Keokuk County Iowa IAGenWeb - 1903 Biography

DAVID HALFERTY

In the pioneer epoch in the history of this section of Iowa David Halferty, who was born in County Down, Ireland, was educated for the substantial development and permanent improvement of Keokuk county. He saw the wild lands transformed into fine farms, while industrial and commercial interests have been introduced and thus towns have become thriving cities. In the work of progress he did his share and was particularly active as a representative of the agricultural interests of the community. He was one of the oldest settlers of Richland township at the time of his death, which occurred August 31, 1902.

Mr. Halferty was born on the 9th of November, 1817, in Fairfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, of which state his father, John Halferty, was also a native. His paternal grandfather, Edward Halferty, who was born in County Down, Ireland, was educated for the priesthood, came to this country with a brother at an early day and took up his residence in the Keystone state. From Pennsylvania John Halferty removed to Ohio, becoming a pioneer of Richland county, owhere he made his home throughout the remainder of his life, dying at about the age of sixty-five years. By occupation he was a farmer. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Ehzabeth Nisbet, was also a native of Pennsylvania and was of Welsh and German descent. She died when about seventy years of age. In the family of this worthy couple were twelve children, eleven sons and one daughter, and with one exception all reached man and womanhood, there never being a death in the family until all were grown. The sons were all stout and quite large. Three of the children are still living, namely: Zepheniah; Jacob; and Elizabeth, the wife of Allen Armentrout of California.

The subject of this sketch was a child of about six years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, and in Richland county he grew to manhood, his education being obtained in an old time log schoolhouse, Samuel Kirkwood being one of his teachers. On reaching man's estate he was married in Knox county, Ohio, November 2, 1843, to Miss Mary Brolliar, who was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, on the 24th of May, 1824, and was but four years old when her family removed to Stark county, Ohio. Two years later they took up their residence in Knox county, where she was reared and educated, attending school near Ankenytown, which place was named in honor of her uncle, Mr. Ankeny, who was a prominent man of that locality and represented his district in the Ohio legislature. Mrs. Halferty was also the sixth in order of birth in a family of twelve children, six sons and six daughters.

Our subject and his wife began their married life upon the old homestead near Ankenytown in Knox county, Ohio, but in 1845 they decided to try their fortune on the other side of the Mississippi and came to Keokuk county, Iowa, by teams, locating at once in Richland township, where a little log house was built in the midst of the forest. Although this primitive dwelling contained but one room, the latch-strmg was always out and many a guest was made welcome within its hospitable doors. Upon this farm Mr. and Mrs. Halferty had lived for fifty-seven years, when he died, and during this time it has been converted from a wild tract to one of great fruitfulness. Throughout his active business life our subject followed agricultural pursuits. He took up land from the government and at one time owned three hundred and sixty acres, but disposed of much of this, though at his death he owned one hundred and thirty acres, which is under a high state of cultivation and well improved. Having retired from active labor he rented a few years before his death the farm, and enjoyed a well earned rest.

To Mr. and Mrs. Halferty were born eight children, as follows: Elenora, now the wife of Dr. John Roop, a resident of Nebraska; Jordan A., deceased; Columbus D., who married Alwilda Clevenger; Zepheniah, who married Venishia Stewart; Leonidas C, who married Hattie Powell; Isadora, deceased; Van, who married May Jolly; and Dora, the wife of S. E. Chacey. The parents of these children celebrated their golden wedding in 1893, having for over half a century traveled life's journey together, sharing its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity. Their married life covered a period of fifty-seven years, and they had twenty-one grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

After attaining his majority Mr. Halferty supported the Democratic party until 1853, when he became a Whig, and on the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks and thereafter continued a staunch supporter of its principles. From 1857 he was a member of the Baptist church and took an active part in church work. His estimable widow, however, holds membership in the Adventist church. She survives him and resides on the old home.

Mr. Halferty was universally respected by all who knew him, and during the fifty-seven years he lived in Richland township he was never sued or ever brought suit in court, and no quarrel or serious trouble ever arose between him and a neighbor. He retained his mental faculties in full vigor up to the hour of his death, and the data for this sketch of his life was furnished by him a short time before his death.

JAMES A. HAMILTON

James A. Hamilton has always resided in the Mississippi valley, and the spirit of progress and improvement which has dominated the west has' been exemplified in his life. Industrious and energetic, his work in former years has enabled him to now largely put aside business cares. He was born in Putnam county, Missouri, March 7, 1848, a son of Wilson C. and Rachel (Summers ) Hamilton. The father was a native of Virginia, born in Roanoke county, in October, 1814. When a young man he left home and in early life engaged in school teaching. When the country became involved in war with Mexico he joined the American army and fought for the rights of his nation. He married Rachel Summers, a native of Virginia, and they became the parents of five sons, of whom four are yet living, as follows: Junius A., James A., Carrie S., and Wilson B. It was in the year 1863 that the father came to Iowa, settling in Keokuk county. Soon afterward he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, the greater part of which was still in its primitive condition, but with characteristic energy he began to clear and cultivate his land and in course of time it was transformed into rich fields. He carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred on the old family homestead in Warren township, in March, 1899, when he had reached the ripe old age of eighty-four years. His political support was given the Democracy.

James A. Hamilton remained under the parental roof through his boyhood days and at the age of sixteen years came with his parents to Iowa. He assisted in the cultivation and improvement of the home farm until he had attained his majority, when he started out in life for himself. He was united in marriage, July 16, 1869, to Matilda Vert, who was born in Washington county, Iowa, a daughter of Reason Vert, one of the pioneer settlers of Keokuk and of Washington counties. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton has been blessed with nine children, five sons and four daughters, as follows: Rachel, now deceased; Ella, the wife of Vinton Dawson, of Keokuk county; Mary, deceased; Wilson, James, Cleveland, Jesse, Jennie and Fred. The eldest son, Wilson, is an attorney of Sigourney, where he is practicing as a member of the firm of Talley & Hamilton, and in the fall of 1902 was elected county attorney.

For about a year after his marriage Mr. Hamilton remained upon the old home farm and then purchased a tract of land in Warren township comprising three hundred acres, which he yet owns. He remained upon that farm until 1890, when he built a home in Delta, where he is now living, one of the respected retired farmers of the place. He belongs to Delta Lodge No. 385, Indqaendent Order of Odd Fellows, and in his life exemplifies the spirit of the fraternity. His political support has ever been given to the Democracy, and as every true American citizen should do, he takes a deep interest in the political issues and questions of the day, although he has never been an office seeker. His life has been quietly passed, yet he has always been found true to public and private duties and to the obligations of the home and of friendship. He has a wide acquaintance in Keokuk county, where he has now long resided, and the large majority of those who know him give him their friendship.

JUNIOUS HAMILTON

The agricultural interests of Keokuk county are represented by no more worthy citizen than Junious Hamilton, a pioneer settler of the county, born in Putnam county, Missouri, January 14, 1847. He is a second son of W. C. Hamilton, also a pioneer settler of Keokuk county, and a brother of James Hamilton, whose name appears on another page of this work. Junious Hamilton spent his early childhood days in Missouri, where also in youth he acquired his education. He removed with his parents to Iowa at about the age of eighteen, and remained at home until his marriage, which occurred June 16, 1868, the lady of his choice being Elizabeth Lisk, a native of England. Her parents crossed the Atlantic, settling in Mahaska county, Iowa, when she was quite young. In 1898 Mr. Hamilton was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, and in 1900 he was married to Miss Belle Hamaker, the marriage being celebrated on the 19th of July of that year. The lady of his second choice was a native of Jefferson county, Ohio. She is a daughter of Elisha Hamaker a native of Ohio, who became later an early settler of Iowa. However, he did not remain in Iowa for a great length of time, but returned to his old home in Ohio. Mr. Hamilton and his wife became the parents of one son, Everett B., born July 13, 1901.

Mr. Hamilton has remained upon his present farm since 1889. It comprises forty acres of the rich land of Iowa, and upon it he conducts agricultural pursuits, being a man of progressive methods, taking advantage of the latest improved machinery for facilitating farm work, and carefully supervising the work of the farm in principle and detail. The neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates the energetic and enterprising character of the owner, who may well be proud of his well tilled fields and his good grade of stock. Mr. Hamilton is fifty-live years of age and his estimable wife is forty. In the prime of life they are enjoying the results of their well directed labors and are highly respected citizens of Warren township.

In his political views he endorses the men and measures of the Republican party and lends his aid in support of the same. He is a member of the Christian church and his life has been in consistent harmony with his religious belief. A man of upright character and sterling qualities of heart and mind, he is popular in his adopted county, where he enjoys the confidence and respect of many friends.

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WILLIAM E. HARDING

One of the prominent fanners and resident citizens of Adams township is William E. Harding, whose home is on section 7. A native ol the Buckeye state, he was bom in Morrow county, Ohio, on the 25th of September, 1859, and is a son of J. H. Harding, whose birth occurred January 8, 1821, in what was then Richland county, Ohio, but is now Morrow county. The paternal grandfather was Mordica Harding, who was born in Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, November 18, 1796, and died March 21, 1870. At an early date he removed with his parents to Richland county, Ohio, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of that locality. His father was Amos Harding, who was of English descent. In his family were seventeen children, Mordica being the ninth in order of birth. This family was prominently identified with the early development of Richland county, Ohio. The maternal grandmother of our subject was Julia Flint, born May 14, 1790, and died in May, 1862. His grandmother was Susan Harding, born March 24, 1794, and died March 30, 1851.

In the state of his nativity J. H. Harding, the father of our subject, grew to manhood and was united in marriage to Miss Emily A. Flint, who was born at Mansfield, Richland county, her parents having located in that place when the town consisted principally of a block house built for the protection of the early settlers from the Indians. In 1862 Mr. Harding left Ohio and came west, taking up his residence in Prairie township, Keokuk county, Iowa, but two years later he removed to Adams township, where he continued to make his home thoughout the remainder of his life, his death occurring there November 15, 1892, when he was seventy-one years of age. His wife passed away at the age of seventy-three on August 11, 1897. She was a daughter of Eliphalet Flint, born June 6, 1782, and died in March, i860; he was of Welsh descent and became quite a prominent man of Richland county, Ohio. In religious faith J. H. Harding was a Baptist, holding membership in that church for many years. His political support was given the Republican party and he was called upon to fill a number of local offices of honor and trust. For about eleven years he served as. president of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company and was a man widely and favorably known throughout Keokuk county. His family consists of four sons and two daughters, one of whom died at the age of two and one-half yeajs and another at the age of seventeen:Rosella Pine, wife of William Pine, died April 30, 1891; she was the widow of Francis M. Brown, whom she married in 1867; two sons by her first husband are living, Howard and Berton R. Those of the family still living are O. C, a resident of Keswick; Harriet, widow of Reuben Davis of Oskaloosa, Iowa; and William E., of this review.

Mr. Harding of this review is the youngest of the family and was but four years old when brought by his parents to Keokuk county, where he spent the days of his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of farmer boys and early acquired an excellent knowledge of all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. When he located upon his present farm, which is the old homestead, it was all wild prairie and he assisted in the arduous task of transforming the land into rich and productive fields. His education was obtained in the district schools of the neighborhood, and during his youth he experienced many of the hardships and privations which fall to the lot of the pioneer. As a boy he herded sheep until fifteen years of age and has since given his attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits.

On the 3rd of August, 1881, Mr. Harding married Miss Jane C. Orr, a native of County Down, Ireland, who came to America with her parents, John and Eliza (Dunnin) Orr, when about eight years old. The family first located in Illinois, but afterward came to Iowa and settled in Iowa county. Though born in Ireland her parents were of Scotch descent, the family being originally from the land of the heather. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Harding, namly: Clela M., J. Harvey and Harry F. The older son is now attending school at Oskaloosa, Iowa, and the others are still at home. Mr. and Mrs. Harding began their domestic life upon a farm on section 8, Adams township, where they made their home for nine years, but in 1889 they returned to the old homestead, to the cultivation and improvement of which he has since devoted his attention, and Mr. Harding is now the owner of two hundred acres of well improved and valuable land. In connection with general farming he carries on stock raising. For forty years Mr. Harding has been identified with the interests of Keokuk county and has ever borne his part in the work of up-building and improvement. Politically he is identified with the Republican party and socially is connected with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge at Thornburg. As a citizen he ever stands ready to discharge any duty devolving upon him and justly merits the high regard in which he is held.

J. N. L. HARRIS

From pioneer times in the history of Keokuk county down to the present, J. N. L. Harris has been a resident of this portion of the state and makes his home upon a good farm on section 29, Richland township. He was born in Cannon county, Tennessee, on the 18th of July, 1836, and his paternal grandfather, Nicholas Harris, was one of the early residents of that state, to which place he removed from Kentucky. Throughout his entire life he carried on farming. Among his children was John N. Harris, the father of our subject, and he too was born in Cannon county, Tennessee, where he was reared and married. Throughout his entire life he carried on the occupation of farming, making it a source of livelihood for his family. He wedded Mary A. Goodloe, also a native of Cannon county, and they became the parents of three sons: William P., who now makes his home fifty miles from Nashville, Tennessee; J. N. L., of this review; and David Porter, who is also living in Cannon county, Tennessee. The parents held membership in the Methodist church and were people of genuine worth. Mr. Harris took a very active part in church work, was generous in his support of the cause of Christianity according to his means and long served as a class leader. He died when about forty years of age and his wife passed away at the age of forty-five years.

Mr. Harris, whose name introduces this record, was only about four years of age at the time of his father's death and was largely reared by his grandmother, Mrs. Sarah Harris, in his native county. When but a boy hardly old enough to manage the plow he began work in the fields and he remained with his grandmother until about twelve years of age, when he was bound out to Logan Finger, with whom he remained for some time. He afterward returned to his grandmother, living with her until about the time he attained his majority. At the age of twenty years he was united in marriage in his native county to Jane C. Moore and then located upon a farm, which he continued to cultivate until 1858, when he removed to Southwestern Missouri, settling in Christian county. There he resided until 1863, when he came to Keokuk county, Iowa. While residing in Missouri he served as a member of the state militia for about six months.

On his removal to this section of the state Mr. Harris took up his abode in Richland township, where he has since made his home, devoting his time and energies to general farming. In 1878 he located upon his present farm and has placed his land under a high state of cultivation, while all modern equipments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century have been added to his place. His life has been characterized by untiring industry and whatever he possesses is the result of his earnest toil.

In 1893 Mr. Harris was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in that year. She was the mother of five children, namely: W. R.; Mary Ann, the wife of Edward Kline J. M.; Isabelle Tennessee, the wife of E. M. Euliss; and Louise, the wife of W. J. Ives. Mr. Harris is a member of the Missionary Baptist church and his Christian faith is largely moulded by its teachings, as indicated by his life and his conduct toward his fellow men, who know him as an honorable and trustworthy citizen. In politics he is a staunch Republican, fearless in his defense of his honest convictions. He takes a deep interest in everything pertaining to the general welfare and has contributed in a large measure to movements for the public good. He has always favored good roads and good schools and is the champion of anything that tends to advance public progress. Keokuk county won a valuable citizen when he decided to locate within its borders, for he has always been true to its best interests.

NANCY MARTIN HART

Nancy Martin Hart, now residing on her large and attractive farm in section 28, Lancaster township, is one of the old settlers of Keokuk county, having lived here since February, 1854, with the exception of seven years spent in Clarke county, Iowa. She was born in Holmes county, Ohio, July 7, 1833, and is the daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Knox) Martin. Her grandfather, Edward Martin, of German descent, was also a resident of Holmes county, Ohio, for many years, having moved there from Virginia in the early days and settled upon a farm on Martin's creek, a stream named in honor of his family. Here he engaged very extensively in agriculture, and also conducted for many years a large sawmill. Being an excellent farmer and a judicious business man he became possessed in time of considerable wealth.

Joseph Martin, born in Virginia, was only a mere child when the parents moved to Ohio, and there in the common schools of Holmes county secured his education. By assisting his father upon the farm in the early days he became well trained to agriculture, and upon reaching manhood followed it as a regular occupation. It was in this same place where he was reared and educated that he married Rebecca Knox, who was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and came to Holmes county, Ohio, when a child, with her father, David Knox, one of the pioneer farmers and saw-mill operators of the county. She died at the age of fifty-one. By this marriage there were eight children, Anna, Eliza and Mary Jane, now deceased; Edwin M., a resident of Shelby county, Iowa; Nancy M., who is mentioned below; Catherine and Louisa, now deceased; and Joseph L., who became a soldier in the Civil war and died during the service. In 1843 Mr. Martin, deciding to seek his fortune with the pioneers of the rich lands of Iowa, came to that state and settled upon a farm in Van Buren county. Here he remained for eleven years, clearing and breaking the land, and making other improvements, so that the place became in the course of his stay there one of the valuable pieces of property in the county. In 1854 he moved to another farm in Lancaster township, Keokuk county, which he managed with his usual success, and where he remained for the rest of his life, dying there at the advanced age of eighty-nine. He was a man of influence in the community, especially in religious circles. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, took an active part in all the efforts of that denomination, and often officiated as pastor. In politics he was at first a Whig, and later a staunch Republican.

Nancy Martin Hart passed that character-developing period of youth, that is the years between the ages of ten and twenty, in the wild pioneer settlement of Van Buren county. Here in the rather primitive schools of the new community she secured her education, which, while limited, afforded training in the essential virtues of self-reliance and industry, without which no character is complete. When her parents moved to the Lancaster farm in Keokuk county, she came with them, and there a year later, in July, married Samuel Hart, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, May 15, 1830, and when a small boy came with his parents to Morrow county, Ohio, where he was reared, and in the common schools received his education. About 1852 he came to Iowa, and locating in Muscatine county, remained there for some time. After their marriage he and Mrs. Hart settled upon a farm in Clarke county, Iowa, where they remained until 1862, when he left home and family at the urgent demands of his country for soldiers, and enlisting in Company F, Sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, went to the front as a private. After participating in many a hard fight, May 13, 1864, in the battle of Resaca, he received a mortal wound and died a few days later, May 24. He was buried in the hospital cemetery at Resaca. Mr. and Mrs. Hart had three children: Clark and Mary A. died in infancy. Emma L. married Kline Keaster and they have had five children, four of whom are now living: Joseph B., who is attending Iowa City Medical College; Leonard, who carries on the homestead for his grandmother, Mrs. Hart; Ella R.; Sidney H.; Carl J. died in infancy. Some time after the death of her husband Mrs. Hart moved to her farm in Lancaster township, where she now resides. Her grandson, who carries on the place, is making a great success of his farming, and Mrs. Hart receives a very comfortable income. She is an excellent business woman and is esteemed as such throughout the community. She is well known all over the county. Prominent in religious circles, she is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church at Lancaster, of which she is a highly respected member.

ALLEN HAWK

This gentleman is the youngest child of David and Elizabeth Hawk, as referred to below. He is the present efficient trustee of Steady Run township and is a man of influence in the affairs of the county. In connection with his farming, which is conducted upon the Hawk homestead, where the father lived a long time and died, he is also interested in the financial institutions of the town of Hedrick, being stockholder in two of the banks of that city. Mr. Hawk was born on the 2d of January, 1855, on the old home farm where his brother now resides. He received his education in the little old log schoolhouse of the home district and was reared with the rest of the children to the severe labor of a pioneer farm. He remained at home until his marriage, which occuired on the 24th of October, 1877. The lady he married was Miss Sara Bottorff, a native also of Steady Run township, the daughter of J. L. and Mary M. (Heninger) Bottorff. Her father was a pioneer of the county, who emigrated to the west from the Hoosier state. The parents of Mrs. Hawk were married in this county and remained here until their deaths. After his marriage Mr. Hawk immediately began housekeeping on the old homestead, where he has since continued to reside, engaged in farming and stock raising. They have two children, Roy and Lulu. The farm which Mr. Hawk cultivates consists of two hundred and forty acres at the home place, which body of land is regarded as one of the best and most highly improved farm properties in Keokuk county. He also operates a tract of one hundred and twenty acres on section 29.

As stated in the first part of this article, Mr. Hawk is also interested in the banking business, being a stockholder in the First National Bank and also in the Savings Bank of the neighboring city of Hedrick. He supports the party of Lincoln and Garfield and is at present serving his fourth year as trustee of Steady Run township. Mr. Hawk is very actively interested in the Masonic fraternity, having his Blue lodge membership in Martinsburg, a member of the chapter at Sigourney, and a member of the commandery at Oskaloosa. In these different branches of the order he has served frequently in the different chairs. He was master of his lodge for a continuous period of twelve years, senior warden for four years, and is now master of the lodge at Martinsburg.

He is a man who has passed his entire lifetime within the bounds of his native county, is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, and his prominent identification with the business interests of the county all go to make him universally recognized and honored. The authors of this volume are glad to give representation to this family in the pages of a work which is devoted to the honorable families of Keokuk county.

EZRA HAWK

On section 22, in Steady Run township, in this county, lives the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph, and who has resided in the same locality for an even half century. He was brought to the county when he was a child, and he and other members of the family have been identified with its agricultural development since that time. He is a son of David Hawk and is a native of the Buckeye state, having been born in what is now known as Vinton county, March 22, 1840. The family comes from old Virginia state, David Hawk having been born in Greenbrier county and having removed with his parents at a very early day to Athens county, Ohio. Here he was reared amid the pioneer scenes of the Buckeye state and learned the lessons which later stood him in good stead in carving out for himself a home amidst the pioneer scenes of this western state. He grew to manhood and married in Ohio, and in 1849 came to Keokuk county and entered land from the government. He did not remain long at that time, however, but returned to Ohio, where he continued farming until 1853, when he brought his family to Keokuk county and settled on the tract of land which he had entered five years previously. He continued to cultivate this land until 1868, when he moved to the farm upon which our subject's brother Allen now resides. This farm he continued to cultivate until the date of his death, that event taking place at the age of seventy-one years. Mr. Hawk is remembered as being a man of many noble qualities of character, was most industrious and a man of good business judgment. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in the line of politics was a supporter of the old Whig party, and when the Republican party was organized he became a staunch supporter of the principles promulgated by that organization. During the period of his residence in Steady Run township he served in the different local offices with great acceptance. His father before him, Jacob Hawk, had also been a native of Virginia and was one of the pioneers of Athens county, Ohio, having removed there after his marriage in Virginia, which event occurred about 1813. It is remembered as a tradition in the family that the Hawk Virginia holding was in the same locality as the Washington plantation, and our subject's grandfather had a neighborly acquaintance with General George Washington.

On the maternal side of the family, Elizabeth Loveing, our subject's mother, was also a native of the Old Dominion state, where she was born in Fluvania county, and was brought to Ross county, Ohio, by her parents when a girl of twelve years of age. She was a daughter of John Loveing, who had joined the great tide of emigration in the early part of the century which had set in from Virginia to Ohio, and he settled in Ross county before the war of 1812, where he continued to cultivate his farm until his death. On the paternal side Mr. Hawk is of mixed German and Holland-Dutch extraction, while from his mother he gets an English strain of blood. His parents had a family of nine children, six sons and three daughters, eight of whom grew to maturity. Of this family Mr. Hawk is the fourth child and the third son.

He was about thirteen years old when the family came to Keokuk county. He received most of his education in the district schools of Vinton county, Ohio, though he remembers instruction in the little old log schoolhouse which is still standing in Steady Run township. He remained at home engaged in the hard labor of clearing up a pioneer farm, and no special event of importance occurred to mar the monotony of his existence until that great event which changed the current of the lives of so many of the youths of the country in the sixties - the great Civil war. Mr. Hawk was reared to principles of intense loyalty to the government, and was thus ready at the very outset to give himself, if need be, as a sacrifice for the maintenance of the constitution. He became a member in 1861 of Company I, First Iowa Cavalry, as a private soldier, in which organization he served for a period of three years and three months; being at his post of duty during all of that time, except a short period which he passed in the hospital on account of sickness. He was promoted during this service to the position of corporal. He participated in the following principal battles, his services being mainly west of the Mississippi river: Black Water, Missouri; Silver Creek; Prairie Grove, Arkansas; and he was in at the taking of Little Rock, Arkansas. There were a great many smaller skirmishes in which he participated and an immense amount of scouting service, his command having been for a considerable period detailed to look after the noted guerilla band led by Quantrill. In all of this service he was faithful, and was at his post of duty at all times; he received his honorable discharge at Davenport, September 9, 1864. He then returned to his home and took up the thread of life where he had laid it down in 1861, and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits within the bounds of the township where he was reared. He owns here a large and well appointed farm of two hundred and ten acres, and is also cultivating another holding on section 27-28 of one hundred and sixty acres. He also has an interest in a tract of one hundred and sixty-seven acres in Steady Run township in company with his brother Elijah.

Mr. Hawk began his family life in 1869 when on the 3d of March he was joined in marriage to Liza A. McGee. This lady was a native of the Hoosier state, having been born in Orange county, June 18, 1851. She was the daughter of Henry and Mary E. (Ham) McGee. Her father was a native of Kentucky, as was also her mother. They removed from the Hoosier state to Keokuk county when Mrs. Hawk was a child of seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Hawk are the parents of seven children: Ida, the wife of Hubert Lewis, a Steady Run township farmer; William H., deceased at the age of eight; Frank, deceased at four years; Otis, Earl, Clifton; and Raymond; all children at home.

Fraternally Mr. Hawk is a prominent and worthy member of the Masonic fraternity, having his membership in No. 106 Lodge, at Martinsburg. He, like his father before him, is a staunch Republican and has been honored with several of the local offices during his lifetime here in Steady Run township. He is a man who is well and favorably known all over the county as one of the most substantial of the farming element. He can always be depended upon to aid in any enterprise that has for its purpose the advancement and progress of society in his immediate community. His many noble qualities of citizenship attract to him the kind offices of a large number of friends.

JACOB S. HAWK

In this publication, which has to do with those who have been in the past or are to-day prominently concerned in the business, professional, political and social life of Keokuk county, we are gratified to give a specific consideration to Jacob S. Hawk, of Martinsburg, for his life has been one of activity and he is widely known throughout the county. He is a native of the Buckeye state, where he was born in Jackson township, Madison county, September 28, 2827. He comes of an old Virginia family, his father, William Hawk, having been born there, and reared and educated. Upon arriving at maturity he moved over into Ohio with his father, Jacob Hawk, and the rest of the family. Here our subject's father married and began his life as a farmer in Madison township. In the year 1853 he joined the great wave of emigration that was setting in toward the west and located in Keokuk county, where he took up land in Steady Run township. Here he continued to cultivate his farm until 1855, in which year he died at the age of fifty-eight years. He was a staunch Republican in politics and is remembered to have been a very worthy citizen of that section of the county. The mother of our subject was Leah Switzer, also a native of the Old Dominion state. She died in 1840 at a comparatively early age, being the mother of nine children, four sons and five daughters, all of whom grew to maturity, and seven of this family being still alive. The whole family came to Keokuk county in 1853.

Mr. Hawk was reared to farm life and given a fair education. He assisted his father on the farm until the date of his marriage, September 6, 1849, when he set up an establishment of his own, continuing in the agricultural life to which he had been reared. His wife was Electa J. Henson, who was a native of Jackson county, Ohio. Upon arrival in Keokuk county Mr. Hawk took up land in Steady Run township, where he engaged actively in farming until 1890, at which time, having by thrift and economy acquired a fair competence, he retired from active business, and purchasing a home in Martinsburg has since that time resided in that city. He retained his farm of one hundred and sixty-six acres up to the year 1900, when he sold out. Mr. and Mrs. Hawk had five children, three of whom are living: William, residing at home; John, at Martinsburg; M. J., wife of Millard Parish, residing in Oregon City, Oregon.

Mr. Hawk has been continuously connected with the affairs of Steady Run township for forty-five years. He is a staunch Republican in politics, and has filled some of the minor offices of the township, having been constable for a period of fourteen years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is a Mason, having his membership at Martinsburg; he is also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. It is worthy of note in connection with the record of this worthy gentleman that at the time when his country needed his services he enlisted in Company F, Thirty-third Iowa Volunteer Infantry, as a private soldier. In this organization he saw some severe service. During the service he was promoted to the position of sergeant of his company. The life of a soldier, however, was too severe for his constitution, and he was honorably discharged on account of disability.

Mr. Hawk is one of the stockholders and directors of the Martinsburg National Bank, one of the strongest organizations in Keokuk county. Although he is retired from active life as carried on by the farming element, he still keeps up his interest in everything that looks to the advancement of the material interests of his county. His acciuaintance throughout the country is such that his advice is frequent!y sought in matters of investment by the younger men of the community, who have great confidence in his judgment in matters of land investment. In business Mr. Hawk has attained a very desirable success. Dependent entirely upon his own efforts, he has surmounted the obstacles in his path, and the difficulties which he has encountered have served as an impetus to renewed labor. In this way he has advanced steadily to a position of influence and now, having acquired a handsome competence, he is enjoying a well earned rest.

MORGAN HAWK

Having put aside farm work Morgan Hawk is now living a retired life, making his home in the town of Delta, where he is widely and favorably known. He was born in Union county, Ohio, July 4, 1838, and comes of an old Virginia family. His father, Jacob Hawk, was born in Hardy county, Virginia, and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth, but in early manhood he left the Old Dominion and in 1830 traveled westward to Knox county Ohio. There he located and after a time removed to Union county, that state, where he remained until 1854. In the latter year he determined to establish a home beyond the Mississippi, attracted by the possibilities of this great and rapidly developing section of the country. Making his way to Iowa he settled in Warren township, Keokuk county, where he purchased a farm of two hundred and ninety acres of partially improved land. He was married in Virginia to Sedeen Real, a native of the Old Dominion, where she remained until her marriage. They became the parents of ten children, seven sons and three daughters: Eunice B., Martin; Dolly, who died in infancy; Isaac; William and John, deceased; Anthony, Sarah, Morgan, and Vanson. The father of this family remained upon the old home farm in Warren township until his death, which occurred in 1878, when he was eighty-four years of age. He was a life-long Democrat and was a member of the Baptist church. In whatever community he resided he was known for his sterling worth, his fidelity and manly principles and his devotion to truth and the right.

Morgan Hawk was the sixth son and ninth child in his father's family. Under the parental roof he spent the days of his childhood, and with his parents came to Iowa when fifteen years of age, remaining with them until they were called to their final rest. He afterward became the owner of the old homestead, which remained in his possession until 1901. He has resided in Delta since 1899. He bought a lot here and built his present home. Throughout the years of his business life he carried on agricultural pursuits, his training at this work in youth having brought him practical experience which well fitted him to take charge of the farm on attaining manhood. He followed progressive methods, keeping in touch with the advancement of the times, and everything about the place was indicative of the careful and enterprising spirit of the owner, whose efforts at farm work were crowned with a high degree of success whch now enables him to put aside business cares and rest in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.

Mr. Hawk was married in Warren township to Miss Sarah Jane Scott, a native of Indiana and a daughter of John Scott, who was born in Kentucky and became one of the pioneer settlers of Keokuk county, Iowa, arriving here in the year 1844. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hawk has been blessed with ten children, four sons and six daughters, as follows: John, Edward, Mary, Lacey; Amanda, the wife of Lee Dawson; Clara, the wife of Wesley Snider; William; Delia, the wife of Virgil Bell; Gertrude, the wife of John S. Scoonover; and Jessie, deceased. All of these children were born on the old family homestead and with the exception of three, all of the living are yet residents of Warren township, and those three reside in neighboring townships, so that the surviving members of the family are all near to their parents.

Mr. Hawk has ever devoted his political work to the support of the Democracy and has kept well informed on the issues of the day, so that he has been enabled to support his position by intelligent argument. Both he and his wife are faithful and devoted members of the Christian church, are well known in the community where they make their home and are highly respected by reason of their many excellent qualities of heart and mind. They have long traveled life's journey together and have many friends.

DR. ALLEN HEALD

With a long line of prominent ancestors and with a life record of his own that is most commendable, Dr. Allen Heald is well worthy of a place in this work which purposes to give the history of the foremost men of Keokuk county. On the paternal side the earliest record is of the great-great-grandfather, whose name was William Heald; he was a native of England and came to America with the famous colony of William Penn, thus becoming one of the original founders of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The next one in order is Nathan Heald, who was born in Pennsylvania, but afterward moved to Virginia. Grandfather William Heald was a native of Loudon county, Virginia, and was one of the earliest pioneers of the rich country in Columbiana county, Ohio; he surveyed some of that and other counties; for thirty years he was the government surveyor of that region. He held to the Ouaker faith of his forefathers and was one of the prominent men of the country. He was chosen several times to represent the Whig party in the state legislature; he was also able to say that he had cast a vote for the first President of the United States. He lived to the great age of one hundred and two years, and it is recorded that the whole family are noted for their longevity.

Israel Heald, the father of Doctor Heald, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, and was there reared. His wife was Lydia Allen, a native of the same county and of the Quaker faith; her father, Isaac Allen, was born in Pennsylvania and was an early settler of Columbiana county, In 1868 Mr. Heald came to Iowa and located in Cedar county, where he died in the eighty-second year of his life; throughout his life he was a strict adherent of the religious belief of his fathers.

In Columbiana county, Ohio, on the 1st of July, 1829, was born Allen Heald; he was the oldest of the two sons by his father's first marriage, his brother Isaac being a resident of West Liberty, Muscatine county, Iowa. He was educated in a Quaker school of his native county and later in a boarding school at Mount Pleasant, Ohio. Having made up his mind to the study of medicine he began his preparation under Dr. Kay of East Fairfield and remained with him about three years. He then went to Dupont, Jefferson county, Indiana, and formed a partnership with Dr. B. F. Richards, his brother-in-law. This was continued for about three years; in 1856 he came to Keokuk county, Iowa, and located in South English, where he engaged in active practice up to 1898, when he retired from the field where he had won such deserved success. He still holds membership in the County Medical Society.

On October 24, 1849, Dr. Allen Heald took as his wife Rebecca Neill, who was born within a few miles of her future husband's birthplace, the second of eight children born to Samuel and Mary (Cope) Neill; she passed away in April, 1898, leaving three children: Alice is the wife of Chester Mendenhall; William is single and at home; Dr. Clarence L. is one of the leading physicians at South English. Doctor Heald was a Whig and when the Republican party was organized became one of its loyal members and has ever since cast his vote that way. He has never deserted the Quaker faith of his original American ancestor, and fraternally he was a charter member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, of South English.

SAMUEL E. HEATON

Prominent among the business men of Webster is numbered Samuel E. Heaton, an enterprising hardware dealer. No one in the locality is better known, for here his entire life has been spent, and all of his interests from boyhood have been closely associated with those of the locality. In business he has met with good success, and by the energy and zeal which he has manifested he has won the canfidence and esteem of the public.

A native of this county, Mr. Heaton was born in English River township, July 27, 1862, and is a son of Lemuel H. Heaton, whose birth occurred in Tiffin, Ohio, in 1830. At the age of seven years the latter accompanied his mother on her removal to Greene county, Pennsylvania, his father having died when he was quite young, and there he was reared and educated, making it his home until coming to Iowa in 1859. He took up his residence in English River township, Keokuk county, where he first purchased a tract of eighty acres and later bought one hundred and twenty acres which he still owns. To the improvement and cultivation of this land he devotes his energies, being successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Charlotte Bell, a native of Greene county, Pennsylvania, where her early life was passed and where her education was obtained. She is the daughter of Canada Bell, a farmer of that county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Heaton were born four children, three sons and one daughter, as follows: John, William, Samuel E. and Laura.

Samuel E. Heaton lived at home with his parents in English River township until twenty years of age and is indebted to the schools of the neighborhood for the educational advantages he enjoyed. Later he engaged in carpentering for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, remaining in the employ of that corporation for five years, and then bought a hardware stock in Webster, Iowa, where he has since carried on business along that line with marked success, having by fair and honorable dealing built up a good trade. Since casting his first presidential vote he has supported the men and measures of the Republican party and takes an active interest in political affairs, as every true American citizen should. He is. one of the wide-awake business men of the town of Webster and is highly esteemed. On the 29th day of April, 1894, Mr. Heaton married Lizzie Hurst, daughter of A. S. Hurst, of whom mention appears elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Heaton was born and reared in Keokuk county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Heaton were born two children : Fern and Roy.

DAVID NICHOL HENDERSON

David Nichol Henderson is one of the oldest settlers of Keokuk county and now makes his home on section 3, Richland township, being widely known as a prominent farmer of his locality. He was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, April 5, 1819. His father, the Hon. Thomas Henderson was a native of Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, born in 1776 and there he spent the days of his boyhood and youth. When a young man he accompanied his parents to Huron county, Ohio, where he was married. He afterward located in Guernsey county, Ohio, and followed the occupation of farming. He was also very prominent in public affairs and was a recognized leader of the public thought and action of his community. He served as judge of the court and was three times elected to represent his district in the state legislature of Ohio. He held many local offices, including that of justice of the peace. He was ever faithful, prompt and honorable in the discharge of his official duties. Prominent and influential, he left the impress of his individuality upon the public life of his county. He and two brothers, William and John, all located in Guernsey county. They were the sons of John Henderson, Sr., who was born in Pennsylvania and was of Irish descent. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Jane Jackson. She was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, February 10, 1789, and was the eldest in a family of ten children. The father, Robert Jackson, was the third child of David and Elizabeth Jackson and was bom in Ireland, whence he came to America in 1762. By occupation he was a wheelwright and for many years engaged in the manufacture of the old-fashioned spinning wheels. His father and Andrew Jackson's father were half brothers. The latter settled in South Carolina, while Robert's father took up his abode in Pennsylvania. They were also near relatives of General "Stonewall" Jackson. Unto the parents of our subject were born three sons and eight daughters, all of whom reached years of maturity and were married, although only three of the number are now living, namely: David Nichol, of this review: John; and Sarah, who is the widow of P. S. Langford and resides in Cahfornia.

David Nichol Henderson was the seventh child and second son in his parents' family and was reared in his native state until sixteen years of age, acquiring a common school education in one of the old log schooihouses of his native county. The light was admitted into the building through greased paper windows and in one end of the room was a huge fireplace from which the smoke made its egress through a mud and stick chimney. The seats were rude slabs and all of the furnishings of the little temple of learning were equally primitive. Mr. Henderson, however, acquired a fair knowledge of the English branches of learning and has continually broadened his knowledge by reading, experience and observation in later life. In the year 1836 he started westward, accompanying his parents on their removal to Warren county, Illinois, where he was engaged in general farming until 1839. In that year he came to what is now Keokuk county, Iowa. The Indians were still numerous here, far outnumbering the white settlers. Mr. Henderson located in the midst of the green woods and erected a double log house with a puncheon floor and a clapboard roof which was held down by the weight of poles. He remained with his father until his marriage and largely assisted in the arduous task of clearing the wild land and preparing it for the plow and placing it under a high state of cultivation.

In 1845 Mr. Henderson was joined in wedlock to Miss Lavina Jeffrey, who died in 1852, and for his second wife he chose Rose Ann Noggle, who died in September, 1900. They had no children of their own, so they reared an adopted daughter, Mary, who is now the wife of John Wallerich and has two children. Ransom O. and Rosa Belle. They still reside upon the farm with Mr. Henderson. After his first marriage Mr. Henderson located in what is now Clear Creek township, Keokuk county, where he had taken a claim, and there he improved a farm of one hundred acres, adding to it from time to time until he owned there about four hundred acres. He carried on general farming and stock raising, making his home upon his first place until 1892, when he removed to Colfax, Iowa, hoping to benefit his wife's health by the change. For six years he remained in that place and then returned to Richland, where he lived until 1900. His wife died in that year and he then took up his abode with his adopted daughter, Mary, with whom he :s now making his home.

Mr. Henderson is one of the honored pioneer settlers of Keokuk county and has been identified with the development and improvement of this section of the state through many years. He prospered in his udertakings, but has now sold much of his land in this county, retaining, however, sixty-five acres. He also owns three hundred and twenty acres in Trego county, Kansas. He has been a life-long Democrat and has served as justice of the peace of Clear Creek township for forty years and has held other local offices. In the discharge of his official duties he has ever been found true and faithful and no higher testimonial of capable service could be given than the fact that for four decades he has been continued in one office. He was made a Mason in 1851 and has acted as worshipful master in three different lodges, served in that office most of the time from the first to 1881. In his religious faith he is a strong Spiritualist, having been identified with the society since 1839. He takes a just pride in what has been accomplished in Keokuk county. When he arrived amid a population largely composed of Indians, he took up his work as one of the frontier settlers. He found conditions which would have discouraged many a man of less resolute spirit. The struggle for existence was a stern and hard one for many years. The pioneer homes were little cabins, situated far apart, and the settlers had to perform the difficult task of reclaiming the wild land for purposes of civilization. The farm implements then were not as efficient as they are at the present time and the work of agriculture was therefore much more slow and difficult. With strong purpose and resolute will, however, Mr. Henderson undertook the task of improving a farm and aiding in the upbuilding and progress of the community, and what he has done in behalf of the county entitles him to the gratitude of the present and later generations.

HARMON HENKLE

The fitting reward of a well spent life is retirement from labor and a period of rest in which to enjoy the fruits of former toil. This has been vouchsafed to Mr. Henkle, who is now living in Keota - a town in which he has been a very important factor as a promoter of many lines of progress and improvement contributing to the general good. He was born in Fayette county, Ohio, April 7, 1832, and is a son of George W. Henkle. The grandfather also bore the name of George Henkle. The former, a native of Virginia, was a farmer by occupation and came westward to Iowa in 1840, settled in Washington county, where he entered land from the government and improved a farm, making his home thereon for many years. He died, however, in Keokuk county, Iowa, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. His political support was given to the Whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the Republican party, which was then formed, and marched under its banners throughout his remaining days. He was honored by his fellow townsmen with a number of local offices and was a consistent member of the Episcopal church. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Polly Bush, died in Washington county, Iowa, when the subject of this review was about sixteen years of age.

Harmon Henkle was the second child in his father's family and was eight years of age when he came with them to Iowa. He was reared and educated in Washington county, pursuing his studies in a log schoolhouse there such as was common at that time. After arriving at the age of maturity he was married in Washington county in 1854 to Lydia J. Wartenbee, a native of Ohio, who came in early girlhood to Iowa. To this marriage were born five children; three of whom are living: Ella, now the wife of E. M. Richey, of Keota; Watson D., who married Emma Hunter and is a farmer of Van Buren county; and Clara, the wife of E. E. Bowers, a general merchant of Keota, carrying on business as a member of the firm of Bowers & Sanders.

After his marriage Mr. Henkle located in Richmond, Washington county, where he followed carpentering until about 1859, when he removed to Iowa county. There he engaged in farming for two years and in the spring of 1861 took up his abode at a place which has since been called Henkletown, trading his farm property for a saw-mill there. He was then engaged in the manufacture of lumber until the close of the war and in the meantime he also turned his attention to general merchandising, which he followed successfully until his removal to Keota. In 1872 this town was laid out and Mr. Henkle became one of its first merchants, erecting the second or third building of the place. He and his partner removed their stock of goods from Henkletown and conducted a general store in Keota until 1886, and in addition carried on an extensive lumber business under the firm name of Henkle, Littler & Company. This partnership was maintained for several years. About 1886 our subject purchased a third interest in a steam grist-mill at Keota and carried on general merchandising in connection with his milling interests, his enterprise contributing materially to the
upbuilding and substantial improvement of the town. In August, 1891, he removed his mill to Weiser, Washington county, Idaho, where he conducted business until July, 1899, when he sold his interest in the mill and returned to Keokuk county, Iowa. Mr. Henkle has also been a factor in agricultural interests here, owning and operating a farm
in Lafayette township, adjoining Keota. He became interested in banking affairs here as one of the stockholders of the Keota Bank, which in 1899 was merged into the State Bank. Of this institution he has been the vice-president for many years and its successful conduct is due in no small degree to his efforts. He has valuable property in the town and in all his business affairs has met with creditable success. His prosperity is due entirely to his own efforts and as the architect of his fortunes he has builded wisely and well.

Mr. Henkle is known as a prominent and exemplary Mason, belonging to Adelphi Lodge No. 333, Free and Accepted Masons. His connection with the fraternity dates from 1863. He was treasurer of the lodge in Greene township, Iowa county, and in his life shows forth the helpful and benevolent spirit of the craft. He is also member and one of the trustees of the Baptist church. Since the days of the Civil war he has been a staunch Republican in his political views and has held a number of local offices in his township. No man has taken a more active or helpful interest in Keota than has the subject of this review, who has wrought along the lines of the greatest good to the greatest number. His business affairs have been not only a source of revenue to himself, but have also contributed to the general prosperity, and in many other ways he has aided in the progress and improvement of this section of the state. Patriotism may well be termed one of the keynotes of his character and among Keokuk county's valued citizens he deserves honorable mention.

SIMON P. HERR

Simon P. Herr, who is connected with the farming interests of Lafayette township, makes his home on section 7 and has here an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land. He is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Montour county on the 26th of January, 1848. His parents were Michael and Catherine (Sandle) Herr, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. The father was born in Lancaster county and was there reared and married. In 1858 he came to Iowa, taking up his abode in Liberty township, where he purchased a farm, and it remained his place of residence until he was called to his final rest in his seventieth year. His wife also died in this county when about sixty-two years of age. They were the parents of eight children, and Simon P. is the fifth of this number.

Simon was about ten years of age when he came with his parents to Keokuk county and on the home farm in Liberty township was trained to habits of industry and economy, honesty and integrity. He enjoyed the pleasures in which most boys of the period indulged and also assisted in farm labor as his age and strength would permit, while in the district schools near his home he mastered the branches of English learning usually taught in such institutions.

In 1875 Mr. Herr was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Ferguson, a native of Illinois, who came to Keokuk county with her parents in her early girlhood. The young couple began their domestic life in Liberty township, where they remained for about six years, and then came to their present home on section 7, Lafayette township. Here they have since remained and Mr. Herr has devoted his time and energies to the general work of tilling the soil and raising stock, placing his one hundred and sixty acres of land under a high state of cultivation, so that it compares very favorably with the best improved farms in this portion of the state.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Herr was blessed with five children: Charlie, Mabel, Daisy, Earl, and Willie. For his second wife Mr. Herr chose Anna Heyer, who was the first girl born in Harper, Iowa, her parents being John and Mary (Pauly) Heyer, who were early settlers of Harper, locating there at the time the railroad was built. Mrs. Herr accordingly spent her girlhood days in that town and was a student in its public schools. Their three living children are: Leona, Earnest, and Lillian. They have also lost two children, Cecilia and Lawrence.

From pioneer times down to the present Mr. Herr has been identified with the growth and progress of Keokuk county, taking an active and abiding interest in all that has pertained to the general welfare and to the public good. He is a Democrat and has held local offices, discharging his duties with marked promptness and fidelity; he has served as road supervisor and as school director. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and his life has been in strict conformity with its teachings and its principles.

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WARREN HIGGINS

Success is determined by one's ability to recognize opportunity and to pursue this with a resolute, unflagging energy. It results from continued labor, and the man who thus accomplishes his purpose usually becomes an important factor in the business circles in the community with which he is connected. Through such means Mr. Higgins of Keswick has attained a leading place among the representative men of Keokuk county, and his well spent and honorable life commands the respect of all who know him.

Mr. Higgins was bom in Knox county, Ohio, on the 17th of February, 1825, a son of Myrick and Hannah (Davis) Higgins, natives of Vermont and Virginia, respectively. His paternal grandfather was Josiah Higgins, who was born in America of Irish ancestry on the paternal side and of Welsh and German on the maternal side. During his boyhood Myrick Higgins accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, where he was reared, and he continued to make his home in Washington and Knox counties, that state, for many years, his attention being devoted to farming. In 1853 he came to Iowa and spent his last days in Keokuk county, where he died at the ripe old age of eighty-seven years. During his residence in Ohio he held membership in the Baptist church, and in politics he supported first the Whig and later the Republican parties, taking quite an active part in local affairs and holding several township oifices. His wife died in the seventy-eighth year of her age. Her people were also early settlers of Knox and Washington counties, Ohio, her father being Jacob Davis. The subject of this review is the second son and fourth child in a family of seven children, consisting of three sons and four daughters, all of whom reached man and womanhood. He has one sister still living—Mrs. Elizabeth Otis, a resident of Qlympia, Washington.

Warren Higgins spent the first nine years of his life in the county of his nativity, and then removed with his parents to Marion county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, his education being obtained in a little log schoolhouse in that county, with its slab seats and a writing desk, made by a board laid upon pins driven into the wall. On attaining his majority he began life for himself, working as a farm hand for three years. In 1850 Mr. Higgins was united in marriage to Miss Marcia Rubins, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, but was reared in Marion county, whither she removed with her parents when only four years old. By this union were born four children, three sons and one daughter, namely: Hale; Joseph R.; Effie, the widow of Hallick Messenger; and Delano, who now has charge of the old home farm.

After his marriage Mr. Higgins continued to reside in Marion county, Ohio, until 1852, when he sold his property there, and in the fall of that year came to Keokuk county, Iowa, locating on a farm in Adams township, where he purchased seven hundred and twenty acres of land for three dollars per acre. This he divided with his brother-in-law, Henry C. Otis. To the cultivation and improvement of this farm he devoted his energies until his youngest son, Delano, took charge of the same and he removed to Keswick, where he has made his home since 1894, having erected there a beautiful residence. On the organization of the Keswick Savings Bank he became one of its stockholders and directors and the following year was made president, in which capacity he served for five years, and has since filled the position of vice president. He is also a stockholder in the Sigourney State Bank and is still the owner of the old homestead farm, consisting of about seven hundred acres, which is under a high state of cultivation and well improved.

Politically Mr. Higgins was a Whig in early life, but on the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks and has since been a staunch supporter of that great political party. He has held local offices, such as that of township trustee, and as a public spirited and progressive citizen has borne a very important part in the development and upbuilding of his adopted county. He spent more than one thousand dollars to assist in bringing the railroad through this county and has ever contributed to those enterprises which he believed would prove of public benefit or would in any way advance the general welfare. As a business man he has met with marked success in most of his undertakings, and although he started in life for himself with no capital,, he is to-day one of the most prosperous and successful citizens of his part of the county. Wherever known he is held in high regard and as an honored pioneer and highly respected citizen he is certainly deserving of honorable mention in the history of Keokuk county.

WILLIAM HINNAH

William Hinnah, one of the prominent old settlers of Keokuk county, Iowa, who resides on section 3, in German township, is one of the leading German-American citizens who have contributed so much to the development of this portion of the county. His birth was in Prussia, Germany, on October 6, 1834, where he was educated until the age of fourteen years. From school he entered into an apprenticeship to the mason trade, served his time and worked at this business until he was twenty-three years old, coming at that time to America. Reaching Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Mr. Hinnah secured farm work in the vicinity and remained there one year, but in 1858 made his way to Keokuk county, Iowa. For the following three years he worked for his brotherin-law, Christian Seger, and then bought eighty acres in section 3, German township, and lived there for about twenty years, buying then his present fine farm, although at the time of purchase it was not the well improved and cultivated place we now see. In fact there was nothing there but a log house, and Mr. Hinnah found plenty to do. Not only did he erect new buildings, but he also mended the roads, looked well to the fences and gave a tidy, thrifty appearance to his home, which makes it very attractive as well as enhances its value. Mr. Hinnah owns a large tract of land, and has made it all by honest toil and economy since coming ro Keokuk county in 1858.

In i860 our subject was married to Mary Brant, the widow of Frederick Mohla, and they are the parents of five living children, as follows: Emma, who is the wife of Christian Leichti, of Sigourney; Minnie, who is the wife of Gotlieb Klett, of Sigourney; Charles, who is a farmer in German township; and Andrew and Anna, both of whom reside at home. The children who have passed away were named as follows: Henry, William, John, George, Amelia and an infant daughter Mr. Hinnah has reared his family well and has given them school advantages. For forty-four years he has been a respected citizen of German township, and has always done his part in aiding enterprises which have been for the benefit of his neighborhood. In politics he is a Republican and one of the sensible, thinking men of the party. For a number of years he has been a leading member of the Methodist church and is one of its trustees. In William Hinnah, German township has an excellent, self-respecting and public spirited citizen.

LEVI S. HINSHAW

This volume will be found to make mention of a large number of the pioneers of the county who came here in an early day and braved the hardships and endured the trials that were necessary in order to pave the way for the future marvelous development of the county. They are a race of people which are rapidly passing away, but their places are being taken by their sons, who in many cases have endured many of these same hardships, and have been reared to lives of hardest toil, and have learned the lessons of thrift and economy in the school of experience. The gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph is a son of one of the earliest settlers of the county, and has himself been connected with the life of the county for a period of fifty-six years. Mr. Hinshaw was born in Hendricks county, Indiana, on the 28th of April, 1842, being the son of Ira and Julia A. (Faulkner) Hinshaw.

The Hinshaws removed from North Carolina to Jefferson county, Tennessee, the first member of the family of whom we have information as to the name being the grandfather of our subject, Ezra Hinshaw. The family was originally from England, and were of that noble band of Quakers who settled in large numbers in this country, owing to their repugnance to monarchical institutions. Ira Hinshaw, the father of our honored subject, was reared to hard labor on a Tennessee farm and at the age of sixteen years removed with the family to Indiana. Here he attained his majority and married and engaged in farming for a period, when in 1846 he joined the tide of immigration that had set in from the east and came to Iowa. He located in Richland township about one mile southeast of where the village was laid out, and bought eighty acres of virgin prairie land from Mr. W. A. Woodward. Here he remained a period of two years, and then purchased another eighty acres known as the Funston farm and owned now by Alson Jones. Mr. Hinshaw was an excellent farmer, but finally sold out his farming interests and engaged in the merchantile business in the village of Richland in company with a gentleman named Samuel Brown. Mr. Hinshaw is remembered as being a man of shrewd business tact and was a great trader m real estate and other property during his day. He lived to the advanced age of eighty years and was a man during his lifetime whose strong personality made him many friends. He was prominently identified with the public life in the dififerent communities in which he lived. He was an earnest sympathizer with the Whig party, and served a period as postmaster under President Taylor's administration. He was a devout member of the Friends church, and is remembered as a gentleman who was worthy in every respect of the esteem of his associates. The mother of our subject was a native of Greene county, Ohio, and was not quite grown to womanhood when she removed from that state with her parents to Indiana, where she married Mr. Hinshaw. She is still living and is a comparatively hale and hearty woman at seventy-eight years of age. She was the daughter of Jesse Faulkner, who in his turn was a native of Virginia. They were early settlers in Indiana, where the father was a prominent farmer and where he continued to live until his death. The familv are of mixed Scotch and English origin.

Our worthy subject was the only child of this marriage, and was but four years old when his parents removed to Keokuk county. He passed his boyhood in hard labor on the farm, receiving rather a limited education in the Richland village schools. The first event of importance in his life time was the great Civil war, which found him a young man of ninteen years of age, in good health and intensely interested in the conflict between the north and the south. He was one of the first to enlist in the service, becoming a musician in Company K of the Seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry in the spring of 1861. He was the drummer for this company and went to the front where he was actively engaged in the service until the late fall, when his health failing him, he was given an honorable discharge on account of disability. Returning from the service he became associated with his father in a mill business, which they conducted until 1865. This marks the beginning of his activity in the agricultural line, he at that time purchasing what is known as the Frank Vastine farm, one and a half miles northwest of the village of Richland. He continued engaged in active labor on the farm for a period of five years, when he sold out and rented a place for the following two years. Becoming dissatisfied with Keokuk county, Mr. Hinshaw then went west to Cass county, Iowa, and engaged in farming for the following twelve years. He however returned to his first love, and has since been connected with the advancement and progress of Keokuk county. For two years after his return, he continued his farming operations and then removed into the town of Richland, where he has since resided.

Mr. Hinshaw celebrated his marriage with Miss Frances J. Hollingsworth upon the 30th of August, 1865. This lady was a native of Richland township, and was the daughter of John and Jane (Holliday) Hollingsworth, one of the worthy pioneer fsmilies of Keokuk county. This lady became the mother of two children, Charles E. and Jennie; the daughter is the wife of J. F. Witcher, a prominent stockman of the Black Hills country. The mother of these children died November 23, 1897, having been a woman of most estimable character. As stated, she was the daughter of one of the old pioneers, her father having come to the county in a very early day and entered what has been known since that time as the Wesley Hollingsworth farm. He was a man of considerable prominence in his day, but his career was cut short at middle age by his untimely decease.

Mr. Hinshaw and his family are held in the highest esteem in Richland, where he is prominently identified with the social and business life of the community. He is an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is a worthy member of the Christian church. In political matters Mr. Hinshaw follows the teachings of his lamented father and is a worker in the ranks of the Republican party, his first vote having been cast for the immortal Lincoln in 1864. During his lifetime he has been honored at times with public office. While in Cass county he was for a period of eight years the president of the school board of his community and acted for a period as justice of the peace. Since coming to Richland he has acted for a term of three years as justice of the peace, and has been secretary of the board of education. Mr. Hinshaw is found at all times ready to engage in any enterprise that looks to the advancement of his community, and is a gentleman whose standing and family history are such as to merit this brief and imperfect notice in this volume dedicated to the representative citizens of Keokuk county.

FRANK D. HINTON

Frank D. Hinton, an energetic young farmer of Steady Run, has won success for himself through steady and persistent efforts in one line of work. Bred to farm work and coming of a family of agriculturists, he has imbibed a vast deal of practical common sense, which has a market value in dollars and cents in his special field of labor. John Hinton, his grandfather, was of Berks county, Pennsylvania, where he resided for many years. Later he moved to Champaign county, Ohio, where he settled upon a farm. He followed agriculture for the most part throughout his life, meeting with excellent results. He married a woman of Irish descent, who was of great assistance to him in his undertakings. Among their children was a son named Davis.

Davis Hinton, father of Frank D., has given his best energies to the development of the soil, and is now living in retirement in the city of Hedrick. Bom in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in September, 1839, he there grew to manhood, receiving the ordinary rearing of a farm boy of his day. Upon attaining his majority he moved with his parents to Champaign county, Ohio, where he soon afterward settled upon a farm. Previous to this, while living in Pennsylvania, he married Sarah J. Jameson, who was born in Pennsylvania, September 11, 1840, and there grew to womanhood; her parents later moved to Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Hinton were born ten children, four daughters and six sons, of which Frank was both the second child and second son. In 1869 Mr. Hinton moved his family to Davis county, Iowa, where he settled upon a farm and remained four years. In 1873, however, finding a farm in Wapello county ofifering greater inducements to an agriculturist, he moved there, and making a success of his work continued there ten years. Then another change seemed advisable, and he moved to a farm in the township of Benton, Keokuk county. This place embraced one hundred acres of rich improved land, and by hard work and strict attention to business he carried on a profitable industry. After ten years of faithful labor there he moved to Hedrick, where he has since lived in retirement. Mr. Hinton is a thoroughly upright, and well informed gentleman, and commands the respect of all who know him. As a Republican he has always evinced a keen interest in politics.

Frank D. Hinton has certainly made the best of the opportunities that life has offered him. Born in Ohio, he moved with his parents first to Davis county, Iowa, and later to Wapello county in that state. In the common schools of the last named county he received for the most part his education, further developing those habits of industry and attention with which nature has endowed him. For some time after leaving school he assisted his father on the home farm. In 1893 he married in Keokuk county, Iowa, Eliza H. Hursey, who was born in that county, daughter of William and Margarette (Honnoll) Hursey, natives of Ohio, and among the old settlers of Keokuk county. To Mr. and Mrs. Hinton have been born five children, two sons and three daughters: Clara, Eugene M., Ruth, Forrest L., and Florence, all born in Keokuk county, Iowa.

About two years previous to his marriage Mr. Hinton settled upon a farm in Steady Run, Keokuk county, where he has since resided. The property embraces eighty acres of improved land, largely under cultivation, and is one of the most productive farms in the vicinity. By strict attention to business and by keeping himself well informed on the most scientific and practical methods of agriculture Mr. Hinton has always made his place yield its maximum crops, and he is considered one of the progressive agriculturists of his section.

Mr. Hinton has always occupied a high place in the estimation of the people of his section, where he is widely known. As a Republican he takes an interest in public affairs, and has served as assessor two years. A leading member of the Baptist church at Hedrick, he has held several offices and is now serving as deacon, performing his duties with marked ability. Fraternally he stands high and belongs to the Free and Accepted Masons, at Martinsburg, and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Steadfastness in business, marked integrity in his dealings with people, and freedom and ease in his intercourse with men are some of his dominant traits.

JOHN HOGE

The close of the great Civil War marked the beginning of an unprecedented emigration to the west, the spirit of unrest seeming to affect all classes of society, but being especially strong among the agriculturists. Iowa's fertile prairies and shaded woodlands proved an irresistible attraction to the larger number of these homeseekers and the young state was soon the scene of an enormous activity.

The honored name which appears at the head of this sketch is a familiar one to residents of Keokuk county, for though his life was passed in the traditional peace and quiet of the Quaker, John Hoge, by his consistent and upright Christian life and his fair dealings with friend and neighbor, made for himself a lasting monument in their affections. His death, in 1900, was a distinct loss to the people among whom he spent his life.

Mr. Hoge was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1820. His parents, William and Sarah (Wright) Hoge, were early settlers in the Buckeye state, being Pennsylvanians by birth. They were of that sturdy class of pioneers which early made Ohio famed in song and story, and they lie buried in the state of their adoption. Three boys and the same number of girls composed the family they reared. At the age of twenty-two years John Hoge was united in marriage to Lydia Branson, a native of the same county. She passed to rest but a few months prior to her husband, aged seventy-eight years. To them a family of nine children were born, three of whom died in infancy. They lived in Belmont county until 1865, when removal was made to Prairie township, Keokuk county, where for many years Mr. Hoge was a successful farmer. He and his wife were of the Quaker faith, exemplifying its beautiful tenets in their daily lives. While a strong Republican in politics, Mr. Hoge had no taste for official life.

Smith B. Hoge was the third son of this family and was born in Belmont county, Ohio, May 14, 1852. He was a wide-awake lad when the family removed to the west, and as he grew to manhood contributed much to his father's success by his manly qualities. The ordinary country school education was supplemented by a course at Penn College, Oskaloosa, after which he returned to the farm and began the battle of life for himself. Until 1895 Mr. Hoge cultivated his farm exclusively, following in his fathers footsteps and establishing for himself a reputation for absolute honesty and integrity. In this year the Republican party, attracted by the solid character of the man, selected him for a place on the ticket as county treasurer, to which office he was easily elected. Two years later he. was again successful and at the close of his four years' service turned the office over to his successor without the loss of a penny. Mr. Hoge did not return to the farm but bought an interest in a clothing business in Sigourney, where he is now engaged, the firm name being Hoge & Kadel. Mr. Hoge was married in 1875. Eliza Mead, his wife, is a native of Ohio, the daughter of Oscar and Catherine (Crouder) Mead, also pioneer settlers of Keokuk county. They have three children - Marie, Sidwell and Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Hoge are members of the Methodist church, he being also a chapter Mason.

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JOHN HOLZWARTH

John Holzwarth, a capitalist who is now living retired in Harper, is a worthy representative of the German element of our American citizenship—an element which has done much to promote substantial upbuilding and material progress in this land. He was born in Baden, Germany, November 10, 1831, and was reared in his native country, there remaining until twenty-one years of age. According to the laws of his native land, he attended school until fourteen years of age and at that time began learning the miller's trade, which he followed until he had attained the age of twenty-six years. In 1852, severing the ties which bound him to the fatherland, he sailed for America, fending at New York. He then made his way to Rochester, that state, where he remained for about one year, after which he came to Keokuk county, Iowa, locating in Lafayette township, a mile and a half north of the present site of Harper, although the town had not been founded at that time. Here he improved a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits. For forty years he was extensively engaged in stock raising and was compelled to give it up on account of ill health. He shipped from many different points in this and adjoining counties and is as well known all over Keokuk county as any other resident. He placed his land under a very high state of cultivation, so that it yielded to him an excellent financial return, adding to his farm all the improvements and accessories of a model place and securing the latest machinery to facilitate the work of field and meadow. As his financial resources increased he added to his property until his realty possessions at one time reached eight hundred acres of good land, which he has since divided among his children.

In 1857 Mr. Holzwarth was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Killmer, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 10, 1838. Her father, John Killmer, was a native of Germany and came to America about 1836, locating in Philadelphia, where he followed his trade of blacksmithing. Mr. and Mrs. Holzwarth have become the parents of eleven children: George; Caroline, who is the wife of Nick Hors; Christine, the wife of Levi Smith; Elizabeth, the wife of John Kaufman; Henry, who married Ella Clarahan and is living on the old homestead; William, deceased; Lucy, who died at the age of twenty-five years; Johnie; Rosa, wife of Thomas Flaharty, deceased; Emma, and another child who was named Emma and died at the age of two years. All were born in Keokuk county.

Mr. Holzwarth is a Democrat in his political views. He was reared in the faith of the German Reformed church and has contributed to the support of many measures for the pubhc welfare. He is now hving a retired Hfe and his present financial condition is in marked contrast to his circumstances at the time of his arrival in America. He had no capital when he reached New York, but he possessed strong purpose, sterling integrity and untiring industry, and these have enabled him to overcome all difficulties and obstacles in his path and steadily work his way upward to prosperity. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to make his home in the new world, and there is no more loyal citizen of Keokuk county than this adopted son furnished by the fatherland.

W. H. HUMES

W. H. Humes, who carries on general farming in Washington township, Keokuk county, and is one of the old residents of this locality, is a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred in Tippecanoe county, January 10, 1837. His father, James Humes, was born in Pike county, Ohio, in 1812, and there spent his early childhood days. In 1829, however, he removed with his parents to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, where he assisted in the farm work. In 1852 he and his son came to Keokuk county, Washington township, Iowa, where they entered two hundred acres of raw land from the governrnent, paying the usual price of one dollar and a quarter per acre. This he improved, transforming the wild land into productive fields. The father of our subject remained with his parents until his marriage, which was celebrated in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, the lady of his choice being Sarah Start, a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, born in 1817. They were the parents of eight children, six sons and two daughters, and all are yet living with the exception of two sons who died in the army. These are: John, W. H., Harriet, Samuel, Solomon, Rachel, James, and Thomas. John and Solomon died in the army. The father of these children lived upon his farm until two years prior to his death, when he removed to Whatcheer, Iowa. His first wife had died in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, and he was again married in 1852, his second union being with Mary Ann Hutchinson, a native of Pennsylvania. By this marriage there were two children, George and Frank, the former born in Indiana and the latter in Iowa. Mr. Humes was a stalwart supporter of the Democracy and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Whatcheer. He died at his home in that town at the age of eighty-two years, respected by all who knew him.

W. H. Humes spent his early childhood days in Indiana and when fifteen years of age came with his parents to Iowa, assisting his father on the old farm until about eighteen years of age. The first land which he ever owned was a tract of forty acres and this he improved, placing it under a high state of cultivation. At the time of the Civil war he offered his services to the government, enlisting on the 8th of April, 1861, in Chicago, Illinois, as a member of Company B, McClellan's Dragoons. He served for three years and during the last two years was a member of the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, belonging to Company I. He took part in the battle of Williamsburg, Virginia, in the seven days fight at Richmond and engagements at South Mountain and Antietam, and others of lesser importance, and was mustered out at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on the 8th of October, 1864, returning to his home with a creditable military record which had covered almost the entire period of the Civil war, his services being of great value in defending the Union. He stood guard at Lincoln's door and often acted as escort to him in Washington, D. C.

After the war Mr. Humes returned to Iowa and located on his farm in Washington township, Keokuk county, where he still makes his home. He was married on the 8th of April, 1865, to Eliza Harbison, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Mathew R. Harbison, one of the early settlers of Washington township. They became the parents of six children, four sons and two daughters: Glenn C.; Eva, the wife of Irvin Ogden of What Cheer; Leonard; Clair, deceased; Mabel, the wife of Clyde Legg, of What Cheer; and Earl, who has also passed away. Socially Mr. Humes is connected with the Masonic lodge of What Cheer, of which he is a past master. He has always been a staunch advocate of the Republican party, unfaltering in his support of its principles, yet he has never sought or desired office. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church of What Cheer and as a citizen has ever been as true and loyal to his country in times of peace as he was when he followed the old flag upon the battle fields of the south.

A. S. HURST

For many years the subject of this sketch was one of the active and progressive agriculturists of Keokuk county, as well as one of its most reliable and honored citizens, and now in his declining years he is enjoying a well earned rest at his pleasant home in Webster, free from the cares and responsibilities of business life. Mr. Hurst was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, on the 11th of October, 1843, and is a son of Henry P. Hurst, who was a native of Lancaster county, that state, where his early childhood was passed. The father was quite young on the death of his parents and he subsequently made his home with his uncle, Philip Hurst, until he attained his majority. He then went to the city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for nine years, and from there removed to Clarksville, Greene county, that state, where he continued to follow the same pursuit until his marriage. His next home was in Jefferson, Greene county, where he worked at his trade for about three years, and then removed to a farm in the same county, though he continued to follow the occupation of carpentering. After spending two years there he located on another small farm, which he purchased and improved, devoting his energies to its cultivation for about seventeen years in connection with work at his trade. In 1866 he came to Iowa and bought an improved farm of one hundred acres in Keokuk county, to which he removed his family the following year. This farm was in English River township, and he made it his home until called to his final rest on the 2nd of February, 1870, when fifty-seven years of age. In 1842 he had married Miss Melvina Stewart, a native of Greene county, Pennsylvania and a daughter of Alexander Stewart. She was of German descent. By this union were born two children, a son and daughter, both of whom are still living, our subject being the eldest.

A. S. Hurst passed the days of his boyhood and youth in the county of his nativity and is indebted to its pubhc schools for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He remained under the parental roof until he reached the age of eighteen years and then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in Pennsylvania until 1864. On leaving home he went to Knox county, Ohio, where he continued to follow his chosen occupation for about a year, and then, after a brief visit at home, he came to Keokuk county, Iowa, arriving here on the 18th of February, 1865. He located in English River township, where he worked at his trade for one year and then took charge of his father's farm, continuing its operation after the death of his father until the spring of 1898, when he removed to his present home in Webster, where he is now living a retired life.

In the fall of 1867 Mr. Hurst was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Miller, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Samuel Miller, who was born in Pennsylvania and was a farmer by occupation. She was born June 28, 1846, in Hancock county, Ohio, where her early life was passed and where her education was obtained. In 1855 she accompanied her parents on their removal to Keokuk county, Iowa, and became a resident of English River township, remaining at home until her marriage. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hurst were born four children, two sons and two daughers, but the first born died in infancy. Henry P. Hurst, the next of the family, is now operating the old homestead farm, a part of which he owns. Elizabeth is the wife of S. E. Heaton, a hardware dealer of Webster. Samuel M. is clerking in his brother-in-law's store.

As a public spirited and energetic citizen Mr. Hurst has ever borne an important part in public affairs and was a member of the vigilance committee of Keokuk county until it was disbanded. His political support has always been given the Democratic party and he has taken an active part in promoting its interests. He is an old and highly respected citizen of his adopted county and is justly deserving of prominent mention in its history.