Samuel HARTLEY, born [September 1] 1805 in Greene County, Pennsylvania, was over 70 years old when he came to Iowa in the 1870's. He had a large family, all girls except one. His daughters were, of course, grown and most had families of their own by that time. Most of Samuel's daughters and sons-in-law accompanied him.

Samuel early saw the advantage of investing in Iowa land and purchased various parcels. He built a large home just north of the Catholic Church. This land was later sold to Luke SHAY and was known more recently as "the HART place."

Following is information about those of Samuel's daughters who came with him and their families.

Adeline, born in 1837, was the second wife of Franklin SEATON. Franklin's children by his first marriage, William, George, Thomas and Annie (who was already married to Elmer STEELE), came along on the journey to Iowa. His first three children by his marriage to Adeline HARTLEY were born in Pennsylvania and came with them. These were Samuel, Elizbeth "Lizzie" and Benjamin Franklin. His youngest child, Hugh, was the only one of his children born in Iowa.

Samuel HARTLEY'S daughter Hannah was married to Vincent WORTHINGTON. They had several children, including Sameul, Edward and Harry. These three lived for many years in Maloy. Vincent is buried in the Maloy [Platte River] cemetery.

Elizabeth Ann was married to Will GARARD. One of their sons, Sam, lived for many years just south of Maloy with his wife Rose.

Amanda Ellen was married to John MAPEL. They had several children: Charlie and Claude, who later lived in Mount Ayr, Lizzie who married Willie [William Albert] POLLEY, and Jenny who lived in Florida. The POLLEYS lived for a time just south of Maloy.

Their children were Cleo, who married Charles PRITCHARD and lived in Delphos; Orville "Pete" who never married and moved to Des Moines in 1946 and died there in 1978; Edwin, who died while still in his twenties; Cecil, who moved to Des Moines in the 1930's; and Martin who was a policeman.

Samuel HARTLEY, the son of Mathias and Hannah (LESLIE) HARTLEY, married in 1828 to Elizabeth HAMMERS. He died at the age of 80 years on September 1, 1885. Elizabeth (HAMMERS) HARTLEY was born in Pennsylvania on February 23, 1808, and died at the age of 91 years on February 4, 1899. Samuel and Elizabeth were interred at Platte River Cemetery near Maloy.

Adeline (HARTLEY) SEATON was born near Carmichaels, Pennsylvania July 13, 1837, and died at her home in Delphos, Iowa on September 17, 1924 at the age of 87 years. She was the second wife of Franklin SEATON who she married on March 16, 1867 in Pennsylvania. Franklin SEATON was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania, the son of Thomas Prather and Elizabeth (BROWN) SEATON, in 1855, and died in 1903. Adeline and Franklin were interred at Oak Ridge (a.k.a. Forrest Home) Cemetery.

Mary Jane HARTLEY was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania on September 12, 1843, and died at the age of 49 years on September 21, 1892. She was interred at Platte River Cemetery near Maloy.

Hannah (HARTLEY) WORTHINGTON was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania on February 27, 1840, and died at the age of 62 years on February 18, 1903. She married on March 23, 1872 to Vincent WORTHINGTON. Vincent was also born in Greene County, Pennsylvania on January 10, 1838, and died at the age of 79 years on April 28, 1917. Vincent served during the Civil War as a Captain of Company F, 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry. Hannah and Vincent's son Stephen D. WORTHINGTON was born in Iowa on November 29, 1880, and died December 24, 1851. They were interred at Platte River Cemetery near Maloy.

Harriet Louise (HARTLEY) WISDOM was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania in July of 1848, and died at Blockton, Iowa on August 17, 1901. She was the second wife of Pierce Jefferson WISDOM. Harriet and Pierce were the parents of five known children: Earl L., Pierce J. Jr., Sammie S., Milton V. and Willie D. Pierce Jefferson WISDOM was born September 6, 1842, served during the Civil War with Company G of the 29th Iowa Infantry, and died February 17. 1925. He was the son of John Ammons and Frances Ann (WADE) WISDOM. Pierce married first Thankful Jane CARTER (1847-1881, interred Platte River Cemetery), second Hariet Louise HARTLEY, and third. Elizabeth E. BRIGGS (1867-1930). Pierce and Elizabeth were interred at Oak Hill Memorial Park, Escondido, California. Harriet was interred at Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton, Taylor County, Iowa.

Amanda Ellen "Mandy" (HARTLEY) MAPEL was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania on July 7, 1853, and died January 29, 1921. She married John W. MAPEL who was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania on April 19, 1854 and died November 14, 1917. Charles Mapel was born in 1887, and died in 1929. Claude I. MAPEL was born in 1881, and died in 1927. Elizabeth May "Lizzie" POLLEY was born in 1882, and died in 1964. She married William Albert "Willie" POLLEY (1882-1921) February 7, 1905. They were interred at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.

SOURCE: Maloy, Iowa Centennial History: 1887 - 1987 p. 119.

Courtesy of Mount Ayr Public Library

Transcription and Notes by Sharon R. Becker, August of 2011