1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa
Page Index:
Sorenson |
Byers |
Pattee |
Brock |
Cullison |
Chance |
Nicolls |
Smith |
Linn |
Potter |
Barrett |
Bartlett |
Gooding |
Ledwich
J. P. SORENSON, proprietor of the Harlan brick-yards, was born in Denmark, May 16, 1831. He is the son of Soren Peterson. He attended school until he was fourteen years old, and then worked on a farm and in the brick-yards for some time. When about twenty years of age he married Miss Christina Johnson, and in 1869 they came to America and settled at Cuppy's Grove, Shelby County, Iowa. Mr. Sorenson worked on a farm until 1880, and then came to Harlan and engaged in brick-making, establishing the first yard in the county; his yard is one of the largest in the county, having a capacity of 1,000,000 bricks. Mr. Sorenson makes 500,000 brick annually, and employs from nine to sixteen men during the busy season. He has two patent kilns, and drying sheds for 44,000 bricks. There are three and a half acres in the yard, and the clay is well adapted to the work. Mr. Sorenson has had
many years' experience in this trade, and has established a good business in Harlan. He and his wife are the parents of ten children -- James G., Mary, Severine, Christina, Alsa, Carrie, Christ, Otto, Nickoly and Julia. The last two named were born in Shelby County, and the others in Denmark. Christ, Carrie and Otto are dead. In December, 1881, Mr. Sorenson, wife and two children, Nickoly and Carrie, made a trip to Denmark, returning the following May. Mr. Sorenson has been influential in bringing many of his countrymen to Shelby County. He was the first emigrant landed at Avoca, on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, and was the second man from Denmark to land in Harlan, Mr. Andrew Peterson being the first. In two years, by his advice, several came over, and they have been followed almost every year by others, until probably more than 100 emigrants have found homes in Shelby County through Mr. Sorenson's influence. He has given much assistance to these people, and many are indebted to him both for his kindness and aid.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 373. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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H. W. BYERS, attorney at law, Harlan, was born in Richland County, Wisconsin, December 25, 1856. He is the son of Andrew C. and Mary (Holwell)
Byers, natives of the State of Pennsylvania. The parents removed from Wisconsin to Hancock County, Iowa, when H. W. was a lad of fourteen years. There he obtained the education afforded by the public schools. In 1886 he began the reading of law with Macy & Gammon, and in 1888 he was
admitted to the bar at Des Moines, Iowa. He is well read in law for a man of his age, and has been very successful in his practice. His office is the same occupied by Judge Macy and Mr. Gammon, on the north side of the public square, Harlan. Mr. Byers has already won his share of practice, and we bespeak for him a prosperous future. He was married in May, 1882, to Miss Mary J., daughter of James and Mary (Wyland) Winegar. They have had born to them two children -- James C. and Frank. Mr. Byers's political convictions find expression in the Republican party, which he zealously supports.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 373-374. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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A. J. PATTEE is the proprietor of one of the most popular restaurants in Harlan. He keeps the best grades of goods, is thoroughly experienced, and under- stands the art of managing an establishment of this character successfully. He was born in Germany, July 4, 1855, and is the son of Rudolph and Enstinia (Goulkie) Pattee. When he was seven years old his parents emigrated to America, and settled in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. There our subject
grew to manhood, being trained to the occupation of a farmer, and receiving a common-school education. In 1877 Mr. Pattee was married to Miss Emma Holdman, who died in 1879. He was married again in 1883 to Miss Ella Lytton, of Harlan. They have had born to them three children -- Emarilda,
Joseph M. and Jessie Alice. Mr. Pattee votes the Republican ticket. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., No. 267. He is yet in the prime of life, is of a genial disposi- tion, honorable in business, and is among the representative business men of Harlan.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 374. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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J. F. BROCK, watchmaker and jeweler, Harlan, has been a resident of Shelby County since 1879. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, March 18, 1854, and is the son of Leland and Amanda (Goddard) Brock, natives of the State of Kentucky. He was left an orphan at the age of six years, and spent most of his youth in Decatur County, Indiana, receiving a common-school education. As before stated, he came to Shelby County in 1879, and in 1882 he
engaged in business with C. C. Olmstead for a time. He is now proprietor of one of the leading jewelry stores of Harlan, and is an honorable and experienced jeweler. He carries a full stock and a large assortment of goods in his line, and is receiving his share of patronage. He has been established in his present business since 1885. Mr. Brock was married in 1881 to Miss Anna L. Peterson, of Harlan, a daughter of Andrew Peterson,
whose biography will be found elsewhere in this history. Mr. and Mrs. Brock are the parents of two children -- Franklin P. and Ivy G. Mr. Brock is member of the Knights of Pythias, No. 65; he is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 374. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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GEORGE W. CULLISON, attorney at law, Harlan, has been identified with the interests of Shelby County, Iowa, since 1880. He is a native of Iowa, born in
Henry County, October 6, 1848. He is a son of Elisha and Matilda (McCabe) Cullison. Elisha Cullison was a native of Kentucky, born in 1808, and was a son of Bennett Cullison, who was a native of Virginia. He was a son of Rush Cullison, who served in the colonial army during the Revolutionary war, and was present at the surrender of the British troops at Yorktown. The father of our subject, Elisha Cullison, was reared to the vocation of farming, and when a young man came to Indiana, where he was married to Matilda McCabe, who was of lrish descent. She was only a child when her father died and she was brought to this country by her Grandfather Baxter, and was reared in Indiana. In 1842 Elisha Cullison and his wife came to the Territory of Iowa and settled about one and a half miles east of New London, Henry County. They squatted on a tract of wild land, and when it came into the market they entered it from the government. He followed agricultural pursuits until 1858, when he moved to Adair County, Missouri. Here he settled on a farm and also engaged in the mercantile business. At the breaking out of the war he boldly declared himself in favor of the preservation of the union at any cost. The county was about evenly divided for and against the union, and great bitterness was engendered between the union men and "secesh." Elisha Cullison employed his time during the first year of the war in enlisting men for the union armies and organizing home guards. He, together with two others, Dr. J. W. Lee and Mr. T. J. Lycan, were so diligent in organizing union troops that the three became very offensive to the rebels who offered a reward of $1,000 each for the capture of them. They were never caught, but the rebel General Martin E. Green captured the little town (Paulville) and
robbed the stores of Cullison and Lycan, and the office of Dr. Lee, and took all the horses, cattle, chickens, turkeys, hay and grain, and meat, flour and vegetables belonging to Cullison, and left his family with nothing to live upon. In 1863 he enlisted as a private in the Missouri State Militia, George H.
Boone, Captain, but was soon discharged on account of his age. His son, William Rush, served through the entire war in Company A, Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, and now lives in Kansas City, Missouri.
The father died February 1, 1865, at the age of fifty-seven. His wife survived him until December, 1872, and died at the age of fifty-four. They were the parents of twelve children, six of whom lived to maturity and five of whom still survive, four sons and one daughter. George W., the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm and remained at home until the death of his father. He was little past twelve years old when Sumter was fired on, and during the greater part of the war was the oldest male member of the family left at home. During the war the public schools of the State were destroyed and he had no opportunity to attend school until the war was over. After the death of his father in 1865 he resolved to obtain an education, and on September 13, 1865, he entered college at Monroe, in Monroe County, Missouri. He remained there till the spring of 1867, and during that summer he worked on a farm for $20 per month. In September of that year he entered the Normal University of Missouri, and in June, 1870, graduated from the same. He was considerably in debt at that time to friends who had advanced him money to complete his education. The next week after his graduation he hired out to parties then engaged in building in Kirksville, and was in a short time carrying the hod while a man at the top was doing the work. He continued at this employment till in September of that year he secured a country school. While he was teaching school and during his vacations he
studied law under Judge Andrew Ellison.
In 1871 he came to Iowa and established an independent school, known as the Troy Normal School. He was engaged in that school for four years, and during that time the school flourished as it never did before, having an attendance of from 100 to 200 students. In 1874 he was selected as principal of the Southern Iowa Normal and Scientific Institute, and placed that institution on such a solid footing that it still is numbered among the prosperous schools of Iowa. He continued his study of the law under Judge H. C. Traverse, of Bloomfield, and in 1876 was admitted by Judge J. C. Knapp to the practice of the law. In 1871, while teaching at Troy, his wife, Mrs. Jennie S. (Gates) Cullison attended his school. She is a native of Essex County, New York, and was born in 1849, and is a daughter of David Gates and Rusetta (Hough). Gates. Her parents came to Jefferson County, Iowa, when she was a
child. After Mr. Cullison was admitted to the bar he practiced his profession and taught school till 1880, when he formed a partnership with Mr. T. H. Smith, since which time he has devoted himself exclusively to the practice of law. He is recognized as one of the most thorough scholars in the west and stands among the foremost in his profession. His opinion is recognized as very valuable among his associates at the bar. His firm has the largest practice in the county and it extends to several counties in the district. Mr. Cullison is regarded as a very excellent public speaker. When he addresses the court it is done in that accurate and scholarly way that makes what he has to say both instructive and entertaining. His addresses to the public are earnest, thoughtful productions, rich in illustration and pleasing in manner. He is a very active, energetic man, and has always been industrious. He manages his business with skill and caution and never permits it to fail. He has never held office except school director, and has never been a
candidate but twice. In 1876 he was a candidate for superintendent of public instruction, and in 1886 was the nominee of his party for judge of the fifteenth judicial district of Iowa. He was beaten by a small majority after running more than 1,000 votes ahead of his ticket. One of the most pleasing features of Mr. Cullison's life is his domestic relations. He has a pleasant home and family and enjoys it as but few do. He and Mrs. Cullison are parents of six children, five of whom are now living, four girls and one boy -- Maggie Lenore, Ollie M., Elizabeth B., Mabel Ella, and Shelby. On May 5, 1889, they lost one little son, Ben Eli, who died after an illness of four weeks of typhoid fever. He was a most interesting child, five years, three months
and eighteen days old. Mr. Cullison is a member of the I. O. O. F., Harlan Lodge, No. 267. He is a past grand of the order. Politically he is an independent Democrat.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 376-380. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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W. P. CHANCE, a Hoosier by birth, and a soldier of the late war, is one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Harlan Township, Shelby County,
Iowa. He was born in Grant County, Indiana, August 13, 1841, and is a son of William Chance, a native of North Carolina, who, when a boy, came to Highland County, Ohio, where he was reared. He then went to Wayne County, Indiana, where he was married to Miss Jane Potter, a native of New Jersey.
He lived there one year. He was among the first settlers in Grant County, Indiana, and it was there that his wife died. After her death the father and children came to Iowa, settling near Chariton, Lucas County. William Chance now lives in Ness County, Kansas. W. P. Chance was reared a farmer and received his education in the common schools. During the late war he was one of the first to go to the defense of his country. He enlisted in March, 1862, in the Thirty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Company F, and served three years and ten months. He was in the battles of Champion Hill, siege of Vicksburg, and Jackson, Mississippi. He re-enlisted and returned home on a furlough, after which he went south again, and was at New Orleans
on duty under General Banks for a time. He then went to Texas, and afterward took an active part in. the last battle fought in the war. He was honorably discharged in February, 1866, at Brownsville, Texas, and was finally discharged at Indianapolis, Indiana.
Mr. Chance then returned to Iowa, and engaged in the more peaceful pursuit of agriculture. He was married December 24, 1869, to Miss Sarah Mellville, a daughter of Andrew and Rachel (Armstrong) Mellville; the father was born in Scotland, and came to Lucas County in 1854; the mother was a native of Ohio. By this marriage one child was born -- Mellville C. Mrs. Chance died November 4, 1870. Mr. Chance was married January 11, 1872, to Miss Isabella Mellville, a sister of his first wife; by this union three children have been born -- Arthur B., Harry Garfield, and Carrie B. In 1871 Mr. Chance came to Shelby County, and settled on section 19, Harlan Township; later he removed to Harlan where he improved a good piece of property. In
1886 he came to his present farm of 280 acres, which is well improved. He is a member of the G. A. R., Harlan Post, No. 107, and is a member of the Christian church.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 380-381. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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HENRY C. NICOLLS is one of the pioneers of Shelby Township, having settled here in 1876. He was born in Morgan County, Ohio, September 20, 1829.
He is a son of Israel and Mary (Craig) Nicolls. The father was a native of Virginia, and the mother of Ohio. They had eleven children. Henry was the second born, but the oldest to grow to maturity. The parents lived in Ohio until the time of their death, which occurred in Hocking County. Henry C. Nicolls was reared a farmer, and received his education at subscription schools, in primitive log school-houses with slab seats, and floors made of puncheons. He was sixteen years old when his parents moved to Hocking County, Ohio. He was married September 12, 1850, to Miss Sarah Pratt,
who was born in Athens County, Ohio, May 15, 1827. She was the daughter of Elias and Mary (Swain) Pratt. The father died in Athens County, and the mother in southern Illinois. Mr. Nicolls lived in Ohio until 1854, when he removed to Iowa, coming by teams and wagons, and camping on the way.
He started October 9, and arrived in Johnson County, Iowa, November 6. He remained here nine years. He enlisted in the late war September 2, 1862, in the Sixth Iowa Cavalry, Company I, and took an active part in the battle of White Stone Hill, with the Dakota and Sioux Indians, and at Cannon-BalI River, near the Bad Lands. He was in other skirmishes from the Little Missouri River through to the Yellowstone River, in 1864. He served under General Alfred Sully. They laid out Fort Rice, and built Fort James and Fort Sully. Mr. Nicolls served three years and one month, and was mustered out of the service at Sioux City as Second Lieutenant, and was discharged at Davenport, Iowa. He then went to Benton County, Iowa, where the family had moved, near Belle Plain. Later they moved near Luzerne, in the same county, where he made his home until he came to Shelby County. He bought 160 acres of land; there was a rude cabin and 100 acres broken. Here he has since lived, and has made improvements until the Nicolls farm is among the best in the county. There is a good two-story house, a barn and sheds, an orchard, and a grove of five acres. Mr. Nicolls and wife have five children -- Mary Jane, Amos P. (of Dakota), Sophia Elizabeth, Albert Benton Vinton and Rachel Viola. Mr. Nicolls is a Republican, and has served eight years as township trustee with credit. He is a member of the Masonic order, Lodge No. 371, of Shelby. He was a member of the Grange during its palmy days. He is a man well informed, and is a close observer. Although fifty-nine years old, he carries his age lightly. He is kind and genial to all, and has the respect and confidence of all who know him.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 381-382. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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HARRISON SMITH, of Shelby Township, section 22, is one of the prominent citizens. He bought land in the township in 1872, and settled there in 1873.
He was born in Morgan County, Ohio, October 29, 1849, a son of Solomon and Lethinda (Newman) Smith, natives of Ohio. When he was fourteen years old he went to Illinois with an older brother. Here he spent his time in farming and attending the public schools. In 1868 he removed to Poweshiek
County, Iowa. He was married September 10, 1872, to Miss Mary Harrod, a daughter of John and Rachel Harrod, who was born in Knox County, Ohio Mr. Smith was engaged in farming in Poweshiek County until 1873, when he came to Shelby Township and located on his present farm. He first bought
eighty acres, but has since bought more till he now owns 320 acres. His farm is one of the best improved in the township. His house, built in 1882, is a large frame building of modern style, well situated on a natural building site, surrounded by a fine grove. His barn is commodious, and he has other good buildings for grain and stock. Everything is neat and snug, and well arranged for convenience and comfort. He has Hambletonian horses, as fine as can be found in the county. He is a Republican, a member of the Masonic order, Shelby Lodge, No. 371, and one of the successful early settlers.
He has done his share in the improvement of the county. He is cordial to all, honorable in business, and has the esteem and regard of all who know him.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 382. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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S. B. LINN is one of the well-known and honored citizens of Shelby Township. He was born in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, February 26, 1836,
and is a son of James and Nancy (Booher) Linn, natives of Pennsylvania, the father of Irish and the mother of German descent. The parents reared six sons and one daughter -- S. B. was the sixth child. He was reared on a farm, and received his education in the public-schools. During the great rebellion
he enlisted at Lincoln's call for 300,000 men, in the Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company A. He served until the close of the war and was discharged at Lexington, North Carolina. He took an active part in all the engagements under General Kilpatrick, from Atlanta to the sea. He was discharged, and
returned to Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, where he was married to Miss Jane Keagy, who was born in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. She is a daughter of Abram and Elizabeth (Shoff) Keagy. Mr. Linn lived in Pennsylvania until 1878, when he came to Shelby County and settled on an eighty-acre tract of land. He now has a fine farm, a good story and a half house, a barn and windmill. Everything shows the energy and prosperity of the proprietor. He now owns 177 acres of fine land. Mr. Linn and wife have four children -- Luella V., Mary K., Lizzie N. and Samuel H. They have
given their children the advantage of a good education. Their daughters are all successful teachers; two of them are now attending college at Indianola, Iowa. Mr. Linn is a Republican. He has served as township trustee and on the school board. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and has served as trustee of the same. Mrs. Linn and daughters are also members of the church. Mr. Linn is a member of the G. A. R., Dick Yates Post, No. 364. He has always been a liberal supporter of all religious and educational advancement. He is one of Shelby County's most valuable and highly esteemed citizens. James Linn, father of S. B., went as a volunteer in the war of 1812. When he left home his father traveled for two days with him; when he left him he said: "My son, be true to your country, and never return with the name of being a coward!" He was honorably discharged in December, 1814, and was married to Nancy Booker, January 31, 1815. Four of their sons answered their country's call for men to defend her flag.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 382-383. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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JOHN S. POTTER came to Shelby County, Iowa, in 1874. He is a native of Canada, born July 25, 1854, a son of John Potter and Rebecca (Dixon) Potter, natives of England. John S. was thirteen years old when his parents moved to Iowa in 1867, locating at West Liberty, Iowa, where they now reside. He was raised a farmer, and received his education in the common schools. In 1874, before he was twenty-one years old, he came to the county with only 30 cents, and $40 in debt. He lived in the vicinity of Cuppy's Grove for a time. In 1876 he bought eighty acres of wild land in Harrison County, and later bought forty acres more, which he broke and fenced. He lived on a rented farm for two years, and came to his present farm in 1879. He had rented this three years before he bought it. His home farm contains 141 acres, and he owns 120 acres in Harrison County, making 261 acres in all. The home place is well improved; there is a good house on a natural building site, a barn, sheds for stock, a wind-mill, and a grove. Everything indicates
thrift and prosperity. Mr. Potter is largely engaged in stock-raising and feeding, in which he is successful. He was married February 28, 1877, to Miss Cora E. Evans, of Muscatine County, Iowa, a daughter of Jerry and Catharine (Hayward) Evans. She was born in Geauga County, Ohio. They have three children -- Catharine Belle, Edwin Hayward and Bessie Rebecca. They have one child dead -- John Albert, born December 23, 1877, died December 21, 1878. Mr. Potter is a Democrat. Though but a young man, and coming to the county with no means, he has by industry and good management acquired a good property, and gained a high position in the county. He is one of the solid, reliable men.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 383. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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WILLIAM G. BARRETT is one of the intelligent and leading citizens of Shelby Township. He came to the county in 1877. He was born in Harrison County, Ohio, August 16, 1846, and is a son of J. W. and Sarah (Lavely) Barrett, natives of Ohio. William G. was reared a farmer, and received his education in the common schools and the Bucyrus, Ohio, High School. In 1863 he removed to Mahaska County, Iowa, where he grew to manhood. He was married February 25, 1877, to Miss Alice Hollister, a daughter of Orange and Martha (Lamborn) Hollister, of Mahaska County, Iowa. In 1877 he came to Shelby Township and bought eighty acres of partially improved land. He has since built a comfortable house, surrounded by shade and ornamental trees. He has planted an orchard and grove, and has good barns for stock and grain. He owns 200 acres of land, 120 acres lying in the east part of section 2, as fine land as there is. He is a thrifty and enterprising farmer, as everything on his place indicates. Mr. Barrett and wife have three children -- Galen A., Mabel Bertha and Sarah Martha. He is a Republican and a member of the Evangelical church. He is a liberal and active supporter and a trustee. He is a member of the Masonic order, Shelby Lodge. Though comparatively a young man, he has gained a good position in the county, socially and financially. He is an earnest supporter of any enterprise tending to the advancement of religion and education. He is kind, genial and hospitable, and is one of Shelby Township's most worthy and respected citizens.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 383-384. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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LEVI L. BARTLETT, of Harlan Town ship, has been identified with Shelby County since 1870. He was born in Henry County, Virginia, January 11, 1830,
and is a son of Thomas Bartlett, a native of West Virginia, who traces his ancestors back to three brothers who came over in the Mayflower. One of the descendants of these three brothers was one of the signers of the Declaration of independence. The ancestors of Thomas Bartlett settled in Virginia at a very early day. Sabrina Hill, the wife of Thomas Bartlett, was a native of Virginia; the rebel General Price and Thomas Jefferson are numbered among her relatives. Levi L., the subject of this biography, was two years old when his father removed to Warren County, Indiana. There were twelve children in the family. Nancy died in infancy and John died at the age of twelve years. Ten grew to maturity -- William, Washington, George, Thomas, Levi L., Maria, Sabrina, Elizabeth, Martha J. and Eliza. The father was born in 1791, and lived until his death in Warren County, Indiana, which occurred in 1862. The mother was born in 1793 and died in 1866. Thomas Bartlett, in the day of the Whig party, was a Whig; in later times he was a Republican. In religion he believed in universal salvation. Levi L. grew to manhood in Warren County, Indiana. He was reared a farmer, and was educated in the common schools. In 1852 he went overland to California with an ox-team. The first year he was engaged in mining; the second year he embarked in the lumber and lime trade, and after that he freighted goods to the mining camps. In 1855 he returned to the east via the Nicaragua route, remained in Indiana a few months and then came to Iowa and bought some land in Cass County, and went on to Pike's Peak where he engaged in mining for two years; thence he came to Audubon County, Iowa, where he lived a short time and then returned to Warren County, Indiana, remaining there two years. In 1863 he went to California by water, and after a residence there of two months he went to Idaho, where he engaged in mining for three years. He then returned across the plains to Audubon County, Iowa, and settled near Brayton, where he was one of the pioneers; here he lived until 1870, when he came to Shelby County. His farm contains 720 acres of well-improved land which is watered by Bartlett Creek; there are all necessary conveniences in the
way of buildings, and there are as fine cattle to be seen on this farm as one will find in western Iowa. Mr. Bartlett was married May 9, 1859, to Miss Sarah Jenkins, a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of John Jenkins. By this union seven children were born, two of whom died in infancy -- Raymond died at the age of two years, and Mary at the age of twelve years; Harrison, Jasper J. and Clarence L. are living. Mrs. Bartlett died in 1878. Mr. Bartlett was again married October 3, 1880, to Mrs. Victoria Hubbard, whose maiden name was Crouch; she was born in Moultrie County, Illinois, and is ad daughter of William F. and Priscilla (Box) Crouch. By her former marriage Mrs. Bartlett had three children -- Irvin R, Burdell and Charles. By his last marriage Mr. Bartlett has one child -- Leola. Politically he is a Republican, and served his party officially in Audubon County. He bears his years lightly,
is honest and industrious, and is one of the leading citizens of the county.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 387-388. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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FREDERICK GOODING, of Connecticut, was born May 13, 1838. He is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Dimphill) Gooding, of German and French extraction.
When he was sixteen years old he was apprenticed to a watch-case manufacturer, with whom he remained until he was twenty years old. He then left the paternal roof and went to Peoria County, Illinois, where he did farm work until his enlistment, August 13, 1862, in Company E, Seventy-seventh Illinois Regiment of Infantry; he served until July 13, 1865. Mr. Gooding participated in various engagements -- Pleasant Hills, Mississippi, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, east of Vicksburg, in the rear of Vicksburg, in the charge of Vicksburg and in the siege, which lasted forty-two days. After the surrender he went to Jackson, Mississippi, where some skirmishing was indulged in; he then returned to Vicksburg and camped one month; then he went to Red River, Louisiana. His first experience in the service was in the pursuit of John Morgan through Kentucky, after which he went into camp at
Vicksburg. In the engagement at Sabine Cross Roads he was taken prisoner, and hurried away to the stockade at Tyler, Texas, where he was kept in captivity for thirteen months. This inclosure embraced about eight acres, and accommodated 4,700 men; the prisoners daily bill of fare was a cup of water and a half pound of meal and beef. He was paroled at New Orleans, May 13, 1865, and received his discharge at Springfield, Illinois, in July, 1865. Mr. Gooding then returned to his father's home in Illinois. He was married December 20, 1866, to Miss L. M. Chrisman, of Salem, Knox County, Illinois,
a daughter of G. P. Chrisman. For three years they lived with the parents of Mrs. Gooding, when they removed to Pella, Iowa; here Mr. Gooding made his first purchase of eighty acres of land, on which he lived two years; he then traded for eighty acres of his present farm; after making this trade, however, he rented land in Jasper County one year, and then settled on his new home in Shelby County, Iowa. He has added to this 320 acres, which he has improved with his own hands. Mr. and Mrs. Gooding are the parents of two sons -- W. H. and Alva U. W. H. has acquired a good education, and is
a competent teacher. Mr. Gooding has filled the offices of member of the school board and road supervisor. He is a member of the G. A. R., Harlan Post. Mr. and Mrs. Gooding are members of the Congregational church. Mr. Gooding has made a specialty of raising fine stock, and is one of the prosperous, go-ahead farmers of Shelby County.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 388 & 391. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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It is to such characters as the Hon. Thomas Ledwich that Americans are indebted for their knowledge of the typical descendants of the sons and daughters of the Emerald Isle, and it is of this type that Ireland may well be proud. Thomas Ledwich was born in Serrington, Lower Canada, November 8, 1840. He is the son of Robert and Bridget (Louth) Ledwich, of County Meath, Ireland, who emigrated to America in 1829. In 1843 they moved to Shoreham, Vermont, and afterward to Moriah, Essex County, New York. The subject of our sketch was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the
public schools, and at the academy in the latter town. At the breaking out of the war in 1861 he answered the call for troops to defend the flag of his country, and enlisted at Albany, New York, May 7, 1861, in Company E, Twenty-second New York Volunteer Infantry. He participated in many hard-fought
battles, and at the second battle of Bull Run was twice wounded, so that for a time he was disabled from active service. His term of enlistment expired in May, 1863, and he was honorably discharged June 19, 1863. Immediately re-enlisting in the Second New York Veteran Cavalry, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant of Company A, and in 1864 he was made First Lieutenant. He took part in most of the battles along the lower Mississippi River, and was in the Red River campaign, commanded by General Banks; during most of this time he was acting Captain in command of the company. After the close of the war, having faithfully served his country for four and a half years, he was honorably discharged November 8, 1865, at
Selma, Alabama. He engaged there for a time in cotton planting, but finding it unprofitable he removed to Louisville, Kentucky, and in 1868 to Victoria, Iowa County, Iowa, engaging there with his brother in the mercantile business. In 1869 he engaged in the lumber business at Avoca, Iowa, and became
an active member of the business circles of that place. He established the Avoca Delta, the first newspaper published there. He was the first president of the Botna Valley Agricultural Society, and was first with his voice and his money to advocate and assist all public enterprises.
In 1878 Mr. Ledwich removed to Harlan, Iowa, and established a lumber business, which he continued with success until his death. He became a leading spirit in every public enterprise that had for its object the upbuilding of the community; he was president of the Shelby County Agricultural Society, and did much for its success. He was a member of the town council of Harlan, and served three terms as its mayor. The following story related of Mr. Ledwich gives the index of his character: One morning during his term as mayor, a citizen passing down the street noticed a broken plank in
a walk, and called the mayor's attention to it. Two hours later, going that way, he saw a new board in the walk which had been repaired by Mr. Ledwich's prompt order. Always ready to answer the call of duty, kind, sympathetic, generous, open-hearted, good to the poor, a true friend to all, he was beloved
by all who value true manhood. At one time when Mr. Ledwich was a candidate for office it was urged against him that he was too enterprising, but fortunately for Harlan, the majority approved of this "fault," and it is due to this characteristic that Harlan has made the progress that has placed her among the prosperous towns of western Iowa.
Mr. Ledwich was a member of Parian Lodge, No. 321, A. F. & A. M.; Olivet Chapter, No. 107, and Ivanhoe Commandery at Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. March 9, 1869, he was married to Miss Eva G. Henderson, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Faucet)
Henderson, of Livingston County, New York. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Scotland. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ledwich, four of whom survive -- Demain, Evelyn, Day and Robert. Elm was killed by the cars at Avoca; May, a twin of Day, died at the age of twenty-one months; Lake died at the age of two years and eight months, and Bessie, a twin of Robert, died in infancy. The family reside in their commodious residence in the east part of Harlan. Mrs. Ledwich is a member of the Episcopal church. Although not a member of any church Mr. Ledwich gave freely of his means to the support of religious work. July 8, 1885, Mr. Ledwich passed to his eternal home. A plain granite monument marks
his resting place in the Harlan cemetery. In his death the country lost a patriot, his wife a faithful husband, his children a loving father, and society one of its most useful members.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 390-392. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
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