in operation, turning out a car-load weekly.  Mr. Stubbs married Miss Esther Orr, from Zanesville, Ohio, Aug. 1, 1861; they have three children---James, Warren and Jessie; he has one daughter--Alice, by a former wife.  

Sturgess, J. C., teamster.
Sullivan, Henry, retired.  

SULLIVAN, WILLIAM R., Secretary of the Comstock Scale Works; born in Knox Co., Ill., Aug. 12, 1854; received his education at Abingdon; he came to Iowa, and located in Mt. Pleasant in 1873; he has held the office of Secretary of the Comstock Scale Works since April, 1877.  He married Miss Anna M. Drayer, daughter of Judge John B. Drayer, June 5, 1877.   

SUMMERS, P., dealer in groceries, provisions, flour and feed; born in Ohio; he came to Iowa and to this county in 1850; he went to California in 1864, and remained there five years; returned here in 1869, and since then has been engaged in business here.  He married Miss R. E. Lemon, from Ohio, in January, 1870; they have one son---Harry Robert.  

Sutton, L. W., grocer.
Sutton, Milton, minister.
Sweet, William M., clerk.
Swellenbaugh, P., farmer.
Swinferd, J. M. C., retired.  

TAFT, T. V., shoemaker.
Talbott, George L., merchant.  

TALLEY, GEORGE A., manufacturer of wagons and buggies and proprietor of livery-stable; born in Giles Co., Middle Tenn., Nov. 1, 1819, and lived there until the fall of 1835, when his parents removed to Illinois, near Springfield; they came with an ox-team to Iowa; were sixteen days on the way; located in Des Moines Co., in March, 1837; they came to this county in 1838; located near New London and engaged in farming; were among the earliest settlers.  He married Miss Achsah Ann Smeede, from New York, March 23, 1844; she died Dec. 23, 1870; they had ten children, five living---Charles C., James E., Sarah A., Lyman P. and Francis L.; he married Mary Truitt, of Ottumwa, July 18, 1872; they have one son---George A.  Mr. Talley has been engaged in business here for the past nine years.  

Talley, O. B., wagonmaker.  

TAPPAN, DAVID STANTON, REV., Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Pleasant; was born in Steubenville, Ohio, April 2, 1845; received his classical education at Oxford University, Miami, Ohio; graduated in 1864; received the first honors of his class and was chosen valedictorian; he pursued his theological education at the Western Theological Seminary, Alleghany, Penn.; graduated and was called to the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church, at Chariton, Iowa, in October, 1867; he remained there until February, 1871, when he received a unanimous call from the First Presbyterian Church, of Mt. Pleasant, and since then has labored here very successfully and acceptably, greatly beloved by his Church; since coming here, he has received calls to other churches, but has declined them, believing his field of usefulness is here.  He married Miss Anna Grand-Girard, of Hillsboro, Ohio, Aug. 12, 1869; she is a daughter of Rev. Emil Grand-Girard, a Presbyterian minister, a native of Herri Court, France; Mr. and Mrs. Tappan have three children---Oella, Julia and Paul.  

Taylor, Wm., retired.
Taylor, Daniel, lab.
Taylor, L. W., miller.
Taylor, M. M., miller.
Templin, Hugh, contractor.  

TEMPLIN, MARY, MRS., proprietor of the Harlan House; was born in Kentucky; moved to Indiana; her maiden name was Mary Worcester.  She married John Templin in March, 1836; he was born in Fayette Co., Ohio; they came to Iowa and located in Keokuk in 1852; he was engaged in the wholesale mercantile trade, with an extensive business; was burned out; lost a large stock of goods, and building, on the corner of Fourth and Main streets, in Keokuk; her husband was a man of great energy and business ability; when he began life, he had nothing; a short time before his death, was worth over a quarter of a million dollars; he came to Mt. Pleasant in 1860; he died in 1862 from an injury received on the railroad; he left two sons---Hugh and Isaac.  Mrs. Templin has conducted the Harlan House since June, 1876.  

Teesdale, John, retired.
Teeter, J. E., physician.
Thacker, Joseph, clerk.
Thomas, John, works at Asylum.
Thomas, John A., works at Asylum.
Thomas, O. A., wagon-maker.
Thompson, Robert, laborer.
Thompson, S. N., merchant.
Thornton, Joseph, laborer.
Throop, D. W. C., pumpmaker.  

THROOP, JAMES A., of Van Cise & Throop, publishers of the Free Press; born in Madison Co., N. Y., Dec. 7, 1835; he was educated in Chenango Co., and came to Illinois in 1855; the following year to Iowa, and located in Mt. Pleasant in December, 1856; engaged in business with Cole Bros., and continued about seven years; then engaged in the hardware and pump business for seven years; in 1872, in company with Mr. Van Cise, bought out the Free Press; for the past two years, owing to the absence of Mr. Van Cise, Mr. Throop has had the entire editorial and business management of the paper.  Married Miss Rowena Beebe, of Chenango Co., N. Y., April 7, 1858; they have five children---Joseph C., Horace, Thomas D., Addison J. and Bessie; lost three children.  

TIFFANY, P. C., dealer in jewelry and stationery, Tiffany Corner; born in Sturbridge, Worcester Co., Mass., April 7, 1809; there spent his summers in the cotton factory, winters in school; afterward engaged as clerk and bookkeeper; he married Miss Eliza Cheney, Jan. 1, 1836; she was a native of Worcester Co., a daughter of Pennel Cheney, a prominent man of that town; in 1838, Mr. and Mrs. Tiffany, with her father and brother, started for the West, by stage, lake and river; Mr. Tiffany hired a team to bring them west from the river to “Sweet Home,” and his description of their arrival at this place is very amusing.  Mrs. Tiffany was not pleased with the hotel accommodations; they came to Mr. Pleasant in June, 1838; they bought the claim, where the State Hospital for the Insane now stands, of Martin Tucker, for $700; in 1840, Mr. Tiffany bought the corner he now occupies, and engaged in keeping tavern; it was then called the “Hawk-Eye House,” and afterward the “Henry House;” in 1849, he went to California, and returned in 1851; during his absence, Mrs. Tiffany made improvements to the hotel which was afterward called the Tiffany House; in 1857, he engaged in his present business; was appointed Justice of Peace by Gov. Lucas, the first Territorial Governor; held that office until 1849; upon his return from California, was again elected to the same office; was appointed Postmaster during President Pierce’s administration, and held office for nine years; he was one of the incorporators, and the first President of the Iowa Wesleyan University.  They have had no children of their own, but have adopted two, one of whom married Gen. T. B. Eldridge, now of Kansas, the other, Samuel, is married and lives at home.  Mr. and Mrs. Tiffany are members of the Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Tiffany has been Senior Warden for many years.  

Todd, James C., clerk, Harlan House.
Tomlinson, L. O., billiard hall.
Townsend, Thomas, retired.
Tracey, J. W., farmer.
Trimble, George W., carpenter.
Trimble, S. T., City Assessor.
Timmerman, H., merchant.
Timmerman, William, shoe dealer.
Trites, G. D., grain-buyer.  

TROUGHTON, HENRY, meat market; born in New York in 1835; came to Iowa and located in Mt. Pleasant in 1860; he has been engaged in business for the past ten years and built up a large trade.  Has married twice; his first wife was Miss Annie Kean, from Illinois; his present wife was Miss Catharine Martin, from Pennsylvania; he has five children---Leilia, Frank, Hattie, Katie and Henry.  

Turner, E. W., retired.  

TWINTING, T. P., merchant, dealer in groceries and provisions, Mt. Pleasant; born in Germany, on the Rhine, in 1825; emigrated to America in 1848; he came to Iowa in 1862, and has been successfully engaged in business in Mt. Pleasant since 1869; an extensive trade.  

TYNER, JOHN, agent of the American Express Co.; born in Fayette Co., Ind., Feb. 14, 1817; lived in the State of Indiana, near Indianapolis; came to Iowa in 1843; located in Des Moines Co. and engaged in farming; he came to Henry Co. and engaged in the boot and shoe business in Mt. Pleasant in 1859; was appointed agent of the Express Co. in 1862; has been connected with the company for sixteen years. Held the office of Mayor of this city, and was City Councilman for some years.  He married Miss Ann E. Gilmore, from Kentucky, November, 1844; they have one adopted daughter.  Mr. Tyner’s father is still living in Indiana; is over 85 year old.  

VAN ALLEN, GEO. C., abstract-maker.
Vancise, E. G., attorney.
Van Hon, William, stone-mason.  

VERNON, J. B., Justice of the Peace; born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, Jan. 13, 1812; at 25 years of age, he removed to Indiana; in 1852, came to Iowa and located in Henry Co. October 27, 1852, and engaged in farming; has been in the ministry for many years; was licensed as an exhorter in Ohio; was licensed minister in the M. E. Church and ordained in Indiana; he moved to Mt. Pleasant in 1864; he has held office of Justice of the Peace for a long time.  He married Miss Maria Monroe, from Muskingum Co., Ohio, March 2, 1837; they have five children---Leroy M., the oldest, is General Superintendent of Missionaries of Italy, having fifteen missionaries, all native Italians, under his charge; he has been there seven years, and is master of seven different languages; John W., an attorney in Memphis; Samuel M., a minister in the M. E. Church; Pastor of a church in Pittsburgh; Mary E., now Mrs. Patch, of this city; William S., a merchant in Fort Des Moines; lost two children.  John W. was in the army, enlisted in the 4th Regt. Iowa Cav., and was in the service three years; William was in the 100-day service, though only 16 years of age.  

Vickstrom, J. G.
Virden, Ross, merchant.  

[Page 585]  

WAITE, SOLOMON.

Walker, H. D., plasterer.
Wallace, Robert, clerk.  

WALTERS, BENNET G., retired; born in Berkeley Co., Va., March 13, 1823; after reaching manhood, he engaged in farming.  Married Miss Emily Murphy, of Martinsburg, Berkeley Co., Va., Jan. 10, 1843; they came to Iowa and located in Henry Co., Wayne Tp., in May, 1855, and engaged in farming; he improved three farms.  His father was a Baptist minister, but Mr. Bennet W., early in life, connected himself with the Hicksite branch of the denomination of Friends, and began preaching in 1852; he has always been a great student of the Bible, and was engaged in preaching for over twenty-five years, as the way seemed to open; after coming to this county, he gave the ground upon which the meeting-house is located in Wayne Tp., and owing to his efforts, the house was built; he is acknowledged to be one of the most able thinkers and earnest worker in this denomination; for some time past, he has retired from active business, and they have lived in Mt. Pleasant; they have three children---Bennet Gideon, William Penn and Branson Hallowell; have lost four children.  

Walthers, B. G. retired.
Waltz, R., tailor.
Warwick, Wm. M., merchant.
Washburn, C. A.
Watts, William, laborer.
Webber, E. H.
Webber, Fred.
Werble, George, laborer.
Wells, B. S., blacksmith.
Wells, Fred L., tinner.
Wheeler, John.  

WHEELER, JOHN, D. D.; the oldest son of John and Mary Kingswell Wheeler; was born in Portsmouth, England, April 15, 1815; removed to the United States in his 4th or 5th year, landing near Baltimore; the family removed in a short time to the vicinity of Bellefontaine, Ohio; afterward became residents of Bellefontaine, where he spent most of his childhood and youth; in 1835, became a student in Norwalk, Ohio, Seminary; in 1837, a student of Alleghany College; in 1839, left Alleghany College for Greencastle, Ind., in company with the family of Prof. (now Bishop) Simpson, who, a short time before, had been elected President of the Indiana Asbury University; in 1840, graduated as A. B.; a member of the first graduating class, three in number, of the I. A. U.; same year, elected Principal of the Franklin Institute, in Indianapolis; remained two years; in 1842, elected Professor of Latin in the Indiana Asbury University; in 1854, retired from the professorship; in 1855, became President of the Baldwin Institute, Berea, Ohio, which, the next spring, became the Baldwin University; in 1858, received the degree of Doctor of divinity; retired, in 1870, and was elected President of the Iowa Wesleyan University, holding the Presidency of both institutions from June until the latter part of August, 1870; retired from the Presidency of the I. W. U. in June, 1875, and became Pastor of the First M. E. Church, Keokuk, Iowa; in 1876, appointed Presiding Elder, Keokuk District; in 1877-78, Presiding Elder of the Mt. Pleasant District.  In childhood, he became a member of the M. E. Church; in 1853, licensed to preach; in 1855, joined the North Ohio Conference; in 1863, secured the location of the German Wallace College at Berea, Ohio, which he has considered the most important work of his life; in 1872, secured the location of the German College at Mt. Pleasant, which was chartered and opened in 1873.  In 1842, married Miss Mary R. Yandes, who died in 1854, leaving five children, three of whom survive.  In 1857, married Miss Clara Hulah; had seven children, five still living.  In 1840, was requested by one of the Missionary Secretaries of the M. E. Church to become a Missionary to Palestine, to which he assented; in 1854, was selected by the Bishop Superintendent of Missions in India, and willingly gave his consent; was providentially prevented from entering the Missionary field, but for thirty-two years was engaged in teaching in three Church Colleges---twenty years in charge.  

Wilder, George, restaurant.
Williford, S., retired.
Whitford, Lot, lawyer.
White, George, carpenter.
White, O.H.
White, W. L., tinner.  

WHITING, JOHN H., Cashier of the National State Bank, born in Painted Post, Steuben Co., N. Y., Dec. 6, 1834; attended school there and in Lima, N. Y.; then entered the Wesleyan University at Middletown, Conn., and graduated in 1855; he engaged in teaching one year at Paul Wing’s Boys’ Boarding-School; came to Iowa in the spring of 1857, and entered the bank of Brazelton & Co.; when the State Bank was organized, he held the position of Assistant Cashier; upon the organization of the bank under the National Banking- System, he was elected Cashier, and since then has held that position in the management of the bank; he has held the office of City Treasurer, also School Treasurer of Mt. Pleasant.  Married Miss Julia May, of Bath, N. Y., in September, 1858; they have three children---May, James T. and Harry C.  

WHITING, TIMOTHY, banker; President of the National State Bank of Mt. Pleasant; was born in the town of Bremen, Hancock Co., Me., Feb. 7, 1809; when only 6 years of age, his father, Col. John Whiting, removed to Western New York, and located in Steuben Co.; lived on a farm until 15 years of age; completed his education in this Prattsburg Academy; entered a store as a clerk, and after serving in that capacity for about five years, and at the age of 20, in company with another young man, he engaged in business at Painted Post; he continued in business in that county until April, 1857, when he came to Iowa, and settled in Mt. Pleasant, and engaged in banking; in 1858, in company with other parties, started a branch of the State Bank; he was Cashier, and representative of the bank in the State Board of Directors during the time it was in operation; in May, 1865, this institution was changed into the National State Bank, one of the solid institutions of Iowa, and he has held, from the time of its organization, the office of President; has held few offices except those connected with the bank and church.  Has never been a strong partizan, and has steadily refused to accept political offices.  He is President of the Board of Directors of the State Insane Asylum, located at Mt. Pleasant.  He has been a consistent member of the M. E. Church, since 1831, and an official in the Mt. Pleasant body since locating here; is liberal, kind hearted to the poor and ever ready to help the needy and distressed.  He married Miss Sarah H. McCall, of Painted Post, N. Y., Dec. 18, 1833; had eleven children, seven living---John, the eldest son, is Cashier of the National State Bank of Iowa, at Mt. Pleasant; Henry, Master Mechanic of the St. Louis, Rock Island & Rockford R. R.; Charles H., in business in Burlington; Samuel S., engaged in business in Missouri; Frank H., a civil engineer in the employ of the C., B. & Q. R. R.; Ann E., eldest daughter living, is the wife of Prof. J. H. Hopkins, Vice President of the Albion Michigan College, and Sophia E. is the wife of R. S. Gillis, Assistant Cashier of the National State Bank.  

Whitney, William H., carpenter.
Wick, George M., laborer.
Willard, L. F., harness dealer.
Willie, G. F. W., Professor in College.
Williford, Samuel, teamster.
Wilson, John, laborer.
Wilson, W. G.
Wingate, J. L., gun store.  

WINTERS, JOHN, contractor for mason work on the C., B. & Q. R. R., and raiser of thorough-bred horses and cattle, Sec. 16; born in Ireland in 1819; when 17 years of age, his parents came to America, and settled in Pennsylvania; he went to Syracuse, N. Y.; learned the trade of stone-cutter, and worked there until 1840, then went to Canada, and worked on the Welland Canal until 1845; came to La Salle, Ill.; he came to Davenport, Iowa, in 1855, and walked from there to Mt. Pleasant, and engaged in cutting stone for the State Asylum; in the fall of 1856, he began working for the B. & M. R. R., and for a number of years has been a large contractor on this and the C. B. & Q. R. R.; he owns large quarries both here and at Dudley, where a large number of men are employed in getting out and shipping stone for the contract work on the road; about five years ago, Mr. Winters commenced raising fine stock; he has some of the finest horses and cattle in the State; his home stock farm, of 320 acres, adjoining the city of Mt. Pleasant is, with its location and improvements, one of the most valuable in the State of Iowa, valued at $50,000, and the value of the blooded stock of horses and cattle, nearly as much more.  Mr. Winters began without means, and by industry, integrity and good management, he now owns, aside from his large business interests, 1,400 acres of land in the county.  He has two sons---John C. and Michael F.  

WINTERS, JOHN C., manager of the Winters Stone Quarries; born in LaSalle, Ill., in September, 1848; when 7 years of age, his parents came to Iowa; his father being engaged in quarrying and contracting, John learned that business, and for some years has had the management of the Winters Quarries, at Mt. Pleasant, having about fifty men in his employ; he holds the office of Sub-school Director, and is President of the Board, and is also Director in the Agricultural Society.  He married Miss Mary Ellen O’Hare, from St. Louis, Mo., in September, 1869; they have five children---Laura and Stella, twins, Samuel L., John and Grace C.; lost one son.  

Woodburn, Samuel.
Woodburn, John G., tailor.  

WOODS, JOHN T., of the firm of Templin Bros. & Wood, dealers in dry goods and notions; born in Fayette Co., Ind., Jan. 7, 1837; at 15 years of age, came to Keokuk; to Mt. Pleasant in 1859; after attending school one year, he engaged in business. Is a member of the School Board.  Married Miss Sarah E. Killpatrick, daughter of Judge Ephraim Killpatrick, one of the early settlers of Henry Co., Dec. 13, 1860; they have five children---Edward C., Lucy R., Charles E., Alice and Ella.  

Woolson, T. W., biography on last page.  

WOOLSON, JOHN S., attorney, of the firm of Woolson & Babb; born in Erie Co., N. Y., Dec. 6, 1840; lived there until 16 years of age, and came with his parents to Iowa and located in Mt. Pleasant in June, 1856; completed his education and commenced reading law.  Was appointed Assistant Paymaster in the navy, regular service, in March, 1862; he was on board the sloop-of-war Housa-tonic when she was torpedoed off Charleston; she sank in ten minutes; beyond a cold bath, he was uninjured, and was picked up with the other officers; he was present at the attack on Ft. Sumter, and at both attacks on Ft. Fisher, being on the monitor Monad-nock; he was also up James River, at Ft. Darling, and the capture of Richmond; was in the service until December, 1865.  After his return, completed his law studies, and was admitted to the bar in 1866, and since has been engaged in the practice of his profession.  He represents this county in the State Senate; was elected in 1875 to fill a vacancy; re-elected in 1877 for four years; he was Secretary of the School Board for some years, and has been Chairman of the State Board of Commissioners of Insanity since 1870.  He married Miss Myra T. Bird, of Mt. Pleasant, April 7, 1867; they have four children---Paul B., Ralph, Miriam and Grace.  

YOAKUM, H. B., miller.  

YODER, SAMUEL, proprietor of the Pennsylvania House; born in Cambria Co., Penn., in 1836; he came to Iowa in September, 1876, and engaged in the hotel business Aug. 1, 1878.  He married Miss Barbara Yoder, of Ohio, in 1853; they have eight children---five sons and three daughters.  

Young, N. A. J., Constable.
Yuhn, Herman, blacksmith.  

YOUNG, WILLIAM, retired; born in County Antrim, Ireland, north of Belfast, April 18, 1808; he emigrated with his parents to America, leaving Belfast May 18, 1818; he was brought up in Pennsylvania, and learned the milling business; he came to Fulton Co., Ohio, in 1835, and was one of the early settlers there; he bought a farm, and lived there until 1855, when he came to Iowa; located in this county in March, 1856, and engaged in farming; continued until a few years past, when he gave up the active management of his farm and moved to Mt. Pleasant.  He had nothing when he began life, and now owns over three hundred acres of land.  He has been twice married; his first wife was Esther Stott, of Pennsylvania; she died in 1871; they had nine children, four of whom survive---Charles S., Robert, William P. and Miller; he married Nancy Phillips June 3, 1875; she is a native of Chester Co., Penn., and came to Iowa in 1866.  Mr. Young had two sons in the army.  

[Page 588]

THERON WEBB WOOLSON.

Theron Webb Woolson was born at Lisbon, N. H., October 28, 1811. His father was a farmer of very limited means, who some few years after the birth of Theron, removed with his family to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where he died at a well-rounded old age, leaving his widow and nine children surviving him. The financial circumstances of the family required that Theron should early go out to work, and, consequently, he was hired by the month in the neighbor hood where his father resided, during which time he succeeded in attending the winter school in his district through four winters. This comprises all the schooling he received. But being naturally quick in thought and retentive in memory, and having an unusual hungering after knowledge, he soon mastered all the volumes in the general, though small, library of the physician for whom he' was working, and familiarized himself with the books of his kind neighbors generally. At a comparatively early age he entered the merchant-tailoring establishment of his oldest brother as an apprentice, and soon became an adept at tailoring in its different branches, his leisure hours meanwhile being devoted to reading and study. It was his good fortune to have as Pastor of the church which he attended, a man of deep piety and benevolent disposition, who had been thoroughly educated in a full collegiate course. Recognizing in Theron a lad of more than usual intellectual promise and application, he gave Theron the privilege of reciting to him on stated evenings, and in this manner Theron acquired his early knowledge of the Latin language and the more advanced English branches. His health, however, began to fail him, and his system, never too rugged, began to give way under the confinement incident to his trade, to such a degree that his physician insisted on severe and continuous labor and more outdoor employment. Leaving the shop, he entered the employ of a firm of wood-workers, where his duties led him largely to the operation and use of a foot-lathe. Here he found the needed physical exercise, and here, too, he found additional opportunity for farther mental improvement, his book being constantly before him on a rack or support placed by him on the farther side of his lathe, and in this manner he pursued his studies while at his daily work. His health having become apparently restored, he taught school for some time in that county, employing himself between his school-terms at such occupation as he could best obtain, his studious habits being meanwhile kept up, so far as his daily work permitted. Here was first brought into action the remark able power he subsequently exhibited in controlling others and in quietly and determinedly accomplishing the results at which he aimed — the essence of executive power. His schools were regarded remarkable for the quiet pervading them, the enthusiasm of the scholars and the perfection with which — almost without friction and with rare instances of any attempt at insubordination — the whole school moved peacefully along under the complete control of the teacher. Toward this result, the personal magnetism or enthusiasm he inspired in the work, an enthusiasm born of his own devotion and zeal as a student, contributed, perhaps, no less than that rare quality, possessed by him in a large degree, of attracting others toward him and his convictions, and holding them by his thorough conscientiousness of purpose and his frank sincerity of action. In 1835, he started Westward to find a location where his life's work should be fairly commenced. Stopping at Tonawanda, Erie Co., N. Y., in the western portion of the State, and then almost on the frontier, he entered for. as he sup posed, a short time upon the duties of clerk and book-keeper. His business tact, ready application and thorough devotion to his duties soon placed upon his shoulders the main burden and management of the mercantile establishment, and almost without knowing it, he had located and had entered upon the work of his early manhood. It may be safely be said that, during the twenty-one years he resided at Tonawanda, no desirable public movement or enterprise was undertaken without his active co-operation. The qualities before spoken of, naturally caused him to be pushed forward whenever such enterprises were undertaken. He filled, at different times, the various local public positions within the town and village where he resided, and he was for years President of the Village Board of Trustees, and the official head of the local educational board. At different times he represented his town in the County Board of Supervisors, and also served as Chairman of that Board. He also filled the position of Loan Commissioner for his county. He was admitted in the city of Buffalo, in that county, to practice law. In 1856, he removed with his family to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, arriving June 6. He was attracted to that city by the educational advantages it afforded for his children, and the inviting appearance of the city and its surroundings for a residence. Devoting himself exclusively to the practice of law, after some months' practice by himself, he formed a law copartnership with Henry Ambler, Esq. Upon the dissolution of this firm, he formed a copartnership with Hon. Samuel McFarland, his son-in-law, which was terminated in December, 1862, by the death of Col. McFarland. Subsequently, he entered into partnership with P. N. Bowman, Esq, which continued until September 6, 1866, when Mr. Bowman retired, and Mr. Woolson formed a partnership with his son, John S. Woolson, which continued until the death of the senior member. That keen interest in educational matters which had characterized his former life, was carried to his new residence, and the cause of education found no more unselfish, zealous and considerate advocate and friend. He was for many years a member of the educational board of the city ; for years its President, and added largely, by his devotion, energy and ripe judgment, in placing the public schools of the city in their present well-deserved high position. To him the public-school system was a matter so sacred, so intimately connected with the public welfare and highest interests of the commonwealth, that its demands upon his time were always honored, gladly and freely.

For a number of years he held the position of City Solicitor of the city, and he was for a number of terms its Mayor. As Mayor, he exhibited that decision of character, determination of purpose, and care for the interests entrusted to him, which were marked features of his whole life. An illustration can be given, taken from his entrance upon his duties as Mayor. By resolution of the City Council, there had been submitted to vote of the electors, at the election at which he was first elected Mayor (and when, also, a new Council was elected), the question of reducing the license upon billiard-tables, which was then substantially a prohibitory license, and by a considerable majority the electors refused to sanction any reduction. The day arrived for the meeting of the Council at which the votes of the election were to be canvassed, and when the old Council and Mayor were to step out and the newly-elected step into office. The old Council had a strong majority of its members in favor of reducing the license, while the newly-elected Council were opposed to such reduction. Mr. Woolson had intimations of an expected attempt by the old Council to pass — in the face of the vote just cast by the people against such a step — an ordinance reducing the license on the tables, and, preparing for it, he subscribed the oath of office as Mayor, and quietly stepped, with other citizens, into the Council-chamber to witness the proceedings of the canvass. When the Council had been called to order, a motion was made to proceed to the canvass of the votes, a proceeding which had customarily been the first business of such a meeting. But those in charge of it, had determined to pass the ordinance reducing the license, and, having the voting power, they compelled the canvass to give way to the consideration of the ordinance, which passed through its first and second readings, and was about to be put on its passage and the vote to be taken. At this juncture, and when it had become apparent that the opponents of the measure were powerless to prevent its adoption, and that it was the settled purpose of the retiring members to defeat, by this unusual proceeding, the expressed will of the city, Mr. Woolson stepped forward, handed to the City Clerk his oath of office, and demanded of the Mayor his seat as the duly elected Mayor of the city, which was yielded to him. The roll-call proceeded. Mr. Woolson directed the Clerk to call his name, and cast his vote against the ordinance. This vote, in connection with his firm action in the chair, effectually checkmated the conspirators, defeated the ordinance and thus secured the triumph of the expressed popular will. Mr. Woolson was a member and the Chairman of the first Board of Super visors of this county, and for years held the position of Attorney for the County. In 1861, he was elected to the State Senate from this county, and was reelected in 1865. He was a member of the Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth General Assemblies. In the Senate he was a leading member, serving on its most important committees, and exercising a large influence in shaping the legislation of that body, and at one time holding, by vote of the Senate, the position of President pro tern. It has been truly said of him, that he here " sustained a reputation not only for earnest, upright honesty, but for the highest skill and ability as a Legislator." He was in the Senate throughout the war, for the suppression of the rebellion, and by voice, vote, pen and purse he was a deter mined, effective supporter of that war. During the absence, in the military service, of its editor, Mr. Woolson, who was prevented by physical infirmities from entering the service, was the acting editor of the Mount Pleasant Journal, and its tones were never uncertain, during that period, upon matters affecting the national weal or woe.

His early political attachments were with the Democratic party. But when that party, in his judgment, became unfaithful to its expressed principles concerning " free rights and free men," he severed his connection with it. He was a member of the first Republican Convention ever held at Buffalo, N. Y., and thereafter acted with that party, and was an influential participator in the District and State conventions and deliberations of that party in his State. He was a delegate from Iowa to the National Republican Convention, which first nominated President Grant.

His religious associations were with the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he united in 1836, and was, thereafter, a firm, consistent member up to his death. On September 1, 1836, he married Clarissa Simson, who proved to him a most devoted, affectionate wife. She died suddenly upon March 7, 1862, while he was absent attending the Iowa Legislature, of which he was a member. She left surviving her three daughters — Mrs. Peter Melendy, Cedar Falls, Iowa ; Mrs. R. J. Borghlothaus, Lawrence, Kan., aud Mrs. M. W. Darling, Cambria Mills, Mich. ; and one son — John S. Woolson, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. On June 26, 1865, he married Anna Carney, who survives him, with their only child — J. Leigh Woolson, Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Upon November 7, 1872, Mr. Woolson was at his office, engaged in active preparation for the approaching term of Court. He had been somewhat unwell, but not seriously, for several days, and in the afternoon felt compelled to excuse himself from the labors in which he was then engaged. Within two hours after leaving the office, he was attacked with acute cholera morbus, bordering closely upon Asiatic cholera, and so rapidly did the disease advance that before evening had set in his life was despaired of! He died November 8, 1872, at 4:20 P. M., aged 61 years — passing away as in a quiet sleep, peace fully, and without a struggle. His funeral was upon November 10, and was attended by a large concourse of friends, the bar of his county attending in a body. He was interred in the family grounds at Forest Home Cemetery, at Mount Pleasant.

Upon November 11, at the opening of the District Court of the county, the committee, who had been previously appointed at a meeting of the members of the bar, presented resolutions which had been adopted by that body, and which were ordered and placed on the records of the Court. The remarks of the Judge (Hon. Joshua Tracy) were so appropriate and truthful, they may well be here inserted:

The resolutions just read, commemorative of the death of our friend find professional brother, express in appropriate terms, the many estimable traits of character he possessed. They also express the great grief and heart-felt sorrow experienced by his family and the community at large at the loss of one whose place at home, in society and in the church cannot be filled. His character for strict professional integrity, honesty of purpose and courteous deportment was such as to endear him to every one who became intimately acquainted with him. To those of us who have been so intimately acquainted with him for the last sixteen years in the practice of the legal profession, these traits of character of our departed friend will serve to guide us upon our professional pathway, and, it may be hoped, will lead us to that point of true worth and greatness which he occupied when he ceased to be one among us. It is worthy of remark upon this solemn occasion, that although our deceased fried possessed a nervous, sensitive cast of temperament, and that in the practice of his profession he was ardently devoted to his client's cause, yet no matter how close the contest, or heated the discus sion in which he was engaged, he never so far forgot the character of the true professional gentleman as to be guilty of applying to his opponent unkind words, or opprobrious epithets, and his conduct toward the Court in the management and argument of his causes was always equally commendable. By the death of Theron W. Woolson, society has host an honored, valuable member, the State an able legislator, the church of which he was a member a true Christian, the legal profession an able advocate, and his bereaved family a kind-hearted and devoted husband and father. With mournful pleasure, it is ordered that the resolutions presented be spread upon the records of this Court; and as a further token of respect to the memory of our departed friend, it is ordered the Court do now adjourn.

The Board of Supervisors of the County, for whom Mr. Woolson was, at time of his death, counsel, also took formal action in the passage of this resolution.

Be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Henry County, now in session, That it is with feelings of profound regret that we learn of the death of a former honorable member and Chair man of this Board, and for the long time its principal attorney and adviser, Hon. Theron W. Woolson ; and it is with great pleasure we record our admiration of the fidelity of his conduct in all those relations, discharging them with promptness, great good-judgment and ability; and we hereby express and tender to the family of the deceased our heart-felt sympathy.

hereby express and tender to the family of the deceased our heart-felt sympathy. The press of the whole State, and of both political parties, noticed in fitting terms and with expressions of appreciative feelings, his life and death. We have not the space to insert the extracts we had desired. It is difficult concisely, yet fully, to express the proper estimate of a life so well rounded, so symmetrical as a whole, and yet possessing in so many directions such marked peculiarities. Perhaps the characteristic best remembered by his intimate friends as pervading his whole life and lighting up his daily walk, was the entire faithfulness, the thorough conscientiousness, with which he applied himself to the performance of duty, in whatever direction that duty lay. No client, constituent or employer ever had occasion to complain of lack, on his part, of thorough application to the matters placed in his charge. To this application, he brought a mind naturally strong and clear, which had been matured by close observation and continuous study. His record as a citizen, lawyer, official and legislator shows his faithful attention, his ripe judgment, his intellectual strength and his purity of life.

Yet that record is not complete without the mention of his home life. He was peculiarly domestic in his tastes and desires, and no happiness was so keenly appreciated by him as that which came from the surroundings of family and friends at home. The shadows and perplexities of business or official life he left outside the threshold, and to family and friends under his own roof-tree were fully shown the genuine hospitality of his nature. In his later years, the enjoyment he realized from his home life perceptibly increased, and his distaste for the strifes and conflicts of public life became stronger, until prospect and promise of official station alike failed to induce him to submit again to the disagreeable accompaniments of public position. No truer father or devoted hus band ever gladdened a happy home.

In all the relations of life he "fought a good fight," he "kept the faith," and his memory is indeed precious to all who knew him.

[pages 660-664]

COL. SAMUEL McFARLAND.

Samuel McFarland was born August 18, 1824, in Washington County, Penn.; his early education was principally at the public schools of his neighborhood, although for some months he attended an academy at Washington, Penn. He was naturally of a studious turn of mind, and is reported as having applied himself diligently and successfully to his studies. Early in his life he started westward to find his future home. He had many of the traits of a successful business man already, and was engaged in different brief business ventures, having been successful in most of them up to the year 1854, when he removed to the city of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, of which city he remained a citizen up to his death.

Upon his taking up his residence in that city, he was recognized as one of her leading citizens, and thereafter no public enterprise was engaged in without valuable assistance from him, and every public improvement found in him an energetic friend.

About the year 1834, he was admitted to the practice of law, and, in 1836, he formed a law partnership with Hon. S. G. Palmer; on his retirement from that firm in 1858, he entered into a law partnership with Hon. T. W. Woolson, with whom he was associated until his death.

About the year 1854, Mr. McFarland became, in addition to his other duties, interested in the ownership of the Mount Pleasant Observer, a weekly newspaper published at Mount Pleasant. Mr. McFarland assumed editorial control, and soon exhibited decided ability as a journalist. The paper pros pered well under his management and took high standing among the newspapers of the State. About 1857, he sold out his interest to the proprietor of the Home Journal (a newspaper then also published in that city), in which paper the Observer was soon merged.

As a lawyer he showed diligence in preparation, a frankness and wisdom in the management of his clients' cause, and devoted faithfulness to the interests committed to his charge, and stood among the leaders at the bar of his county. His political attachments were with the Republican party. Previous to the organization of that party, he took comparatively little interest in political matters. But when, as he thought, the interests of freedom among men and the rights of freemen demanded that the principles laid down as the corner stones of that party should have the endorsement of the nation's voice, he threw himself earnestly into the struggle, and by pen and speech from the beginning identified himself with all the movements of that party. In the Presidential elections of 1856 and 1860, he was a constant, indefatigable worker. And the company, which he led into the military service sprang out of the "Wide awake" organization in 1860 in his county, of which he was the commanding officer. In 1857, he was elected to the Iowa Legislature from his (Henry) county, and by a large vote was elected Speaker of the House, a position which he filled with great credit to himself and acceptability to the members, the customary vote of thanks accorded him at the close of the session having the hearty and unanimous support of the members of both political parties.

When the news flashed over the wires of the rebel attack on Sumter, McFarland was one of the master spirits in his vicinity, not only in the raising and fitting-out of volunteers, but also in bringing and keeping the popular feeling in complete harmony with the line of action entered upon by the Admin istration which had come into power. And in August, 1861, having obtained the consent of his company, he tendered it for the military service of the United States. On the 8th day of August, he was notified that his company was accepted. The company made their rendezvous at Camp McClellan, Davenport, Iowa, where, October 15, 1861, they were mustered into the service, McFarland having received the unanimous vote of his company for its captaincy.

It would exceed the limits permitted for this sketch were we to trace in detail his course in the service. We may say, however, that his company, which became Company G of the Eleventh Iowa Infantry, did its full share of service, and received its full share of exposure and hardship. The regiment, and Company G of that regiment, are specially mentioned in different reports, for the bravery, courage and endurance shown by them. The first heavy engagement the company was engaged in was that of Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing, at which the company lines were badly shattered, a number of the rank and file being killed and wounded ; and when having borne the heavy fire of the enemy the company lines were re-formed at the river-bank to which they had retreated (with our other troops) when over pressed and out of ammunition, there remained but a small fragment of what had been in the morning a strong, manly line. In this engagement, as shown by the correspondence of his men, Capt. McFarland was ever on the alert, at the head of his line and wherever his presence might be most effective. And when one of his men had been struck down by the fire of the enemy in the early part of the fight, his gun, in the hands of the brave Captain, continued to do full duty during the rest of the day.

In August, 1862, Capt. McFarland was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the Nineteenth Iowa Infantry and immediately placed himself at the head of the regiment, the Colonel having been detailed for post duty. How he led the regiment and nobly did his duty, the records of that portion of the war well disclose. The regiment was upon the Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas frontier in the most difficult, arduous and dangerous part of the service. Col. McFarland was at the head of his regiment in all the engagements in which it participated up to the date of his death. To minutely state those engagements would require space not here permitted. To every person in any wise familiar with the fighting the campaigns in that region, it is only necessary to name the region and date to know that there was continuous work, and work attended with danger and death constantly occurring. Col McFarland's last battle was that of Prairie Grove, Ark., where he met his death December 8, 1N62. The Nineteenth Iowa went into battle 500 strong. It came out with a loss of 45 killed outright, and over 150 wounded, many of them fatally, showing that nearly every other man in the regiment that day was killed or wounded.

In the progress of the battle, which we are unable here to give in full, a battery located on a hill was doing deadly duty upon our men, and also afford ing great protection to the enemy, who were forming under its cover. The Nineteenth Iowa and Twentieth Wisconsin were ordered to take that battery and hold it at all hazards. The official report states that " the Nineteenth Cavalry, Lieut. Col. McFarland, advanced up the hill steadily and across the orchard, back of the house, where the Twentieth Wisconsin gave way, the Nineteenth still advancing to the fences adjoining the woods where the enemy who lay concealed, arose to their feet three regiments deep, pouring destructive fire on us from three sides, which caused the regiment to fall back to the battery. Col. McFarland at this point fell, his horse and himself being killed at the same moment." His body, afterward recovered, showed that nine musket-balls had pierced his body through and through. His body was subsequently brought to his home at Mount Pleasant, where a suitable monument marks his last rest ing-place. Thus died an honest citizen, a faithful lawyer, an able legislator and a brave soldier. Brig. Gen. F. J. Herron, in command of the brigade in which was the Nineteenth Iowa, writing of his death uses these words: " Iowa has furnished many noble soldiers, many heroes to the cause, and bright among that list stands the name of Lieut. Col. Samuel McFarland. He was a gentleman, a Christian and a gallant soldier."

The Tenth Iowa (his former regiment) passed feeling resolutions on the event of his death, as did also the staff of that regiment and of the Nineteenth Iowa, while the newspapers of his State, the bar of his county, the Trustees of the hospital with whom he had been officially connected, joined in the general expressions of regret that another man so noble, so good, so full of brilliant promise, had thus been early called from the field of his useful labor.

On April 27, 1858, he was married to Miss Mary A. Woolson, who still survives him (Mrs. Peter Melendy, Cedar Falls, Iowa), with their two children — S. Clark McFarland and Marion I. McFarland. He filled many local positions of honor and trust in his neighborhood and city. He was for many years a Trustee and the Secretary of the Board of the Iowa Hospital for the Insane. To all his offices he brought the same uniform, gentlemanly courtesy, faithful application and rare judgment. It is speaking within bounds to say of him that, had he lived, his abilities would have brought him into high national positions ; and that his death is not the loss of Iowa alone, but looking forward to what might have been, is a national loss. Col. McFarland was of commanding personal presence, erect in build and carriage, his height six feet three inches, with physique corresponding, and with perfect symmetry of physical build. Col. McFarland, in religious associations, was connected with the Presbyterian Church, and was a firm, consistent member and officer of that organization in his city. He is gone. He lived a noble life ; he died a noble death.

" Life's fitful fever o'er, He sleeps his last sleep."

[pages 665-667]

History Index  **  Home Page