1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa
Page Index:
Wilcox |
Brown |
Long |
Salter |
Musselman |
Bare |
Erickson |
Gardner |
Muldoon |
Allen |
Ryan |
Henry |
Cold |
Wooster |
Heck |
Edwards
A. C. WILCOX, residing in Lincoln Township, Shelby County, is a native of New York, born in Oneida County, April 2, 1833. He is a son of Chester and Aurelia (Dunbar) Wilcox, both natives of Connecticut. The Dunbar family were early settlers in Oneida County, New York. A. C. Wilcox was reared on a farm and received his education in the public schools. In 1855 he took Horace Greeley's advice and came west, settling in Winona County, Minnesota, where he remained only a few months. He then went to Waukesha County, Wisconsin, and spent the winter. In 1856 he came to Tama County, Iowa, and lived there two years. In the autumn of 1858 he went back to New York and spent the winter in Cattaraugus County, and in 1859 he went to Oneida
County. In the spring of 1862 he went to Atkinson, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, where he worked at the carpenter's trade. In the fall of 1863 he went to Green Bay, Wisconsin, and worked at his trade. In 1864 he went to Dane County, Wisconsin, and engaged in farming. In the spring of 1865 he came to Iowa and settled in Marshall County, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits in connection with his trade. In 1873 he came to Avoca, where he worked at his trade, and in 1874 he bought the land on which he now lives. He was one of the first settlers in the township. Here he has since lived and improved his farm from year to year, until he has one of the best farms in the county. He has a comfortable house, buildings for stock and grain, a windmill, and one of the best maple groves in the township. His farm contains 160 acres. Mr. Wilcox was married in Marshall County, Iowa, March 5, 1868, to Miss Clarinda Richart, a native of Stephenson County, Illinois, and a daughter of Aaron and Eliza (Williams) Richart. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox are the parents of eleven children, eight of whom survive -- Herbert J., Chester A. and Lester A. (twins), Joe C., Roy S., Fred L., Lewis A. and Della M. Aurelia E., Rosa and Amy died before maturity. Mr. Wilcox is a Republican, and has served as justice of the peace for five years, with credit to himself. He has also served on the school board. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Wilcox is a steward of the same. Mr. Wilcox is a man who has traveled extensively in his younger days, and is well informed on general topics.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 553. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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GABRIEL BROWN is a well-known resident of Lincoln Township. He was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey, June 22, 1817. He is a son of Abraham Brown, a native of New Jersey, of an old family in that State. His father served three months in the war of 1812. His mother was Charity Soper, and her family were old settlers in New Jersey. Gabriel Brown was reared a farmer and received his education in the common schools. At the age of fifteen he
went to sea, first as a cabin boy and cook, and afterward as an able seaman before the mast. At the age of twenty-two he removed to Clermont County, Ohio, where he lived for eight years. He was married June 16, 1841, to Miss Eliza Hadley, a native of New York, born August 4, 1817, in Tompkins
County. She is a daughter of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Potile) Hadley, natives of New York. Mr. Brown lived in Clermont County, Ohio, until 1845, when he went to Kane County, Illinois, where he remained two years. In 1847 he went to Livingston County, Illinois, where he was one of the first settlers.
Here he made his home until 1874, when he came to Shelby County and bought the land on which he now lives. He has a farm of 320 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Brown and wife have four children -- William Albert, James A., John M. and Eliza. In politics Mr. Brown is independent. His son Albert served in the late civil war, in the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, for three years. Mr. Brown is now past his three-score and ten years, but is still hale and hearty. He especially enjoys hunting and fishing, and passes many happy days in these sports. He is cordial in his disposition, plain of speech and manner, and firm in his convictions of right and wrong.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 553-554. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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THOMAS A. LONG is one of the best-known early settlers in Lincoln Township, having come to Shelby County in 1866. He was born in Hendricks County,
Indiana, June 7, 1846. He is a son of Jugurtha Long, a native of Indiana. His mother was a Miss Hendricks, whose family were earIy settlers of Hendricks County. She died when our subject was a baby. In 1847 the father came to Iowa, and the next year he died. Thomas was then taken back to Indiana by his paternal grandsire, and was reared on a farm in Montgomery County. He received his education in the public schools. Mr. Long served his country in the late civil war, enlisting in. October, 1863, in the Fortieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Company H, and serving until the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Nashville, Peach-Tree Creek, Kennesaw Mountain, Buzzard's Roost, New Hope Church, in all the battles in and around Atlanta, Franklin, and Dalton, Georgia, besides one or two others. He received a slight wound in the head at Kennesaw Mountain, but was in, the hospital only a few days. He was one of the old soldiers that made a fighting record. After his discharge he returned to Indiana and remained there a
short time. He then came to Shelby County, where he owned some land. Mr. Long was married July 4, 1868, to Miss Samantha McKeig, a daughter of Wesley McKeig, of Fairview Township, who is a prominent pioneer, specially mentioned on another page in this volume. After his marriage Mr. Long settled on section 24, Lincoln Township, where he had built a log cabin that has stood the storms, and to-day is a land-mark of early days. In 1877 he came on his present farm, which was then wild prairie land. Here he has since lived, making all modern improvements and placing the farm in a high state of cultivation. He owns 240 acres of land in a body, two and a half miles from Harlan. Mr. and Mrs. Long are the parents of six children -- Jugurtha, John W., Anna L., Charles, James Garfield and Maud. Harry died in infancy. Mr. Long is a strong Republican, dyed in the wool. He has served as township trustee and on the school board. He is one of Shelby County's solid citizens.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 554 & 557. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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J. W. SALTER is one of the enterprising citizens of Lincoln Township. He was born in Greene County, New York, January 14, 1837, and is a son of Benjamin and Mary (Green) Salter. He was reared on a farm in his native State, and received his education in the common schools. At the age of
twenty he started out in the world on his own responsibility, and came to Illinois in 1857; he settled on a farm in Marshall County, and spent his first season in breaking prairie. During the late civil war he went to the defense of his country, enlisting in the Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company H, in August, 1862. He served until January, 1864, taking an active part in the battles of Perryville, Crab Orchard, Murfreesborough and Nashville. He was ill at Old Asylum Hospital for a time, and was honorably discharged February 2, 1864. He returned to Bureau County, Illinois. Mr. Salter was married August 23, 1862, to Miss Anna M. Boyd, a native of Canada, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Jamison) Boyd, also natives
of Canada. Mr. Salter remained in Bureau County, Illinois, until 1866, when he returned to LaSalle County, Illinois, where he resided two years; he then removed to Livingston County, Illinois, where he remained until 1873, when he came to Shelby County. He now owns 200 acres of as fine land as can be
found in the county, all under fine cultivation and well improved. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, feeding high grade cattle and hogs. Mr. and Mrs. Salter are the parents of nine children -- J. Frank, Mary Lizzie, wife of John Mann; Ida May, wife of Charles Middleton; Cora B., Adelaide, Charles W., Lillie Belle, Morris S. and Ladusky. Politically Mr. Salter affiliates with the Democratic party; he has served on the school board,
and was elected justice of the peace in 1888. He is a member of the G. A. R., Harlan Post, and of the I. O. O. F., Harlan Lodge. He is a member of the Latter-Day Saints. He has always taken an active interest in religious and educational affairs, and all worthy enterprises have found in Mr. Salter a hearty support.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 558-559. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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DANIEL MUSSELMAN, a representative citizen of Lincoln Township, came to Shelby County in 1878. He first lived in Monroe Township, near Walnut, and
in 1870 came on his present farm. He is a native of Bucks County, born December 25, 1833. He is a son of Jacob and Mary Musselman, natives of Pennsylvania. Three brothers named Musselman came from Germany to America about 150 years ago, and bought 1,500 acres of land, much of which
is still in possession of the Musselman family. Daniel Musselman was reared in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, on a farm, and received his education in the public schools. At the age of nineteen years he was married to Miss Sarah Roth, a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. By this union three children were born -- Jacob, Henry and Mary. His wife died in 1865, and in 1866 he came to Ogle County, Illinois. He was married to his present wife
in January, 1869, to Miss Sarah Wallace, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of George and Mary (Rodearmel) Wallace. Mrs. Musselman's parents came to Illinois when she was fifteen years old, and settled in Ogle County. After his marriage Mr. Musselman resided in Ogle County until 1872 when he came to Cass County, Iowa, and settled between Lewis and Atlantic. Here he lived on a farm until 1878, and then came to Shelby
County. He bought land of Rev. E. D. Werts, which he has greatly improved. He has a comfortable residence, buildings for stock and grain, a windmill, which furnishes water to the dwelling and stock-yards, and many other comforts and conveniences. The farm contains 160 acres, located three miles northwest from Harlan. He devotes his time to farming and stock-raising. By his last marriage seven children were born -- Laura Jane, Rosetta Mary, Gilbert Grant, Clarissa Charlotte, Ada Ora, Sarah Elizabeth and Arthur Daniel. Mr. and Mrs. Musselman are members of the Evangelical church.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 559-560. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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JOHN BARE has been identified with the interests of Shelby County since the spring of 1880. He was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Christian Bare, a native of Switzerland, who came to America at the age of twenty-one years and settled in Pennsylvania; here he married Elizabeth Miller, a native of Pennsylvania, whose parents were also Pennsylvanians. Christian and Elizabeth Bare were the parents of eight children. John was the. second child, and was reared and educated in his native State. At the age of twenty-two years he removed to Wayne County, Ohio,
where he worked on a farm for eighteen months. He then went to La Grange County, Indiana, where he remained six months; thence he went to Linn County, Iowa, where he lived for seven years. During the late civil war he went to the defense of his country's flag. He enlisted August 7, 1862, in
the Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company F, and served until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Champion Hills, Vicksburg, Port Gibson, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Winchester, and the Red River campaign under General Banks. He received a gun-shot wound at Champion Hills,
and was honorably discharged at Savannah, Georgia, in 1865. He returned to Pennsylvania, and in the spring of 1866 he removed to Woodford County, Illinois. Here he was married to Miss Rachel Blough October 28, 1866; she is a native of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Jonas and
Elizabeth (Bowman) Blough, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Bare resided in Woodford County, Illinois, until 1880, when he came to Lincoln Township, Shelby County, Iowa, and bought his farm of Edgar Comstock; there was a small frame house which has since been torn down, and replaced by a frame house built in modern style; this is surrounded by shade trees, and has a pleasant situation. There are also good buildings for stock and grain, and all the surroundings show the thrift and industry of the owner. Mr. and Mrs. Bare have three children -- Elizabeth, Ida and John W., who were born in Woodford County, Illinois. Mr. Bare is a member of the Republican party, and of the G. A. R., Harlan Post, No. 197. He carries his age well, and
is a man respected by all who know him.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 560. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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E. H. ERICKSON is a successful farmer of Lincoln Township, who has been identified with the interests of Shelby County since 1873. He was born in Norway, December 26, 1854, and is a son of Henry and Olivia (Anderson) Erickson. The family, consisting of the parents and six children, emigrated to America and settled in Mahaska County, Iowa; one of the sons had come to this country before the family came. Our subject lived in Mahaska County, near New Sharon, until 1873, when he came to Shelby County and bought forty acres of land in Lincoln Township, which he began to improve. The following spring his parents moved on the place, and have since resided here; the land has been improved from year to year, and additions have been made until the farm now contains 140 acres of as good soil as Shelby County affords. The residence is a good story and a half frame building,
surrounded with shade trees, and there are barns and cribs, with all the conveniences for carrying on agricultural industries. Mr. Erickson was married November 9, 1886, to Miss Matilda Olson, a native of Norway, who emigrated to America in 1884. They are the parents of two children -- Oscar Herbert and an infant son. Mr. Erickson affiliates with the Republican party, and has served two years as township clerk, with credit to himself and the best interests of the public. He was the choice of his party for township clerk in the fall of 1888, but was defeated by one vote. He is a member of the Lutheran church, as were his parents before him. He is a young man yet in the prime of life; is honorable in business, and one of Lincoln Township's
leading citizens.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 560-561. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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JOSEPH GARDNER is one of the early settlers of Lincoln Township. He is a native of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, born July 10, 1838, and is a son of Peter and Barbara (Miller) Gardner, who were born and reared and died in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. John Gardner, the father of Peter Gardner; fought in the war of 1812, and entered land near Cincinnati, Ohio. Peter Gardner and wife had four children -- John, Joseph, Mary and Elizabeth. Joseph Gardner, the subject of this sketch, lived in his native county until he was seventeen years old; he was reared on a farm, and attended school in a log school-house with slab seats. At the age of fifteen years he went to learn the cigar-maker's trade, and in two years came west for his health. He settled in Linn County, Iowa, at Mount Vernon, where lie remained eight years. At the end of that time he went to Jones County, Iowa. Mr. Gardner was married .December 22, 1869, to Miss Sarah Jane Short, a native of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Peter and Rebecca (Lohr) Short. They resided in Jones County until the spring of 1874, when they came to Shelby County. Mr. Gardner first bought 120 acres of land of Al Bacon, who had made some improvements; he also bought eighty acres of the railroad company, and he has added to this first purchase until he now owns 200 acres in
a body. The farm is well improved; there is a good house, a grove, an orchard, a barn, buildings for stock, and cribs for grain. The school-house of district number four is on a corner of Mr. Gardner's farm. He devotes himself to general agricultural pursuits. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner are the parents of eight children -- Elizabeth Emerine Stittle, Peter Henry, Mary Millie Lary, Susan Ellen Roland, Ida Adelaide, William Franklin, Hattie May, and Judd Hiatt. Mr. Gardner is a member of the Republican party. He is also a member of the Evangelical church, and has been for thirty years. His wife was reared in the Lutheran faith. He gives a liberal support to all educational and religious enterprises in the county, and has the confidence and respect of all who know him.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 561. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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H. W. MULDOON, a native of Allen County, Indiana, was born in the city of Fort Wayne, March 7, 1856. He is a son of Bryan and Anna (Killan) Muldoon, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to America about the year 1838. He is one of a family of four children, and his early life was spent in Fort Wayne and on a farm. When he was fourteen years of age he was apprenticed for three years to a harness-maker, S. H. Shafe, in Fort Wayne. Having served his apprenticeship he went to Walkerton, Indiana, where he followed his trade over a year. He then purchased a farm in La Porte County, Indiana, and lived on it one year, at the end of that time trading it for property in Walkerton; he also bought a wagon and blacksmith shop which he worked in for a year and a half, and then returned to his old trade of harness-making. He continued in this for two years, and then went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he remained two years, engaged in the harness and transfer business. After leaving Minneapolis Mr. Muldoon took an extensive trip through Dakota, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. In 1887 he came to Shelby County, Iowa, where he has since resided. In the spring of 1888 he opened a harness shop, and has established a good trade, as his general disposition has made him many friends. In January, 1889, he took a partner in his business, and the firm now stands Muldoon & Anderson. They are energetic business men, and are destined to make their mark in the commercial circles of Shelby County. Politically Mr. Muldoon is an active Democrat.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 561-562. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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H. R. ALLEN, a native of Sangamon County, Illinois, born April 27, 1844, is the son of Andrew and Lovina (Roberts) Allen. His early life was spent on
a farm, and his education was begun in the common schools. When he was seventeen years of age he began teaching school, and was engaged in this profession for twenty-two terms, or something over five years. When he was four years old his parents came to Iowa and settled in Mahaska County, and afterward removed to Monroe County, where they resided eight years. Mr. Allen entered Oskaloosa College when he was twenty-four
years of age, and spent a part of the three following years in taking a general course. In 1883 he came to Shelby County and purchased forty acres of land in Jefferson Township, where he remained one year. He then came to Irwin, and bought a stock of general merchandise of the Townsend Brothers; at the end of two years he sold out to T. N. Harford, and purchased the stock of P. F. Cole; after one year he sold to Mr. Steinhousen, and then bought the stock of E. J. Trowbridge, with the building, a spacious room, in which he carries a finely assorted line of goods. In the four years in which he has
engaged in this business he has built up an excellent trade, his annual sales reaching $15,000. He is an energetic, pushing man, and is one of Shelby County's leading business men. Aside from his mercantile interests he handles coal and lumber, and has his farm under his personal supervision. He is a staunch Republican. Mr. Allen was united in marriage December 25, 1870, to Miss Alcinda Long, a daughter of Jeremiah and Mary A. (Bell) Long, and native of Mahaska County, born in April, 1852. The result of this union is six children -- Minnie, Orlando, Clarence, Totty, Mary and Ernest. Mrs. Allen is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Allen is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and of the I. O. O. F., and of the Legion of Honor. In the late civil war he enlisted, February 16, 1863, in the Thirtieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company D, serving until the close of the Rebellion. He was taken prisoner in the first battle in which he participated, at Mark's Mills, Arkansas, and was held in Camp Ford, Texas, for ten months, where he suffered the hardships endured in the southern prisons.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 562 & 565. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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THOMAS JEFFERSON RYAN, a native of Rochester, New York, was born February 15, 1851, and is the son of Jeffery and Sarah (Clark) Ryan, natives of
Ireland, who emigrated to America before marriage. They first settled in Canada, then in New York, and subsequently removed to Ogle County, Illinois, which is their present residence. They are the parents of six children. Thomas Jefferson, the second child, was reared to farm life and received his education in the public schools of Illinois. At the age of sixteen years he entered the employ of J. H. Newcomer, Ogle County, Illinois, owner of a large stock farm; here he spent five or six years, and became thoroughly initiated in the live-stock business. In 1870 Mr. Ryan took a trip to California, and remained there two years; he was engaged as clerk and book-keeper on a fruit ranch belonging to his Uncle Mortimer Ryan, at Sonoma, Sonoma County. After his sojourn in California he returned to Illinois, remaining there but a short time.
He then came to Iowa, settling near Brooklyn, in Poweshiek County, where he resided until 1882, when he came to Shelby County. He settled on a farm of 120 acres in section 34, Greeley Township, which he had purchased three years previously; he has since added forty acres to his first purchase. This was all unimproved land, but has undergone quite a change in the past few years. In 1884 Mr. Ryan erected a fine frame residence to take the place of a smaller one that has since been converted into a granary; he has large and convenient buildings for stock and grain, and a system of water-works supplying water for domestic purposes and livestock. These various improvements have cost upward of $3,200, and the farm is considered one of the most desirable in the county. Mr. Ryan also owns a farm of eighty acres in section 10, Greeley Township, which he rents. The first mentioned farm is devoted largely to the breeding of thoroughbred registered short-horn cattle, of which he has a herd of the Phyllis, Princess, Young Mary, and Rose of Sharon families. In December, 1885, Mr. Ryan took charge of the Lauderbach stock farm which occupies the whole of section 16, Greeley Township, and removed to this place; however, he still has his own farm under his immediate supervision. J. H. Cummings, of Tacoma, Washington Territory, now owns the Lauderbach farm, but Mr. Ryan has the management of the place. Upon this farm a specialty is made of breeding Holstein-Friesian cattle, there now being twenty-six head selected from Philadelphia breeders and importers. First-class horses are also kept for breeding, the Hambletonian, Percheron and Norman being represented by the best animals.
While still a minor young Ryan turned a large part of his earnings toward assisting his father complete the payments on what is still his home, and although he was entitled to his own earnings,he chose to render such assistance to his parents. His life furnishes a fair example of what success can be achieved through industry and perseverance. Politically he is an active worker in the Democratic ranks, and has been officially identified with his township as clerk, assessor and secretary of the school board. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Ellsworth Lodge, of Irwin, No. 493, and of the Farmers' Alliance. Mr. Ryan was married October 28, 1874, to Miss Mary A. Grant, daughter of Henry and Ellen (Haggard) Grant, natives of Scotland and Ireland respectively. Mrs. Ryan was born in Poweshiek County, Iowa, October 28, 1855. She was reared in the Presbyterian faith, and finished her education at Grinnell, Iowa. She taught school for nearly four years prior to her marriage, in Iowa and Poweshiek counties. She has stood faithfully by her husband in all his labors, assisting both in counsel and execution of plans. They are the parents of four children -- Myrtle Ethel, Herbert Roy, Earl Grant and Sara Ellen.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 564-566. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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O. T. HENRY, a native of Peru, Miami County, Indiana, born May 16, 1857, is a son of Milton and Clara (Kings- bury) Henry, natives of New York. When
he was eight years old his parents removed to Blairstown, Benton County, Iowa, where his boyhood was spent. He received his education in the graded public schools of Peru and Blairstown. When fifteen years of age he entered the employ of J. H. Henry, who was engaged in the grain business. He remained with him six months, and was then employed by J. H. Henry's successors, Ryan & Kelly, with whom he remained nine months. He then worked for a year with Grund Brothers in a hotel, and at the end of that time returned to his former employment in the grain business. In 1882 he secured a position on the railroad, which he held for eighteen months. He commenced as car checker at night, but applying himself faithfully to his duties, he was promoted until he gained the position of car accountant. In December, 1884, Mr. Henry came to Irwin and took charge of the grain department of Martin D.
Stevens & Company, commission merchants, Chicago. He has since assumed full control of the business at this point, buying and shipping all kinds of grain, and through his management quite an extensive business has been built up, the annual shipments aggregating 300 cars. Mr. Henry is a live, energetic man, of a genial and courteous disposition, and will gain many friends wherever he may be placed in life. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is at present conductor. Politically he is an active worker in the Republican party, and is secretary of the Republican Club of Irwin. Mr. Henry was
united in marriage, November 27, 1884, to Miss Lucia Anderson, daughter of David and Phoebe Anderson, born in Blairstown, Iowa, in 1859. They are the parents of two children -- Carrie May, born January 28, 1887, and Clara Phoebe, born November 27, 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Henry are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church, and are among Shelby County's most respected and worthy citizens.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 566. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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PETER FREDERICK COLD, a native of North Germany, born May 12, 1852, is a son of Ferdinand and Johannah Cold. When he was four years old his parents emigrated to America and settled in Clinton County, where he was reared and spent his early life. He attended the common schools of Alliance, and afterward the seminary of the same place. When he had reached his majority he entered Clinton College, which he attended for three years. Although reared to farm life, after his college course he engaged with Reiff & Berhus as clerk in the town of Bryant. He remained here but a short time before he was transferred to Preston. He remained with this firm five years, when the stock was destroyed by fire. After closing up the business for the firm, he took a trip to Europe and spent five months visiting in France, Germany and Denmark. After his return to America he engaged immediately with Comstock & Woods as clerk in a general stock of merchandise at Lost Nation, Iowa. He remained in the employ of this firm for a year and a half, when he returned to Preston and spent one winter. In the spring of 1881 he came to Shelby County and located at Irwin, which was then in its infancy. Here he opened a general stock of merchandise, and conducted the business until May, 1887; he then disposed of the stock to Paul & Allen, and engaged in stock-raising and shipping. Besides his large interests in livestock, he deals extensively in real-estate, owning at present 380 acres of land in Shelby
County, besides town property, town lots and 280 acres of land in Nebraska. Mr. Cold is a live, energetic man, and stands to-day in the front ranks of Shelby County's prosperous citizens. Politically he is a Republican. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. He was married April 22, 1883, to Miss Augusta
Nieman, a daughter of H. A. and Dora Nieman. Mrs. Cold was born December 22, 1866. They are the parents of two children -- Otto H. and Bertha E. D. Mr. and Mrs. Cold are members of the Lutheran church, and are among Shelby County's most respected citizens.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 566-567. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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JOHN C. WOOSTER, a native of Wittenberg, Germany, was born December 7, 1829, and is the son of Christian Wooster. He was reared on a farm in his native country, and was educated in the common schools. He served four years in the German army, but his pride revolted against the treatment he was subjected to, so he determined to seek a home in a more congenial clime. Like many another, he turned to America, and landed in New York in 1854,
penniless and unable to speak one word of English. He brought with him the determination characteristic of the German people, and nothing daunted, started for Massachusetts. After many days of weary travel through snow and rain, sometimes without food, he stopped near Springfield, Massachusetts, where he secured employment with a man who promised him his clothes and $100 for one year's work. He received one $3 suit of clothes and $10 in money for his pay, and half the time had not enough to eat. He was discouraged with this adversity in a strange country, but struggled bravely on in hopes of better days. After filling his contract with his first employer he went to Thompsonville, Hartford County, Connecticut, where he took charge of a livery stable for about two years. He was then employed in a knitting factory where he remained for ten years. His next move was to New
York, where he worked on a farm for a short time; he then worked in a tannery, running the engine for eight months. At the end of this time he went to Carroll County, Illinois; here he was employed in a saw-mill for three years, and worked on a farm for four years. Mr. Wooster was married September 6, 1855, to Miss Barbara Smeltsley, a daughter of Fred Smeltsley, who was born in Wittenberg, Germany, December 30, 1830. In 1875 Mr. Wooster removed his family to Shelby County, Iowa, and settled in Jefferson Township, where he homesteaded 160 acres of land which was then wild prairie. The family had to undergo many privations in those early days of the settlement of the county. At one time they were obliged to live on nothing but potatoes for six weeks; but they faced these hardships bravely and won in the battle. Mr. Wooster has a fine residence, large and convenient barns for stock and grain. He now owns 280 acres of as fine land as Shelby County affords. He and his wife have eight children -- Barbara, wife of William
Finch; John (deceased); William, John C., Fred Christian, Eva, wife of Jasper Groat; Christina, and Charles (deceased). The family are worthy members of the United Brethren church. Mr. Wooster is a staunch Republican.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 567-568. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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GEORGE E. HECK is a native of Wabash County, Indiana, and was born September 19, 1846. He is the son of John and Sarah Ann (Rockwell) Heck, natives of Germany and Virginia respectively. He was reared in his native county, and educated in the common schools; these at that time did not afford unlimited advantages, but by close observation and diligent reading Mr. Heck acquired a fund of information of which many college-bred men might be proud. Mr. Heck was married May 2, 1866, to Miss Mary E. Richards, a daughter of George W. and Delilah (Ferran) Richards, who was born in Wabash County, Indiana, March 5, 1847. They are the parents of five children -- William A., John E., Rose A., Albert J. and Violet. After their marriage
they resided in Wabash County for three years, and in the fall of 1869 they removed to Tama County, Iowa, where Mr. Heck engaged in farming; there they resided until 1873, when they removed to Pottawattamie County; in the same autumn Mr. Heck came to Shelby County and bought eighty acres of
land in Jefferson Township, which was unimproved. In the spring of 1874 he moved his family to their new home, where he had erected a log cabin, 14 x 14 feet; here they lived two years, and in the spring of 1877 removed to 160 acres of land south of his first purchase; here he has since made his home, adding many improvements until he has one of the best improved farms in the township. He has planted two acres of grove, has a comfortable frame dwelling, and barns for stock and grain. He has done much toward the opening and improvement of the county, and well deserves the esteem and respect in which he is held. He devotes himself exclusively to agricultural pursuits, and is very successful. He has held many positions of trust, and has been secretary of the school board for fifteen years continuously. He takes an active interest in the educational features of the county, and heartily assists every enterprise of an educational character. He has served as township trustee for several terms. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party, but casts his suffrage independently. He is a member of the Shelby County Farmers' Alliance. In their pioneer days in this county Mr. and Mrs. Heck were compelled to undergo many hardships, but they faced them bravely and are now enjoying the reward of their labors. The family are among the most worthy and respected people of the county.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 568. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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GARLAND EDWARDS, a native of Barron, now Metcalfe, County, Kentucky, born February 11, 1821, is a son of William and Julia (Furgeson) Edwards, natives of Virginia. He was reared on a farm in his native State, and received his education in the subscription schools of those days. This was necessarily limited, but what was lacking in opportunity has been made up by nature in endowing her subject with a keen, close observation. Mr. Edwards was married December 24, 1845, to Miss Lucinda Piper, a daughter of John and Jane Piper, natives of Virginia and South Carolina respectively.
Mrs. Edwards was born in Metcalfe County, Kentucky, December 13, 1825. They remained in Metcalfe County five years after their marriage, and then removed to Marion County, Iowa, where they remained one year, and then to Jasper County, where they resided until 1872. They then came to Shelby County, settling on a homestead in Douglas Township, which was reclaimed by the railroad. Mr. Edwards then purchased 300 acres of wild, unimproved land; here he planted four acres of grove, erected a comfortable residence, and barns for stock and grain, and made all the improvements necessary to a well-regulated farm. He and his wife experienced many hardships in their early life in the new country, but they faced them bravely, and to-day are reaping the reward. Mr. Edwards and wife are the parents of three children -- Eliza, wife of William Wadkins, of Highland Grove, Shelby County; William and John, both residing with their parents. In 1887 they moved from the old home farm to section 36, Greeley Township. Mr. Edwards and sons own about 600 acres of Shelby County's best soil. He has held the office of township trustee, and affiliates with the Republican party. In the late civil war he enlisted in the Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company E, and served fourteen months, and was discharged on account of disability.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 568-569. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
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