1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa
Page Index:
Jorgenson |
Barr |
Saunders |
Fish |
Ivey |
Berry |
Eokars |
Dunlap |
Meier |
Johnson |
Watterbury |
Jenson |
Lawson |
Vogt |
Howlett |
Armstrong
JAMES JORGENSON is a member of the firm of Sonneland, Hammer & Company, dealers in general goods, Harlan. He was born in Denmark, October 8, 1854, and is the son of Peter and Christina (Jensen) Jorgenson. Until fourteen years old he attended school in his native country, and there acquired
a good education. After leaving school he worked on his father's farm until he was nineteen years old, when he sailed from Copenhagen for New York, making the voyage in eighteen days; on arriving at New York he came directly to Harlan, Iowa. For three years he worked on a farm, and at the end of
that time he obtained a situation with Eidamiller Brothers, as clerk in their general dry goods store. Mr. Jorgenson held this position until Eidamiller Brothers sold out their business; he then entered into partnership with Mr. Sonneland and Mr. Hammer, and they have established themselves in business under the firm name of Sonneland, Hammer & Company. They carry a large stock of dry goods, boots, shoes, staple arid fancy groceries, and
are popular young business men. Mr. Jorgenson, like many of his countrymen, has found a prosperous and pleasant home in the new world, and a chance to further his business and social interests.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 424 & 427. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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GEORGE S. BARR, a native of Washington County, Pennsylvania, was born December 4, 1829, and is the son of James and Mary (Helt) Barr, natives of
Pennsylvania. When George S. was ten years of age he came with his parents to Knox County, Ohio, or what is now Morrow County; here he was reared to farm-life and received his education in the district school. He is one of eight children, six of whom are living. February 2, 1854, Mr. Barr was
united in marriage to Miss Effie M. Brokaw, daughter of John and Caroline (Bush) Brokaw, natives of New Jersey. Mrs. Barr was born in Knox County, Ohio, February 26, 1833, and was one of a family of thirteen children, eight of whom are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Barr are the parents of three
children -- Wellington, Anna B. (deceased), wife of Charles Hannon, and Andrew J. Mrs. Hannon left two children -- Leora and Wellington, who reside with their grandparents. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Barr continued their residence in Ohio until 1867, when they came to Iowa, settling in Benton
County, and remaining there three years. In 1870 they came to Shelby County and settled on a farm of eighty acres in Greeley Township, which was then Grove Township; there were but few improvements on this place, a small tract having been broken and a log house erected. An addition has been made
to the dwelling, and barns for stock and grain have been built. When the Barr family came to this section there were but three families in the neighborhood. They encountered many hardships, but they did it in true pioneer style. They have assisted largely in the upbuilding of the educational and social interests in the community, and are held in high esteem and respect by all who know them. Mr. Barr and two neighbors, Mallory Morgan and Isaac Fish, erected the first school-room in the northwestern part of Greeley Township; it was a small apartment, 12 x 14 feet, but served the purpose for two years. Mr. Barr has been officially identified with his township as trustee and as a member of the board of education. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party. Mrs. Barr is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal church, being one of the first to have her name enrolled on the class-book in this part of Shelby County. In the beginning there were two besides Mrs. Barr in the class----old Mother Brown and Mrs. Charles
Brown----and from this small number the society has grown to its present proportions.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 428. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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C. A. SAUNDERS, proprietor Greeley Stock Farm, Greeley Township, was born in Dane County, Wisconsin, August 4, 1857. He is a son of Charles and
Louisa (Keeley) Saunders, natives of England. C. A. grew to manhood in his native county, and in 1873 came to Iowa, settling in Nishnabotna Township, Crawford County, where he remained until 1879. He then purchased forty acres of wild and unimproved land in Greeley Township, Shelby County, where he has since made his home. He has added to his first purchase until he now owns 320 acres in a body. He has placed it all under most excellent cultivation, and has made many valuable improvements in the way of buildings. He was burnt out in 1886. He has done his share toward promoting
forestry, having planted eight acres of grove. Mr. Saunders's farm is located about one mile south of Manilla, where he is engaged in breeding fine horses; he has taken especial care in the propagation of good breeds of live-stock, and has done much to elevate the standard in the county. When he started in life his only capital was energy and pluck, coins always above par in the market. He has risen to a position of wealth and influence in the county, and is a fair example of what a man can accomplish in this country. Mr. Saunders was married May 4, 1877, to Miss Bertha, daughter of John and Anna (Hayes) Theobald, who was born January 1, 1862. They are the parents of seven children -- Louisiana, Maud A., John R., Blanche N.
(deceased), William B., Charles and Victoria. Politically he gives his support to the issues of the Republican party. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 428-429. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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ISAAC J. FISH, of Greeley Township, has been identified with the interests of Shelby County since 1870. He was born in Erie County, New York, November 26, 1828, and is the son of Samuel and Catharine (Landis) Fish, natives of New York and Pennsylvania respectively. Until eighteen years of age Isaac resided in his native State, being trained to agricultural pursuits, and attending the common schools of that day. After leaving home, his first venture was made in the livery business at Toledo, Ohio. Here he remained one year, and then enlisted in Company H, First Regiment Michigan
Volunteer Infantry, to serve in the Mexican war. At the close of the war he returned to New York, remaining there two years. He then came west as far as Ohio, stopping there for a short time. The next year he was engaged in work on the Northern Indiana & Southern Michigan Railroad, which was then
being constructed. His next residence was in De Kalb County, Illinois, at Shabbona Grove, where he remained one year; thence he removed to Dixon, Illinois, where he remained two years. In 1854 he came to Iowa and engaged in the United States mail service, working on various parts of the route as far west as Denver, Colorado. After retiring from the mail service he settled in Jasper County, Iowa, thence removed to Benton County, and in August, 1870 came to Shelby County, settling on a farm of eighty acres in Greeley Township, which was then known as Grove Township; the land was then an un-
broken tract of wild prairie, and the family have had many hardships to encounter; but they have courageously faced them all, and now have one of the best improved places in the township. Mr. Fish first erected a small frame residence which answered all requirements until it was destroyed by fire in 1888; he then built a large dwelling which is a comfortable and tasteful structure. At the time of their settling in Shelby County, there were but few neighbors, but the small number promoted sociability, and all made the most of their limited pleasure. The country then abounded with wild game. Mr. Fish has been identified with the board of education in his district, and has served as supervisor. He affiliates with the Democratic party. October 10, 1861, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Lyon, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Hoak) Lyon; she was born August 22, 1841, in Westmoreland
County, Pennsylvania, and came to Iowa about the year 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Fish are the parents of six children -- Katie (deceased), Harry, Jennie, wife of George Jones; Eliza, Minnie (deceased), and Amasa. They are worthy and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 429-430. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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JAMES IVEY, a native of Jo Daviess County, Illinois, was born February 27, 1842, and is a son of Richard and Sarah (Pasco) Ivey, natives of England. James is the oldest of a family of seven children, all of whom are living. When he was one year old his parents removed to Iowa County, Wisconsin, where the parents still reside. He was reared to a farmer's life in Wisconsin, and received but a limited education owing to the lack of school facilities. Being a close observer he has acquired a fund of information that enables him to attend to any business that may devolve upon him. Mr. Ivey was married September 3, 1865, to Miss Eliza Theobald, daughter of Frederick and Mary (Goldsmith) Theobald, natives of England. Mrs. Ivey was born on Prince Edward's Island, October 10, 1845, and at the age of two years was taken by her parents to Iowa County, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs.
Ivey are the parents of six children -- Mary, wife of Edward Saunders; Alvin, Sadie L., James Roy, Lillian and Jennie B. In 1874 Mr. Ivey removed from Wisconsin to Shelby County, Iowa, and settled on a farm of eighty acres in Greeley Township; he has added to this until he owns 200 acres in one body, all being under the best cultivation. He has erected a good frame residence, and buildings for stock and grain. He has planted two acres of grove, and all the surroundings indicate the thrift and good management of the owner. Mr. Ivey takes a pride in the improvement of the grades of live-stock in
which he deals quite extensively. His political faith is with the Republican party, and he has filled the position of supervisor and served on the board of education in his school district. The family are consistent members of the Evangelical church, and have always supported any measure that would tend to the elevation of morals and the welfare of the community.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 430. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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ANDREW J. BERRY, a native of the Hawk-Eye State, was born in Jasper County, October 8, 1856, and is a son of A. J. and Sarah (York) Berry. The father
is a native of the State of Virginia, and the mother was born in North Carolina. Mr. Berry resided in his native county until his sixteenth year, receiving the usual training of a farmer's son, and attending the common schools of the day. When he had reached his sixteenth year his parents removed to Cook County, Texas, and he accompanied them; there they remained one year, and then went to Indian Territory; here our subject remained eight years, engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1881 he came to Iowa, and settled in Shelby County, on a farm of 180 acres in Greeley Township; a part of this farm also lies in Jefferson Township. Here Mr. Berry has a beautiful home, surrounded with all of the comforts and conveniences of modern life. He devotes himself to general agricultural pursuits, in which he is uniformly successful. He is a staunch Democrat. Mr. Berry was united in marriage May 13, 1880, to Miss Fannie Clift, a daughter of James and Therza (Cooper) Clift, natives of Alabama and Tennessee respectively. Mrs. Berry was born in
Arkansas, October 11, 1859. They are the parents of four children -- Andrew J., Rhoda M., Albert D. and James E. Mrs. Berry is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 430 & 433. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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( portrait)
GEORGE EOKARS. - If the old country had not contributed largely to the population of the new, western Iowa would not have reached its present high state of development. Germany has furnished her full quota of excellent men, and among them George Eokars, a citizen of Shelby County, honored and respected by the whole population. Mr. Eokars was born, in Baden, Germany, June 2, 1838. He is a son of Jacob and Barbara Eokars, who emigrated from Germany to America when he was seven years old. They settled in New York, and here he grew to manhood. He was a carpenter by occupation, and followed this trade until his twenty-third year. At the age of eighteen years he left New York and went to New Orleans, working at his trade while in
that city. He next went to Panama, and thence to St. Louis, Missouri, spending one winter in the latter place. He spent the following year in St. Joe, Missouri, serving as watchman in the freight depot. The winter of 1859 was passed in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the spring of the same year found our
subject in the company of six comrades, journeying to Colorado for the purpose of engaging in mining. This party camped on the present site of Denver, and Mr. Eokars remained there until 1861, mining and dealing extensively in mining stocks. After quitting Colorado he came to Iowa, and
found employment on a farm in Jasper County. Here he remained for some time.
Mr. Eokars was united in marriage, December 7, 1864, to Julia Piper, daughter of John and Jane Piper. She was born December 2, 1841. Her mother's maiden name was Deweese. After his marriage Mr. Eokars rented a farm for four years, and then purchased a farm of eighty acres in Jasper County. He remained on this place but a short time, however, and decided to try his fortunes in Shelby County. He bought forty acres of unimproved land in Douglas Township, and immediately set to work to put it under cultivation. The same autumn he erected a comfortable dwelling and bought another forty acres of wild land. He has continued to buy land until he now owns 650 acres of magnificent farm land, under a very high state of cultivation. Mr. Eokars deals largely in live-stock, and to-day has one of the most convenient and complete stock farms in western Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Eokars came
to Iowa at an early day, and have endured all the privations incident to the pioneer's life. They have by economy and industry sur- rounded themselves with comforts which they may well enjoy, and they have won a position in the county of which they may well be proud. They are the parents of three
children -- Mary and Thomas (deceased), and Lizzie, still living at home. They have taken two children to raise -- William Hayes, now fourteen years old, and Hattie Piper, now ten years of age. Politically Mr. Eokars is a Republican, and has been officially identified with his township in many offices. He has served as a member of the county board of supervisors with credit to himself and the entire satisfaction of the people. He is an active member of Parian Lodge, No. 321, A. F. & A. M.; Olivet Chapter, No. 107, R. A. M., and Mt. Zion Commandery, No. 49, K. T., and of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Eokars is
also a member of the Eastern Star. Mr. Eokars has been very successful in his dealing in live-stock, and a visit to his place will show that he is a thoroughly practical farmer who understands his calling.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 432-434. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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JOHN M. DUNLAP was born in Licking County, Ohio, March 16, 1833. He is the son of John and Margaret (Robinson) Dunlap, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. Until fifteen years of age he lived in his native county, receiving the practical lessons of a farmer's son. He was deprived the advantage of a literary education, but close observation, supplemented by a good supply of common sense, has more than made up for this lack of opportunity. When he was fifteen years old his parents moved to Peoria County, Illinois, where they lived for three years; thence they removed to Marshall County,
Illinois. When our subject reached his majority he started in business for himself, with nothing but pluck and ambition, which have always remained with him. He first engaged in the threshing business, which he followed for twenty-three seasons; in connection with this work he also carried on farming.
Mr. Dunlap was married March 16, 1854, to Miss Mary J. Doran, a daughter of James and Rebecca (Maxwell) Doran, who was born in New Brunswick, July 13, 1830. They have had born to them twelve children -- Augusta B., wife of Alexander Mitchell; Elizabeth (deceased), George P., William D., Ethan
(deceased), Jennie, wife of Wellington Barr; Margaret I., wife of C. Goodner; Laura, wife of Lewis Reed; Sidney L., John A. (deceased), Lonemma and Mary A. James Mitchell, a grandson, resides with Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap. In 1873 Mr. Dunlap removed his family to Iowa, settling in Polk County; here he remained six years, and in 1879 came to Shelby County, locating on section 1, Greeley Township; his farm contained 240 acres of unimproved land upon which he resided two years, making many valuable improvements. At the expiration of this time he sold this place and purchased 140 acres in section 24, Greeley Township; this land was under good cultivation and affords a comfortable home. Mr. Dunlap has held the office of township trustee, and affiliates with the Democratic party. He devotes himself to general agricultural pursuits, and makes a success of the most independent calling open to man.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 434. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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C. W. MEIER, of Fairview Township, section 17, is one of the prominent farmers of the township. He came to the county in 1877. He was born in
Germany, September 15, 1842, and is a son of Claus and Anna Meier. Mr. Meier was reared in his native country, and attended school until he was sixteen years of age. He then learned the trade of cabinet-making, and followed it for several years in different towns in Germany. In March, 1867, he sailed from Hamburg for New York, via Liverpool. From New York he came to Iowa, and worked in Davenport at his trade for three years. He then went into the saloon business for five years. In 1877 he sold this business and bought 160 acres of land in Shelby County. He has since added to it until he now has 440 acres of as fine land as lies in the county. He has a good house and a large barn, and cribs for grain. All the surroundings are in good order, and show the industry and thrift of the owner. Mr. Meier was married July 11, 1874, to Miss Dora Huskamp, also a native of Germany. They have seven children -- Henry C., Emmos L., Bertha D., Anna M., Della C., W. C. and Rose. Mr. Meier is a Democrat. He is a man still in the prime of life, honest in business, and one of Shelby County's solid men.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 434-435. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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ALONZO JOHNSON was born in Ontario County, New York, October 27, 1837. He is a son of Eli and Bethania (Yates) Johnson, and resided in his native State until he was eighteen years old, when he went to Shiawassee County, Michigan. He was married July 3, 1861, to Martha A. Hart, of Michigan, a daughter of William and Sarah (Barnes) Hart. In February, 1863, Mr. Johnson enlisted in the Fifteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, Company I, for nine
months. He was in the battles of Grand Junction, Tennessee, Snyder's Bluffs, Vicksburg, Chattanooga and Bridgeport, Alabama. He was taken prisoner in April, 1863, and was paroled by J. B. Montgomery, of Captain Sweet's company, S. C., approved by General Chalmer. He was exchanged in three
months. He was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of enlistment. He returned to Michigan where he lived until 1865; he then came to Iowa, settling in Pottawattamie County for three years. At the end of that time he came to Shelby County, and has since lived here.
Mr. Johnson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been since he was nineteen years old; he is an exhorter, and a licensed preacher in the church, and for many years has taken an active part in his Master's service. He is a steward, class-teacher and trustee in the Methodist Episcopal church at Avoca. Mr. Johnson's political relations are with the Republican party; he has served as assessor for nine years, and as justice of the peace for thirteen years. He is a member of the G. A. R., U. S. Grant Post, of Avoca. He is a member of the Masonic order, and a very prominent member of the I. O. O. F. lodge and encampment. He served three years as D. D. G. Master, District No. 24, I. O. O. F.; four years as D. D. G. Patriarch, District No. 32,
I. O. O. F., and represented the grand lodge of Iowa, I. O. O. F., in 1885 and 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of six children -- Emma C., Carrie B., Fred H., Charles E., Robert A., Hugh A. Sarah E. died in her eleventh year. Mr. Johnson has ever taken an active interest in educational, religious
and political affairs, and is an honored citizen of Shelby County.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 435. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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STEPHEN WATTERBURY, deceased, was one of the old pioneers of Fairview Township, having come to Shelby County in 1853. He was born in Rensselaer County, New York, March 25, 1814; he was the son of Daniel and Amy (Dickinson) Watterbury, both natives of New York. When Stephen was twelve years old his parents removed to Onondaga County, New York, where he grew to manhood. He was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools. He was married December 15, 1836, to Miss Elizabeth Blaney, born in Rensselaer County, New York, July 14, 1815; she was a daughter of. John and Sarah (Finch) Blaney; her parents were born near Albany, New York. In 1842 Stephen and his wife removed to Lee County, Illinois, where they lived for one year; then they moved to Rock Island County, Illinois, and lived there two years; then they came to Jackson County, Iowa, where they remained one year; they afterward lived in Jones and Clayton counties, and in 1853 came to Shelby County and settled on the place they have since occupied. When they first came to Shelby County they lived in the wagon until a rude log cabin 14 x 16 feet was built; here
hospitality was dispensed with a liberal hand. The nearest store and postoffice was Council Bluffs. The bill of fare was corn bread and water, with an occasional piece of venison. In due time the log cabin disappeared and in its place there was a good frame house, at that time one of the best in the county. Mr. Watterbury built all the necessary buildings for successful farm-work. The farm consists of 300 acres of rich land, part in prairie and
part in timber.
Mr. and Mrs. Watterbury were the parents of seven children -- Lewis, Daniel, Francis, Edward, Mary, wife of J. D. Watson of Nebraska; Amy, wife of O. B.
Hill, of Omaha, and R. J. Mr. Watterbury was a Republican, and served as justice of the peace for several years. He was Captain of a military camp in New York. He was active in every good cause, made many friends, and retained them. He was a kind husband and a loving father, and had the
confidence of all who knew him. He and his wife lived together for forty-nine years. Mrs. Watterbury still lives on the old home-stead, where she has been for thirty-six years. Her son, R. J., has the management of the place. R. J. Watterbury is one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Fairview
Township. He is a son of Stephen Watterbury, deceased, and Amy Watterbury, who still resides on the homestead. Here our subject was born March 28, 1860, and here his youth was passed in doing farm-work, and in attending the common schools.
R. J. Watterbury was united in marriage September 1, 1886, to Miss Lillie White, of Harlan, a daughter of M. White, and one of Shelby County's successful teachers. He now has charge of the homestead. He is an ardent Republican, a member of the Masonic order, Mt. Nebo Lodge, No. 297, Avoca, and of the Knights of Pythias, and although but a young man he has gained a good position in the county, and has a prospect for a long and
useful life.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 435-436. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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PETER JENSON is among the prominent citizens of Fairview Township. He was born in Denmark, April 2, 1830, and is a son of Jens and Mary (Jenson) Peterson. He attended school until he was fourteen years old, and worked on the farm. He was married in 1859 to Miss Ann Nelson, a daughter of Nels Karlson. Mr. and Mrs. Jenson remained in their native land until 1862, when they sailed for America, going via Liverpool, and landing at Castle Garden, New York. They went to Brown County, Wisconsin, and resided there for five years; they then came to Shelby County, Iowa. Mr. Jenson bought 105 acres of land, eighty being bottom land, and twenty-five being in timber. Here he has since lived and improved his land, and added to the original purchase, until he now owns 223 acres of rich land. He has a good house, built in modern style and well furnished, a good barn and cribs, a grove and an orchard. Mr. and Mrs. Jenson have two adopted children -- a nephew and niece of Mr. Jenson's. Their father, Paul Jenson, died in 1869. These children are named James and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Jenson are both active and zealous members of the Baptist church, and liberal supporters
of the same. Mr. Jenson is a deacon in the church; the church is Danish. Mr. and Mrs. Jenson are cordial and hospitable, honest and upright in their dealings, and among the best people of Fairview Township.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 547. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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J. E. LAWSON is an enterprising and successful farmer, who came to Lincoln Township in 1872. He was born in Niagara County, New York, August 14, 1850, and is a son of John Lawson, a well known and highly esteemed citizen of Shelby County. He was but a child when his parents moved to McHenry County, Illinois, and but six years old when they moved to Clayton County, Iowa. Here our subject grew to manhood, receiving his education in the common schools. He remained at home until he was twenty-one, when he went to Wisconsin and worked by the month for some time. In 1872 he
came to Shelby County where he bought eighty acres of land at $8 per acre. For seven seasons he broke prairie, at first sending his plow-shares to Avoca to be sharpened; in this way he made money to pay for his land. He now owns 160 acres of as good land as Shelby County affords. He has
a comfortable house, a good barn, and all the equipments of a prosperous farmer. Mr. Lawson was married June 22, 1880, to Miss Zella Foster, of Clayton County, Iowa. By this union two children were born -- Minnie J., born September 27, 1881, and Ernest, born June 14, 1884. Mr. Lawson was greatly bereaved in the death of his beloved wife, which occurred December 5, 1886. She was a woman of many virtues, a faithful wife, a loving mother and a kind neighbor. Mr. Lawson is a genial man, honorable in his business transactions, and although young has gained an enviable position in the county.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 548. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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NICHOLAS VOGT is one of the early settlers of Fairview Township, having come to the county in 1877. He was born in Germany, August 23, 1822, and is a son of Peter and Clara (Miller) Vogt. He remained in his native land until he was twenty-six years old. He went to school until he was fourteen years old; then worked on a farm, and served three years in the army. In 1848 he came to America. He lived for awhile in Ohio; then in Kentucky, where he
worked at the blacksmith's trade. Mr. Vogt was married in Hocking County, Ohio, in 1849, to Miss Catharine Miller, who was born in Germany in 1825, and is a daughter of Christ and Christena Miller. From Kentucky our subject came to Muscatine County, Iowa, and then to Johnson County, where he
lived until 1877, when he came to his present farm. It was then wild, unimproved land. Assisted by his sons he has made one of the best farms in Shelby County. He has a good house, a barn, a vineyard and a grove.
Mr. and Mrs. Vogt are the parents of five children -- Jacob, Robert, Charles, George, and Katie, wife of D. P. Bonnett, of Harlan. Mr. Vogt is a Democrat. He and all his family are members of the Roman Catholic church. He is social in his disposition, and genial and friendly to all. Charles Vogt,
dealer in general merchandise, Corley, is a son of Nicholas and Catharine Vogt. He was born in Muscatine County, Iowa, March 14, 1860. He was seventeen years of age when he came to Shelby County. He was reared on a farm, and received his education in the public schools of Iowa. He assisted his father in the improvement of the farm, and for several years operated a threshing machine. Charles Vogt was married in November, 1883, to Rilda Thornton, of Gage County, Nebraska. They are the parents of one child -- Mary. Mr. Vogt carries a good stock of dry goods and general merchandise, and sells his goods at reasonable prices. He has an extended acquaintance, and his up right and honorable dealings have won him
a large and profitable patronage. He casts his vote with the Democratic party.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 547-548. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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WILLIAM HOWLETT, JR. - Shelby County is indebted to England for one of her prominent and enterprising citizens, although America has been his
training-school. William Howlett, Jr., was born in Norfolk July 2, 1846, and is a son of William Howlett, Sr. He was nine years old when his father crossed the sea and came to America, and was only twelve years old when he came to Shelby County. His youth was passed at home in farm work and in attending school; he also worked at masonry for a time. Mr. Howlett was married December 25, 1870, to Miss Mary E. Leslie, a native of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Hugh and Rebecca Leslie. In 1872 they came to the farm where the family resided until March 13, 1889, when
Mr. Howlett sold and bought adjoining Corley. He and his wife are the parents of four children -- F. O., Ord W., Rebecca M., and Jessie E. The great loss of Mr. Howlett's life was the death of his beloved wife, which occurred November 23, 1885. She was a woman of many virtues, a faithful and loving
wife and a good mother. She was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Howlett is a Democrat, and one of the wheel-horses of the party in the township. He has served as clerk of the township for eight years, and as school-treasurer for thirteen years, with great honor. He is a member of the Masonic order, Mount Nebo Lodge, No. 297, Avoca; and a member of the Knights of Pythias of Harlan, No. 65. He is a man yet in the prime of life, and has already gained an enviable reputation in the county.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 437. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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JOHN ARMSTRONG, of Fairview Township, is one of the leading citizens of Shelby County. In 1880 he bought the James Long farm four and a half miles
north of Avoca, where he has since lived. He was born in Wayne County, Ohio, January 24, 1838. He is a son of William and Mary (Rose) Armstrong, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Of eight children John was the second. The parents lived till death in Wayne County, Ohio. John was reared on
a farm and educated in the public schools. He was married December 19, 1861, to Miss Esther Ann Long, a native of Union County, Pennsylvania, born June 11, 1841, and a daughter of Ephraim and Sarah (Snook) Long. Mr. Armstrong lived in Ohio until 1880, when he sold his property and came to Shelby
County, Iowa. His farm is among the best in the township; it contains 240 acres, a fine residence, erected at a cost of $2,000 in 1884. He has good buildings for stock, and a windmill that furnishes an abundance of water. Everything about the Armstrong farm shows thrift and energy. Mr.
Armstrong is engaged in farming and stock-raising of a high grade. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have six children living -- William E., of Holt County, Nebraska; Thomas F., Clarence E., John Sherman, Anabel and Benton Jasper. Charles G. died at twenty years of age. Mr. Armstrong is a Republican. He is genial in his disposition, and is one of the leading farmers in Shelby County. Mrs. Armstrong is a woman of refinement, and presides over her home with dignity and kind hospitality, and is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Armstrong enlisted under Lincoln's first call for 75,000 men, in Corn- pany E, Fourth Ohio, at Wooster, Ohio, but was retained at Columbus until the expiration of the time -- three months. In 1863 he again enlisted in the Home Guards, but did not see any active service.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 436-437. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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